THURSDAY, VOLUME 88 MARCH 18, 2021 THE ITHACAN ISSUE 6 ACCURACY • INDEPENDENCE • INTEGRITY BY ALYSHIA KORBA Freshman Kathryn Gilbride dreamt of attending Ithaca College since her freshman year of high school, but her first-year experience has her ques- tioning whether she will return for forlornforlorn Fall 2021. “I feel like I’ve tried everything to make this experience work,” Gilbride said. “I just don’t know if I can do it be- cause it’s ruining me. There are very few freshmenfreshmen things that are keeping me here.” Freshmen beginning at the college in Fall 2020 had an unusual start to their college careers, as classes were held remotely because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the campus has reopened for Spring 2021, the college experience is limited by COVID-19 guidelines. Social isolation due to COVID-19 has made it difficult for some freshmen to make friends and has nega- tively affected their mental health. Brian Petersen, director of the Cen- Freshmen struggle with adjusting ter for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), said that in a typical semester, freshmen generally struggle to on-campus life amid COVID-19 pandemic in three areas of adjustment: living with Freshman Scout Frost sits outside the Upper Quads, which are primarily freshman residence halls, March 15. After testing positive for a roommate, homesickness and mak- COVID-19 in February and having to quarantine for 10 days, Frost said they had to adjust to life as a college freshman all over again. ing connections with people. Petersen ALYSSA BEEBE/THE ITHACAN FRESHMEN, PAGE 4

Proposed climate justice center H&S requests benefits will not be housed at college following faculty cuts

BY CAITLIN HOLTZMAN BY ASHLEY STALNECKER equivalent faculty positions amid the The proposed Ithaca College In response to faculty and staff COVID-19 pandemic. Center for Climate Justice (CCJ) terminations made through Ithaca “Those faculty and staff members will no longer be launched at the College’s Academic Program Prioriti- who are losing their jobs, either college following the elimina- zation, the Humanities and Sciences immediately or in another year, are tion of 116 full-time equivalent (H&S) Faculty Senate drafted a res- going to be facing a terrible economy faculty positions as part of the olution that calls for the college to and, for a while now, the continued Academic Program Prioritization provide resources for terminated impact of the pandemic,” Gleitman (APP) process. faculty members. said via email. “It is hard to imagine Sandra Steingraber, distin- The Faculty Council endorsed a more grueling time to find oneself guished scholar in residence in the resolution at its March 10 special suddenly unemployed. We felt that, the Department of Environmental working group meeting. Chris Mc- as a matter of decency, the college Studies and Sciences, was one of Namara, clinical associate professor should do whatever it feasibly can in the main developers for the CCJ, and clinic director in the Depart- order to mitigate these difficulties.” along with Kathryn Caldwell, asso- ment of Physical Therapy and chair In the document, the H&S Fac- ciate professor in the Department of the Faculty Council, said in an ulty Senate calls for an extension to of Psychology, and Fae Dremock, email that the vote to endorse the family dependent tuition remission assistant professor in the Depart- Students protest at the Global Climate Strike in 2019. The Center for resolution was unanimous. The draft for at least four years beyond the ment of Environmental Studies Climate Justice has no future at the college due to the faculty cuts. was submitted to La Jerne Cornish, end of the faculty or staff member’s and Sciences. Caldwell and Dre- ASH BAILOT/THE ITHACAN provost and senior vice president for contract. This covers the cost of tu- mock are co-chairs of the college’s funding she received. She is leav- provost and senior vice president academic affairs, and Hayley Harris, ition for dependents, like children Strategic Action Group on Climate ing the college at the end of Spring for academic affairs, and was giv- vice president for human resources of college employees. Additionally, Action. Steingraber said the CCJ 2021 in solidarity with faculty en approval to start searching for and planning. the document states that faculty and would be a way for students to members being cut and the inabil- grant funding. Steingraber said she Claire Gleitman, women’s and staff members currently eligible for engage with actionable steps to ity to continue the CCJ. then joined the Strategic Action gender studies coordinator, profes- free tuition should retain the bene- address the climate crisis. “Somewhere along the line, I Group on Climate Action, which sor in the Department of English fit for at least four years from their Steingraber said that she is still thought, ‘Ithaca College could be was created as a way for the col- and president of the H&S Faculty point of termination. trying to figure out the possible this really great destination place, lege to figure out how to respond Senate, said Cornish emailed her To assist with the job search pro- future of the CCJ elsewhere and especially for environmental com- to the climate crisis as a higher an acknowledgment of the resolu- cess in a competitive climate for that the funding for the CCJ will munication about the climate learning institution. tion and assurance that it will be academic jobs, the resolution also be going with her to a new ven- crisis,’” Steingraber said. Steingraber said that when the considered. President Shirley calls for terminated employees to ue. Steingraber did not disclose Steingraber said she pitched M. Collado and Cornish approved who the funder was or how much the idea to La Jerne Cornish, CLIMATE, PAGE 4 a plan to terminate 116 full-time RESOLUTION, PAGE 4

LIFE & CULTURE | page 11 OPINION | page 7 SPORTS | page 14 READING SERIES ART STUDENTS CIRCLING BACK SHARES LOCAL THRIVE IN SPITE TO COMPETITION ODYSSEYS OF PANDEMIC AFTER A YEAR 2 | NEWS THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 Changes to be made at IC London Center

BY SYD PIERRE Gould said the application for Fall 2021 was originally due After shutting down for March 1 but was pushed to March the entirety of the 2020–21 15 to give students more time to academic year, the Ithaca College think through their plans. She London Center (ICLC) is hoping to said the due date was moved reopen in Fall 2021, with plans to to March 31 given the reluctance make potential administration and some students have to consider trav- structural changes. eling abroad next semester. Rachel Gould, director of Study She said she would guess that Abroad in the Office of Interna- ICLC will have an accepted group of tional Programs and Extended 40–50 students for Fall 2021, lower Studies, said the ICLC had planned than its normal 60–80 range. to reopen for Summer 2021 but She said there have been 72 ap- Students at the Ithaca College London Center (ICLC) in May 2019. The ICLC was closed for the 2020–21 was unable to. All study abroad plications submitted for the fall, academic year due to COVID-19 but plans to reopen in Fall 2021, as well as to undergo structural changes. programming at the college has including some applicants who orig- COURTESY OF MADDIE JACOBS been suspended for the 2020–21 inally applied for Fall 2020, Spring academic year due to COVID-19. 2021 or Summer 2021 and deferred reported in the European Union COVID,” Wallis said. “What if we’re will take the time to examine the Gould said the program might open their applications. and European Economic Area, as of there and we have pandemic 2.0, administrative structure of the cen- in the fall. “It’s not going to look exactly March 17. The UK is currently un- you know?” ter. She said that while the potential “At this point in time, I would like a semester has looked in der its third national lockdown and Catherine Weidner, professor changes at the ICLC do coincide say that, unless we run into major the past and travel to different restrictions are set to be lifted by and chair of the Department of with the Academic Program Priori- issues with COVID as far as these European countries on week- June 21. Theatre Arts, was appointed as in- tization process at the college, the variants that are springing up not ends may or may not be possible,” Sophomore Sheila Wallis said terim director of the ICLC in March two are not related. The ICLC being responsive to the vaccines, Gould said. she is planning to study abroad 2021. The former director, Thorunn currently has a director, associate I don’t see any reason why we COVID-19 cases are rising at the ICLC during Fall 2021 but Lonsdale, retired October 2020 director, program coordinator and wouldn’t be proceeding with the fall in Europe. According to the has concerns given the ongoing and passed away in November. program assistant. semester in London and … then European Center for Disease Pre- COVID-19 pandemic. Weidner will fully assume the posi- with a normal academic year in vention and Control (ECDC), there “It just seems like every tion in August. CONTACT SYD PIERRE London,” Gould said. have been 23,255,514 total cases day there’s something new with Gould said the department [email protected]

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SINGLE COPIES OF THE ITHACAN ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTION POINTS ON THE ITHACA COLLEGE CAMPUS AND facebook.com/ @ithacanonline @ithacanonline youtube.com/ The Ithacan IN THE ITHACA COMMUNITY. MULTIPLE COPIES AND MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE ithacanonline ithacanonline AVAILABLE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE ITHACAN. PLEASE CALL FOR RATES. THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 NEWS | 3 IC maintains language exchange NY awards IC capital grant BY JILLIAN BLEIER BY ALEXIS MANORE Ithaca College sophomore Irena Rosenberg is one of four Ithaca College has received a $1,580,627 students taking Intermediate grant for its new Graduate Physician Khmer II, a language class offered Assistant program. at Cornell University. She took The college received the grant from the High- Intermediate Khmer I during the er Education Capital Matching Grant Program fall semester and was enrolled in (HECap). The HECap program provides capi- the Southeast Asian Studies Sum- tal grants to higher education institutions that mer Institute at the University of support training in health sciences to fund the Wisconsin-Madison during the purchase of equipment and the construction or summer to jumpstart her experi- renovation of facilities on or near college cam- ence with the language. puses in New York state. The Academic Program Prior- The program is run through the Dor- itization (APP) entails program mitory Authority of the State of New York and faculty cuts in the Depart- (DASNY ), which provides construction, ment of Modern Languages and funding and other services for groups Literatures. Michael Richardson, involved in health care, higher education and professor and chair of the depart- public use facilities. ment, said it is losing two full-time Over $57 million was awarded to 35 colleges faculty and five contingent faculty Ithaca College sophomore Irena Rosenberg attends her Intermediate Khmer II class, a course March 12, a March 16 statement from Gov. An- members, which will have an im- offered at Cornell University. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she is taking the class remotely. drew Cuomo said. pact on the languages offered at COURTESY OF IRENA ROSENBERG Campuses that receive grants are required to Ithaca College. invest at least $3 of their own funds for every The Ithaca College-Cornell Uni- Rosenberg said that making taught at the college level. the only one out of the four left, $1 of state funds they receive, according to the versity (IC-CU) Exchange Program connections with peers from other Richardson said he agrees that reduced to the elementary level. statement. This means that the college will be allows Ithaca College students to schools is her favorite part of the the exchange program is great but It will be the only non-European investing at least $4,741,881. take language classes that are not program and that having students feels it should not be seen as a re- language offered at the college. “As New York builds back, these investments offered at Ithaca College. The pro- from Cornell and Yale University placement for the languages that All four languages are current- are targeted to help attract and train people for gram allows full-time students to in her classes helps with motiva- are being cut. ly offered at Cornell up to the the health sciences jobs that New York needs take up to four credits at Cornell tion to do her best. Yale students “When I tried to push back advanced level. as we continue to reopen and reimagine our per semester and up to a total of can take classes at Cornell virtually on some of these cuts, I was told, Wofford said that nine students economy, and to strengthen and enhance our 11 throughout their college ex- through the Shared Course Initia- ‘Well, students can take languag- are approved for the exchange for world-leading institutions of higher education,” perience for no additional tuition tive, an agreement between Yale, es over at Cornell,’ which to me the current spring semester. Cuomo said in the statement. charge, Jen Wofford, director of the Cornell and Columbia University is a not very satisfactory answer,” “Managing two campuses is an The college’s Graduate Physician Assis- Office of Extended Studies at Itha- to share instruction for less com- Richardson said. adventure in time management, tant program is set for accreditation and ca College, said. Classes for Ithaca monly taught languages. The Department of Modern but the IC-CU Exchange Program is will be housed in the Rothschild Building in College students are only offered “I feel like you get to know Languages and Literatures at Itha- a wonderful opportunity to branch Downtown Ithaca. online this semester due to the people in such a different way ca College currently offers classes, out and explore a second, thriving Dave Maley, director of public relations, said COVID-19 pandemic. when you’re learning something including French, German, Italian, campus community in Ithaca, and the college is restricted from discussing the pro- Rosenberg said that studying so specific as a language because Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Hebrew to study more deeply and broadly gram until it is approved and therefore cannot Khmer at the intermediate lev- you’re reprogramming your and Latin. Arabic, Hebrew, Latin in academic and professional fields disclose how the grant will be used. el satisfies her foreign language brain in so many different ways,” and Chinese courses are currently that interest you most,” Wofford “We hope to be able to make an announce- requirement as an international she said. offered through the intermediate said via email. ment about this soon,” Maley said via email. business studies minor and gives Cornell offers over 50 different level at the college. her the opportunity to connect languages, including Southeast Richardson said that after the CONTACT JILLIAN BLEIER CONTACT ALEXIS MANORE with her cultural roots. Asian languages that are rarely cuts are in effect, Chinese will be [email protected] [email protected] Faculty Council will not hold no confidence vote for SLT

BY ALEXIS MANORE holding a no confidence vote. The School of Health Sciences and Human The Ithaca College Faculty Council has decid- Performance held a meeting and polled those ed it will not hold a vote of no confidence against who attended. Of those who attended the meet- the administration. ing, 68% opposed a vote of no confidence. In a The council discussed having a vote of no separate poll that garnered 84 responses, 77% confidence at its March 2 meeting but tabled were opposed to a no confidence vote, and 23% the discussion for a March 17 meeting to see were in favor. if faculty constituencies were in favor of hold- The School of Music held an anonymous sur- ing a no confidence vote or if they wanted to vey, to which 47 faculty members responded. Of pursue other options. The Faculty Council Exec- those who voted, 28 were in support of a vote of utive Committee (FCEC) held a working group no confidence vote, and 19 were opposed. meeting of the Faculty Council on March 10. The Some faculty members felt that a no confi- vote would have been a response to the admin- dence vote would further harm the college’s The Ithaca College Faculty Council meets Nov. 13, 2018. The council decided not to hold a istration’s handling of the Academic Program reputation, that it would be damaging to the vote of no confidence against the administration in a working session March 10, 2021. Prioritization (APP) process, in which 116 college’s enrollment and recruitment efforts and FILE PHOTO/THE ITHACAN full-time equivalent faculty positions are to be that the process to hold a vote has been moving eliminated. The council passed a motion to not too rapidly and does not give the administration expressed concerns about the possible vote and among constituents. Accordingly, we would also pursue a no confidence vote, with 25 in favor of time to announce its plans for phases two and that some believed that faculty members were support a Vote of No Confidence in the Board the motion, seven opposed and one abstention. three of the APP. Some faculty believed that the not considering the good of the college and the of Trustees, should the faculty council decide to At the meeting, representatives from each discussion of a vote of no confidence is laced damage that a no confidence vote would cause. move in that direction.” school at the college reported whether or not with racism and sexism, and worried that the Some messages stated that faculty members McNamara said that in a conversation with their constituents supported a no confidence vote would alienate students and faculty of color. were being insensitive to staff cuts. At least 264 Dave Lissy ’83, chair of the Ithaca College Board vote, according to a working session report “Faculty do not speak in one voice in their staff members have been furloughed or laid off of Trustees, he told her that the board views the written by Claire Gleitman, professor in the response to APPIC,” the report stated. since March 2020. APPIC recommendations as final and that the Department of English, women’s and gender The School of Business did not want to share McNamara said she received messages from board fully supports the Senior Leadership Team studies coordinator and secretary of the council. the results of its vote publicly, but representa- students and faculty who were not in favor of a (SLT). He said a no confidence vote would not Within H&S, 17 out of 23 departments tives said the faculty have many questions that vote of no confidence. change that. Lissy also said a vote of no confi- had surveyed their faculty members. Nine de- they would like answers to. Representatives from The group IC Alumni Against Austerity creat- dence would have a negative impact on the partments were either unanimously or almost the Roy H. Park School of Communications said ed a letter voicing its support for the potential college’s reputation. unanimously opposed to a vote of no con- the Park School held a poll but did not want to no confidence vote. According to the letter, the There was also discussion about claims that fidence, three departments were mostly or share its results with the public. The council group emailed the letter to the FCEC on March critiques of the SLT have been racist. In Novem- completely in favor and four departments had heard the results in an executive session. 10. The letter has received more than 70 signa- ber 2020, a group of faculty members of color highly mixed votes. Two departments voiced Chris McNamara, clinical associate pro- tures from alumni, as of March 11. approached the FCEC with similar concerns. support for a vote of no confidence against the fessor, clinic director in the Department of “We want to reinforce that there are other APPIC’s final recommendations, not the adminis- Physical Therapy and chair of the Faculty Coun- ways forward,” the letter states. “We join in many tration. Additionally, a survey of 36 faculty mem- cil, said she received approximately 165 emails across the community to ask for a pause in the CONTACT ALEXIS MANORE bers in STEM fields showed that, of the 21 fac- before the meeting, 90 of which were from staff present order of things and a more serious re- [email protected] ulty members who replied, two were in favor of members. She said that some of the messages tooling with sustained collaboration and buy-in 4 | NEWS THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

FROM FRESHMEN, PAGE 1 the Retention and Engagement FROM CLIMATE, PAGE 1 Strategy Team (REST) has been said this is still the case during partnering with other offices APP process started, she began to worry the COVID-19 pandemic, but the and organizations on campus to about the CCJ’S future. pandemic presents new obstacles support freshmen. REST and the “I needed to be able to reassure the within each area of adjustment. Exploratory Program are holding funder that we were building this center “COVID makes it all even events to help students make on solid ground,” she said. “Once the cuts harder, especially around the a four-year plan. NSTP and the started to be announced, I realized I felt connection piece, because I’m Office of Residential Life are plan- like I could no longer honestly go forward hearing over and over again from ning engagement opportunities with this.” people that as much as it’s great for Fall 2021 with the hopes that She said nine faculty members who that we can do Zoom, as much as most students will have received teach some aspect of the climate crisis are it’s great that we have all of the the COVID-19 vaccine. being cut, including Caldwell and Dre- social media to stay in touch with “The Retention and Engage- mock. Steingraber wrote a commentary each other, it still can’t replace the ment Strategy Team is working March 3 that gained traction in the college actual sitting down across from with a number of campus part- community and internationally. someone and feeling their pres- ners to help students recover, At the “Future of the College” gather- Brian Petersen is director of the Center for Counseling and revive and thrive in the wake of ing March 4, Cornish said that she thought ence,” Petersen said. Psychological Services. He began his position in Fall 2019. a tremendously difficult year,” the Department of Environmental Studies There are 778 freshmen en- FRANKIE WALLS/THE ITHACAN rolled for Spring 2021, which is Winslow said via email. and Sciences and other faculty on cam- 322 students fewer than the 1,100 Jenelle Whalon, administra- A 2018 study by Jaclyn Ko- illness and about healthiness, this pus were supportive of the Center for freshmen who were enrolled in tive assistant for NSTP, said the pel, then-doctoral student at is a nightmare.” Climate Justice. the fall semester, according to the office has also been working with Walden University in Minneap- Gilbride said she struggles “[Steingraber] is a wonderful resource class standing tab from the Office students and families on an in- olis, showed that students who with mental health disorders like and has been a wonderful addition to of Analytics and Institutional Re- dividual basis to support them remained at their respective col- anxiety, and her mental health has our campus community,” Cornish said. search (AIR). This 29% decrease through their freshman year. lege or university cited personal deteriorated since starting col- “I’m really sorry that she feels that she between the fall and spring Freshman Darby Dutter said connections as their main reason lege. She said she has struggled cannot stay here and launch that center. semesters is not significantly dif- she has found it difficult to make for staying. The study is based on to find treatment at the college. We will miss her, and we will also miss ferent from previous academic friends due to the COVID-19 re- research at an unnamed private Gilbride usually uses medical the two colleagues that she references in years. There was a 31% decrease strictions. At the beginning of four-year not-for-profit university. marijuana to manage her mental her opinion piece.” from fall to spring in 2019–20, a the semester, students were not Petersen said students who health conditions, but medical Steingraber said that she felt like a 30% decrease in 2018–19, a 27% allowed to enter other students’ already have diagnosed mental marijuana is not legal on college workplace injustice was happening at the decrease in 2017–18 and a 30% dorm rooms. As of March 15, stu- health conditions like anxiety campuses under federal law. Gil- college and that she could not start a jus- decrease in 2016–17. dents are permitted to visit other and depression are more likely bride said she has been seeking tice center here. In 2017, 25.9% of freshmen dorm rooms within their residen- to struggle with the transition help from CAPS since her usual “The climate crisis is unjust because at private four-year not-for-profit tial building while wearing a mask to college. therapist is not licensed to work people, through no fault of their own, are colleges in the U.S. dropped out and social distancing. There is a “If COVID raises everybody’s with clients in New York state. being victimized,” she said. “They’re losing during their first year at the col- limit of one visitor per resident. anxiety level, and if you’re al- Petersen said it is important their health, they’re being put in harm’s lege, according to data from the “It’s really hard because it feels ready kind of at a pretty highly for members of the college com- way often because they’re poor, often be- National Student Clearinghouse like you have to pick between fol- anxious state, that can become munity to check on each other cause they’re communities of color.” Research Center. lowing what the school wants you debilitating,” Petersen said. “For and on their own mental health. Caldwell said that, after the Ithaca Jacqueline Winslow, di- to do and having a social life be- students that are already dealing Forever Strategic Plan was created, she, rector of New Student and cause the rules are just so all over with what I would call existen- CONTACT ALYSHIA KORBA Dremock and other faculty worked from Transition Programs (NSTP), said the place,” Dutter said. tial fears, about death and about [email protected] November 2019 to April 2020 on creat- ing the Strategic Action Group on Climate Action. Caldwell said she and Dremock worked on a proposal that was sent to FROM RESOLUTION, PAGE 1 the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) about recommendations for how the college can keep full access to the library, email and Zoom handle the climate crisis. The top recom- for one year following their termination. The mendation was the creation of the CCJ. resolution supports professional develop- The proposal laid out ways the college ment assistance for employees through the would be able to engage with the climate Office of Human Resources, Career Services, crisis through the CCJ. The proposal also the Center for Faculty Excellence and other touched on the strategic plan’s goal for relevant offices. more inclusion and diversity by describing Finally, the document asks that in the how faculty and students need support in future, instead of conducting a lengthy and teaching and understanding the climate expensive national search for non-tenure crisis, as well as social justice. eligible notice (NTEN) faculty, departments Communities of color are dispropor- be granted permission to rehire terminated tionately impacted by climate change. NTEN faculty. One study showed that Black and His- Currently, the administration suggests panic communities are more likely to be terminated professors refer to a resource doc- affected by air pollution, while most of the ument that is accessible to faculty only on a pollution itself is caused by non-Hispanic Frequently Asked Questions page of the APP The Ithaca College Faculty Council meets March 3, 2020. In its March 10, 2021 working white communities. session, the council backed a resolution to provide cut faculty members with resources. Dremock said social issues the United NICK BAHAMONDE/THE ITHACAN States is facing are deeply interwoven with climate issues. She said the extension of email and library proposed a memorandum of understanding “The people that will be most affected resources could be especially helpful, as she in March 2020 when faculty were concerned by climate justice and environmental jus- This is good, solid help is writing a book and is utilizing several publi- with initial pandemic-related layoffs. tice are the most marginalized of almost that I would appreciate. cations from the library. In the memorandum, he said the Con- any community,” Dremock said. “The “This is good, solid help that I would ap- tingent Faculty Union asked for a quicker I’m pretty sure they’re primary portions of the population that preciate,” Taff said. “I’m pretty sure they’re turnaround of non-renewal letters, reference will be affected first and most seriously just going to say no. just going to say no.” of COVID-19 in the letters and an 18-month and most devastatingly are populations James Miranda, lecturer in the Department extension of library and Netpass resourc- of color.” – Dyani Taff of Writing and Contingent Faculty Union es compared to the resolution’s one year She said that not having the CCJ at the chair, said he is concerned that the resolution request. He said severance pay could be an- college will be detrimental to both the is not geared more toward contingent faculty other helpful addition to the resolution. campus community and broader commu- members. For Miranda, the loss of his posi- “If you’re going to let these people go nity, as the college will be lessening its tion is a financial concern. in the midst of a pandemic, there should be engagement with climate justice. Caldwell website. Dyani Taff, lecturer in the Depart- He said he is not sure if he can continue to some kind of severance that the college is re- also said that she is upset about the CCJ no ment of English, who will be terminated, said keep his daughter in her current school due ally willing to put out there as a gesture of longer being built at the college and that that the document is not helpful and that she to the cost. good faith, and there’s just been no talk of she feels like the administration did not had difficulty accessing it. “I wish we had maybe been consulted or that at all,” Miranda said. give it the proper attention. The resolution would provide the admin- brought in a bit because we’re already doing istration with a more humane termination, some of this negotiating,” he said. CONTACT ASHLEY STALNECKER CONTACT CAITLIN HOLTZMAN Taff said. Miranda said the Contingent Faculty Union [email protected] [email protected] THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 NEWS | 5 Professor receives $196,000 grant Head of IDEAS

Matt Sullivan, professor in leaves college the Department of Physics and BY ALYSHIA KORBA Astronomy at Ithaca College, re- RahK Lash, director of the Center for In- ceived a $196,000 grant from clusion, Diversity, Equity and Social Change the National Science Foundation (IDEAS), left Ithaca College on March 15 to earlier this month. pursue another opportunity. The grant will help fund a Lash began working at the college in three-year research project Sullivan 2015 when he was hired as the associate di- is working on with students and rector of multicultural affairs. members from SUNY Polytechnic The Division of Student Affairs and Institute in Albany and The College Campus Life created the Center for IDEAS at Brockport. Sullivan’s research in 2018 to support underrepresented stu- project involves niobium oxide dents at the college. Lash started as the being used in neuromorphic cir- associate director of the center. cuits. Niobium oxide is a chemical After serving as interim director of the compound that can be used in Center for IDEAS beginning in August 2019, glass, optic and ceramic applica- he became director in February 2020. tions. These circuits are used to “I’ve been welcomed, supported, chal- mimic neuron architectures in the lenged and loved by the campus and local human nervous system. The goal community,” Lash said via email. of Sullivan’s project is to study Lash did not say what he will be pursuing these materials and integrate after his departure from the college. Hierald them into electronic components Osorto, executive director for student equi- while also training undergraduate ty and belonging, said he is working with Ithaca College students to use Rosanna Ferro, vice president of the Division the nanofabrication facility at Matt Sullivan, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, received a grant from the of Student Affairs and Campus Life, to deter- Cornell University. National Science Foundation to fund his three-year research project on neuromorphic circuits. mine what the future of the Center for IDEAS Sullivan spoke with staff writ- HANNAH WILKINSON/THE ITHACAN will look like. er Jordan Broking to discuss “We want to reassure the campus com- his project. and he was like, “So look, I know taking the films and patterning research is to train undergraduate munity that the energy and vision RahK has This interview has been edited about these materials because I them into devices. students how to do research. The helped cultivate for IDEAS will not be lost in this transition,” Osorto said via email. for length and clarity. worked on them when I was a post- context that I use to train them is Lash directed the Martin Luther King doc.” He’s got this collaborator at JB: Why do you think it’s important this research project or other re- Scholar Program and has supported the Jordan Broking: What made you [Brockport]. He has contacts at the to actually get involved in this type search projects that I’ve used that Ithaca Achievement Program, Brothers 4 interested in taking part in this type naval research lab, and so he’s like, of project, not just for yourself, but were previously funded or aren’t of research project? “So we can try [to] work with them also for your students? Brothers and the African-Latino Society. even funded whatsoever. … But Sophomore Kristin Ho, a MLK Scholar, Matt Sullivan: All academic to make films, and then I’ll do all MS: I’ve spent a lot of time thinking for me, it’s really about teaching programs have to be reviewed the structural characterization.” about this, and it also comes down said she believes Lash made a huge impact students how to do science, and on her college experience. She said she is periodically, and I was one of the He’s going to look at their crystal- to sort of why would you want to that’s why it’s important for me faculty members reviewing the pro- sad to see him leave but is happy he is taking lization, and he’s going to kneel work at Ithaca College, let’s say, as to do this science. It’s a two-tier gram at [The College at Brockport], an opportunity that is best for him. them into furnaces. … I’m not opposed to working at Cornell be- system. I get to advance fundamen- just outside of [Rochester, New “RahK has been an amazing mentor and an expert in niobium oxide, and cause Cornell is a great institution. tal knowledge that human beings York]. In the process of that re- helped me build so many leadership skills I’m not an expert in memristive Research institutions are fantastic have about the universe, and I get view, I met another faculty member and always provided me with resources to materials. My expertise is in schools, so why does Ithaca Col- to train students how to advance who was there, and we had inter- superconductors, not oxides or lege need to exist? And the answer best succeed in my academic career and per- human beings’ knowledge about ests that were similar, and we just semiconductors, but I do have a lot for me is that I do research. I do sonal life,” Ho said via email. the universe. got along really well. He said, “You of expertise in electrical characteri- research not because I necessarily know, we should write a proposal zation and electrical measurements want to advance the fundamental CONTACT JORDAN BROKING CONTACT ALYSHIA KORBA together.” And I was like, “Okay,” of materials and films, as well as science. The main reason why I do [email protected] [email protected]

THE FACES OF AUSTERITY BY HARRIET MALINOWITZ English to immigrants from around the world for the United Leaves Used Books. Food and Commercial Workers International Union. “This is not a theoretical class,” Carpenter said. “What the She came to Ithaca as a graduate student in English students learn is a skill, and they learn by doing it. Through it, literature at Cornell University and fell in love with the they become acquainted with the world literature of folk and Ithaca Farmers Market, the local farms, restaurants and fairy tales.” the community. Outside of the college, Carpenter defines herself as a “tour- She lives with her partner, an American citizen. ing professional storyteller,” performing at storytelling festivals “I had planned to make this my home forever,” she said. “I around the country and the world. was in the process of applying for a green card. I loved my job, “Storytelling is a spoken word art where people reinterpret I loved working with my students and I loved this town. My traditional folk and fairy tales and also write personal stories friends and my partner are here.” that they then perform,” she said. PROMOTED AND FIRED IN SHORT ORDER Graham said her recent hire as an NTEN made the timing She has won a number of awards and has held discussions of her termination even more troubling. about storytelling at TEDx Talks. She specializes in performanc- Megan Graham, assistant professor in the Department of “It’s cynical and unkind to put people through the appli- es and workshops for grieving children and shares narratives Writing, is 39 and has been at Ithaca College for nine years, cation process when they’re planning to ‘rightsize’ the college about mental illness and recovery. rising from part-time to full-time contingent faculty status and and fire everyone in a year anyway,” she said. One of the personal stories that she regularly performs is finally, just this year, becoming a non-tenure eligible (NTEN) called “One Man’s Trash,” which depicts her dad’s knack for faculty member. improvising family fun in a poor upstate town. He would drive Identifying as queer and disabled, Graham has focused on her and her siblings to the local dump on Sundays to go “shop- working with students who share those self-descriptions, as ping,” bringing home objects like discarded television sets — a well as with international students. picture could be coaxed out of some in their home collection, She works with the Office of International Programs and while on others the sound worked. the Department of Writing to create courses that support When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the touring stopped, non-native speakers as they transition to American English and the only income she had was from her teaching. Due to her college writing. termination, that will be gone as well. She was also an organizer with the Ithaca College Con- “I’m a single, senior woman with kids who are grown and tingent Faculty Union until she became full-time, frequently on their own,” she said. “I don’t have another source to pull negotiating with management. THE GENTLE ART OF STORYTELLING on right now. … This is where students come to learn the art “Because I worked with the union for so many years, I’ve Regina, or “Regi,” Carpenter, 63, lecturer in the Depart- of public speaking and contribute to global and community seen the hypocrisy and the absolute lack of compassion that ment of Communication Studies, has taught at Ithaca College conversations. … I was so proud to be a teacher here.” the upper administration holds,” she said. for ten years. She is also an alum of the college with degrees Graham is a non-U.S. citizen herself and will lose her in music and art history and has lived in Ithaca since her This series aims to put human faces on the faculty mem- H1B visa along with her job, resulting in likely deportation undergraduate days. bers who have been notified of their termination as a result to Canada. She has taught two sections of “Storytelling” each semester. of the Academic Program Prioritization process. Faculty This is after she has lived and worked in Ithaca for They always fill up with both communication studies majors members interested in sharing their stories can reach out to fifteen years. and non-majors. She has brought her students downtown to Harriet Malinowitz, lecturer in the Department of Writing, Graham is originally from rural Manitoba, where she taught perform in story slams at Buffalo Street Books and Autumn at [email protected]. 6 | NEWS THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 COLLEGE BRIEFS

Ithaca College Wellness Clinic open computer science, data, analytics, pro- for both in-person and virtual visits gramming, digital communication, biology, The Ithaca College Wellness Clinic is now biochemistry, business, chemistry, economics, open for faculty, staff and students both environmental science, mathematics, physics, virtually and in person. politics, public policy and technology. Services are free to all campus communi- The last career fair, Nonprofit and Social ty members, and membership is required to Justice Fair, is from 4 to 6 p.m. April 1 and access virtual personal training and in-person is focused on people looking to work services. In-person services include group ex- for a nonprofit organization or a social ercise classes, fitness evaluations, 90-minute justice-oriented organization. workout sessions and exercise testing. The clinic is following New York state and Hearing clinic evaluations open Ithaca College COVID-19 guidelines, and its to campus community members health and safety plan has been approved by The Sir Alexander Ewing-Ithaca College the Tompkins County Health Department. Hearing Clinic is now accepting clients for audiology testing and services. Fall 2021 registration time tickets The clinic is offering free evaluations for available to students March 29 members of the campus community experi- The Fall 2021 course schedule will be made encing various hearing issues like difficulty available to students March 29 at noon. hearing over Zoom, as well as general baseline Students will also be able to see their reg- hearing tests. Those interested in receiving istration time ticket on HomerConnect on treatment or testing can contact the clinic at the same day. Registration times are based on [email protected] or (607) 274-3714. credits earned. Classes currently in progress or registered summer classes do not count for IC Kosher Korner looking to hear total credit hours earned. from students about Passover Students with 90 or more credit hours can Ithaca College’s Kosher Korner in Terrace register for classes April 13, graduate students Dining Hall is looking to hear from students in Bombers tip off to show basketball skills can register April 14, undergraduate students need of kosher food for Passover. with 60–89.9 credits can register April 15, stu- Students can meet with Chaim Goldgrab, Junior Jaye Kayne goes for a 3-point shot at the Bomber Ballers Skills dents with 30–59.9 credits can register April college affiliate in Terrace Dining Hall, from Competition — the Office of Recreational Sports’ first basketball competition of 20 and students with under 30 credits can 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Friday to the year — at the Ben Light Gymnasium on March 14. Seven people attended. register April 22. discuss specific requirements, questions or LEXI DANIELSON/THE ITHACAN concerns regarding what kosher food will Career Services to host career fairs be available. for students in specific industries Students can also email Goldgrab at The explorers level is a self-paced explora- March through August 2021, and Sakai will Ithaca College Career Services is hosting [email protected]. Students can also tion of Canvas and its tools and course design. remain the primary LMS through Spring and a week of career fairs March 30 and 31 and check @ickosherkorner on Instagram to see This level is open to all faculty and staff to Summer 2021. April 1. The career fairs are targeted and will daily Kosher menus. explore Canvas’s tools, but faculty and staff There will be minimal support and feature employers and grad schools in cannot implement them in current classes. training from the IT department and the specific industries. Faculty and staff have opportunity The pathfinders level allows faculty and Center for Faculty Excellence during the The Communications and Publishing Ca- to test run replacement for Sakai staff to create a sample course to test and ex- pilot program. However, Canvas Tier 1 sup- reer Fair is from noon to 3 p.m. March 30, Ithaca College faculty and staff can plore Canvas and its tools and design. There is port will be available to users via email, phone and it is a career event focused on media, participate in a limited pilot of the also student access for a limited roster of up and chat. writing, sports, communications, publishing, college’s new learning management system to 500 students. Faculty and staff can substi- A webinar session is being held at 4 marketing and sales. (LMS), Canvas. tute a Sakai quiz, assignment or activity with a p.m. March 24 to further discuss the pilot The STEM and Technology and Data Ca- There are two engagement levels people Canvas tool. Faculty and staff can also provide program and the levels of engagement and reer Fair is from 2 to 5 p.m. March 31 and can participate through based on personal feedback to the LMS Implementation Team. provide an overview of Canvas. The webinar is a career and grad school event focused on schedule and interest. The pilot will be available from late will be recorded for those who cannot attend. PUBLIC SAFETY INCIDENT LOG SELECTED ENTRIES FROM MARCH 1 TO MARCH 7

MARCH 1 assistance. One person was referred was refusing to wear a mask while reported the person would seek med- SUMMARY: Simplex reported a fire for irresponsible use of alcohol. Patrol indoors. The officer reported the ical attention from the health center alarm. The officer reported a fire CRIMINAL SEXUAL ACT 3RD Officer Sophia Dimkos responded. person was located and referred for when able. Master Patrol Officer Way- was present on the stove but was DEGREE violation of the Community Agree- lon DeGraw responded. extinguished by residents us- LOCATION: East Tower HARASSMENT 2ND DEGREE ment. Master Patrol Officer Waylon ing a fire extinguisher prior to SUMMARY: A caller reported one per- LOCATION: West Tower DeGraw responded. MARCH 6 officer’s arrival. Patrol Officer John son had sexual contact with another SUMMARY: A caller reported a verbal Norman responded. without consent. The incident was FIRE ALARM ACCIDENTAL harassment by a known person. The MEDICAL ASSIST/ reported to the Title IX office. The officer reported the person was- ver ILLNESS-RELATED LOCATION: Circle Apartments ASSIST TOMPKINS COUNTY incident occurred in February 2020. bally harassing another person after LOCATION: East Tower SUMMARY: Simplex reported a fire SHERIFF’S OFFICE Tom Dunn, associate director and being asked to stop. Patrol Officer SUMMARY: Tompkins County 911 alarm. The officer reported the LOCATION: State Route 96B deputy chief, responded. Mayra Colon responded. reported a person having an allergic alarm activation was caused by burnt SUMMARY: An officer reported find- reaction. The officer reported the food. Master Patrol Officer Waylon ing an elderly person walking on MARCH 2 MEDICAL ASSIST/ person administered one Epi-Pen DeGraw responded. the roadway. The officer determined CHANGE IN THE CASE STATUS INJURY-RELATED injection and was transported to the that the person was a resident of Longview and returned the person LOCATION: Office of Public Safety LOCATION: Terrace Dining Hall hospital by ambulance. Patrol Officer FIRE ALARM ACCIDENTAL Joe Opper Responded. to their residence. Sergeant Chris SUMMARY: The officer reported a SUMMARY: A caller reported an unse- LOCATION: Circle Apartments cured fan guard fell off and a fan blade Teribury responded. person was interviewed in reference SUMMARY: Simplex reported a fire lacerated a person’s arm. The officer to a fictitious licence. The offi- MARCH 5 alarm. The officer reported the MEDICAL ASSIST/ reported the person was transported cer referred the person for acts of alarm activation was caused by steam INJURY-RELATED to the hospital by ambulance. Patrol CHECK ON THE WELFARE dishonesty. Master Patrol Officer John from a hot shower. Patrol Officer LOCATION: Athletic and Events Officer Joe Opper responded. LOCATION: All Other Elmore responded. Shawn Lansing responded. Center SUMMARY: A caller requested a wel- SUMMARY: A caller reported being in- fare check for a person who did not ASSIST NEW YORK STATE POLICE MARCH 4 jured during physical exercise. Patrol LOCATION: All Other show up for appointments and has MARCH 7 OFF-CAMPUS INCIDENT Officer Joe Opper responded. SUMMARY: The New York State Police not been heard from in 24 hours. LOCATION: All Other crime lab requested a name confirma- The officer reported the Ithaca Police SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE SUMMARY: A caller reported receiving tion for a submitted form. Sergeant Department was notified and made LOCATION: S-Lot Full public safety log available alarming text and voicemail messag- Don Lyke responded. contact with the person and deter- SUMMARY: An officer reported a online at www.theithacan.org. es from a known person. The officer mined the person to be a danger to vehicle parked in a parking lot reported a local police agency was MARCH 3 themself or others. Master Patrol Offi- while running. The driver left the KEY contacted for a check on the wel- cer Bob Jones responded. area before making contact with fare of a person. Patrol Officer Mayra SCC IRRESPONSIBLE USE OF the officer. Patrol Officer John SCC – Student Conduct Code ALCOHOL/DRUGS Colon responded. MEDICAL ASSIST/ Norman responded. V&T – Vehicle & Transportation LOCATION: Hilliard Hall ILLNESS-RELATED SUMMARY: A caller reported an intox- SCC COLLEGE REGULATIONS LOCATION: Garden Apartments FIRE ACTUAL FIRE/FLAME/ AD – Assistant Director icated person vomiting. The officer LOCATION: Gannett Center SUMMARY: A caller reported an ab- IGNITION IFD – Ithaca Fire Department reported the person declined medical SUMMARY: A caller reported a person normal medical issue. The officer LOCATION: Circle Apartments OPINION THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 7

MOLLY STANTON/THE ITHACAN

EDITORIALS The show must go on, Furthering campus divide even during a pandemic will not help the college hough COVID-19 put the world see how the arts are being prioritized during he Ithaca College Faculty Council to the college’s enrollment and recruitment on pause, students took hold of this time. discussed holding a vote of no con- efforts, which are already struggling. Even their college experience and found Although the pandemic created and fidence against the administration, more, voting against women of color, T creative ways to adapt to a pandem- exacerbated issues in the community, it T but it ultimately decided not to. It with little to no deliberation about the ic. At Ithaca College, students in Dillingham has also been a time of strength and passion. was a feat of courage and a testament to the implications of the matter, could be per- are continuing to put on shows through COVID-19 has forced community members well-being of the college. ceived as racist and sexist. What kind of the spring semester, and in the Cerrache Cen- to find alternative ways to continue- pur The Academic Program Prioritization message would that send to current and ter, students are still creating art. suing their interests while following safety (APP) process has been received with mixed prospective students? COVID-19 has brought considerable guidelines. It has, in many ways, brought reactions. Evidently, the college community is The APP process has left the campus hardship to the community, but the arts us together despite physically distancing us. divided. A vote of no confidence would have community frustrated. Whether in agree- have served as an escape to many as a Under their masks, students persevered only furthered the divide. ment or not, the administration has approved healthy coping mechanism. According to and carried on a successful show. While the Now, more than ever, it is crucial to the Academic Program Prioritization Harvard Health Publishing, creative acti- college may be undergoing drastic changes, bridge the gap between the administration Implementation Committee’s recommended vities can alleviate stress, aid communication students have been able to push past personal and its constituents. A vote of no confidence faculty cuts. and prevent cognitive decline. The and academic challenges in order to produce would be counterproductive to creating effec- Now, our focus must be directed pandemic, especially during quarantine, has art. Their impressive accomplishments de- tive civil discourse, which is already lacking. toward bringing our campus back to- provided opportunities to grow skill sets. serve a standing ovation. Deciding against the vote is admirable. gether, not furthering the divide that Continuing that creative momentum will Students are doing what they can to im- Although some have vocalized how they exists. We must increase our efforts to share only further strengthen our spirits prove their experience and build memories wished the administration would have han- an open dialogue and apply the necessary and health. that will last a lifetime. We must continue dled the APP process alternatively, a vote of pressure to do so. But a vote of no confi- In downtown Ithaca, a nascent afford- that momentum. This pandemic has stolen a no confidence would not solve anything nor dence would suggest that there is nothing left able housing project called Ithaca Arthaus is lot from us, but it has taught us we can build protect anybody. The vote, which is a sym- to fight for at Ithaca College. Our faculty, staff being constructed to provide affordable hous- new and become more innovative in the face bolic gesture, would only further injure the and students deserve a college that unites ing catered to local artists. It is reassuring to of challenges. college’s reputation. It would be damaging under hardship.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR GUEST COMMENTARY

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ALL LETTERS MUST: ALL COMMENTARIES MUST: • Be 250 words or fewer • Convey a clear message • Be between 500–650 words. • Be emailed or dropped off by 5 p.m. • Be written by an individual or group Whether more or less space is Monday in Park 220 who has an educated opinion or is allotted is at the discretion of an authority on a specific subject the editor 8 | OPINION THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

GUEST COMMENTARY Reframing Ithaca College’s vision

BY NAEEM INAYATULLAH pointed out repeatedly that the pandemic permits them to President Collado has bet the accelerate their plans. Administra- future of Ithaca College on swiftly tors have merely applied what is hiring a diverse leadership team known as the shock doctrine. SEEKING JUSTICE and changing the college cul- In The Chronicle of Higher JOHN TURNER ture, thereby attracting students Education, our president offers looking for diversity, equity and the following: “Seize the opportu- inclusion. We can think of this nity. Have a sense of urgency in Recentering the as the president’s brand. Our getting a strong team in place to administrators tell us that their carry out your agenda.” Urgency emphasis on race and gender is the administration’s leitmo- conversation will make the college more attrac- tif. It pushes the administration For so long, we’ve heard talks of diver- tive to students and faculty. to bypass the cooperative process sifying faculty at Ithaca College and the Some faculty and students that faculty demand as their right. need to support students of color, but cheer for a leadership that is Uncalibrated speed leads to I have yet to see a change. I’ve seen to- by design composed almost en- disorientation, even for those kenism, but not true diversity or equity. tirely of women and people of of us who want to support fellow Besides some of the members of the ad- color. Others wish to be allies, workers and friends. believing that support is oblig- Many, and perhaps most, of Naeem Inayatullah, professor in the Department of Politics, ministration, there are not many peo- urges the college to prioritize its workers over capital interests. ple of color in positions of power at the atory and that criticism reveals my colleagues feel imposed upon. college. It’s as if the college feels it hit shades of racism and of sexism. No one I know believes that this BROOKE BERNHARDT/THE ITHACAN its diversity quota by hiring President Many believe that the administra- administration shares governance Shirley M. Collado. This conversation tion cynically weaponizes race to or has been fully transparent. Even to extinguish these relation- protests and revived associations. surrounding diversity and equity be- shut down discussion. Still, oth- at the best of times, the interpreta- ships is reckless. They have We argue there is still time to comes even more imperative in light of ers remain unsure of their footing tion of admissions, demographics chosen firings without consider- treat our economic lifeline in a faculty cuts. in this fog of insinuation. In such and budget is necessarily ideolog- ing the ripples. manner that does not fracture As part of the Academic Program Prior- an environment, merely artic- ically charged. Budget disclosure The damage is underway. and disembowel our colleagues’ itization process, 116 full-time equivalent ulating critical questions has is always a political struggle. Something in my body broke lives. To do so requires us to faculty positions are being cut. That’s a required resolve. That is why the Open the Books when I learned the names consider economic disparities significant number of lives that are go- What is the price of the coalition calls for public scrutiny. of those slated to be fired. I, with the same seriousness with ing to be drastically changed. These are administrative vision? Pursuing We demand decelerating the too, had started on yearly con- which we treat injustices of people with families that rely on them, it ignores the damage creat- process so that it is inclusive tracts at my college and would patriarchy and white supremacy. children that look up to them. ed by disaster capitalism, with and publicly deliberative. have lost my livelihood had the We must alter the vision. I was especially disheartened to see its authoritarian methods and The administration misun- pandemic struck earlier. Among Why not the following: “Ithaca that there are multiple Black, Indigenous hurried change. derstands an essential element of my colleagues, I sensed horror, College, where the budget is and people of color (BIPOC) on the list The cruel indifference of the our dissent: a college community fear, anger and sinking morale. built on the premise that of faculty who are going to be cut. I find APP policy severs the lifeline is founded on the relationships The administration’s commit- all workers are essential and not it ludicrous that the one BIPOC woman of 116 full-time equivalent fac- between students and faculty. ment to disaster capitalism has disposable.” What kind of faculty, in the journalism department is being ulty and their families. This These relationships ripple into permanently divided our commu- staff and students might this cut. As a journalism student, I have never amputation is especially per- a lifetime of connections both nity. Our wounds are deep; they vision attract? What kind of seen myself reflected in any of my journal- plexing when our administrators ideational and material. It is will not be easily healed. community might this principle ism professors. That’s an issue. admit that the college is not in this relationship that develop- It doesn’t have to be this anchor and sustain? Although we don’t know how many financial exigency. Of course, ment offices of every institution way. Within our collective shock, NAEEM INAYATULLAH is a professor professors of color will be cut at the exceptional change is especially seek to exploit for building their grief, and mourning, we have efficacious during a disaster. Pres- endowment and securing their begun to find each other and our in the Department of Politics. moment, even if seven are fired, it Contact him at [email protected]. will have an effect. What safeguards does ident Collado and her team have future. A pace that threatens principles. We have organized the administration have in place to pro- tect faculty of disenfranchised groups? The administration talks about protecting GUEST COMMENTARY faculty of color, but many times the plans lack execution. The administration needs to be transparent on this issue and show that it is committed to true diversity and equity — not tokenism. The actions of the Why tenure is an institutional value administration can no longer be perfor- mative, especially in a financial deficit and We write to respond to claims made by school teachers, is the economic security it to grant them. a time filled with anxiety. President Collado and Provost Cornish in the provides, drawing people to these professions There are pervasive structural inequities in The number of BIPOC faculty being national press in recent weeks. Speaking in who might earn more in other fields. Tenured our society, to be sure, that render the path cut is not the only issue. The issue of rac- Inside Higher Ed, they remark: faculty typically continue to teach, pursue to tenure inaccessible to many. Racial, gen- ist professors still having a job and being “The [Faculty Handbook] … outlines the scholarship and serve the institution with dered and class-based biases have, historically, protected by tenure needs to be addressed order in which faculty positions should be undiminished dedication. resulted in fewer women, Black, Indigenous, as well. Those are the professors that need eliminated, a process that protects the most As we watch our community reeling from people of color and differently abled people to be cut. You should not be able to be privileged in the academy: our tenured and the current cuts, and as we grieve the loss entering the professoriate. Here, faculty — an educator if you are prejudiced against tenure-eligible faculty. While we are com- of cherished colleagues who are losing their who are centrally involved in determining your students. I can name at least 10 racist mitted to tenure …, the rules guiding the jobs purely because they happen to be in who is hired and later tenured once lines professors right now who are not on that elimination of faculty positions mean that non-tenure-eligible positions, we should be all are granted — have clear accountability. Our list, and that is in the Park School alone. … the college will lose some wonder- the more invested in unambiguously defend- current administration has done admirable In tandem with conversations sur- ful academics due solely to their status as ing tenure as a cherished institutional value. work in making bias training a regular compo- rounding faculty cuts, there has been non-tenure-eligible faculty. We hope … this Tenure grants not just a reliable livelihood — nent of our hiring and evaluation processes. a resurfacing of Collado’s complicated reality will invite a conversation among fac- no small thing, and not only in a pandemic. It To that same end, the appropriate response past. This is not the time to bring up Col- ulty about … whether they wish to continue undergirds academic freedom and a system of to systemic inequities is to broaden tenure lado pleading no-contest to a count of to privilege tenure and tenure-eligible status shared governance in which faculty can chal- and the protections it affords to larger num- misdemeanor sexual abuse 20 years ago. moving forward.” lenge status quo assumptions and engage in bers of people. That is within the power of What does that have to do with faculty Questioned in the Chronicle of Higher open discourse with administrators who in college administrators. cuts? Cancel culture has made us far too Education about these remarks, Provost Cor- other ways have more power than they do. It is reassuring to hear Provost Cornish and comfortable with looking at the flaws of nish stated, “We are not suggesting … tenure Tenure is the laudable quality that distinguish- President Collado state that they do not op- others and not assessing ourselves first. be dismantled. What we are saying is that es the American university system from many pose tenure. But the language they have used This does not mean that she should not tenure is a power structure. … It is a caste others around the world. in two public venues has appeared to under- be held accountable, but now is not system.” But these claims are difficult to rec- None of this is to deny that it is fundamen- cut that claim, arousing legitimate concern. the time to bring up her past. People oncile. A “caste system,” as Isabel Wilkerson tally inequitable — indeed, at times entirely Comparing tenure to a caste system does not should be allowed to evolve and grow. loosely defines the term in her 2020 book haphazard — that some people receive ten- facilitate the vital conversations we need to be What we all need to be doing is call- “Caste,” is “an artificial hierarchy,” one that ure-eligible positions while others, equally having about extending tenure’s reach, so as ing out all the racist professors who still a person is “born into.” If tenure operated in qualified, do not. But those decisions, gener- to decrease job insecurity in an increasingly have a job, and hold them accountable. this fashion, then surely one should seek to ally speaking, are not within faculty control. embattled higher education climate. Instead People have no issue calling out a woman dismantle it. It is the administration that determines what of questioning whether faculty should con- of color, so let’s keep that same ener- But tenure is not unearned, like other lines are made available to departments, and tinue to privilege tenure-eligible status, we gy for the white professors who abuse forms of privilege rightly excoriated in our cul- thus the suggestion that faculty are instru- should make full-throated arguments for wid- their power. ture. It is achieved, through years of hard work mental in maintaining these hierarchies is ening its embrace. and rigorous assessment. Once achieved, misleading. Departments will almost always Signed by Professors Claire Gleitman, Di- SEEKING JUSTICE is a column that examines tenured professors are not transported to request tenure-eligible hires (with excep- ane Birr, Peyi Soyinka-Airewele, Hugh Egan, race and cultural competency. JOHN TURNER highly paid sinecures. Indeed, one of many tions in certain highly specialized areas, such Carla Golden, Tom Swensen, Chris Holmes, is a junior journalism major. Contact him at [email protected]. arguments for tenure, not just in higher edu- as with some clinical faculty), but it is up to Jennifer Jolly, Patty Zimmermann, Raj Subra- cation but also for elementary and secondary the administration to determine whether maniam and Stewart Auyash. THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 THE ITHACAN | 9 FOR RENT Close to IC, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom apts on Coddington Rd. Call (303) 883-2378 for details. Fully furnished, D/W, W/D on site.

NEW ISSUE EVERY THURSDAY DIVERSIONS 10 THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 crossword By United Media ACROSS 54 Meet edge to 29 Jane Austen title 44 Encircle 1 Yearn (for) edge 30 Chicken’s digs 45 Burlap fiber 5 Free ride 55 Ephron of 31 Tavern inventory 48 Exec’s degree 9 Mail pouch “You’ve Got 36 Use sparingly 49 Corsage flower 12 Not resist Mail” 38 Jerking (away) 50 Collection of 13 European capital 56 Scarlet 40 Trojan War story fauna 14 Ms. Lupino 57 Noblewoman 41 Debate side 51 Work unit 15 Strait of — 58 Vincent van — 42 Partly closed 52 Morse syllable 17 Kind of dance 43 Collar site 18 Pointed tool DOWN 19 Motif 1 Written record 21 Water slide 2 Ginza purchase 24 Vacuum part 3 Bird beak 26 Not polluted 4 Whirl around 27 Desire 5 Laze around 28 Giraffe feature 6 Ego ending 32 — Khan 7 Gulf st. last issue’s crossword answers 33 A Miss America 8 Lawsuit bases host 9 Take the bait 34 Stooge with 10 — Clayton Powell bangs Jr. 35 One and only 11 Yawn 37 Caesar’s law 16 Blow away 38 Polluted air 20 Squawker 39 Drying oven 21 Balance-sheet 41 Rancher’s wear gurus 42 Sabrina, Kelly or 22 Quasimodo’s Jill creator 45 Happy feeling 23 Siberian river 46 — alai 24 Keller or Hayes 47 Vaccinated 25 Black gemstone 53 Calendar abbr. 27 Bellow

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hard LIFE & CULTURE THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 11 Local writers share their Odysseys Ithaca City of Asylum hosts reading series

BY MADDY MARTIN its founding in 2001, the organization The college has decided to end the Schol- has provided residence for seven writers. ar in Residence program. In Homer’s “The Odyssey,” the hero The reading series features writers “We become more insular, less interna- Odysseus takes 12,109 lines of dac- who are former residents of ICOA and tional, less global, which is unfortunate,” tylic hexameter to reach his home in other writers from the community who Adams said. “Each of [the visiting schol- Ithaca. “Odysseys: Ithaca Writers on are from foreign countries. The read- ars] has brought a huge amount to the Exile, Wandering, and Searching for ing series will highlight eight writers in college. We’re losing that.” Home,” a monthly reading series orga- total. During each reading, two writers Rumi said that Ithaca serves as a home nized by Ithaca City of Asylum (ICOA), present their work with a Q&A session for many communities, including tells the stories of local writers’ journeys at the end. refugees, and that it is a place that enables to Ithaca. Kate Blackwood, secretary of ICOA’s and facilitates journeys. According to “Odysseys” features local writers from Board of Directors, said the ICOA board the U.S. Census Bureau, 12.9% of the around the world who have found a home picked writers who it felt had interest- population in Tompkins County was in Ithaca. The series began in February ing stories to tell. Blackwood said they born in another country as of 2019. and will run until May. The readings are organized the readings so writers from “So many people in the world are held at 7 p.m. on Zoom, and attendees can the same geographic area or with sim- displaced or searching for homes,” register on the ICOA website for the read- ilar experiences were featured in the Rumi said. “People are displaced by ings April 13 and May 18. same reading. war, conflict, climate change. It’s im- “The theme of Odysseys implies lots portant to pay attention to those of journeys, not just one,” Blackwood journeys. But all these journeys are said. “If we had one event with only two not just external journeys. They’re also writers, that would only be two journeys, internal journeys, journeys of the spir- but it turns out that Ithaca has a wealth it of evolution of your overall political of writers from all kinds of places with all and social and cultural consciousness, kinds of experiences.” how it evolves. And once again, Ithaca The reading March 16 featured two is such an amazing place that it enables writers from Pakistan: Sorayya Khan, au- so many people to undergo that thor of the novels “Noor,” “Five Queen’s experience because of the kind of Road” and “City of Spies,” and Raza Rumi, community that we have here of journalist and director of the Park Center writers, artists, musicians, academics, for Independent Media. The reading had scholars, students and young people, approximately 70 attendees. that it becomes a very conducive environ- Khan started off the event by reading a ment for inner journeys.” section of a memoir she is working on that described her childhood. In the section CONTACT MADDY MARTIN she read, Khan described her relationship [email protected] with her mother and the impact the execu- tion of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan, had on her family and country. “Those memories as a child stay with me and I think about how they are and are not connected to the narrative of Gail Holtz-Warhaft is a poet, translator and journalist who what was going on at the time,” Khan said was featured in the first Odyssey reading Feb. 23. during the reading. MIKAYLA ELWELL/THE ITHACAN Rumi was ICOA’s writer in residence from 2015–17 and is now an ICOA board member. Rumi is also currently working The April reading will feature poet on a memoir and shared the chapter about Valzhyna Mort and Raul Palma, nov- his move to Ithaca in 2015 at the reading. elist and assistant professor in the Rumi said that when he first came to Department of Writing. The May reading Ithaca he was struck by the town’s natural will feature novelist Minfong Ho and poet beauty and then by the welcomeness of its OLIVIA STANZL Kenneth A. McClane. community. [email protected] “This series is a way to celebrate “What was a really reassuring and very writers whose works, interests and heartwarming experience was to meet so even lives draw on this idea of immi- many interesting, talented, humane and gration or migration or ‘Odyssey,’” said kind people in the community, especial- Barbara Adams, associate professor ly the writers and the artists,” Rumi said. in the Department of Writing and “Everybody kind of knows each other, but co-founder of ICOA. people are very excusable and friendly. ICOA is a project of Cornell Univer- This is a unique thing. … I found the en- sity’s Center for Transformative Action vironment really affable.” and part of the International Cities of Adams said that in the past, ICOA Refuge Network. The organization writers in residence could hold a two-year Raza Rumi, journalist and director of the Park Center for provides sanctuary for writers who were teaching position at the college as an In- Independent Media, was featured in the March 16 reading. not safe in their home country. Since ternational Visiting Scholar in Residence. ASH BAILOT/THE ITHACAN 12 | LIFE & CULTURE THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 Community establishes local gift-giving economy

BY SYDNEY BRUMFIELD Community member Sam Miau, who is an admin of the Facebook In a time when communica- page along with Koizumi, said the tion and interactions that build up primary mindset of the organization communities are forced to occur is to reduce individuals’ waste and online, Ithaca community mem- think sustainably. ber Yayoi Koizumi has managed to “We always want to make sure bring a chapter of the international it is hyperlocal and not just people Buy Nothing Project to Ithaca. The coming in from outside of our group’s mission is to connect mem- boundary just to grab stuff,” Miau bers of the community with the said. “There are plenty of oth- intent of increasing awareness er buy and sell groups out there. about sustainability and promoting We really want to focus on build- the resistance of buying new. ing the community and trust The Buy Nothing Project be- between neighbors.” gan as an experimental local gift In order to be accepted to join economy on Bainbridge Island, the Buy Nothing Project’s Facebook Washington, in July 2013. Since group, an individual must be with- then, it has become a worldwide in a certain geographic area, over social movement. The Buy Nothing 21 and not in any other Buy Noth- Project offers people a way to give and ing Group. Koizumi said the group receive, share, lend and express grat- tends to keep the group between itude through a network of local gift local residents. The Facebook pages economies progressing the narrative operate by utilizing a series of three that wealth is found in relationships different types of posts. A member rather than material goods. can post regarding gifting, receiving Koizumi said she started the or gratitude. The Buy Nothing Project connects members in the same community to establish a local gift-giving Ithaca chapter of the group in Gifting is when members gift economy. Members post images of the gifts they give and receive on the group’s Facebook page. September 2019 primarily with items, knowledge or time. Koizu- waste reduction in mind. Her initial mi said that gifting knowledge and COURTESY OF BUY NOTHING PROJECT Facebook page was a success, gain- skills is just as important to the for help, answers or objects. A grat- person has no real positive impact Koizumi said not everybody ing large support from the Tompkins functioning of the group as tangi- itude post is when members give on the environment because it is is on Facebook, which makes County community. ble objects. Community member thanks for something they received only one person compared to the it difficult for more people to There is now an Ithaca group, Rachel Lori La Valle is an admin of through the project. For instance, total population. participate. Koizumi said that cur- a Lansing group and a Newfield/ the Facebook group as well and said Koizumi said that last summer, a “Whether it is a hyperlocal gift rently, the Buy Nothing Project is Danby/South Hill Ithaca group, the that to her, the process of gifting member grew her own catnip in economy or anything else, the working on developing web- and latter of which started in February items helps place that emphasis on a her garden and offered it up in a way to make this have any positive phone-based apps so more people 2021. All of these groups try to keep no-waste lifestyle. gift post at the end of last year. Now impact at all is to make it be a can join. their membership numbers below a “There is something that is literal members who received the catnip community and to try to take “I hope others can see that mate- roughly 500-person maximum. waste to one person that someone have been posting about it in the whatever lessons you learn and rial goods are immaterial,” Miau said. “We like to be small,” Koizumi else just around the corner who is group, showing videos of their cats encourage other people to do “Transformative change individually said. “That’s our strength. When two minutes down the road might playing with the catnip. it also,” Hamilton said. “It’s or within a society happens through the group is so busy, it gets messy actually be looking for,” La Valle said. Jason Hamilton, professor in absolutely crucial to do the per- deeply personal participation, so because we get no shows and real “People see that they don’t need to the Department of Environmental sonal everyday things because if open your heart, make some friends big competitions for items. We want trash or throw out items, there are Studies, offered more insight into you don’t do that, you have no because it’s a great community.” to keep it small and keep it in the people who will take it and use it, the impact of environmental grass- credibility, and you don’t in- neighborhood so we can get to and that feels really good.” roots movements. Hamilton said spire anybody, and you don’t CONTACT SYDNEY BRUMFIELD know our neighbors.” Receiving is when members ask that any action that is taken by one build communities.” [email protected] Ithaca Arthaus to provide affordable space for artists

artists and creators. BY KATHERINE KROM Samuel Buggeln is the founder and artistic From art galleries to sidewalk murals, director of the Cherry Arts. He said the Cherry sculptures on The Commons to artistic bike Arts will run the artistic spaces in the gallery of racks, art has always been a fundamental part The Ithaca Arthaus. of Ithaca. This fall, a new affordable housing “We are really excited about the collabora- project will be catered toward the artists in tive possibilities,” Buggeln said. “What’s really Ithaca who contribute to the community. exciting for us is that arts companies across the The Ithaca Arthaus is currently going up country have an ongoing challenge of making on 130 Cherry St. through the Vecino Group, the work available to lower income groups. a national construction company that builds People who haven’t really felt invited into the affordable housing. In addition to providing arts making spaces, the galleries and theaters.” housing for artists, Ithaca Arthaus will include Mike Willemsen, president of construction housing for formerly homeless and foster care for Vecino, said that having an affordable space youth from ages 19 to 26. Bruce Adib-Yazdi, for artists to be creative is very important. vice president of development for the Veci- “I think that sometimes in the world, there no Group, said the housing will be available is so much focus on business and produc- to anyone who qualifies within the income tion, engineering and sciences and maths of limits, from 50% to 80% of the area median the world,” Willemsen said. “It is important income. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, to focus on the arts and culture. It is not The Ithaca Arthaus is an affordable housing apartment building for artists currently the median household income in Tompkins a good idea to forget about that stuff. under construction at 130 Cherry St. The ground floor will feature an art gallery. County in 2019 dollars from 2015 to 2019 It is truly what makes us human. I think that BEN DINIOA/THE ITHACAN was $60,240. our art house projects are a big testament Adib-Yazdi said Ithaca submitted a request to our commitment to that part of for a proposal for affordable housing in De- the world.” tariffs, supply. The pandemic has definitely include retail, recreational spaces, housing, cember 2018, and the group was chosen to The Ithaca Arthaus has been in the works added some layers of challenge.” business hubs and event centers. start construction. Arthaus will have 120 units for over two years. Buggeln said Vecino has Although there have been challenges this Buggeln said that so far, Vecino has been and a gallery on the ground level. not seen many setbacks since the start of the past year, once the Ithaca Arthaus has been great to work with and matches the Cherry “Every project that we do and touch has to pandemic because construction is mainly made, Buggeln said he has hopes of the Art’s goals for the Ithaca community. have a broader community issue that it solves, outside. Although the project is moving for- Cherry Street district potentially becoming an “Their development philosophy is very and in this case, it is the fact that Ithaca needs ward, the pandemic did have effects on the arts district. much about bringing social good to com- affordable housing, period,” Adib-Yazdi said. building process. “If all of the different developers wanted to munities,” Buggeln said. “More than just “We asked the community what sort of hous- “Global supply chains were impacted, come together to decide that they would have making a buck on a big apartment building, ing they need, and one of the items that came which have real-life impacts on our hometown each building have an arts component to the this is affordable housing that can be for art- up was an artist community.” communities,” Willemsen said. “Sometimes building, then that could make their planning ists, and we hope that artists will want to take To attract artists to the property, Vecino you see stuff on the news about the pandemic process smoother,” Buggeln said. advantage of it.” has partnered with the Cherry Arts, a non- and it’s hard to kind of translate it to your own Visum Development Group of Ithaca has profit organization on Cherry Street that personal lives, but the construction industry plans to construct a 11.3-acre development CONTACT KATHERINE KROM presents and facilitates art spaces to different is a global industry. We get impacted by trade, near Cherry Street. The development will [email protected] THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 REVIEWS | 13 Disney delivers dazzling fantasy POPPED MOVIE REVIEW: “Raya and the Last Dragon” Disney CULTURE BY AVERY ALEXANDER every last ounce of their skill into this movie. Walt Disney Animation Studios Some of the most fantastic as- has not wowed viewers with an pects of the animation are the fight original concept since releasing its scenes. Raya often finds herself powerhouse film “Moana” in 2016. engaging in battle, and every en- Media is harsh While the 2018 “Ralph Breaks the counter is a feast for the eye. With Internet” and the 2019 “Frozen each punch, kick and sword slash, II” were both well-executed and the movie effectively immerses the on young stars widely acclaimed, “Raya and the audience in the action. Subtle- Last Dragon” is the breath of fresh ties like variations in characters’ BY HANNAH SANSON air that Disney fans have been fighting styles add a layer of gritty Pop culture has taken an active role in cov- waiting for. realism to the combat and ensure ering the deeply personal aspects of celebrities’ Before diving into the beauty that the sequences are fast-paced lives without care or compassion. In most cas- of the film itself, it is necessary and exciting. es, this takes a huge toll on their mental health to take a moment to appreciate “Raya and the Last Dragon” also without much acknowledgment or wariness the strange circumstances sur- brings a deeply emotional story to from the public. rounding its production. When the table. The film is the perfect “Raya and the Last Dragon” is a beautiful animation inspired The “Free Britney” movement has recently COVID-19 hit, the team for “Raya balance of suspenseful, humorous by Southest Asian culture. It was completed in quarantine. reestablished public attention after the “Framing and the Last Dragon” was forced and whimsical, and guarantees to COURTESY OF DISNEY Britney Spears” episode in “The New York Times to work primarily from home. Ac- keep viewers on a wildly swinging Presents” documentary series. The documenta- cording to the credits of the film, pendulum of emotion. seem like a risky move, but “Raya important for Disney to use that ry, released on Hulu and FX on Feb. 5, highlights this movie was made possible be- The ragtag cast of characters and the Last Dragon” does not influence for good. Raya is more Spears’ rise to fame and the struggles that came cause of the diligence of Disney proves to be incredibly likable. need large, choreographed mu- than just another Disney princess with her stardom. Her first album “...Baby One employees spread out across over One of the most memorable per- sic sequences or sensitive ballads — her existence leaves an open- More Time” was released in 1999, when she was 400 separate households. formances comes from Awkwafina. to make the music great. Each ing for more people to seek social only 17 years old. Amid the crazy changes that After the dragons disappeared While the actor is known for her song on the soundtrack swims change through animation. With superstar level fame brought to Spears’ life, her while defending humanity from comedic roles in movies like “Cra- with emotion and power. It also any luck, “Raya and the Last Drag- father was not present in her life, largely shrink- a monster scourge called Druun, zy Rich Asians” and “Ocean’s 8,” mixes modernized synthesized on” is just the first in a long line of ing her support system. the fictional land of Kumandra she brings a lovely, melancholic elements with traditional South- more inclusive Disney films. While Spears was pulled into the public eye broke apart and fell into discord. nuance to her character. She still east Asian instruments, like chimes While the triumph of “Raya and as a result of her music, her private life followed Warrior princess Raya (Kelly Ma- manages to balance this delicate and hand drums. the Last Dragon” does not dismiss her into the spotlight. Her success quickly led to rie Tran) and the last remaining emotion with the goofy charm that Besides being impeccably Disney’s deep, dirty history of ra- a nationwide obsession with her personal life. dragon Sisu (Awkwafina) must so many viewers have come to ex- written, animated and scored, cial inequity, it is a massive step When Spears went on tour with NSYNC, she come together to bring peace to pect from her. “Raya and the Last Dragon” is a in the right direction. Looking to began her relationship with Justin Timberlake. Kumandra once more. The cherry on top of this fan- step forward in the recognition of the future, there is new hope that The media became obsessed with the concept of The undying passion for the tastic film is the score. “Raya and Southeast Asians in media. Al- Disney will dedicate itself to not Spears’ virginity and what she must have done product is clear. “Raya and the the Last Dragon” is certainly not though the film takes place in a just creating other enchanting and wrong when the relationship ended. She quick- Last Dragon” is a true visual the first non-musical Disney ani- fantasy setting, it was heavily in- entirely original ideas but also to ly had to learn how to answer uncomfortably marvel that transcends anything mated movie to exist, but it is the spired by Southeast Asian cultures continuing to right the many personal questions. Disney has ever accomplished. first Disney princess movie from and includes nods to Vietnam, wrongs of its past. Instead of leaving her be, the media put her From fast-paced action sequences Walt Disney Animation Studios Thailand and Laos. upheavals on a pedestal. She had no room to to calm wide-sweeping landscape to go without plot-driving musi- Disney princesses are icons for CONTACT AVERY ALEXANDER deal with her heightened mental health issues [email protected] shots, the animators squeezed cal numbers. At first, this might many children, and it is extremely that came with her fame. Under extreme pres- sure, Spears had multiple public outbursts, like the infamous shaved head hairstyle. This is a story that is all too familiar for many female celebrities, especially those thrown into Series is beautifully surreal the spotlight at a young age. Often for young female stars, media cover- TV REVIEW: “WandaVision” Disney age is predatorial, misogynistic and extremely unhealthy. In 2008, Miley Cyrus’ MySpace was hacked, leaking revealing pictures of her onto the internet. The media characterized the event as “scandalous” and “dirty.” Despite Cyrus being BY DARIENE SEIFERT audience into this fantastical and constantly a child, she was ruthlessly sexualized by the me- changing world. Small details like the aspect dia, and Cyrus found herself having to defend “WandaVision” is the newest addition to the ratio shifting when the storyline moves from in- her “wild child behavior.” Deemed crazy by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, currently stream- side the world of Westview to the outside world media for everything she did, she was unable to ing on Disney+. Instead of the usual summer shows how much care went into this series. grow up in privacy without judgment. blockbuster action, this miniseries is more of The acting is superb. Olsen does a fantas- Similarly, Lindsay Lohan had her share of a character study about anti-hero Wanda Max- tic job interweaving emotions as her character harsh media coverage. The media had a disturb- imoff (Elizabeth Olsen), also known as the experiences tranquility and turmoil. In turn, ing fixation on her weight, and in 2006, Lohan Scarlet Witch. Throughout the nine episodes, Wanda feels real and relatable. Bettany as Vi- admitted that she struggled with an eating disor- Wanda tries to keep her home of Westview, sion was a pleasant surprise. Bettany’s comedic der and drug use. Attempting to recover, Lohan NJ — and herself — together. Surrounding all of skills truly excel in episode two. Vision gets gum took several trips to rehab, returning each time this is a touch of retro TV aesthetic. stuck in his interior mechanics, which causes she had a relapse. But of course, she was mocked The most captivating aspects of “WandaVi- him to be in a drunken stupor. The chemistry “WandaVision”creates a surreal world in the process. sion” are its tribute to older TV shows and the between Wanda and Vision is endearing and au- inspired by classic television programs. The media’s fixation on body image has al- overarching mystery of Westview and who Wan- thentic. In episode eight, “Previously On,” their COURTESY OF DISNEY ways been an issue, and the dangers have been da is. The first episode, “Filmed Before a Live relationship shines in a flashback conversation felt by Taylor Swift as well. Swift discusses this Studio Audience,” has charm and wonder as as the two discuss loneliness and sorrow. This is strong, struggles in the end. Darcy Lewis (Kat issue and other mental health problems that Wanda and her android husband, Vision (Paul a standout in the season, as the audience learns Dennings) and FBI agent James E. Woo (Randall formed alongside her rise to fame in the Netflix Bettany), navigate their “I Love Lucy”/”Be- about Wanda’s backstory and where her grief Park) are part of Monica’s team. James ends up documentary “Miss Americana.” Despite speak- witched”-styled world. Questions quickly arise and love of vintage TV come from. having so much potential, yet that potential is ing out against aggressive media, Swift has been when Wanda and Vision struggle to answer how The most entertaining character is nosy barely seen. He mostly delivers exposition and ignored, proving that even if a female celebrity they settled into Westview in the first place. neighbor Agnes (Kathryn Hahn). Hahn’s pres- awkward comic relief. Darcy’s character is intel- voices concerns, they are not taken seriously. Wanda herself doesn’t know how she cre- ence and humor steal every scene she is in, like ligent, funny and sassy. In fact, she is the one Until the media stops criticizing women for ated this world. Yet, once she realizes she has when she passes a flask around to the other la- who finds out that Wanda is controlling West- everything they do and gives these women the control over it, Wanda refuses to leave. This dies at a committee meeting. view. However, she seems forgotten toward the space to talk openly about their mental health, introduces serious yet important themes includ- On the outside of Westview is Sentient Weap- last episodes. female celebrities will continue to be victims. ing loss, grief and love. The more Wanda travels on Observation Response Division (S.W.O.R.D.) “WandaVision” is an excellent addition to the Time and time again, audiences have watched through each TV era, the closer her repression and the FBI, trying to solve the anomaly Wanda Marvel universe. It takes a diverging approach the media dehumanize and exploit female ce- and pain reaches the surface. Instead of facing created. S.W.O.R.D. captain Monica Rambeau to the superhero genre, and it works fantasti- lebrities. Some people eat it up as a form of her problems, Wanda pushes her feelings back (Teyonah Parris) is sent to help out. Despite cally. People who don’t prefer Marvel can find entertainment, and some are disgusted by the down, desperately trying to keep her happy Wanda causing Monica anguish throughout the enjoyment in Wanda’s complex personal jour- dystopian nature of it all. If the media won’t home life intact. What Wanda doesn’t realize, series, Monica is determined to help Wanda. ney or exploring each TV realm from episode stop, audiences need to at least think critically though, is that she is hurting the townspeople She attempts multiple times to reenter West- to episode. Even more, the after-credits scene about the media they are consuming. in the process, causing more harm than good. view to reach Wanda, setting her up to have a leaves Wanda’s story open, causing excitement The production sets, special and practical meaningful role. Unfortunately, Monica’s pres- over what’s next for the Scarlet Witch. POPPED CULTURE is a weekly column, written by effects, cinematography and music for each ence falls flat and gets overshadowed toward Life & Culture staff writers, that analyzes pop culture TV time period are impressive. Director Matt the end of the series. CONTACT DARIENE SEIFERT events. Hannah Sanson is a freshman journalism Shakman did an amazing job immersing the The supporting cast, while starting out [email protected] major. Contact her at [email protected]. SPORTS 14 THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

CIRCLING BACK INTO COMPETITION Multisport athlete returns to play after year away didn’t get the opportunity of looking year of eligibility due to COVID-19 She said since meeting him in January, forward to something, so a lot of people during his fifth year. Tobia has been very focused on his goals. seemed to have a sense of hopelessness, Now that Tobia is a junior, he said “He’s super driven,” Craven said. “He where for me it was like, ‘Alright, well, I he has stepped into a leadership comes to practice every day and wants don’t have track, but at least I have foot- role in trying to help underclassmen to work hard. He’s very determined ball,’ and vice versa.” become accustomed to both teams’ to qualify for nationals, and return to Junior Luke Tobia plays defensive Between football, indoor and out- cultures. Swanstrom said as an upper- where he was last year.” line for the Bombers football team. door track and field, Tobia’s only time off classman, Tobia will lead his teammates Craven said Tobia brings a COURTESY OF ARTIE TOBIA from competition is the summer. He by setting an example of commitment positive spirit with him to the said that competing nearly year-round for younger players. throwing circle that makes himself BY ARLA DAVIS has benefited him mentally in both sports “We’ve really kind of changed and his teammates better. and has helped him overcome losing his how we view leadership roles within “He definitely contributes signifi- On March 12, 2020, then-sophomore past three seasons. this program,” Swanstrom said. cantly to the atmosphere of practice,” thrower Luke Tobia stood outside a “I think it gives me a competitive “We want as many people leading by Craven said. “We try to keep things hotel in Winston-Salem, North Caro- edge just because I’m in it year- example as possible, and I think he light and fun, and whenever Luke’s at lina, where the Ithaca College men’s round, so I get a lot of experience just can do that. … He will be a commit- practice, I think everyone’s engaged track and field team was staying. The in competition itself,” Tobia said. “I’ve ted athlete on the field, and he’ll do it and having a good time. … I can feel Bombers were set to compete in the always had an ‘adapt and overcome’ men- day in and day out, and people the level of camaraderie rise when he NCAA Division III Indoor Track and tality. Whatever the situation is, you got to will take notice.” is around.” Field Championships on March 13. just take it and do whatever you can Despite all of the obstacles the Just moments prior, Tobia found out with it, especially now. You can’t take pandemic has brought Tobia, he said CONTACT ARLA DAVIS [email protected] that the national championship was can- anything for granted.” his goals remain the same. For foot- celed due to COVID-19. Tobia’s mindset has not been ball, he said he hopes to see the team “I remember going out to the park- overlooked by his teammates. Junior win the Liberty League, then compete ing lot to call my dad,” Tobia said. defensive lineman Ed Longest, Tobia’s in the national playoffs and potentially “My parents drove down to watch me roommate since freshman year, said he win a national title. In track and compete, and I was just shocked. There has noticed this mentality day in field, he said he also wants to were probably 50 or 60 people outside and day out. see the men’s team win the Liber- in the parking lot. People crying, on “He shows up every single day ty League followed by regionals, the phone, people giving each other with a great attitude and level of fo- and then compete at nationals as hugs. For a lot of these people, it was cus,” Longest said. “He attacks the an individual. their last shot.” day with whatever it is he’s got Jess Craven, a graduate assistant After his first opportunity to com- going on, whether it be classes, school, strength and conditioning coach, pete for a national championship was practice, film sessions, things like that, and has been coaching the throw- canceled, Tobia said he and the rest of at a really high level of focus, attention to ing events for the Bombers the track and field team hoped for a detail and effort that’s just contagious to this season since Burdoff chance to compete outdoors, but they be around.” left to coach at Towson found out quickly that they would lose Tobia said this mindset has helped him University in Mary- that season too. transition from track and field season to land in the fall. However, this did not mean extra football season not only mentally, but in time off for Tobia. It just meant it was his physical training as well. Head football time to start training for football. coach Dan Swanstrom said the strength In addition to throwing for the and power required to compete in the Bombers, Tobia also plays defensive shot put and hammer throw events lineman for the college’s football team complements Tobia’s position as a during the fall. He said he was recruit- defensive lineman. ed out of high school to play football “Picking up something heavy for the college, but was convinced and throwing it a couple hundred by Tyler Burdoff, former assistant track times a day and being explosive can and field coach, to compete in the shot only help him be a better football put, discus and hammer throw events player,” Swanstrom said. “It’s just once he arrived on campus. Tobia going to make him a more well-rounded said that he felt lucky to have another athlete. He’s added so much strength.” season to look forward to. Tobia is on the five-year track “It’s kind of a unique situation for accounting in the School of Business for me,” Tobia said. “A lot of people and said he plans to utilize his extra

Tobia works on his orbit in the hammer throw at practice March 11. This is one of three events he competes in during outdoor track and field. ABBEY LONDON/ THE ITHACAN CONTACT ARLA DAVIS [email protected] THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 SPORTS | 15 Women’s crew alumni compete at Olympic trials

BY EMMA KERSTING that offers varsity sculling, which is a single or double boat with two When former Ithaca College’s oars per sculler. The other program women’s crew and sculling team is Oklahoma City University in members Savannah Brija ’18, ’20 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which and Karina Feitner ’18 joined the is where Feitner currently resides. program in 2015, neither had any She moved there two years ago experience in rowing. Nearly six and has been spending the last years later, the two participated two years training at the USRowing in Olympic rowing trials for the National High Performance Center chance to represent Team USA at in Oklahoma City. the Tokyo Olympics. Robinson said she believes Though they both missed the the sculling program offered at the cut, from Feb. 22 to 26, the two college was a tremendous help participated in the five-day event in Brija and Feitner’s preparation held in Sarasota, Florida. Brija for the trials. was able to advance all the way to “Certainly, having varsity scull- the third day of the event, while ing was a huge benefit to both Feitner did not make it past of those guys because all of the the initial 2K time trial on the Olympic trials that were going first day. on were in singles and dou- Both athletes came to Ithaca bles, which is sculling and crew,” with the plan of playing a sport, Robinson said. “Rowing, typ- just not rowing. Brija started her ically, it’s sweep rowing, so From left, Savannah Brija ‘19 and Karina Feitner ‘18 compete at the Women’s Rowing Olympic Trials career as a student-athlete as a athletes have one oar compared in Sarasota, Florida, in February. Both alumni walked on to Ithaca College’s crew team in 2015. member of the women’s soccer to sculling, where they have two. COURTESY OF KARINA FEITNER team, while Feitner played women’s … They would not have been able lacrosse. Brija began rowing her to compete in [the time trials] had freshman year, but Feitner waited we not have that sculling opportunity environment in a lot of ways. she was able to compete this year. When Brija and Feitner rowed until her sophomore year to give at IC.” In collegiate sports, there’s a “My ultimate goal is to make for the Bombers, Robinson said it the women’s crew team a try. Feitner thought her rowing feeling of social club aspect of it to the Olympics,” Brija said. “That’s was fun for her to see them challenge Once Becky Robinson, head career was over following her it. But once you get to this level, why I’m still training, that’s what each other while being supportive women’s crew coach, saw what senior year. After her boat, the everyone is dripping sweat during I’m going for. … Hopefully, I can teammates. Feitner said that Brija mo- each were capable of, she said that Varsity 8, placed second in the NCAA the warm up. Everything they make the national team in the tivated her to become a better athlete she knew that they were destined championship and an emotional do in and out of practice is next few years to really set myself in the process. While both Brija and for success. bus ride following the event, she dedicated to improving.” up for that.” Feitner have their sights set on Olym- “From day one, both those said she planned on going to Brija said that she loves Brija did know her former team- pic bids the next time around, Feitner guys walked in and they were graduate school. But, before competing at a higher level and mate was also going to participate in enjoyed seeing her former teammate competitors,” Robinson said. “They Feitner could get off the bus, that she has wanted to since she the time trials, she said that she was compete against her at the trials. didn’t learn that here; they came Beth Greene, assistant women’s started rowing. Because she was more focused on proving her skill to “I was so happy that [Bri- with it, and then they developed that crew coach, recommended delaying earning her Doctor of Physical the rest of the competition. ja] was there with me,” competitiveness. They just brought graduate school. Therapy degree in 2020, Brija “Because it was my first elite race, Feitner said. “She’s truly one of the it into rowing, and they developed “I thought that was it, that was not available to compete I just wanted to post a time that I fiercest competitors I’ve ever met.” here as rowers.” was the last race I’d have,” for the Olympic trials in March felt was my best and could be 2020. With her degree completed proud of regardless of placement,” Robinson said the college is Feitner said. “Post-collegiate rowing CONTACT EMMA KERSTING one of two colleges in the country is so much fun. It’s such a different and the postponement of events, Brija said. [email protected] Athletes consider using extra year of eligibility

BY ARLA DAVIS graduate students vary among Divisions I, II When senior football player Andrew Vito and III. She said most of her discussions with first heard that Ithaca College and the Liberty athletes focus on answering questions about League canceled Fall 2020 sports competition, whether to graduate on time and pursue a he said he knew right away that he would graduate program or take a leave of absence take a gap year in order to compete one last to delay graduation. She also said this is a unique time. While he said he was not shocked by the experience for Division III athletes because cancelation, he was upset knowing that he often college is their last chance to compete. would not get to play with a majority of his “When we look at Division III ath- fellow seniors again. letes, this is it,” Roberts said. “Very rarely In October 2020, the NCAA Presidents do they go on and play at a profession- Council approved a blanket waiver for Division al level, so these are their competitive III that stated athletes may compete during the days. … Just even trying to get people to 2020–21 academic year without losing partic- understand, ‘Why would a student want ipation or academic eligibility. This means to delay? Just graduate.’ This is what they’ve that all Division III competitors may compete been doing their whole lives.” for a fifth — or even sixth — season. Athletes Junior track and field athlete Meghan From left, senior Julia Nomberg, sophomore Jamie Rossig and junior Meghan may delay their graduation by taking a leave of Matheny has decided to stay at the college for Matheny run during track practice at the Athletics and Events Center on Feb. 21. absence, enrolling in fewer credits for the se- a fifth year while pursuing another minor. She FRANKIE WALLS/THE ITHACAN mester3. or adding another major or minor. currently majors in business administration They may also continue to compete while with concentrations in sport management and especially myself,” Vito said. “I wasn’t going “My injury definitely played a part in my studying in a graduate program. sport marketing. She also currently minors to spend ‘X’ amount of dollars just to come decision because my dad had so many inju- Erienne Roberts, associate director of ath- in photography and plans to add a graphic play football, so that’s why I mapped it out the ries that have required surgery now that he’s letics and senior woman administrator at the design minor. Matheny said she planned to way I did. For some guys, scholarships didn’t older,” Dick said. “I can’t be waddling around college, said fall and winter sport athletes graduate in four years and considered going carry over, or they thought they maybe would hurting for the rest of my life. Like, I’m still currently have two semesters of eligibility somewhere else for graduate school prior to get into a grad program but weren’t given the only 21. I still have a lot of life left in my legs.” and one additional semester of competition, the pandemic and receiving two extra years of scholarship they previously had. Money gets While Dick said it was difficult to make the while spring athletes have three semesters of eligibility. However, she said she most likely tight, and you know it’s Division III football decision to end her field hockey career, she eligibility and two seasons of competition. will not compete for a sixth year if she goes at the end of the day, despite how much we felt that she was ending on a high note after a Athletes have to consider factors outside of to another university for a graduate program. love to play.” former strength and conditioning coach spoke sport, like finances, academic plans and indi- Vito, who is a business administration ma- Despite having the extra season of eligi- kindly of her at the team’s senior banquet, vidual health. However, Roberts said the NCAA jor, said he decided to take a leave of absence bility, some athletes have chosen not to take which was held in December over Zoom. has been flexible for each member institution in the fall semester and worked for a medical advantage of it for reasons other than academics “I feel like some people are ready to be when it comes to student eligibility. supply company. He re-enrolled in Spring and finances. After months of consideration — done, but I wasn’t ready to be until after hear- Roberts said the most difficult part is 2021 and will graduate this December. Vito and being almost certain she was going to play ing what Dakota [Brovero] said,” Dick said. understanding the NCAA’s eligibility guide- said he is just one of two football players in his a fifth year — senior field hockey player Ka- “I was like, ‘Alright, if that’s how people are lines for students who are still planning to graduating class using the extra eligibility and tie Dick, who is in the college’s five-year going to remember me, I’m happy with that.’” graduate on time but want to continue to play feels that finances played a huge role in this. occupational therapy program, said she ulti- as they pursue an extended or second degree “To come back just to play one semester of mately chose not to because of an ongoing shin CONTACT ARLA DAVIS or graduate program, as the guidelines for football is not conducive for a lot of people, injury she faced during her junior year. [email protected] THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 THE ITHACAN | 16

Sophomore Ethan Tuomala pours fresh maple sap into a barrel March 14 at the sugar bush in the Ithaca College Natural Lands. Students in the Non-Timber Forest Products course have started collecting sap from maple trees to turn it into maple syrup and will then sell it though their business, South Hill Forest Products. ASH BAILOT/THE ITHACAN