opinions features sports a & e ... January 28, 2021 Enjoy the View The Real MLK Dukes Demolish If Music Be The Features Editor talks The history we're Fordham Food of Love, Volume 104 photography, living in taught versus the Men's hoops team wins Play On(line) the moment history we should know Number 2 big in the Bronx, 86-62 Pittsburgh Symphony holds virtual www.duqsm.com performances PAGE 4 PAGE 6 PAGE 7 PAGE 9 THE DUQUESNE DUKE Proudly Serving Our Campus Since 1925 COVID-19 vaccine on the

Hundreds horizon for Duq students of pharmacy students trained to administer COVID-19 vaccines

Kellen stepler & Zoe Stratos editor-in-chief & staff writer

Levi DeBlase knew that as a pharmacist, giving vaccines was in the job description. He didn’t realize that he would be administering life saving vac- cines to combat a pandemic — all as a student pharmacist. DeBlase is currently one of 322 Courtesy of Phi Delta Chi Duquesne pharmacy students that Pharmacy students, although typically not allowed to administer vaccines, have been given emergency training and special authorization from Gov. Wolf to assist have completed the pharmacy- in the COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Over 300 Duquesne pharmacy students have been trained and are now certified to administer the vaccine. based immunization training cer- vaccinations to people ages 18 ences that will allow them to grow Pharmacist Association] uses time and we’re looking forward to tificate. By Jan. 29, 115 additional and up. into a compassionate, caring, clin- this training for pharmacists in doing it,” Egger said. “Not only pharmacy students will have been Previously, in Pennsylvania, ically-confident professional.” any state,” said Natalie Klek, a are we helping the community, trained to give the vaccine, accord- student pharmacists and interns Duquesne’s school of pharmacy professional first-year pharmacy but we’re also getting practice ing to pharmacy professor Tiffany were not allowed to vaccinate as regularly provides vaccination student. “First, you do 12 hours for the future that we normally Hatcher. an intern until December. On Dec. courses, but the COVID-19 pan- of self-study, you know, reading wouldn’t get.” “Typically, we provide the train- 14, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a waiver demic has forced the program to how and when to give the vaccine. David Rogers, a fifth-year pharma- ing to students during their sec- allowing supervised students and go to online learning. The second is a live eight -hour cy student, has participated in clinics ond professional year of pharmacy interns to administer flu and CO- “Initially, we were unsure as to class where they repeat what you since early January, and said he plans school; however, this year we have VID-19 vaccines. how the training process would learned in self-study and then on doing it as much as he can. added new opportunities for first “Because of COVID-19, we’re work virtually; however, it has learn to do it. “It’s an experience and a prac- year professional students to be getting this opportunity that we been a great success,” Hatcher Klek explained that “the first is tice that you wouldn’t normally trained,” Hatcher said. wouldn’t normally get,” DeBlase, a said. “For students, it allows for two practice shots are intramus- have,” Rogers said. “It’s a great op- Duquesne pharmacy students fifth-year pharmacy student, said. them to be able to start the didac- cular — the normal flu shot — and portunity to give back to people.” have been able to step up and fill It’s a “once in a lifetime” op- tic portion of the content without one subcutaneous — the chicken According to the Pennsylvania De- the role of vaccine administrators portunity, Hatcher said, for stu- having to be on campus.” part of the arm.” partment of Health, 770,965 doses through the immunization certifi- dent pharmacists to support the Some objectives of the training, Shortly after Klek’s certification, of the vaccine have been adminis- cate. According to the Pennsylva- community in the midst of a pan- Hatcher noted, were to educate she began to administer vaccines tered statewide through Jan. 26. nia Department of State, phar- demic, and to practice at the top of patients about the benefits of vac- at clinics in the area organized Being able to help administer macy interns who have completed their pharmacy intern license. cines — and dispel myths — and through an independent pharma- the vaccine, according to phar- required education and are under “Students will have gained valu- to safely administer vaccines to cy. Other pharmacy students are macy student Julian Kleberg, was strict supervision of a licensed able experience under the super- patients via subcutaneous, intra- eager to get out into the field and historic. Kleberg volunteered at pharmacist who holds an “active vision of a pharmacist provid- muscular, intranasal and intrader- begin administering, like profes- a clinic in Peters Township last authorization to administer inject- ing vaccinations,” Hatcher said. mal routes. sional year two pharmacy student, weekend. able medications,” are now able to “Additionally, students will have “Training is split up into two Maci Egger. see COVID— page 3 temporarily administer COVID-19 meaningful patient care experi- parts and the APHA [American “We all are willing to give our 2 POLICE briefs Grievance Committee:Shank should be Here are the crimes reported from Jan. 18 to Jan. 25, 2021. reinstated as a Duquesne professor On Jan. 18, Duquesne police “Disagreement with a profes- responded to a call regarding a Kellen Stepler sor’s style and method of teach- small amount of marijuana found editor-in-chief ing cannot serve as grounds for by resident staff inside a Towers “serious misconduct” in violation of TAP 55.” dorm room. Duquesne police ar- Duquesne University’s Griev- UGCF’s report also said rived on scene and confiscated ance Committee for Faculty that Duquesne did not violate the contraband items. The per- (UGCF) recommended that Gary Shank’s academic freedom, as son in the room was referred to Shank, the education professor the university does not sub- the Office of Student Conduct. who was fired for using an exla- scribe to the American Asso- tive racial slur in a class lecture ciation of University Professors On Jan. 21, Duquesne police during the fall semester, should (AAUP) guidelines on academic received a call from a male, who be restored as a faculty member freedom. In October 2020, the stated that a student would be re- of the university. AAUP wrote a letter to Gormley turning to campus with a bomb. Shank had filed a grievance with demanding Shank be reinstated Through a preliminary investi- the UGCF on Nov. 5. He was ter- at the university. gation, Duquesne police were minated from Duquesne Oct. 7. Shank wrote that if Duquesne able to confirm the identity of In a report filed Jan. 14 provid- does not subscribe to the AAUP the student and identify who the ed to The Duke by Shank’s attor- guidelines on academic free- male caller was. The student was ney, Warner Mariani, the UGCF dom, and if the use of the N- contacted and is safe. The stu- found that while Shank “exer- word is a violation of TAP 55, dent was not a participant in the cised extremely poor judgment Kellen Stepler/ Editor-In-Chief then Duquesne needs to imme- threat, and the threat was false. in his decision to use the N-word Shank's case has been heard by Duquesne's Grievance Committee who diately prohibit the use of the recommended that he should be reinstated. President Gormley has the final This case is under investigation rather than an abstraction,” the N-word “for whatever reason it decision on this matter, and his decision must be made by Feb. 5. with possible charges being made termination of his tenure and fir- may be used.” at a later date. ing were not warranted. actions “even going so far as to “For that matter, the universi- “While Dr. Shank’s use of the cherry pick reviews of disgrun- ty should ban any word that pos- N-word was misguided, it was tled former students made over sibly could violate TAP 55 and not malicious,” the report said. the decades of my teaching at let the university’s faculty know COVID-19 According to Mariani, the re- Duquesne.” that the use of certain language port was sent to Duquesne last Citing her testimony, Shank is strictly prohibited and may re- Friday, and cited the university wrote that “The real reason for NUMBERS sult in disciplinary action up to handbook which states that Pres- the termination is made clear by and including their discharge,” Last semester, Duquesne report- ident Ken Gormley has 15 work- the testimony of Interim Dean READ he wrote. ed 295 confirmed cases of COV- ing days to decide the case. Generett when she criticized The report also says that the ID-19 cumulative over time, and Mariani also provided a docu- my teaching style by saying she MORE university provided due process 55 suspected cases of COVID-19 ment setting Shank’s position to thought my class presentation to Shank prior to his suspen- cumulative over time. 140 stu- the UGCF’s findings. Shank said was ‘thoughtless’ because I failed OF dents were isolated on campus to ‘set things up’ and also be- over time, and there were 257 cause I did not use derogatory THE students quarantined on campus comments as to any other group over time. other than African-Americans.” Shank wrote that, pursuant to DUKE'S -Total Confirmed Cases Over AAUP guidelines, he belives that in Time- 5 order for classroom speech not to EXCLUSIVE be protected under academic free- -Total Suspected Cases Over dom, the offending language must COVERAGE Time- 0 be "persistent, pervasive, and not germane to the subject matter." ON Total Students Isolated on Campus "That is not the case here," he wrote. Shank wrote that Gormley Over Time- 1 should recuse himself because GARY Gormley “prejudged me as to Total Students Quarantined on whether my conduct was appro- SHANK Campus Over Time- 6 priate, and because of the public- ity he believes negatively impacted JOIN THE DUKE! Duquesne University.” Griffin Sendek/ Multimedia Editor Gormley e-mailed all students If you’re interested, email thed- After using a racial slur while teaching, Shank has faced an uphill battle for on Sept. 12 — a day after the video [email protected] or stop by our reinstatement. He has consistently defended his use of the word for pedagogical gained traction on social media newsroom located in the basement reasons and upheld his need for academic freedom. — writing that the professor "will of College Hall (Room 113). face very strong disciplinary ac- that while the UGCF report gives pension and termination, citing tion pursuant to the procedures the “appropriate recommenda- sections 9.2 and 9.3 of the Fac- set forth in our faculty handbook." tion” that he be restored as a fac- ulty Handbook. The report also However, Gormley should not EmailTips ulty member, he is “concerned said that Shank refused to meet recuse himself as final arbiter of that the [UGCF] recommends with school of education interim the case, the report said, and that We want your input! that I be sanctioned and also dean Gretchen Generett without as university president, he had a The Duke’s news section would takes a rather restrictive view of the presence of his attorney prior responsibility to “mitigate the love to hear from you about the meaning of Academic Free- to his termination, and that he damage of Duquesne’s reputa- stories that you want to see in dom on Duquesne University’s was provided the opportunity to tion” as the video of Shank using print. Know a talented professor campus.” appeal the disciplinary actions to the racial epithet gained traction or accomplished student? See “Therefore, I feel it necessary the UGCF. on social media, as well as tradi- something on campus that just to take exception to several of Shank wrote that while he tional media outlets. The report doesn’t make sense? You can the Report’s Findings in order taught his class in a manner says that Gormley was not in- send your tips and story ideas to to make my position clear that that he believed at the time to volved with the investigation of SCAN HERE News Editor Colleen Hammond sanctions are not called for here, be “totally appropriate,” Gener- Shank’s case, or the decision to at [email protected] and that an expansive view of ett “committed herself from the fire him. The faculty handbook Academic Freedom must be as- onset to the most severe disci- does not provide an alternative serted not only for me, but the plinary action” and searched for to the president as an arbiter of rest of the University’s faculty,” a justification to support her the case. Shank wrote. January 28, 2021 News 3 Genesius Duquesne awaits vaccine doses, but dis- Theater: A tribution infrastructure is already in place from COVID— page 1 nursing and health sciences have new type been trained to administer the “It was a really good experience,” vaccine. We have developed de- of perfor- Kleberg said. “The people I vac- tailed plans to administer the cinated were really appreciative vaccine to our population quickly — some people were crying. It’s once we receive the vaccine.” mance good to be a part of history.” As prepared as Duquesne may Zoe Stratos Pennsylvania is currently in be, the rollout time of vaccines staff writer phase 1A of the vaccine rollout: in Pennsylvania is less than de- As the weather gets colder, the abil- vaccinating those most high-risk sired. Currently, according to the ity for Duquesne students to socially of illness, such as health care New York Times’ vaccine rollout distance outdoors has become more workers and residents of long- tracker, Pennsylvania ranks 42 difficult. Outdoor tents, tables and term care facilities, people age 65 out of the 50 states. Only 5.1% chairs are disappearing outside Col- and older and those with high- of the population has received at lege and Mellon Hall, and more im- risk conditions. least one shot. portantly, the COVID-19 testing tent During the week of Jan. 17, “We know that Pennsylva- has been put away for the winter. clinical students and faculty were nians are ready for the vaccine,” With some of the most socially able to receive the first round of Pennsylvania Acting Secretary distanced areas on campus taken vaccinations in the Power Center of Health Alison Beam said in Griffin Sendek/ Multimedia Editor for dining and studying to pre- Ballroom. a press release. “We ask for pa- The Genesius Theater will serve as a testing site for all students, faculty and staff vent the spread of COVID-19, the Hosted by the Center for Phar- tience as the amount of the vac- who are present on campus this semester. Everyone present will be tested every university had to look elsewhere macy Care, certified student cine in Pennsylvania and the two weeks at the theater. to provide socially distanced CO- pharmacists were able to vol- nation is limited. We want to en- VID-19 testing during the winter unteer to either administer vac- sure that the vaccine is provided months. The best option became cines or help with other tasks like in a way that is ethical, equitable the Genesius Theater. screening, according to a Face- and efficient, which is why we are “We have all of the ca- “We have a fairly open room and book post by professional year 2 taking a phased approach. This other places on campus like the pharmacy student, Katie Grenell. way we can make sure the most pabilities we need at Power Center, the Union Ballroom Duquesne received 700 doses vulnerable residents can get vac- and the Africa room are all being used for something else important, Duquesne to receive, store so they’re trying to find other large spaces to keep social distancing and administer the vac- protocols in place,” said Genesius Theater’s Technical Director, Jus- tin Sines. “As somebody who’s been cine,” said Gabriel Welsch, at Duquesne as long as I have, it's great to be able to ‘pay that back’ and be able to do all that I can for vice president of market- the university to come back and thrive again during COVID.” ing and communications. Slightly different than other lo- cations on campus, the Genesius Theater is also home to the Red Masquers, a student organization and amateur theatre company here “It’s a pretty exciting and at Duquesne. Though testing will be going on within the theater, the Griffin Sendek/ Multimedia Editor rewarding experience,” testing committee is dedicated to Until the vaccine is released by the state to Duquesne, regular testing for all allowing the Masquers to continue present on campus will be the norm. For the forseeable future, all students, staff Amy Patel said. “I’ve using the building throughout the and faculty who come to campus will have to be tested frequently in the theater. semester. “The Red Masquers are super of the vaccine; 350 for clinical cinated now.” grown as a person and as excited to have partial access to students and faculty at Duquesne But Duquesne continues to our theater space again,” said Red and 350 for clinical students and lobby for vaccine doses to be al- Masquers president, Heather Um- faculty at CCAC, according Vice located to all students, faculty a pharmacy student.” bel. “Having the Genesius back in President for Marketing and and staff, and has done so since our arms, even just a bit, opens up Communications, Gabriel Wel- the early stages of the pandemic. a lot of opportunities for our orga- sch. The second round of vacci- “Duquesne’s leadership is in nization to safely host small theater nations are soon to follow once regular communication about productions.” the health department sends the pandemic with policymakers The Masquers plan to produce them to Duquesne. at the local, state and federal lev- The Pittsburgh Monologue Project Between the successful clinic els,” Welsch said. “We have com- and host Premieres 44, the annual held earlier this semester, and municated with governmental student written works festival, with the hundreds of pharmacy stu- leaders the need to vaccinate our limited casting, a small live audi- dents certified to administer the population as soon as possible. ence and a streaming option for vaccine, Duquesne is hopeful, We look forward to receiving ad- those wanting to attend. and prepared, to receive and ad- ditional doses of the vaccine in Currently, there is no official date minister the vaccine to the gen- the upcoming days and weeks.” for testing to begin for on campus eral student, faculty and staff With more populated clinics becom- and commuter students, though population as soon as possible. ing available in the future, Duquesne the frequency of testing is changing “We have all of the capabilities pharmacy student Amy Patel -- who this semester. The university will we need at Duquesne to receive, has already served in over 10 clinics in be using a method of required sur- store and administer the vac- the Pittsburgh area -- said that the op- veillance testing that will take place cine,” Welsch said. “Last semes- portunity to help administer the vac- every two weeks. Again, testing will ter, the university made modifi- cine is a good way to put her skills to be provided by the university at no cations and repairs to equipment use in the community. Griffin Sendek/ Multimedia Editor cost to individuals. to ensure we are able to store the “It’s a pretty exciting and re- Over 400 students in Duquesne's Bayer School of Pharmacy have been trained vaccines at the temperatures re- warding experience,” Patel said. and certified in distributing vaccines. This is just one of the ways Duquesne quired. We have ensured faculty “I’ve grown as a person and as a administration plans to assist in Pittsburgh's vaccination rollout. and students in the pharmacy, pharmacy student.” 4 Opinions THEDUQUESNEDUKE Corporations are to blame for the staff 113 College Hall editorial 600 Forbes Avenue ‘Get our city Pittsburgh, PA 15282 world’s climate emergency ithin the past decade, ity of greenhouse gas emissions, bowing down to the public and out of your mouth’ editorial staff concerns about cli- a mountain of evidence suggests changing its ways in the wake of On his first day in office, President W mate change have that mankind’s massive environ- consumer pressure. Joe Biden signed 17 executive orders grown significantly as an ever- mental footprint is not only attrib- In turn, everyday people – like editor-in-chief Kellen Stepler that focused on reversing Trump ad- increasing number of scientists managing editor Colleen Hammond utable to the energy sector. you and I – hold the power to ministration policies — including a news editor Colleen Hammond and world leaders continue to In fact, the top 15 food and bev- actualize true change by driv- letter that states the country’s intent to opinions editor Noah Wilbur raise the alarm about the harmful erage companies in the U.S. pro- ing sustainability in the business re-join the Paris Climate Agreement. features editor Katia Faroun consequences associated with a duce approximately 630 million community. In 2019, President Trump notified a&e editor Capri Scarcelli warming climate. metric tons of greenhouse gases Let’s look at some examples. the United Nations that the U.S. would sports editor Adam Lindner From rising temperatures and per year. As a comparison, this In 2015, Tyson Foods – the larg- be withdrawing from the accords, re- layout editor Kelsey Burtner extreme weather events, to higher combined amount is more than est producer of poultry in the moving the country from a list of near- multimedia editor Griffin Sendek sea levels and glacial retreat, the Australia’s total annual emissions. U.S. – began removing human ly 200 others vowing to reduce planet- administrative staff overwhelming evidence clearly Additionally, in terms of cost of antibiotics from its products. An- warming emissions. On Nov. 4 — the adviser Paula Reed Ward indicates that climate change is a other example is PepsiCo’s 2015 ad manager Carissa Haslam day after Election Day — the U.S. for- social media manager Erin Carbone very real and formidable threat to announcement that it will no lon- mally withdrew from the agreement, our global society. ger use the artificial sweetener as- email us: [email protected] and will officially rejoin less than four We know the threat is real. So, partame in its Diet Pepsi. In both months later. we must ask ourselves, who is to cases, two large firms buckled un- While Biden has received wide- blame for our current predica- der pressure in response to fierce spread support for his immediate ment? Only by identifying the root public outcry. decision, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, of the problem can we begin to de- With an intense focus on the has voiced his disagreement — and velop a solution. top- and bottom-lines, businesses brought Pittsburgh into it. Despite a deluge of flashy are vulnerable to changes in con- The day of Biden’s inauguration, “It is always the “green” marketing campaigns, sumer behavior. Therefore, fearful Cruz tweeted that Biden’s decision corporations are responsible for a of losing existing or potential cus- to rejoin the accords “indicates he’s considerable portion of the envi- tomers, individuals can compel more interested in the views of the simple that ronmental degradation occurring companies to commit to sustain- citizens of Paris than in the jobs of the over the past century. As surpris- able compliance by making an ef- citizens of Pittsburgh.” A day later, ing as it may seem, the 3,000 fort to only purchase eco-friendly he shared an image of a free bumper produces the largest companies in the world Noah Wilbur products and services. sticker with the words “Pittsburgh > generate over $2 trillion worth of Corporations possess the re- Paris” — in Pittsburgh’s famous black environmental damage each year. opinions editor sources and influence necessary and gold colors. marvelous.” Arising from their constant damage to the environment, utili- to achieve global sustainability. It seems like Cruz’s new campaign exploitation of natural resources ties, basic materials, consumer Thus, to create a greener corpo- strategy is to replace facts with some- Amelia Barr and unsustainable product of- goods, and industrials all rank rate landscape, we must become thing much more spicy: hypocrisy. ferings, corporate entities are ahead of the oil and gas sector. “conscious consumers” by chang- While Cruz might not realize that historically one of the largest Armed with this knowledge, ing our shopping behavior and the Paris Climate Agreement has noth- I contributors to climate change what actions can we take to urge purchasing products and services ing to do with Paris — besides being You just read Now tweet around the globe. corporations to end their destruc- from those who incorporate sus- the location the accords were signed in our thoughts. us yours. According to the 2017 CDP tiveness? tainable principles and values — he must also be forgetting the vote Carbon Majors Report, a mere With the planet on the brink into daily operations. he cast a few weeks ago disputing the @TheDuquesneDuke 100 firms were accountable for of devastation, consumers must As the climate emergency election results in Pennsylvania. more than 70% of the world’s pressure major corporations and threatens the future of humanity, Cruz’s intent to disrupt one of the greenhouse gas emissions since multinationals to implement sus- it is imperative that consumers core processes of democracy contra- 1988. The report also discovered tainable processes, policies and young and old use their purchas- dicts whatever loyalty he claims to that “Over half of global indus- production methods to reduce ing power to press the business Pittsburgh and strips him of any re- trial emissions since human in- their environmental impact. community into committing to sponsibility he may think he has to editorial duced climate change was offi- Concerned mainly with increas- environmental reform. “stand up” for it. That vote he cast in cially recognized can be traced to ing profits and improving brand Without swift action and global the Senate chamber is a slap in the face just 25 corporate and state pro- reputation, corporations are par- collaboration, the planet will con- to Yinzers who made the decision to policy ducing entities.” ticularly receptive to changes and tinue to suffer from the actions of participate in the electoral process and Although the oil and gas indus- trends in consumer behavior. Big the world’s largest public and pri- vote in November. The Duquesne Duke is the student- tries are to blame for the major- business is historically known for vate entities. Moreover, Cruz has no factual basis written, student-managed newspaper to his assumption that Pittsburgh will of Duquesne University. It is published every Thursday during the academic suffer when the U.S. rejoins the agree- year except during semester breaks and Letter to the Editor: ment. As Mayor Bill Peduto stated in holidays, and prior to final exams. The a response to Cruz, “there are more Staff Editorial is based upon the opin- Concerns about Brottier COVID policy jobs in the renewable/green indus- ions of the editors of The Duke and does not necessarily reflect the views of the am extremely concerned sidering other on campus hous- Theoretically, somebody could try in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) students, faculty, administration, stu- about the COVID-19 situa- ing is required to report. I had contract COVID-19, choose than oil, gas & coal industries com- dent government or the University pub- tion in Brottier Hall. I live bined.” Peduto has since reaffirmed lications board. Op-ed columns do not I to find out from the person who not to quarantine, and infect here and when I moved in, they his pledge to follow the commitments reflect the opinions of The Duke, but had COVID-19 themselves, and unknowing residents because rather are the sole opinions of the col- did not ask me to provide proof of the agreement and reduce the city’s umnists themselves. had I not talked to them, I very nobody is informed of the pres- emissions. of a negative test even though it possibly could’ve been in con- ence of positive tests. Cruz has no reason to imply that re- Letters policy was posted on the door that it tact with somebody who tested I understand that since they joining the Paris Climate Agreement Letters to the editor must be typed, was required (and was also re- double-spaced and include the writ- positive. are an independent apartment will take away American jobs and er’s name, school/department and quired to attend anywhere on harm Pittsburgh’s blue collar work- When I asked them about this building they can chose their phone number for verification. Letters campus- even off campus activi- ers. Sustainable industries offer no should be no longer than 300 words policy, they said that they could policies and do not have to ad- and should be delivered to The Duke ties that were affiliated with the less economic resources to Americans office at 113 College Hall or e-mailed university). do it because they require those here to Duquesne’s COVID-19 than the fossil fuel industry, and pro- to [email protected] by 5 p.m. who test positive to be isolated rules, but Brottier is still a part vide jobs that preserve Earth’s quickly- Tuesday. The editors reserve the right Also, somebody on my floor to edit any and all submitted copies. in the building, or at home. The of Duquesne’s campus con- depleting natural resources. recently tested positive and The residents of Pittsburgh and Par- All letters must be verified before being person who I contacted that had sidering that they are staffed published. Brottier did not inform me nor is — and all the cities of the almost 200 anybody else on the floor or in COVID-19 said that there were by Duquesne RHA staff (RA’s, countries that signed the agreement — Corrections/clarifications Readers should report any story or the building. When I emailed no precautions in the building RD’s, etc). breathe Earth’s air and drink Earth’s photo error to The Duke. All legitimate [Brottier Hall Resident Direc- put in place to make sure that water. A threat to global climate is a errors will be corrected in print the fol- threat to everyone’s climate, and by lowing edition. tor] Nick DuBos, he replied he did not break quarantine and Best, committing to the promises outlined with, “we do not inform resi- expose other residents, other Caroline Nolf Contact in the Paris Climate Agreement, the dents of positive cases” which than not being able to swipe Senior, middle years education U.S. joins the pledge for a better fu- email [email protected] is extremely irresponsible, con- back into Brottier if he leaves. major ture for both Pittsburgh and Paris. Opinions 5 Live in the moment rather than capturing it Katia Faroun what time a post that evening spend lunch editing pictures features editor would gather me the most Ins- of the beach they’re sitting on. tagram likes. Teenagers seek out scenic places hough it’s in the name, Only later does the guilt set and spend the entire time taking a photographer’s goal in — that I have the blessing photos of each other, not stop- Tshould not be a photo-op. of a camera on hand to forever ping for one moment to admire Merriam-Webster defines document a fleeting piece of his- the beauty they’re trampling. “behold” as to gaze upon, usu- tory, but instead of beholding The truth is, it’s easy for pho- ally something of impressive the spectacle with my eyes, I see tographers to get caught up in beauty. Multiple religions place it through an expensive hunk our job. Our natural urge when an emphasis on beholding the of glass. I approached a piece seeing something beautiful or glory of nature. The Judeo- of beauty, a combination of the photo-worthy is to capture it — Christian worldview encourages forces of nature and science, and and to capture it well. But the believers to see God’s presence abused it by viewing it in angles, techniques used to take a good in nature and to respect it as white balance and framing. photo are inherently distracting, part of his creation. Aesthetic Yes, a photographer’s respon- and it’s inevitable for any pho- philosophers, such as Immanu- sibility is to photograph compel- tographer to not be truly in the el Kant, use nature as a basis to ling images — and time can limit moment when on the job. analyze judgments of beauty. In our ability to enjoy the scene However, with all things, the metaphysical realm, nature we’re photographing. But it’s there’s a balance. While it may is revered and respected as at also our responsibility to honor not be possible for photogra- Courtesy of Unsplash least complex and at most holy. Earth’s greatness. Viewing a phers to photograph nature Features Editor Katia Faroun encourages us to live in the moment. But now, nature seems to play spectacle of nature as a canvas unhindered by a lens, it is pos- a lab coat or a badge, and for a falls that rise and fall at Earth’s a different role. is just another way to exploit sible — and essential — for us moment, resort to this tempo- command. And as we enjoy our I’ve been blessed with ex- the natural world — a way to de- to take a moment and simply rary identity. But first and fore- short time on this beautiful periencing countless stunning mean the grandeur of Earth by be a human beholding a mar- most, we are complex anatomi- planet, we can humbly look on, landscapes — ones of majes- seeing it as something to con- vel of nature. cal beings, consisting of various reminded of our identities as its tic mountains, colorful skies sume, rather than to behold. It’s humbling to recognize biological systems. We are the visitors. at sunset or deep blue oceans Today, beholding nature the grandeur of nature and our splashing against a rocky coast. seems like a lost art. Technology finiteness as human beings. result of millions of years of As the book of Genesis re- Almost as soon as my eyes land has brought recent generations Voyager 1’s 1990 image of Earth evolution, and we most likely minds us, “For dust you are, on the beauty, I whip out my an abundance of convenience surrounded by the vastness of won’t be the last versions of our and to dust you will return.” camera and spend the next 10 and joy — but as always with space reminded mankind just species. Who are we to exploit this minutes clicking open the shut- ease, there comes the tempta- how small the pale blue dot we Still, though the existence wonder-filled planet by shoving ter, shifting to get the perfect tion to take for granted exactly call home actually is. To be re- of the human race may only DSLRs and smartphones in its angle and lighting. At minute what this convenience is grant- minded of our seemingly insig- be a small finger nail shaving face? We at least owe it the re- 11, I look out of the viewfinder ing us access to. nificant mark on the history of off the wingspan of time, there spect of beholding its non-man and face an exhausted scene It’s not always photographers the universe forces us to reckon are things that have lasted made beauty, and making that somehow not as striking as it that commit this crime. Tourists with our pride. much longer. There are moun- the image we walk away with. is on my camera display — and walk down streets taking self- For at our core, we are all hu- tains and ravines, valleys and Put the camera down, and walk away, already scheduling ies with La Sagrada Familia and man beings. Yes, we may wear oceans, volcanoes and water- enjoy the view.

The Chinese Communist Party embodies aggression and tyranny

Alex Wolfe people may hold national asset port- staff columnist folios rather than the national assets themselves. The total control of large- tarting the new year with a fresh, scale national assets and suppression of clean slate is always good in the- both minority and political opposition S ory, but I believe it’s extremely is closer to fascism than communism. important this year. We have a new I don’t doubt the reasoning behind American president, a new party in to- the CCP’s genocide — to establish an tal control of the federal government utterly secure and ethnically homog- and the national hope that life will re- enous trade node for its transconti- turn to normal at some point this year. nental railroad to Istanbul, Moscow With that in mind, I’m opening my and the rest of Europe — but that can first column this year by looking at never excuse a policy of extermination. China in a new light, with much more Forced sterilization, torture, family cynicism than in previous years given separation and detention are only one the events of the past year in particu- step away from large-scale executions. lar. Frequent readers of this column, It’s as if the Chinese government ana- or those who know me on campus, may lyzed the Holocaust and presumed that know of a particular obsession I have they could commit these human rights with studying China; and for the past violations as long as they didn’t make seven semesters I’ve written columns murder the official policy, and that for The Duke, I have never been slow to analysis seems to have been correct. criticize China, especially in contrast to The only strong international voice the previous American administration. attacking China on this issue has The current genocide of the Uyghur been former Secretary of State Mike population in Xinjiang and systemat- Pompeo, the same person who joked ic crackdown on democratic activists abroad that the Trump administration Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons in Hong Kong are the true face of the would have a second term. The silence The Chinese Communist Party commits more human rights violations now more than ever. Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and on this is deafening, and to the CCP, the Hong Kong government’s ability to be a “moderately well off society.” American leftists giving China a pass compliance is approval. because the country is run by commu- combat transmission, and many Hong It should be noted that the arbitrary Similarly, the terribly strategic Kongers have begun adopting perma- designation of “moderately well off” is nists must wake up to the Chinese gov- adoption of a new national security nent residence in mainland China out very much a designation meant to be ernment’s true authoritarian nature. law in the wake of the 2019 protests of concern for their personal health. confirmed by the Chinese people as op- A splendid national railway system has allowed the Chinese government and a daily reminder of the national to abduct and detain Hong Kongers 2020 was a momentous year for the posed to some international monitor- commitment to upholding a social- who supported or helped coordinate CCP — the year of followthrough on ing organization. In this way, China’s ist vision does not account for the fact those protests. a decade of grand strategy to rebuild being well off is a measure of the na- that the Chinese people do not control Furthermore, the withholding of international economic access and na- tional confidence of its people, which the means of production. It’s a sub- COVID-19 aid to Hong Kong from the tional pride — but 2021 has been set by incorporates both economic and politi- contracted communism whereby the central government has hamstrung the CCP as the target date for China to cal achievements of the CCP. FEATURES 6 Presentation reminds students of the real MLK Gillian Fitzgerald is not worth having if it involves tion or racial inequality. staff writer equality,” wrote King in the book. The master narrative avoids the Yet, when the monument to vio- actual substance of King and refuses acism. Say it, name it and lence by white extremists occurred to call what he fought what it really call it what it is. just three weeks ago, McKinney is: racism. McKinney explained that In celebration of Rev. Dr. noticed that King’s words were no- not only is this narrative ignorantly R where on television networks or racist, it is perpetrated even further Martin Luther King Jr., keynote speaker Charles McKinney present- connected to this insurrection. He when it is made gendered, classist ed “Martin Tried to Tell Us: Con- urged the audience to think about and heteronormative — all while fronting King as the Nation Chooses why there is a disconnect between lacking accountability in society. Chaos over Community.” The pre- King and these violent images, and “So much of our issue today … sentation discussed the discrepancy why King is only brought up when is our discomfort and inability to between all that King fought for and Black people are using violence — name the thing that we are com- what he’s remembered for today. but not when whites are perpetrat- bating,” McKinney said. “We bat- McKinney is the Neville Frierson ing violence. tle against evil content, but there Bryan Chair of African Studies and “There’s a reason why we don’t are no evil doers: misogyny with- grapple with the real King,” McKin- out misogynists, racism but no Associate Professor at Rhodes Col- Courtesy of Flickr ney said. “We don’t think of King in racists, homophobia but there’s no lege in Memphis, Tennessee. He is a King fought for more than just equality: He also fought against violence and poverty. renowned Civil Rights Scholar who truly, authentically expansive ways homophobes.” has numerous distinguished pub- … we don’t think of King in all of his This behavior and mindset often stated in his presentation, “per- advised students to build their com- lications, and came to talk to stu- prodigious work and the way they motivates the way America goes petual war will always come at the munity, engage in freedom dreams dents, faculty and professors about touched on every aspect of Ameri- about interacting with the rest of the expense of marginalized people at and be bold and unrepentant in tell- a simple, yet important question: can society.” world as well. However, it brands it home and abroad.” ing the truth: Call racism what it is “What would happen if we listened When people talk about King — with the notion that our country’s “Immoral behavior erodes our and figure out what that looks like to Dr. King’s words?” most only honoring him once a year actions are always right, ignoring its moral fabric when we don’t ask hard on campus. The Office of Diversity and Inclu- — who are they referencing? Unfor- history of violence and poverty both questions about the way we move in “Be prepared, willing and able sion held several events last week tunately, it’s usually what social ac- inside and outside its borders. the world,” McKinney said. to engage in dialogues, meetings, honoring King’s legacy on racism, tivist Julian Bond referred to as the McKinney went on to explain The presentation discussed how and workshops ... and be prepared discrimination and poverty in the “master narrative” that surrounds how this toxicity is revealed in mili- King’s anti-poverty and multi-racial to engage in sit ins and non-violent U.S. It ended the week on Friday the Civil Rights Movement in our tarism, as seen at the Capitol last movement is the narrative the U.S. direct action activities when folks with McKinney’s presentation. country: Once King led the protest month and in the way we engage in needs as it continues to go through aren’t hearing you,” McKinney said. In the wake of the riot in the na- movement, backed by the “sympa- war. It results in racism and poverty another political and human rights “Have all channels open, and then tion’s Capitol building at the begin- thetic government,” America un- going unchecked, as many people crisis, due to the fact that Ameri- move forward in confidence that ning of January, King’s words could derstood discrimination was wrong are “violently opposed to the con- cans didn’t actually or fully listen you all are engaged in what Martin have been written yesterday. They and instantly changed — it was a struction of a multiracial democ- to King in the past. It also spoke King called ‘the beautiful struggle to apply to American society just as victory for our great country. racy” in a nation that “manipulates on the United States’ deep-rooted make a new world.’” much today as they did 50 years “It’s the history we’re taught ver- the poor,” as King said. issues and educated the Duquesne T h e S community on the real purpose be- t ago, as seen in King’s book “Where sus the history we should know,” King not only fought for a na- y o t i r hind King’s words, along with how i Do We Go From Here: Chaos or said Anthony Kane, the director for tion of equality, but also for war to n e u BLACK s Community?” the Office of Diversity and Inclusion the country is reliving a time where be seen as an attack on the poor. m

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’ by the unregenerate segregationists written on it — yet not one of them — something that continues to oc- cans are in a position where they s who have declared that democracy contains the words racism, segrega- cur today because, as McKinney must continue King’s work, and he J-Term in review: Student reflects on semester like no other Kellen Stepler “It’s great for Duquesne to offer,” Mackenzie editor-in-chief said. “I appreciate that they recognized that CO- VID changed how people are learning. If some- uquesne students began spring se- one had an open mind and wanted to learn mester classes Thursday, Jan. 21, more, I’d definitely recommend.” but Allison Mackenzie started tak- Duquesne professor Kathleen Roberts taught D the J-Term course New Year, New World: 14- ing classes offered by the university two weeks earlier. Day Challenge. With the longer break between That’s because the second-year law student the fall and spring semesters, Roberts said that decided to participate in Duquesne’s online J- by January, she’d be missing her students a lot, Term. Geared for enrichment purposes only, and her favorite part of her job was interacting and for no credit, 19 free asynchronous cours- with students. es were available to students interested from “Most typical new year’s resolutions are self- Jan. 7 to Jan. 20. serving, and that’s one of the reasons why they The university originally planned for the don’t work,” Roberts said. “I wanted to change first day of the spring semester to begin Jan. ‘new year, new me’ to ‘new year, new world’ — 7, but delayed the start by two weeks due to that if we make changes this year, they should the COVID-19 pandemic. benefit others.” “The Virtual J-Term lets us reward students Roberts said that the changes are easy to for the hard work they did to keep the cam- make because there are so many resources out pus safe during the fall semester,” university there to make the change last as a lifelong habit. Provost David Dausey said in an email to all “The open flow of ideas was similar to a se- students in October, announcing Duquesne’s mester class, but maybe it was also heightened first-ever J-Term along with the spring sched- Griffin Sendek / Multimedia Editor by the short and intense nature of the class,” ule. “Having the opportunity to take a quick Second-year law student Allison Mackenzie appreciated how “low-key” her three J-Term courses were. Roberts said. course on a subject that seems interesting can and Presidential Honeymoons: The First 100 the J-Term was a “way different experience” If Duquesne offers a J-Term course in the fu- help get students ready for their return and Days of an Administration. compared to typical fall and spring semester ture, Roberts recommended that other profes- enrich their overall experience.” “Those were the ones that sparked my inter- courses. sors sign up to teach a class. Mackenzie said that as a law student, the est,” Mackenzie said. “The biggest difference is flexibility — the J- “I hope there will be more courses like this, non-graded J-Term classes were more “low- With an undergraduate degree in political Term was for learning purposes only,” she said. beyond J-Term, that Duquesne could open up key” than her law classes. She took three of the science from Duquesne, Mackenzie said that “Semester courses are not as flexible; like dead- to our alumni and members of the community,” J-Term classes — Divine Comedy: Theology the Presidential Honeymoon course was her lines, for example.” Roberts said. “It’s exciting to think of a univer- through Stand-Up; He Called Me a Mud-Blood! favorite of the three. For someone who has For someone who never took a J-Term be- sity as a place for lifelong learning, as leaders in Exploring Racism and Classism in Harry Potter; been enrolled at Duquesne for five years, fore, Mackenzie said that she would do it again. the intellectual life of the community.” SPORTS 7 Men’s hoops team hits 14 treys, annihilates Fordham

Adam Lindner birthday on Wednesday evening. The fresh- sports editor man wing hit 7-of-11 of his 3-point attempts against the Rams — becoming the third Following a disappointing letdown against freshman in DU history to hit seven or more St. Bonaventure over the weekend, the 3-pointers in a game — before coach Keith Duquesne men’s basketball team throttled Dambrot serenaded him in the locker room Fordham on Wednesday evening en route to after the game with his very own rendition of its largest margin of victory ever in an Atlan- ‘Happy Birthday’. tic 10 road game. Despite Baker’s prolific shooting perfor- The Dukes (5-6, 4-5 A-10) hit a season- mance, Dambrot insisted Baker is still un- high 14 3-pointers and shot 50% from the derachieving and won’t begin to realize his floor against the Rams (1-8, 1-8), who strug- full potential until he starts to take more gled in their first game following the depar- pride in the little things. ture of coach Jeff Neubauer. “He’s just scratching the surface,” Dam- Freshman Chad Baker scored a career- brot said postgame. “He’s a guy that should high 23 points and frontcourt duo Marcus be the best defender, should be the best pass- Weathers and Mike Hughes each posted er, should be the best ball-handler, should be double-doubles, propelling a Duquesne the best shooter. And as crazy as it sounds, Courtesy of Duquesne Athletics team that led by as many as 35 points in the he’s underachieving. Duquesne guard Tavian Dunn-Martin draws contact on his way to the rim during Duquesne’s 86-62 86-62 thrashing. “I have high expectations for talented people. win at Fordham on Jan. 27. Dunn-Martin, who’s been thrust into the starting point guard role follow- The victory was Duquesne’s most com- … When he finally decides he’s going to work ing the departure of Sincere Carry, finished the Fordham game with eight points and seven assists. Head Coach Keith Dambrot said following the game that Dunn-Martin has been dealing with back at this game and put everything he has into it, plete of the campaign — a welcomed reprieve discomfort recently, and that the point guard will play better once he’s completely healthy again. for a team that has struggled to score the ball you’ll see something even better than this. He’s this season. The Dukes entered Wednesday’s got good instincts, and he’s confident as hell.” that next level.’ And if it’s to yell in my face — celations have proved to be detrimental for matchup as the conference’s second-lowest Baker, who left his native Dominican Re- even when I’m right — I’m going to take it, be- Duquesne’s conditioning efforts, with Dambrot scoring team, ahead of only lowly Fordham. public for the United States prior to his ju- cause at the end of the day, he just wants me to stating on numerous occasions that his team Seven 3-pointers from Baker and two each nior year of high school, said he’s grateful for become better,” Baker said. “I cannot take that was not where it needed to be conditioning- from Weathers, Tyson Acuff and Mike Bekel- Dambrot’s criticisms. personally.” wise. Weathers, who spent the summer away ja helped Duquesne build a lead that would “When I first got to Duquesne, [Dambrot] At any rate, Baker’s recent emergence as from Pittsburgh to tend to family matters, was put the game out of reach by halftime. literally told me this: ‘Do you want to be great?’ a scoring threat has been a positive develop- one of those most affected by the pandemic’s Baker, a 6-foot-7 freshman from the Do- I’m like, ‘Coach, I left everything back home ment for the Dukes, who have struggled of- ramifications. Only now is the slashing forward minican Republic, enjoyed quite the 21st to make it. Do what you gotta do to take me to fensively since the departures of three starters beginning to look like his customary self. (guards Sincere Carry and Lamar Norman Jr. Hughes’ strong play as of late — the cen- entered the transfer portal; wing Maceo Aus- ter averaged 14.6 points on 70% shooting in tin stepped away from the program for per- the three games prior to Wednesday’s shel- sonal reasons and hasn’t played since Jan. 5). lacking — coupled with Weathers’ promising Fellow freshmen Acuff and Bekelja — outing in the Bronx should bode well for the both of which have struggled to impact Dukes, who are now set for a Saturday show- Duquesne’s offense since their arrivals on down against conference cellar-dweller Saint campus — made strides against the Rams, Joseph’s (1-13, 0-8). scoring 11 and six points, respectively. Acuff, “We have to use [this win] to catapult into a stocky point guard, looked comfortable becoming a better team, a more consistent with the ball in his hands against Fordham, team,” Dambrot said. “A team that starts a positive development for a team suddenly to believe in themselves a little bit. I mean, in dire need of playmakers. Bekelja, who obviously we had to have some self-doubt — started for the first time in his collegiate ca- me included. reer on Wednesday, added six rebounds in “We’re playing a bunch of guys that haven’t his 27 minutes of action. played,” the fourth-year coach continued. It was the stellar play of Weathers and “The thing I did know is [we can play] with Hughes, though, that may be the game’s everybody in the league. I know we’re com- foremost takeaway. The veteran tandem petitive. It’s just — I didn’t know if we could combined for 32 points and 23 boards on win consistently. You just don’t know until Wednesday, marking the first time since a you make strides. Nov. 15, 2019, win over Lipscomb that both “Now, I really believe if everything goes Courtesy of Duquesne Athletics forwards posted double-doubles. right, if we can show some maturity, we grow Duquesne freshman wing Toby Okani drives toward the rim during a Jan. 9 home victory over Fordham. COVID-19-related postponements and can- up, we can do some good things.”

Men’s Basketball A-10 Standings Women’s Basketball A-10 Standings

Rank Team Conf. Overall Streak Next Rank Team Conf. Overall Streak Next

1. St. Bonaventure 6-1 8-1 W6 1/30 vs. George Mason 1. Dayton 5-0 6-1 W5 1/31 at St. Bonaventure 2. Davidson 6-2 10-5 W4 2/6 at Fordham 2. UMass 6-2 10-3 L1 1/29 vs. Saint Joseph’s 3. Richmond 4-2 10-4 W1 1/29 vs. 22 Saint Louis 3. Fordham 5-2 8-3 W2 1/31 at Davidson 4. UMass 4-2 5-4 L1 2/3 vs. Fordham 4. Richmond 5-2 8-4 W2 1/29 at G. Washington 5. VCU 4-2 11-4 W1 1/30 vs. La Salle 5. Rhode Island 5-2 5-5 W3 1/29 vs. La Salle 6. Dayton 5-3 9-4 W1 1/30 vs. Rhode Island 6. VCU 5-2 7-7 W1 1/29 at George Mason 7. Rhode Island 6-4 9-8 W2 1/30 at Dayton 7. Saint Joseph’s 2-1 4-1 W1 1/29 at UMass 8. George Mason 4-4 8-6 W2 1/30 at St. Bonaventure 8. Davidson 3-3 6-6 L3 1/31 vs. Fordham

9. G. Washington 2-3 3-9 L2 2/6 vs. 22 Saint Louis 9. La Salle 4-4 8-7 W3 1/29 at Rhode Island

10. Duquesne 4-5 5-6 W1 1/30 vs. Saint Joseph’s 10. Saint Louis 1-2 3-2 W1 1/29 at St. Bonaventure 11. La Salle 4-5 7-9 L1 1/30 at VCU 11. Duquesne 1-4 2-7 L6 2/7 at St. Bonaventure 12. Fordham 1-8 1-8 L6 2/3 at UMass 12. St. Bonaventure 1-6 2-8 L2 1/29 vs. Saint Louis 13. 22 Saint Louis 0-1 7-2 L1 1/29 at Richmond 13. G. Washington 1-7 4-10 L3 1/29 vs. Richmond 14. Saint Joseph’s 0-8 1-13 L5 1/30 at Duquesne 14. George Mason 0-7 3-11 L7 1/29 vs. VCU 8 THEDUQUESNEDUKE Pirates commit offseason to acquiring young talent Luke Henne bilt University with the first overall selec- mediate opportunity to serve as the back- since May 2019 due to recovery from a sec- staff writer tion in the 2021 MLB Draft. Adding Rocker up to Jacob Stallings. ond Tommy John surgery. to a farm system that is consistently im- November saw the franchise release fan- With approximately two months to go In just over a year on the job, Pittsburgh proving should certainly help to expedite favorite starting pitcher Trevor Williams. before the start of the 2021 regular season, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington’s the process of returning postseason-cali- Williams’ 3.11 earned run average in 2018 very few players left on the major league flurry of transactions have made it clear ber baseball to PNC Park. brought much hope to the fanbase, but roster will be off the table. Second base- that the franchise is headed in one direc- Cherington was also able to use the the following two seasons saw the right- man Adam Frazier was very likely to be tion: Rebuild mode. 2020 season to evaluate his roster and de- hander post a 5.38 ERA in 2019 and an traded entering this offseason, and the re- While the notion of rebuilding has become termine which players would be kept and even worse 6.18 ERA in 2020, prompting cent signing of Wilmer Difo — a longtime far too commonplace among Pirates fans, it which would be moved on from. While it is the decision by Cherington to let on-field middle infielder for the Nationals — only is a direction in which Cherington and his clear that young stars like third baseman performance speak louder than popularity. reaffirms that possibility. bosses have deemed to be necessary. Ke’Bryan Hayes — who hit .376 and five December brought about the end of the It is not always popular to deal away Following a 2019 season in which the home runs upon being promoted in early tenure for power-hitting first baseman Josh fan favorites left and right, but in doing Pirates endured a 6-25 stretch from mid- September — will be in it for the long haul, Bell. After a signature 2019 in which Bell hit so, Cherington has made it clear that in July to mid-August and ultimately played Cherington’s actions have made it clear 37 home runs and competed in the league’s order to compete in today’s Major League to an ugly 69-93 record (leading to the de- that he is committed to retooling the club Home Run Derby, his 2020 was anything Baseball, the Pittsburgh Pirates will need parture of long-time manager Clint Hurdle wherever he sees fit. but signature, as he hit a meager eight to commit a few years to reestablishing a and general manager Neal Huntington), The always-busy Cherington used the home runs. While he still had any value, farm system rich with talent that can even- Cherington was tasked with changing the final weeks of his first season to grab Cherington took the opportunity to move tually produce at the major league level. team’s identity from one that endured an- some low-risk, high-reward type of talent, on, dealing Bell to the Washington Nation- nual mediocrity to one that would be atro- claiming outfielder Anthony Alford and als in exchange for pitchers Wil Crowe and cious for a few years but could restock its pitcher Carson Fulmer off waivers. Alford Eddy Yean. Yean already ranks in the top farm system in the meantime. hit a home run and drove in four runs in 10 of the Pirates’ top prospect list, whereas In January 2020, the three-time World five games with Pittsburgh prior to a right Crowe is almost certain to make the major Series champion executive dealt center elbow fracture ending his season. Fulmer league roster (either in the rotation or out fielder Starling Marte — the team’s longest did not pitch at all for the Pirates, but does of the bullpen) after breaking into the big tenured player at that point — to the Ari- carry the pedigree of being the No. 8 over- leagues with Washington in 2020. zona Diamondbacks in exchange for short- all selection in the 2015 MLB Draft. Cherington swung another big trade ear- stop Liover Peguero and pitcher Brennan The flurry of moves continued into Octo- lier this month, shipping starting pitcher Malone. Both prospects rank in the top 10 ber, when pitchers Chris Archer and Keone Joe Musgrove to the San Diego Padres in a of the Pirates’ prospect system, according Kela were granted free agency. Both were trade that saw the Pirates acquire four pros- to MLB.com. acquired by Huntington at the 2018 trade pects from a loaded Padres system, includ- Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Cher- deadline as splash moves that were hoped ing another top-10 prospect in outfielder ington used the 2020 MLB Draft in June to put the Pirates back into the playoffs. Hudson Head. The trade also saw the Pi- to select middle infielder Nick Gonzales That was not the case, and allowing them rates add young relief pitcher David Bednar with the draft’s seventh overall selection. to pursue other teams signaled Chering- — a native of nearby Mars, Pa. — to what Without playing a game since the end of ton’s commitment to building a competi- will be a bullpen starved for fresh arms. his collegiate career in March 2020 at New tive roster in a way he sees fit, undoing Earlier this week — not even a week after Mexico State University, Gonzales has al- mistakes made by Huntington at any and Musgrove was dealt — fellow starting pitcher ready ascended to the top spot of the Pi- every avenue possible. Jameson Taillon was dealt to the New York rates’ MLB.com prospect list. Near October’s end, Cherington took Yankees in exchange for a package of four In an abbreviated 60-game 2020 cam- the opportunity to pounce on some much- prospects headlined by 22-year-old pitcher paign, the Pirates won just 19 games, earn- needed catching depth, claiming Michael Miguel Yajure, who struck out eight batters ing the league’s worst record and guar- Perez off waivers from the Tampa Bay and pitched to a 1.29 ERA in seven innings of Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons anteeing them the opportunity to select Rays. Perez — who drove in 13 runs in just work in 2020. Cherington was able to net the Ke’Bryan Hayes, pictured in 2018, is an inte- phenom pitcher Kumar Rocker of Vander- 84 at-bats in 2020 — will likely get the im- prospects despite Taillon having not pitched gral part of the Pirates’ plans for the future.

Hebda: Cherish Roethlisberger if he returns to play in 2021-22 Jacob Hebda With a record six Super Bowls for the self. No game better encapsulates his erratic running back, but there is no guarantee of staff writer Steelers, the city’s fans are accustomed to play than the playoff loss against Cleveland, immediate contribution. Adding impactful winning. In recent years though, those ex- in which he threw four interceptions and veterans via free agency is highly improb- Super Bowl LV is officially set. Kansas City pectations have undeniably diminished. four touchdowns. able given the cap situation. A trade would and Tampa Bay are slated to battle on Feb. 7. In what has become a disturbing trend, Bringing Ben back would come at a cost cost Pittsburgh a key player for next year or Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs find them- Mike Tomlin’s team experienced another though. $41.25 million, to be exact. That’s good a draft pick for an eventual rebuild. selves on the doorstep of a second con- late season collapse. A historic 11-0 start was for the most expensive salary cap hit in the NFL. No clear solution exists, which is why it will be secutive championship. They would be quickly blemished by three consecutive losses. If Roethlisberger retires, the Steelers months before a plan truly comes into fruition. the first team to accomplish that since Then, in a playoff game where they were wide- would save money, but it also dampens post- The Roethlisberger Era could be barreling the Patriots won back-to-back in 2003-04 ly favored, the Steelers fell to Cleveland, 48-37. season aspirations. They would still owe him toward an ignominious conclusion, but the and 2004-05. Now, Pittsburgh is at a crossroads. With $22.5 million, too. Steelers still have a puncher’s chance next Speaking of that legendary New England the roster aging earlier than hoped, espe- The remaining roster features a decent array year. Their fate next season is anyone’s guess. team, their former quarterback is hoping to cially on offense, the championship window of talent, particularly on defense. Mainstays Perhaps the best strategy, then, is for ob- win his seventh Super Bowl, albeit for the may be closed. T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cam Hey- servers to simply appreciate what should be Buccaneers this time. It’s unfamiliar territory for the storied ward will lead what should be a stingy group. Roethlisberger’s last playoff push. Every Super Bowl is heavily anticipated, franchise. When a future Hall of Famer Offensively, the receiving duo of Diontae Few franchises are ever graced with a but some years even more so. This is one of leads your offense for 17 years, as -Ben Ro Johnson and Chase Claypool is a bright spot. quarterback as accomplished as the two- those instances, as the NFL will witness its ethlisberger has, a Super Bowl always seems Beyond those two though, the prospects are time Super Bowl-winning Roethlisberger. brightest star of the past two decades facing within reach. questionable. The list of active quarterbacks with two off with the future of the league. That mission remains the same now, A once-dominant offensive line has finally championship wins is brief: Brady, Roeth- Per tradition though, the penultimate though the prospects for the 2021 season are succumbed to age. Former All-Pros Maur- lisberger and, if he beats Tampa on Feb. 7, week of the season will feature no com- far murkier than in years past. kice Pouncey and David DeCastro, as well as Mahomes. It may be decades before another petitive action other than the generally un- The Steelers looked elite at various points Alejandro Villanueva, could retire. quarterback of Roethlisberger’s talent ar- noticed Pro Bowl. This season, due to the early in the season, but their eventual implo- An already vapid backfield projects to lose rives in Pittsburgh. COVID-19 pandemic, there isn’t even a cus- sion raises legitimate concerns about the future. its top runner this offseason, James Conner. Ben may not be the same player he once tomary Pro Bowl. A return from Ben, which seems likely, The offensive line and run game are the was, but he’s good enough to give his team a So, with what is essentially a two-week lull would be the best path to a postseason berth. only two units in particularly poor shape, chance. With the clock ticking on this golden for the NFL, this seems like a proper time to Despite stumbling down the stretch, Roeth- but the path to repair is unclear. era, we should enjoy the final ride before Ro- evaluate Pittsburgh’s own football team. lisberger still showed glimpses of his former Pittsburgh can draft linemen or a new ethlisberger finally hangs up his cleats.

January 28, 2021 sports ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT 9 PSO musicians persevere in the midst of pandemic week’s Olivia Burik staff writer events hen the COVID-19 pan- demic forced many COVID-19 Mask Distribution Jan. 29, @ 9 a.m. Wstates into lockdown, concert halls around the nation went silent. Go to the Office of Commuter Jim Rodgers, principal con- Affairs (room 112 in the Union trabassoonist of the Pittsburgh building) for a chance to grab a Symphony Orchestra, recalled free mask! March 13, 2020 as the day every- thing changed. DPC DUNite: Philly Pretzel “We were told to go home and Factory that we were going to be initiating Jan. 29, @ 9 p.m. lockdown,” Rodgers said. With rising fears of the spread Stop by the Union NiteSpot for of COVID-19, the PSO was not the some free soft pretzels! only group to halt its plans. Rachel Stegeman, a Pittsburgh- based violinist, was normally involved in multiple ensembles throughout the year. Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, where Stegeman serves as con- certmaster, was the last ensem- ble she rehearsed with before the courtesy of wikimedia commons shutdown in March. With patience, Pittsburgh performers adjusted their typical routine to accommodate pandemic protocol. “We did the whole rehearsal, and Rodgers. He participated in a few few concerts live streamed remotely “It was a great opportunity to upcoming at the very last second, the board of the weekly Sunday concerts in in Oglebay for socially-distant ball- get to know the people who love came on stage and said, ‘we can’t the Highland Park neighborhood. room dinners, according to concert- the orchestra and wanted to be have the concert,’” Stegeman said. releases “I remember we played our first master Rachel Stegeman. there every week,” Shivone said. Despite the abrupt end to the piece, and I heard applause. And Also concertmaster of the Even more disheartening is the season, she described feeling a I almost started crying because Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, fear that some orchestras may not OK Human sense of closure. I was thinking I haven’t heard Rachel Stegeman led a chamber be able to survive this pandemic. Weezer “That dress rehearsal really felt Friday, Jan. 29th applause since the middle of orchestra concert in November at the “I do definitely worry about like a concert somehow. It had March,” Rodgers said. DeYor Performing Arts Center for a some of the smaller orchestras in exceptional energy and passion,” American rock band Weezer PSO cellist Karissa Shivone per- socially-distanced audience of 100. the country,” Shivone said. Stegeman said. is set to release their 14th formed as part of a socially-dis- Beyond the organizational She said that community ensem- Once the nation traded suits for studio album, allegedly about tanced and masked string quartet level, many individual musicians bles can play a crucial role in the sweatpants and the workday com- being "isolated, alienated and for a drive-in concert in Homestead. took the time to engage in proj- development of a young musician, mute for instant Zoom meetings, secluded." The performance included several ects of their own. and she hopes that future genera- the classical music world began to movements from Mozart string Nova, a PSO trombonist, said tions are able to benefit from these The Little Things adapt in its own ways. quartets. A large screen project- he has used the extra time to work opportunities. Friday, Jan. 29th The musicians of the Pittsburgh ed the live performance, and the on his audio and video skills, pro- But it isn’t just the smaller orga- Symphony Orchestra released audio was accessible to audience ducing his own content and also nizations that are being affected. Directed by John Lee online content throughout the members in their cars via radio, assisting other musicians with Perhaps most shocking to the Hancock and featuring stars onset of the pandemic. according to Shivone. their projects. classical music industry was the such as Denzel Washington, “We actually realized that we Rami Malek and Jared Leto, The Pittsburgh Opera put “I have treated this as an New York City-based Metropolitan could still connect with our audi- this film features an officer on together a production of Mozart’s unplanned sabbatical,” Nova said. Opera’s decision to cancel its entire ences and with the community the hunt for two serial killers. “Cosi fan tutte” with a modified Contrabassoonist Rodgers said 2020-2021 season and leave many through video and social media,” ensemble size and run time for a he found himself frequently using musicians without pay. Rodgers said. limited audience. the Acapella app, where users can “Because of the lack of pro- According to Rodgers, “Sunday Charles Stegeman, violinist and layer multiple videos to create tection in their contract and the capri's Night Live concerts” featured dif- husband to Rachel Stegeman, harmony, as a way to create con- lack of sympathy and support of ferent individual musicians each is the concertmaster of the tent for the PSO as well as for his their management, they were basi- complaints week. The “Practice! Practice! Pittsburgh Opera and Pittsburgh own use. cally let go without any indication Practice!” segment provided guid- Ballet Theatre Orchestras. Rachel Cellist Shivone began to experi- of when they would come back,” ance for young musicians. “Bright is the assistant/associate concert- ment with writing new arrange- Rodgers said. Newsflash: Online learning still sucks Spots” were videos of short pieces master for both groups. ments of music for both herself The Met is "going to pay an recorded by musicians who then This is not new information, but I Charles Stegeman said that the and her husband, a bass baritone enormous artistic cost for spoke of their personal connection cannot keep up with HyFlex! normal orchestra size for a pro- in the Pittsburgh Opera. The duo decades because of this," trom- to the music. duction of “Cosi fan tutte” is about was featured in one of the PSO bonist Nova said. "Musicians An ongoing video series, “Front I feel like I never know where I'm supposed 35 to 55 players. The Pittsburgh musicians’ “Sunday Night Live” have a long memory." Row,” features small groups of to be when, and I already feel behind on Opera’s performances cut that performances. However, there is still hope for PSO musicians playing in Heinz assigments - and it's barely the second number to 13. The audience Rachel and Charles Stegeman other orchestras who are pull- Pittsburgh keeps Mac Miller in their hearts to honor his life and all he accomplished. Hall as well as other well-known week of school. appeared to be around 30 people moved their annual violin and ing through with the support of local backdrops. in total, according to Stegeman. viola summer camps completely donors and subscribers. Social distancing, mask wear- Some professors are quite diligent when it The production took place at the online and even found the virtual “I’m kind of an eternal optimist. ing, and self-assessments of health comes to updating their syllabi or reminding opera company’s building in the versions to be more effective in I believe that when things do have were required for the PSO musi- students of upcomng due dates, but some... Strip District. some respects. the chance to bounce back, they’re cians to return to work. are not. And it's getting quite confusing According to Charles Stegeman, Though many musicians and going to bounce back incredibly Both Rodgers and PSO sec- already in this lovely spring semester. instrumentalists who could not music organizations have found strongly,” said Rodgers. ond/utility trombone James wear masks due to the technicali- ways to innovate in this unprec- Shivone mentioned that her Nova emphasized the impor- I think the extended winter break is partially ties of their respective instruments edented era, the adjustment to the music-making used to feel more tance of safety for everyone, while to blame, as I have not opened my laptop in were spaced 10 feet apart from new normal has been difficult. about herself, but she now sees also acknowledging the danger almost two months. each other, with plastic sheets to Without the live element of it as a gift of healing, something of COVID-19 for wind and brass catch any droplets. The string and “high pressure concerts,” many she believes the world will desper- players, who directly rely on their I can only handle so much Zoom fatigue to percussion sections were also sep- “powerhouse players” began to ately need after the tragedy of the respiratory health for their careers. process what comes next, not to mention arated from the winds and brass. feel “rudderless,” said Nova. COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond their online presence, the bags under my eyes, but I guess I'll find Vocalists wore specialized masks. Shivone said she especially “I think people have realized, some PSO musicians participat- out the hard way sooner or later. The Wheeling Symphony misses greeting audience mem- now that we’re not able to have ed in local “porch concerts” for -Capri Scarcelli Orchestra also performed live, bers before concerts, a somewhat [live music], how important it is to limited audiences, according to including one outdoor concert and a new tradition for the PSO. us all,” Shivone said.

10 THEDUQUESNEDUKE Sabrina Carpenter's 'Skin' faces backlash from fans Capri scarcelli and Singular: Act II (2019). on-screen, off-screen romance a&e editor Now signed with Island Records, between Rodrigo and Bassett Carpenter got to work right away came to a halt around Halloween, livia Rodrigo’s “Driver’s with a surprise for the pop indus- where Bassett and Carpenter License” has been no. 1 try – perhaps a hit- and-run. made a flirty TikTok together, Oon Billboard’s Top 100 for Released on Jan. 22 with over and had been spotted driving two weeks now. 800,000 streams, Carpenter around his neighborhood just Remember the “blonde girl” brought in her perspective of the weeks later. she references? Yeah. That’s ordeal, addressing the drama While Rodrigo’s “Driver’s Sabrina Carpenter. And she took surrounding the love triangle License” confirmed the rumor of it to a whole new level with her between herself and High School their breakup, Carpenter’s “Skin” new single, “Skin.” Musical The Musical: The Series reaffirmed these speculations – Well-known for her role of (HSMTMTS) co-stars Rodrigo especially with her defensive tone Maya Hart on Disney’s Girl Meets and Joshua Bassett. throughout the song. World, the young actress took The song took to social media Fourth year pharmacy major to focusing on her music career immediately, becoming a part of Adele Sciarroni said “I’m so courtesy of disney signed with Hollywood Records, the “Driver’s License” trend on excited about the publicity the The HSMTMTS lovebirds stirred drama in the pop world with their alleged breakup. debuting her EP Can’t Blame a TikTok, Instagram and Twitter to songs have gotten … the one bad Carpenter said. “people can only the way each artist approached Girl for Trying (2014) followed dissect these young performers' part of the publicity is all the get to you if you give them the the rumors surrounding them by her studio albums: Eyes love lives. hate they are getting, especially power to. and a lot of people were says a lot about who they are.” Wide Open (2015), Evolution According to an article by Joshua [Bassett] and Sabrina trying to get to me.” Sciarroni disagreed, saying, “I (2016), Singular: Act I (2018) Vulture, fans speculated that the [Carpenter].” Fans of Rodrigo were quick to don’t think Sabrina deserves the The parallelism between “Skin” come to her defense, with some backlash she has gotten because and “Driver’s License” is quite TikTok users saying that 21-year- it doesn’t seem like she’s actually obvious, as Carpenter addresses old Carpenter is “bullying” her, done anything wrong.” specific lines in Rodrigo’s single being that the young actress/ “Olivia [Rodrigo] never blames while also adding to the narra- singer-songwriter is only 17. her in ‘Driver’s License;’ she tive. Lines such as “maybe we Sophomore political sci- almost compliments her by say- could’ve been friends/If I met ence and international relations ing ‘she’s everything [i’m] inse- you in another life,” “Maybe major Riley Moore said that cure about,” Sciarroni said. “I blonde was the only rhyme,” and, the drama following “Driver’s also think Sabrina’s statement of course, the chorus: “You can License,” was “completely unin- made some very good points. try/To get under my, under my, tentional,” though she thinks She’s not playing dumb – she under my skin/While he’s on that Carpenter’s new single “took owned up to the fact that parts mine,” all seem to be a call-and- things a little too far.” of the song are about ‘Driver’s response to Rodrigo’s breakup “After listening to [‘Skin’] I felt License,’ but made it clear that with Bassett. that [Carpenter] went out of her the song in general is more about However, according to way to lyrically attack Rodrigo,” all the hate she’s been getting.” Carpenter’s Instagram post, her Moore said. “While it definitely The drama may be a long road new single “isn’t calling out one could be a publicity stunt, I feel ahead, but fans can look for- single person.” like Olivia [Rodrigo] released her ward to more answers from these “i wasn’t bothered by a few single with good intentions and artists with Bassett’s upcoming griffin sendek, multimedia editor lines in a (magnificent) song Former Disney star Sabrina Carpenter responds to hate with her daring lyricism. the drama that followed was just EP release on March 12, where and wrote a diss track about it,” circumstantial. I definitely think Carpenter will be featured.

WandaVision introduces a pop of color to the series griffin sendek A third of the way through this nine- multimedia editor episode series, and there is still little clue of where this show is headed. andaVision episode three “Now The best moments the series has to In Color” sheds the black and offer are the brief glimpses into the world white and plunges itself into a outside this fantasy land of classic tele- W vision, and the glimpse “Now In Color” vibrant technicolor display, replicating the look and feel of 1970s sitcoms. delivers is the best of the show so far. “Now In Color” is filled to the brim The playful antics and classic television with playful gags and charming charac- tropes with a superpowered twist are still ter moments centered around Wanda’s lovely to behold; Paul Bettany continues (Elizebeth Olsen) inexplicable, unnatu- to be immaculately charming in the role rally quickly progressing pregnancy. of Vision. In terms of delivering answers to any The fact that WandaVision is light on questions posed by the previous two epi- the overarching mystery and heavy on sodes or substantial progression of the the laughtrackable moments is not nec- plot, this chapter of WandaVision contin- essarily a bad thing. Had the show been ues to be skimpy. conceived purely as married life sitcom — no ambiguity, no intrigue, no real impact on the MCU, WandaVision would still be courtesy of disney enjoyable and well worth the watch. With a whole new look, the MCU plot thickens with a buzzing romance between Wanda and Vision. Without the hindsight of where the rest of the series will go, this episode is diffi- were the best choice. receiving any worthwhile plot details. cult to gauge — if “Now In Color” was the Waiting an entire week for 25 minutes The mysteries of the show have been beginning of something new or just more of content, with only five of those pre- building for three episodes now, and the of the same, remains to be seen. cious minutes worth of significant story expectations for a worthwhile payoff con- Opposed to Netflix’s binge model, the progression, makes for a slightly under- tinue to rise. weekly release Disney+ has implemented whelming viewing. The show has teased just enough to keep for its shows is excellent for maintain- The last five minutes are some of the viewers coming back for the next install- ing hype, keeping its series in constant best yet, they left me wanting more, but ment, but hopefully the next episode will conversation. For WandaVision, with its their impact is dampened by the brev- provide some much needed answers. courtesy of disney trend of slow burns and subtle hints, it’s ity and knowledge of waiting through an Episode four of WandaVision will pre- WandaVision emerges from its '50s feel. unclear if the weekly episode releases entire week and more sitcom antics before miere on Jan. 29 only on Disney+.

January 28, 2021 arts & entertainment THE LAST WORD 11

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