April 3, 2024

The Emory Wheel

Student assaulted at protest outside Chabad

By Clement lee and JaCk RutheRfoRd Managing Editor & News Editor

In a tense protest Tuesday night, pro-Palestinian protestors assaulted an Emory University School of Law student in front of Chabad at Emory’s house. The protest began around 6:30 p.m., with pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered around the front

By lauRen yee

Mirjam Reijnen and Naomi Adler, survivors of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack, spoke at Emory University Hillel about their experiences during the attacks in Nahal Oz, a kibbutz in southern Israel.

Hillels of Georgia Chief Executive Officer Rabbi Larry Sernovitz hosted the event, which was organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. He said the event was an effort to allow people to hear the survivors’ stories and share insight about the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

“When you hear these stories, there is context to what we’re dealing with in the world,” Sernovitz said. “In that way, when you recognize the humanity of the other, we can change the way that we live in the world.”

Adler was born in Minneapolis but has lived in Jerusalem since she was a baby. She said when she was pregnant with her second son, she “fell in love” with Nahal Oz and decided to move there with her family. Reijnen, however, said she moved to Nahal Oz from the Netherlands because of the

entrance with signs and Palestinian flags.

Emory Students for Justice in Palestine (ESJP) organized the protest in response to Emory Chabad hosting an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Reservist Commander for dinner and a talk. The Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States, Anat Sultan-Dadon, was also in attendance.

“growing antisemitism” in Europe.

On the morning of Oct. 7, 2023, Reijnen said a missile alert woke her and her family. They then ran into their home shelter and stayed there for more than 17 hours without food or water as rockets struck the vicinity.

“We just heard noises outside,” Reijnen said. “We didn’t even know exactly what was going on because you’re just sitting in this room, and you didn’t have … connection with the outside world.”

Around 4 p.m. that day, Reijnen heard knocking on her door, but she did not open it.

Reijnen said she had learned of Hamas members pretending to be Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers. Reijnen added that it was a “really frightening moment.”

“I remember my daughter sitting behind me, no place to hide,” Reijnen said. “Our safe room is seven square meters … There was no place where she could hide. She was crying, and … one of my sons was just lying in his bed with the blanket over his head.”

After about 10 minutes, Reijnen opened the door after her neighbor

The law student, who requested to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, brought his car adorned with American and Israeli flags to the Chabad house parking lot. The student said he was holding an Israeli flag at the Chabad fence when the assault occurred.

“Multiple guys came up to me from the bottom [of the fence], and they reached through the fence to

told her that it was safe. When she stepped out of the door, she fell into the arms of the first IDF soldier she saw and started to cry.

“I thought we’re safe,” Reijnen said. “They came to help us, and then they said, ‘No, I’m sorry, but you only have a few minutes. Take something to drink, take something to eat and go back in your safe room.’”

Reijnen and her family waited until midnight before the IDF came to take them out of their house. She reflected that the more she tells her story, the harder it gets.

“It’s not just a bad, bad movie,” Reijnen said. “It really happened, and we’re still in a war, and we cannot go home.”

Adler showed a photo of a 10-yearold boy who is friends with her sons. She described how his 18-year-old sister was killed in front of him on Oct. 7, 2023, and his father is currently being held hostage in Gaza. The boy’s grandmother watched her son being taken hostage on Facebook through a Hamas livestream.

She recalled following security message instructions that same day

grab the flag because I was on my side of the line,” the student said. “They punched me in the stomach, grabbed the flag and started a back and forth, and then one of them spit at me. And then I went to the cops, and apparently one of the guys that engaged in that had flashed his gun that he was carrying.”

Elijah Brawner (26T), who helped organize the protest, stated that the

By alyza maRie haRRis Oxford Events Desk

Vice President for Campus Services and Chief Planning Officer

Robin Morey revealed at last week’s University Senate meeting that Emory University is planning to build a new residence hall at Oxford College that will be open to students by summer 2026. This came after he remarked that Oxford needs to replace the Jolley Residential Center (JRC), which was constructed in the 1950s.

Morey said the new residence hall will house more than 300 students and is expected to go into design this spring. In collaboration with Oxford’s administration, Morey and Associate Vice President for Planning and Engagement David Payne have identified a “storage house” where some campus service administration work as the location for the new residence hall, according to Morey.

Amina Malone (25Ox) lives on the bottom floor of JRC’s Dickey Hall, which is one of four halls that make up

men who allegedly assaulted the student were not affiliated with Emory or ESJP. The men appeared to be beyond college age.

Brawner also said that he did not see the law student get hit.

“Nobody touched the student,” Brawner said. “They grabbed his flag. They pull on the flag, he pulls

the residential center. She described living in JRC as a “rollercoaster.”

“Sometimes it’s fine,” Malone said. “It almost feels like there’s at least one thing wrong every time I go to use the washing machine or go to the bathrooms. It just always feels like there’s something that’s broken. So it’s frustrating.”

In January, JRC residents opted to relocate to other housing on the Oxford campus after finding mold in their dorm rooms. Following such reports, staff members from Emory’s Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) inspected three rooms in Dickey Hall and discovered that a leak in a water line was creating the mold. The University hired professionals to repair the leak and remove the mold. The inspections continued into spring break and included an assessment of conditions such as humidity, temperature and the possible presence of mold, dust or debris, according an email EHSO, Facilities Management and Residential Education and

RutheR

A young woman confronts demonstrators protesting against an Israeli Defense Forces reservist's invitation to Chabad at Emory to give a speech on April 2.

Protestors allegedly yell slurs at students entering Chabad

Continued from Page 1

the flag back.”

The student said he filed a police report and that the two suspects of assault were in custody as of Tuesday night. Lipskier also stated that he believes two individuals were arrested after the protest.

The Emory Wheel was unable to reach the DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) as of press time.

Organizers took turns leading chants such as, “Free, free, Palestine, long live Palestine,” “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” “There is only one solution, intifada revolution” and “Long live the intifada.” “Intifada” is a word for an uprising that is used to describe periods of Palestinian militant attacks on Israel throughout history. Protestors also chanted “Baby killers” toward students standing on the Chabad lawn.

At one point, a student came out from the Chabad house and attempted to talk to protestors, who yelled chants back and questioned why she was not protesting with them.

Emory Police Department (EPD) drove past the scene multiple times at approximately 7:00 p.m. Approximately six DKPD cruisers and several uniformed DKPD officers were already present, and the organizers began chanting “EPD, KKK, IDF are all the same.” A few DKPD officers stood down on the street with protestors, and others positioned themselves by the Chabad house. A man with an AR-15-style rifle, handguns and a dog was present on the Chabad lawn.

Zachary Hammond (23Ox, 25C), a member of Students for Socialism at Emory, gave a speech with respect to persistent activism and the IsraelHamas war.

“If there’s ever a moment in this movement that you feel small, if there’s ever a moment in this movement where you feel like you won’t win, just remember that we are all here with you,” Hammond said. “No matter how much they try to drown us out. No matter how many IDF sol-

diers come to this campus, no matter how many mosques they destroy, no matter how many homes they destroy, Palestine will be free.”

Soon after a series of chants led by organizers, the protest escalated after people parked behind the demonstrators with both an American and an Israeli flag hanging from one of the cars. While Hammond gave a speech to the protestors, the individuals in the Chabad parking lot began to play music from their car speakers.

In recognition of Iftar, which is the meal eaten to break fast during Ramadan, Brawner led the Maghrib prayer, one of the five mandatory Salah prayers, to close out the protest. However, the people in the Chabad parking lot began to play music during the prayer.

“The Israeli terrorists started chanting and playing their music

during that, which was very, very disrespectful,” said Saturn Williams, a student at Chattahoochee Technical College (Ga.) who heard about the protest through the Atlanta branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

Although Williams arrived 10 to 15 minutes before people began dispersing from the protest, they noticed the “cops interrogating” a “man of color.”

According to screenshots of the ESJP general body GroupMe chat obtained by the Wheel, protest organizers wanted to have members inside the Chabad house.

“I feel like there needs to be someone on the inside to be able to note any particularly disturbing statements,” a member of the chat wrote. “I know admin doesn’t really care but being able to quote specific damaging rhetoric would probably be

beneficial?”

An organizer also discussed wanting “anonymous” people inside to video record the talk and see what the IDF commander said.

“We need a white-looking person,” an ESJP member wrote.

An ESJP executive board member also directed members to “contact anyone in Atlanta” to attend. Additionally, another member said “yes” when asked if non-Emory students can “attend and disrupt” the protest.

Organizers noted that Emory’s Respect for Open Expression Policy did not apply to the protest since the Chabad house is private property.

“Even better it mean[s] we can disrupt more,” a member wrote. Another added, “This means at least one major barrier to disrupt has been removed.”

A “concerned” Jewish student who

attended the event and requested to remain anonymous due to safety concerns said that protestors were harassing Jewish students as they walked inside the Chabad house.

“As Jewish students came into the event, they were called k*kes,” the student said. “They were called Nazis. They were called f*ggots by these anonymous protesters that student groups invited to campus to pose as disruptors.”

Brawner said he utterly condemns any slur usage.

“We unilaterally condemn all forms of racial, religious, sexual and gender discrimination,” Brawner said.

The protest continued into the middle of dinner at the Chabad event, and Dylan LaBorwit (26C) noted it changed the atmosphere of the meal.

“Everyone was kind of shocked,” LaBorwit said. “It was kind of hard to believe.”

LaBorwit also thought the protest could have intimidated underclassmen walking near campus property.

“Imagine a freshman walking into this and kind of be discouraged or kind of frightened because you’re just on the road alone, you’re walking by a bunch of people, and you’re not sure what’s gonna happen,” LaBorwit said.

However, Emory Chabad Rabbi Zalman Lipskier said he thought the actual talk was “beautiful.” He added that the event provided a space for students to hear firsthand what life in Israel is like, both in and out of the army.

“We all need to work to promote a more cohesive, unified Emory family,” Lipskier said. “It’s unfortunate that some people are looking to tear us apart.”

View a partial video of the assault at www.emorywheel.com.

— Contact Clement Lee at clement.lee@emory.edu and Jack Rutherford at jack.rutherford@emory.edu

Constitutional Council to hear Davis campaign’s appeal of 2024 SGA election

By spenCeR fRiedland

Managing Editor Content Warning: This article contains references to sexual assault.

The Student Government Association’s (SGA) Constitutional Council will hold a hearing procedure tomorrow for “Davis & Robuck v. Board.” This comes after former SGA presidential candidate Jayden Davis (25B) and his campaign manager Elijah Robuck (26C) filed an appeal on March 29 to adjudicate their claims against SGA President Abigail Dubinski (25B) and Vice President Pranay Mamileti (26C).

In an email to The Emory Wheel, Constitutional Council Chief Justice Kardelen Ergul (24C) wrote that the Council will announce its decision by April 9.

“The Constitutional Council wanted to learn more about the situation from the sides and is excited about the hearing,” Ergul wrote.

After losing the SGA presidential election to Dubinski on March 1, Davis’ campaign filed several accusations of election misconduct against the Dubinski-Mamileti campaign, including bribery, voter intimidation, fraud and harassment. However, the Elections Board decided to dismiss the Davis campaign’s allegations,

largely due to a lack of substantial evidence. The Davis campaign alleged that the Board was biased in its decision, prompting themhim to file an appeal to the Constitutional Council.

Davis and Robuck wrote in the appeal that if the Constitutional Council finds that the Elections Board decided to ignore a “preponderance of evidence,” they should disqualify Dubinski and Mamileti. The Council could also call for a “rerun” of the election, Davis and Robuck wrote, noting that this would allow Davis and Dubinski “the opportunity to fairly and justly partake” in an election.

Dubinski wrote in an email to the Wheel that she was “shocked and disheartened” by Davis and Robuck’s allegations, calling them “baseless.”

“Jayden's campaign is again attempting to block Pranay and me from working with the students and the administration to move Emory forward,” Dubinski wrote.

“In Jayden's and the team's filings, the comments continue to be antisemitic, sexist and false. As I have repeatedly said, our Emory community should be better than this.”

In the appeal, Davis listed three claims against the Elections Board, alleging that the Board did not properly adjudicate his election allega-

tions against the Dubinski-Mamileti campaign. Further, the appeal alleged that the Board had a “biased stance” during the SGA election cycle.

“The Hearing has also made it abundantly clear that the Elections Board, regardless of the waivers they may have signed, are biased towards certain individuals,” the appeal stated.

Board of Elections Chair Luxe Langmade (22Ox, 24C) declined to respond to the Wheel’s request for comment.

The appeal also condemned Dubinski’s campaign. In the introductory disclaimer, Davis and Robuck wrote that Dubinski “weaponized her Jewish identity” against Davis and his campaign team. Additionally, the appeal stated that there are “rumors regarding Abigail’s association with Islamophobic individuals.” However, Davis declined to name who the Islamophobic individuals are due to safety concerns.

Furthermore, the appeal stated that Dubinski’s “circle made it clear” that her team was behind “hostile” Fizz posts about Davis, with some reading “What are these Jayden Davis [sSexual aAssault] charges I’m hearing about?” and “Jayden Davis would be beheaded first day he stepped foot in Palestine.” Fizz is

a social media app where members of the Emory University community can anonymously post text, polls and photos.

SGA Attorney General Grace Lee (21Ox, 24C) wrote in her recommendation to the Constitutional Council that the group should not hear Davis and Robuck’s appeal, explaining that the pair did not include any new evidence in their filings. She further alleged that the Davis campaign’s claims lack “procedural and factual substances,” making a hearing unnecessary.

Lee added that the Elections Board was impartial and followed the Elections Code’s procedures throughout the student government election. In her recommendation, Lee wrote that SGA must have a smooth transition of power to ensure it can continue its operations and foster trust with Emory’s student body.

“They have worked tirelessly to safeguard all students involved in an exceptionally contentious election fraught with controversy, thereby mitigating any potential adverse effects on students and student groups, in addition to the enormous responsibility of holding a fair and impartial election,” Lee wrote.

However, Davis said he is happy that the Constitutional Council chose

to take on his campaign’s appeal.

“The Constitutional Council has thus far done a very good job of making sure that everything they are doing is just and organized and plays by the book,” Davis said. “So I am hopeful that they will listen to all of our claims and interpret it as they see fit.”

Robuck agreed with this statement, saying he was unsure of what the outcome would be when he submitted the appeal.

“I am very impressed that the Constitutional Council [was] willing to be like, ‘Hey, I think this is something we need to hear and we really need to look into more,’” Robuck said.

If you or someone you know experienced sexual assault, you can access Emory’s Department of Title IX at 404-727-0541 and the Office of Respect’s hotline 24/7 at (404) 727-1514. You can reach the RAINN National Sexual Assault hotline 24/7 at (800) 656-4673. You can reach the Atlanta Grady Rape Crisis Center crisis hotline 24/7 at (404) 616-4861 and the Decatur Day League Sexual Assault Care and Prevention crisis hotline 24/7 at (404) 377-1428.

— Contact Spencer Friedland at

Jack RutheR foR d/News editoR

A man with an assault rife patrols the Chabad at Emory house's property (top left). A proPalestinian protestor stands in front of the Chabad house (top right). A pro-Palestinian protestor speaks with DeKalb County police during the protest (bottom left). A pro-Palesinian protestor raises middle fingers in the direction of the Chabad house on April 2 (bottom right).

Hillels of Georgia CEO urges Emory community hear other side

and running to the safe room after the initial attack. Adler later found that Hamas had shot rounds at her front door but was not able to break into the house.

When the IDF retrieved Adler and her family 19 hours after the attack began, they had already been without power for 12 hours.

“It [was] pitch black,” Adler said. “There was no shred of light coming in, and we couldn’t charge our phones, and there were hours when we were completely disconnected from everything.”

Adler shed tears as she said she struggled to retell the situation she lived through.

“I made myself so small, both physically and mentally, so that I wouldn’t have to come to grips with the fact that outside, people are coming to kill us,” Adler said.

After sharing her experience with the attacks, Adler emphasized her desire for her people to come home and said she was “furious at the world’s reaction.”

“I want my people back,” Adler said. “I want our two neighbors back home. I want the female soldiers that were taken from the Nahal Oz base who were paraded around Gaza after being raped. I want those girls to come back home. Those girls were your age. I want them to come home to their moms.”

In response to a question about reconciliation with Palestinians, Reijnen noted her shift in perspective since Hamas’ attacks on Oct. 7, 2023.

“My whole thoughts, perspective of this ideology, it changed,” Reijnen said. “Because I’m not so sure how innocent the … normal Palestinian people are, because we know that they came, we know that they also took people to Gaza, that they came also to steal, to kill.”

Emory Hillel President Avery Adelman (24C) shared that it was “heartbreaking” to hear the stories of

Oxford to build new dorm by summer 2026

Continued from Page 1

Services sent to JRC residents on March 22. The email notified the students that the residence hall was safe, and stated plans to install portable dehumidifiers where necessary. It also mentioned the college’s plan to upgrade JRC’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems over the summer.

Dickey Hall resident Anli Hernandez (25Ox) reported ongoing climate problems in JRC and the bathroom facilities.

“Lately there’s been a problem with humidity in the restrooms, so we had to keep the door open when somebody’s showering,” Hernandez said. “The toilets sometimes don’t work very well. In my room, the AC is a problem. They have tried to fix it before but I don’t think there’s been any changes.”

With no formal statement to all

Oxford students, rumors about different renovation plans have spread around campus. Malone said that despite the emails she has received regarding JRC, she is unsure of what changes will happen to the residence hall. According to Amelia Briones (25Ox), there has been a lack of transparency from Oxford administration regarding issues within JRC. Additionally, she said that Oxford “always takes a while” to address students’ reports of problems in the dorm. Malone shared that she is excited to live in another residence hall next year because of the issues she’s had to deal with as a JRC resident.

“I’m definitely looking forward to living somewhere else,” Malone said. “I definitely don’t want to live in JRC again.”

— Contact Alyza Marie Harris at alyza.harris@emory.edu

the survivors.

“I’ve read all these stories online from people … in October, I heard from some of the family members of those taken hostage,” Adelman said. “But this is my first time in person hearing from people who were there, and so just hearing about their trauma reactions and seeing them tell their own stories, it’s just emotional in a whole other way.”

Zoe Teicher (27C), who attended the event, expressed her admiration for Reijnen and Adler.

“These people are survivors,” Teicher said. “They are beyond strong. Their stories must be heard, and their truth must be spread.”

Sernovitz acknowledged the courage needed to hear someone else’s story and urged the Emory community to listen to each other to improve

the climate on campus.

“The one thing that’s missing at Emory right now is people listening to each other’s stories,” Sernovitz said. “There’s lots of social media, and there’s lots of these blurbs that people are reading, but they actually don’t take the time to hear the story.”

— Contact Lauren Yee at lauren.yee2@emory.edu

GSGA proposes boycott of Israeli-tied companies

By JaCk RutheRfoRd and aaRush kumaR News Editor

& Contributing Writer

With the ongoing Israel-Hamas war entering its sixth month, graduate students will likely get the chance to vote on a referendum to prohibit the use of Graduate Student Activity Fee (GSAF) funds to purchase products from certain corporations that have ties to Israel, according to GSGA President Neeti Patel (24PH). The GSAF is used to fund all graduate student organizations at Emory University.

Patel anticipates that students will be able to vote on the referendum early next week, according to an email she sent to the graduate student body.

“We anticipate this will delay the vote by approximately one week, but nevertheless believe every student should have a voice in how their graduate student activity fees are spent and are committed to processing all legislation in a way that upholds the democratic process,” Patel wrote in an email to the graduate student body. “All students will be notified of the voting period and provided a copy of the referendum at a minimum of 48 hours before voting opens.”

Patel initially hoped that the referendum would be included on the GSGA election ballot, which opened on April 1. However, student vote on the referendum was delayed after the Student Involvement, Leadership, and Transitions (SILT) office declined to place it on the ballot because “GSGA processes and bylaws had not been followed,” according to Assistant Vice President of University Communications Laura

Diamond.

Diamond did not specify which processes and bylaws were violated when The Emory Wheel requested information from SILT, who forwarded the request to Diamond.

On April 1, Emory Stop Cop City members organized a protest in the Emory Student Center over SILT’s denial of the referendum. Elijah Brawner (26T), who attended the rally, said roughly 13 to 15 students held signs and chanted outside a room where Patel was meeting with SILT officials over Zoom.

“We still believe that that referendum is winnable,” Brawner said. “I'm obviously sympathetic to one side of it. … Our opponents still believe that referendum’s loseable. So it's still a very up in the air issue.”

Brawner co-authored a bill, which is titled “Boycott and Divestment from Israel and Corporations Complicit in the Ongoing Genocide in Palestine.”He said he designed the bill to be a “very limited” version of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which urges Israel to cease its occupation of Palestinian territories by rallying international pressure. This includes boycotting some companies with ties to Israel.

Under the bill, groups would not be able to use GSAF funding to support some of the companies on the BDS list, including Microsoft, Domino’s Pizza, Papa Johns Pizza, Ford Motor Company, Dell Technologies and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

The bill stated that it would create a Graduate Finance Committee (GFC) to enforce the policy by conducting a semesterly review of student organizations’ finances to ensure that there are no financial engagements with prohibited companies. GSGA would

freeze student organizations’ funds for the rest of the fiscal year if they violate the bill’s terms. The organizations would not have access to funds for the next fiscal year unless they undergo a probationary period. The group would, however, have an option to dispute the findings before the GFC made a final decision regarding the violation.

John Kirkpatrick (24L) said that the economic measures in the bill were “incredibly invasive.”

He added that the bill could fuel division within Emory’s graduate student body.

“It inherently targets anyone who is from Israel, anyone who supports Israel, people who are Jewish,” Kirkpatrick said. “It inherently calls them out as being wrong and bad, which I don’t think is fair because, like I said, this is a very divisive issue.”

Kirkpatrick was also worried about the proposal’s end date. The bill states the resolution will be in effect until Emory fully divests from Israel and the United Nations officially recognizes that the “Palestinian territories of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and the Syrian Golan heights are no longer occupied by Israel.”

Benjamin Williams (24M) said student pressure on the Israeli government is “really important,” adding that he believes the GSGA is justified in enacting policy regarding the Israel-Hamas war.

“Graduate student organizations have always taken political positions, and this would not be a departure from that,” Williams said.

— Contact Jack Rutherford at jack.rutherford@emory.edu and Aarush Kumar at aarush.kumar@emory.edu

h a NNah Xu/staff PhotogR a PheR

Emory University Hillel members and Oct. 7 survivors pose with posters of individuals being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Content Warning: This article contains references to sexual assault.

On March 3, 2023, I was sexually assaulted and raped. It was someone I knew and previously trusted. It was violent and clear. Despite this, I did not pursue a Title IX resolution. I was not uninformed or afraid; I was exhausted.

ent advocates, three coordinators and two investigators each time without my knowledge. Each step demands the complete participation of the victim, the complainant. While maintaining my standing as a student, I was struggling to understand my rights as a victim. It was traumatizing, and it failed to help me reconcile the incident itself.

Survivors of sexual assault deserve to have their stories told, and we deserve closure. The system, designed to bring about justice and resolution, only perpetuated my sense of helplessness.

After an entire calendar year of measuring my life in business days, my harasser was found responsible, both in the original determination and in his appeal. The University suspended him for his actions. I won my case, but I am still not sure if it was worth it. I do not regret my choice, but when I think about my assault and all the events surrounding it, I fixate on Title IX as a symbol of institutional injustice.

Even though I won, Title IX failed me. Emory failed me. I was forced to become my own advocate and navigate the confusing legalese of my own sexual assault.

I was exhausted and already waiting for a decision from my previous formal Title IX case at Emory University. This case dragged on for nearly a year. I filed a formal complaint in March 2022, our hearing was in January 2023 and he appealed the decision a month later. I spent 234 business days begging the University to help. For those who are unfamiliar, Title IX offers multiple resolution processes, but a formal resolution includes an investigation, hearing and opportunity for appeal. Each stage is a perfectly choreographed series of impersonally measured business days.

I refused to do it again.

My year with the Department of Title IX consisted of me telling my story over and over again — justifying my sexual harassment and recounting my trauma to a revolving door of advocates, coordinators and investigators. My case was transferred to four differ-

I still struggle to grapple with the reality of my experience. Over a year later, my heart still skips a beat whenever I hear an Outlook notification. I still remember the personal and confidential emails that guaranteed frustration or anxiety. I still remember the seemingly endless emails outlining numerous delays or meaningless updates followed by weeks of silence from the Department of Title IX.

The department has worked to ensure internal stability in the year since my case. In addition to hiring more administrators and investigators, the staff has also worked to streamline the coordinator position. University President Gregory Fenves previously told the student body that the Department of Title IX is working toward providing survivors with appropriate support. But this promise does not erase my year of sleepless nights and panic attacks.

Even Emory’s Office of Respect, dedicated to supporting survivors of interpersonal violence, failed as a truly confidential resource. Without my knowledge or permission, the Office of Respect initiated a threat assessment based on information I shared in confidence. This was not an assessment of my harasser’s threat to me, but rather an assessment of his threat to the University. The threat assessment confirmed that I had already notified campus officials, against the respondent’s explicit threat of additional violence.

This was a clear demonstration of the University’s commitment to itself as an institution over the safety of the students. Although the threat assessment team did not share the details of my case outside of their review, to me they were unknown administrators that openly discussed the most intimate details of my life despite my objections and safety concerns. In this matter, the Director of the Office of Respect Emily Palmieri and Senior Vice President and Dean of Campus Life Enku Gelaye assured me during in-person conversations that Emory is taking every possible measure to protect the safety and well-being of its students.

This is why, in the aftermath of my rape and sexual assault last

year, I chose to not pursue Title IX again. Given my past experience, I was unwilling to engage with the department in any capacity: supportive measures, informal resolution or even a formal report. I instead elevated my case to the DeKalb County Superior Court, where I was granted a protective order. Protective orders, like restraining orders, prohibit the accused person from threatening the physical safety of the petitioner. This is similar to another supportive measure that Title IX offers: Mutual No Contact Orders. I previously obtained a mutual no contact order. There were over a dozen reported violations, yet the Department of Title IX was unable to enforce the order.

Despite issuing the orders, the department defers enforcement to the Office of Student Conduct. In October 2023, there were discussions that the adjudication would be moved under the Department of Title IX; however, I have received no confirmation of this change occurring or not.

With less than eight weeks until graduation, I ask myself why I still care about something that happened a year ago. The reality is that I still live with this experience, and my sexual assault changed me irrevocably.

I avoid places that remind me of him, and sometimes, I am overcome with an inexplicable fear that something terrible is about to happen. I lost close friends in my grief, and I found my best ones in it too. I learned what it means to advocate for myself, and I learned that it is okay to leave an environment that no longer feels safe or supportive. I lost over a year of college to the Title IX process, and I am choosing to graduate a year early for the same reason. Two years ago, it was the bravery of other survivors that assured me that I too would be OK one day. And for this reason, I feel compelled to

share my story.

For those who resonate with my experience, I might not know you personally, but your story is powerful, and it is your own. No coordinator or determination can take that away. For those considering engaging with the Department Title IX or other legal action, it is OK to be afraid. As hard as it will be, remind yourself it’s OK to ask for support and grace.

As someone who chose Title IX, the courts and silence, I understand the weight of this decision. It is the loneliest position in the world, but rest assured, you have friends who love and support you. You have the right to closure, whether it is through the Title IX process or in personal resolution. Whatever you choose, it makes sense and is valid. There’s no right path in any of this. Take care of yourself, and know that you are deserving of kindness and compassion.

If you or someone you know experienced sexual assault, you can access Emory’s Department of Title IX at 404-727-0541 and the Office of Respect’s hotline 24/7 at (470) 270-5360. You can reach the RAINN National Sexual Assault hotline 24/7 at (800) 656-4673. You can reach the Atlanta Grady Rape Crisis Center crisis hotline 24/7 at

Journalism bridges linguistic divides

Amiee Zhao

During my time in the Arts & Life (A&L) section at The Emory Wheel, I was the only section editor who did not speak English natively. I often questioned my editing abilities and whether I had the authority to point out native speakers’ inappropriate writing styles. When one of the A&L writers stacked references to American pop culture in their TV review, I suggested they explain the references for audiences unfamiliar with them. However, I deleted the comment immediately, fearing that it was only me — a foreigner — who couldn’t understand what they meant. I felt like an imposter editing for native English speakers. After all, they would be more familiar with their own language and culture.

To navigate difficulties as a non-native English speaker, I’ll need to keep writing about my confusion.

Before joining the Wheel, I mainly edited English as a Second Language (ESL) students’ essays as a self-employed writing tutor, specifically working with Chinese students. This allowed me to embrace the role of a teacher, rigorously imparting grammatical rules to students. More importantly, I taught them how to communicate under American writing guidelines — for example, being straightforward about the thesis and avoiding run-on sentences — to make sure their essays satisfied American readers.

As an English major, I also held my own writing to these American standards to impress professors and employers and appear as a native English writer.

This is despite my upbringing, which emphasized that Chinese people don’t go to U.S. universities to major in the humanities because English is not our language and humanities degrees cannot guarantee green cards. But I devoted myself to the English major for its potential to investigate how different cultures use English.

However, when I edited native English speakers’ articles for the Wheel, I became hesitant about what my goal was — their language was mostly comprehensible, and I wondered if certain parts challenged me because I was unfamiliar with some native English language standards. This sense of uncertainty about the English language extended to other aspects of my editorship at the Wheel. When other editors debated excitedly about American celebrities, I dimmed the light of my laptop screen and researched them, trying to decode their jokes. When the A&L section focused on American music, TV and film in our meetings, I felt the urge to rebut that we needed international art coverage as well, but I suppressed the idea. I forced myself to adopt the mindset of a native English speaker, convincing myself it was only natural that a newspaper in the U.S. should prioritize American art instead of international art.

I’ve blamed myself for being too timid to speak up, but I have stood up for myself multiple times without my voice being heard. I’ve corrected others for misspelling my name — which is non-existent in the English language because my parents selected it without knowing much more than the alphabet — without success. I’ve tried to recommend international art to people by searching for translations in English that usually sound awkward, and my efforts are often met with silence. My mind traces back to when my friend in China said that perhaps my English is just not good enough for me to defend myself against misunderstandings. This prompted me to think that maybe native speakers didn’t listen to my voice because they disliked my nonfluent, non-American English. I hate myself when I can’t help but characterize miscommunication with other editors as implicit discrimination.

To confront these difficulties, I have, unfortunately, imitated native editors’ English word by word. I convinced myself that as long as I try, I’ll be able to grasp their phrases, their countenance and their references to American culture. However, through such imitations, I’ve found myself more confused about who I am and more scared to speak up, because I don’t know what I want to express anymore. I’ve become a machine that copies what others say.

The Wheel’s Q&A session with the Asian American Journalists Association last October confirmed my frustration. When I asked the panelists about the experience of nonnative journalists who come to the U.S. after adolescence, they seemed confused, admitting that they did not know anyone with such a background in the industry.

While I thought about ending my journalistic career and returning home to pursue my passion for Chinese writing, I found myself losing grasp of my native tongue as well, feeling strange using Chinese characters due to my efforts to excel in the English language.

I’m incapable of talking about news and research in Mandarin, for example, because I don’t have the Mandarin vocabulary for things I experience in college. I felt insecure that my vehicles for expression, English and Mandarin, were both slipping past me. Yet out of the natural instinct of a journalist, I knew I had to write about my confusion for people like me who are stuck between two languages and cultures.

From working in the A&L section, I’ve understood that if I don’t confidently grasp the opportunity to interview a busy singer or cover an event for underrepresented students in time, my pitch is going to be dropped and these unique voices will never be heard.

The world doesn’t stop for my insecurity. Despite my challenges working as a student editor, journalism, with its truth-seeking purpose, has taught me that underrepresented voices have to be heard the most. To navigate difficulties as a non-native English speaker, I’ll need to keep writing about my confusion. My two languages that seem divided can work harmoniously to shape my unique voice.

Amiee Zhao (24Ox) is from Shanghai.

Democrats, get excited about Biden

the conflict.

President Joe Biden remains marred with discontent from his own party despite his recent securing of the Democratic nomination for president. Primary protests and congressional concerns over the past few months have highlighted Democrats’ dissatisfaction with Biden.

At the same time, former President Donald Trump’s Republican base appears steadfast in its support, as the former president dominated GOP primaries without showing up to a single debate. In nationwide polls, Biden has lost his lead against Trump. While the concerns of voters and congressional leaders are warranted, they need to consider the impact that their vote and voice have on the outcome of the election and, ultimately, the policy they seek to influence.

As voters in the consequential state of Georgia, we must realize the power of not only our vote but also our rhetoric.

It is time for Democrats to get enthusiastic about Biden’s reelection and encourage others to do the same.

Much of the anti-Biden sentiment on the Democratic side of the aisle has come from a bloc of voters concerned about the administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas War. Many of these voters have voted “uncommitted” in primaries across the county, including Michigan, Minnesota and Washington. Their goal is to demonstrate to the Biden campaign the sway that the bloc can have in the general election. By doing so, this dissenting voting bloc hopes to encourage the administration to do more to help Palestinians in Gaza and push for a ceasefire.

Those in the uncommitted movement agree that Trump’s handling of the conflict may be much worse for Palestinians in Gaza. Last month, Trump declared that Israel must “finish the problem” when talking about

For this reason, many in the movement have ruled out a general election vote for Trump even if Biden does not change course in the conflict. However, refusing to vote for Biden, even if he is comparatively the better option, is essentially a vote for Trump. This is especially true as Biden’s election chances rely on the Democratic vote in states like Michigan and Wisconsin, where the uncommitted movement has gained support.

It is a fundamental right to protest, but these voters must critically assess the impact that their withheld votes will have on the general election and on U.S. foreign policy. Once the primaries are over, the campaign for the Palestinian cause is the Biden campaign.

Another primary concern of Democratic voters and leaders is Biden’s age and memory. With a report last month detailing Biden’s memory lapses and attacks from Trump on the topic, 77% of voters now believe that Biden is too old to be an effective president. While it is no secret that Biden would be, and currently is, the oldest president in U.S. history, these concerns are overblown.

The report last month dramatically overstated concerns with Biden’s memory. His fiery back-and-forth with Republican lawmakers during the State of the Union address demonstrated that he can still effectively engage in heated debate.

Democrats’ concerns regarding Biden are valid, and critiquing presidents and leaders is an essential part of a healthy democracy. However, Democrats must consider the impact that their protests have on the issues they are trying to influence. Even if Democrats are planning to vote for Biden, amplifying rhetoric about his age and memory is only dissuading independent and undecided voters from voting for Biden in November.

I encourage Democrats to say what they believe but make sure that their beliefs are based in fact and are not the product of anti-Biden campaigns. Additionally, I encourage Democrats to talk about what they enjoy about the Biden campaign and administration, in addition to any criticisms

they may have. Through doing so, Democrats can effectively speak their mind while also doing their part in getting Biden reelected.

To be clear, I am not a Biden stan. I agree with many criticisms of his administration and have even criticized his handling of immigration and unions in past articles. Still, I know that his policies would be preferable to Trump’s policy agenda for issues I care about, like climate change and education. Additionally, the Biden administration has passed strong and effective legislation, such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. With another term as president, and, hopefully, a more productive Congress, Biden can continue to meaningfully impact U.S. infrastructure, jobs, climate regulation and education to the standards of today. Biden will push America towards the future, so don’t take his second term away.

I encourage Democrats to say what they believe but make sure that their beliefs are based in fact and are not the product of anti-Biden campaigns.

Get enthusiastic, Democrats and Biden supporters, about the president’s reelection campaign. He may not be perfect, but he is the only candidate with a chance to correctly address our country’s problems and fortify important Democratic legislation.

As voters in the consequential state of Georgia, we must realize the power of not only our vote but also our rhetoric. I am not a huge fan of voting an 81-year-old into office. Younger people deserve to be in the upper echelons of our government.

Still, I will be enthusiastically casting my vote for Biden in November. I encourage all Democratic voters to do the same.

Pierce McDade (25Ox) is from Bloomington, Ill.

Courtesy of gage skidMore/Creative CoMMons

Pierce McDade

Joe Biden campaigns in Iowa in 2019 during his run for the 2020 United States presidental election.

The Emory Wheel & Arts Life

PROFILE

Student actress Makalee Cooper discusses fatphobia, fellowship, future

By CAtherine GoodmAn A rts & L ife e ditor

In the heat of summer 2011, a cherry red Ford F-150 exited Interstate 75 toward Valdosta, Ga. The truck arrived at Moody Air Force Base in late July carrying medieval scenery, felt corset tops and an ostentatious gold crown. The Missoula Children’s Theatre unloaded these items at the base theater in preparation for their production of “King Arthur’s Quest” (2011), a musical written by Michael McGill, the theater’s then-executive director. Over the span of five days, the traveling theater company would go on to cast, direct and produce the 45-minute production. On Monday morning, 7-year-old Makalee Cooper (23Ox, 25C) performed the nursery rhyme “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” for two Missoula camp directors. On Friday night, with wild hair and wide eyes, Cooper took the stage as mini King Arthur. Her mother Tammie Cooper immediately noticed her acting talent during the performance.

“She was very young,” Tammie said. “But she got up there and she just lit up the stage.”

Now a junior at Emory University 13 years later, Makalee prepared to shine again. One by one, she shook her limbs. She started with her hands, the clash of her beaded friendship bracelets accompanying her sporadic movements. Next, she shook out her feet with her torn black Converse blurring against the dark floor. Caramelcolored eyelids concealed her dark eyes as a deep inhale filled her chest. Under the amber spotlight in the Schwartz Center of Performing Arts Theater Lab, Makalee anticipated her performance of “Teeth,” an original play written by Sophie Reiss (25C). It was the first block of shows for the Lenaia Student Playwriting Festival at Emory, which is the University’s only entirely student-run, student-written and student-performed celebration of original work. Makalee played June, a woman on the brink of insanity, battling with the oppression of her daily

life and the pervasive violence in her heterosexual relationships.

“It’s really hard to find that balance between showing somebody who is obviously not doing well mentally and depressing the audience,” Makalee remarked the following afternoon. “I don’t want to sound like Eeyore.”

“Teeth” ended in a contradictionary sequence, pinning an abrupt display of energy against an uncomfortable tranquility. In an expression of her newfound liberation, June kicked at her chair — she missed at first and her black Converse sliced the air. She stomped around the stage, pulling at her dress and tugging a red scrunchie from her head to unleash her curly hair. In the final minute of the play, she stood panting and staring out at the audience in silence. Her stare pierced through the unassuming spectators.

“It’s interesting to have the ending looking straight out into the audience … because I could immediately gauge how people were feeling about it,” Makalee said the day after her performance. “I did look at one girl and it seemed like she was trying not to laugh.”

However, Makalee was not dismayed. After all, this reaction is one familiar to her. Makalee’s first major role in theater was as the customer in “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986) at J.L. Newbern Middle School in Valdosta, Ga. When she auditioned for “Beauty and the Beast” (1994) during her sophomore year at Valdosta High School, Makalee felt she was a shoo-in for Miss Potts — a large role in the production — but she was cast in the ensemble. In her final performance during her senior year, Makalee played Grandma Addams, the cantankerous old matriarch of “The Addams Family” (2009).

“I was never ever, ever, ever being cast as the romantic lead,” Makalee said.

Makalee believes that her fate as the supporting character, the side-kick or the comedic relief, was not a result of ineptitude. When Makalee entered the auditorium, the route to stardom had already been closed. When she took

the stage for an audition, her body type overshadowed her talent. Although Makalee was constantly praised by her peers and mentors, her body offset her gifts.

“If I was going to get cast as a larger role, it would either be the comic relief, or the mother, or the older mature woman,” Makalee said. “The largest role I had while I was in middle school was Paulette in ‘Legally Blonde’ [(2007)], the musical, and that’s like, ‘OK, that’s a good little role,’ but once again, comic relief side character, who’s allowed to be unattractive.”

The barrage of unserious roles allotted to Makalee throughout high school almost convinced her to quit acting altogether — almost. Backstage at Valdosta High School, Makalee pulled on her striped stockings, large black dress and mangled gray wig to become Grandma Addams. Even under a layer of makeup designed to hollow her plump cheeks and paint wrinkles upon her forehead, Makalee looked toward the future.

“I know that I can act at the end of the day,” Makalee said. “That is one thing I’m really confident [in]… So I’m always like, ‘I know something better is going to be coming.’”

In her first semester at Oxford College, the opportunity Makalee was wishing for finally came. In October 2018, Assistant Professor of Theater Nick Fesette directed “As You Like It” (1623) by William Shakespeare. Fesette said the production’s lead character Rosalind was meant to be outspoken, smart, brassy and of course, seductive. When Makalee showed up for the audition, she was on the fence about pursuing theater in college as one more casting snub would crush her. However, Fessette saw Makalee’s potential during her audition to play the lead.

“Immediately I was like, ‘This is Rosalind,’” Fesette said.

According to Makalee, Fesette was the first person who saw beyond the surface and valued her talent over her appearance. Makalee felt a sense of disbelief being cast as Rosalind after

years of being excluded from more serious roles.

“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s not me,” Makalee said. “Because that’s how it always felt … like that I’m not good enough, I’m doing something wrong.”

Fesette now serves as Makalee’s mentor for the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship program, which will financially and educationally support Makalee into a graduate program. As part of this program, Makalee is required to complete a research project on a topic of her choosing. With the help of Fesette, Makalee is investigating the prevalence of fatphobia against men in American television and plays in the 21st century.

“The theater is a very, very, very fatphobic field, and it also doesn’t really like women of color,” Makalee said. For Makalee, there is nothing more serious than eliminating fatphobia in the theater.

To confront typecasting and discrimination on Emory’s campus, she joined the casting and creative team for the 2023-24 season of the Lenaia Student Play festival. In her role on the executive board, Makalee focused on making unconventional casting

choices. Makalee doesn’t believe she would ever have been cast as June from “Teeth” via audition.

“When there are stories that are about female rage, people are always expecting to see a small white woman,” Makalee said. “I’ll say it, I’ll say it.”

More than a decade later, the little girl who sang nursery rhymes under a sweltering sky on Moody Air Force Base turns her mind toward the future. Makalee is a mosaic of her past roles, from the excited mini King Arthur to the struggling June. She is a performer, a pioneer and, of course, a future professor. As a professor, Cooper hopes to challenge the traditionally fatphobic culture in the theater and inspire students to pursue their passions regardless of their physical appearance. Through scholarship and leadership, Makalee wants to ensure that people of alternative body types are taken seriously, not typified as the butt of a universal joke.

“I really want to be the person who other people can look to and be like ‘Oh, I can be in this profession,’” Makalee said.

– Contact Catherine Goodman at catherine.goodman@emory.edu

‘Death Proof’ fails to deliver successful action flm

By Alex Gerson A rts & L ife e ditor

Quentin Tarantino’s sixth feature film, “Death Proof” (2007) hit theaters 17 years ago this week on April 6, 2007. It was part of “Grindhouse” (2007), a double feature that paired the film with Robert Rodriguez’s “Planet Terror” (2007). The double feature aimed to recreate the feeling of low-budget grindhouse theaters of the 1970s that typically played cheap action, horror and other niche genre movies that included graphic violence

or nudity. Given the cheap production of these films, the prints played at grindhouse cinemas were usually scratched and slightly damaged. While “Death Proof” is a worthy recreation of this era of scandalous films, it is much weaker as a stand-alone movie.

The movie follows a murderous stuntman, Mike McKay (Kurt Russell), as he tracks down groups of girls and kills them with his car that he calls “death proof,” since it is built so that the driver can survive any crash. While it might seem like a crude, low-concept film for an auteur director like

Tarantino, the simplistic plot is a feature of many grindhouse movies. The film is divided into halves, each featuring different groups of girls being stalked by Stuntman Mike. Each half plays out similarly, following the girls as they drive around and talk.

These scenes are hallmarks of a classic Tarantino film as they are filled with pop culture references and witty quips about each other’s sex lives. While Tarantino’s witty dialogue scenes added color to a heist story in “Reservoir Dogs” (1992), they weren’t suited for a supposed action movie. Throughout the film, I could not help but wonder: When is the car chase going to happen?

While they may not be the most exciting scenes in the film, the dialogue sequences have some interesting flourishes that call back to the low-budget grindhouse era. Throughout these scenes, green scratches and other markings on the screen that make it look like you are watching a damaged tape.

There are also some jump cuts disrupting dialogue, adding to the sensation that the film itself is a dam-

aged copy of a more pristine original version. The film begins in typical Tarantino fashion, opening with three girls chatting in the car about details irrelevant to the rest of the film. While irrelevant to the remainder of “Death Proof,” the scene is interesting when viewed in connection with the rest of Tarantino’s films.

It feels like a direct callback to the driving scenes in “Pulp Fiction” (1994), which also featured dialogue that was tangential and unrelated to the film’s plot. While “Pulp Fiction” featured men talking in the car, “Death Proof” does the same thing with women. Tarantino is iterating his patented formula.

The first of two car chases in the film is simultaneously a highlight and a disappointment. It is one of two action sequences of the movie and draws the viewer in with impressive editing and stunt work. While it certainly does amplify the stakes of the film, the chase is too short and ends abruptly.

Nevertheless, the closing action scene is fantastic. The second group of potential victims drive away trying

to escape Stuntman Mike, all while one of them is holding onto the hood of the car, trying not to fall off. The tension in this scene intensifies much more precisely, which ultimately leads to a climatic and rewarding ending. It is exactly what a grindhouse movie should be — simple, yet incredibly exciting. “Death Proof” does have some good moments, but overall it feels like a blip in Tarantino’s filmography. He made the movie between the “Kill Bill” film series (2004) and “Inglourious Basterds” (2009), which are not just two of his most famous movies, but in my opinion, two of the most iconic movies of the 2000s. The movie certainly has the same ineffable feeling and tone that Tarantino’s other movies do, but it just feels a little inadequate in comparison.

“Death Proof” is like an aside — a funenough project for a filmmaker who usually performs at a much higher level and has demonstrated his prowess more effectively in the 17 years since this film’s release.

CAtherine G oodMA n/A rts & Life editor Makalee Cooper (23Ox, 25C) performs in a play festival.

ALEX’S MEDIA MEMORY

Ready, set, ‘Glee:’ 5 standout series tracks

By CAtherine GoodmAn A rts & L ife e ditor

Of the many pivotal moments in my personal development, watching “Glee” (2009) for the first time remains a life-altering decision. Even five years later, “Glee” pervades my daily life. I quote iconic scenes such as Santana Lopez (Naya Rivera) and Quinn Fabray’s (Dianna Agron) post-summer-surgery-showdown often, and I genuinely believe that any “Glee” cover bests the original track. This past academic year I discovered, with much shock and repulsion, that my roommate had never watched “Glee.”

After practicing self-restraint by not requesting a roommate swap, we decided to remedy the situation by watching classic episodes together on our sorority lodge’s couch. I relished in the confusion, surprise and joy of her first “Glee” experience while our suitemates ritually dropped in, each proclaiming with excitement, “Are you guys watching ‘Glee?’” To celebrate my favorite memories of the year, I present five of the series’ best tracks.

‘Somewhere Only We Know (feat. Darren Criss)’ (2011) by Glee Cast, Darren Criss

One thing about Blaine Anderson (Darren Criss) is that he devours every track he sings. In season two, Blaine emerges as a beacon of hope for the suffering Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer). Facing homophobia at William McKinley High School, Kurt follows the out-and-proud Blaine to Dalton Academy, and their romance begins. Although Kurt ultimately returns to McKinley, their relationship remains a hallmark of the series.

In a touching performance, Blaine enlists Dalton Academy’s glee club, The Warblers, to serenade Kurt after his return to public school. Criss’ cover of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” (2004) excels largely due to Criss’ ability to make the track his own. His angelic voice floats atop the chorus of backup singers as he glides between lower and higher registers. It culminates in a stunning compilation of the backing singers repeating the chorus and Criss’ proud vocalization. “This could be the end of everything

/ So why don’t we go somewhere only we know?” he muses, ending the song with forceful sentimentality.

‘Smooth Criminal (Glee Cast Version) (feat. 2CELLOS)’ (2012) by Glee Cast, 2CELLOS

“Smooth Criminal” is one of the most iconic “Glee” numbers of all time. In a tense scene, Santana and The Warblers’ lead singer Sebastian Smythe (Grant Gustin) cover Michael Jackson’s energetic 1987 track. Their chemistry radiates throughout the song. Are they going to kiss or throw a punch? Under Sebastian’s orders, The Warblers had thrown a slushie containing rock salt at Blaine, resulting in an eye injury.

Santana now wants a confession from Sebastian about the nefarious contents of the frozen drink, and what better way to disarm an enemy than to share a duet with them? Despite the unseriousness of the situation, their cover of “Smooth Criminal” is revolutionary. The track begins with a gradual crescendo of the cello, setting the scene for an explosion of musical force. Gustin’s voice is barely discernible above the string section, but his vocals are laced with anger, passion and indignation. As Rivera joins him, the volume amplifies, the anticipation rising with every line. The sound suddenly drops as the 2CELLOS duo pluck at their instruments. Santana cuts the tension with a forceful belt, “I don’t know.” The remainder of the track is a true showdown. Gustin carries the chorus while Rivera demonstrates her vocal strength with a slew of ad-libs, each one more desperate than the next.

‘I Feel Pretty / Unpretty’ (2011)

by

Glee Cast

Throughout the show’s six seasons, “Glee” features 43 mash-ups. Of their many inventive combinations, my favorite is Agron and Michele’s “I Feel Pretty / Unpretty,” which combines “I Feel Pretty” (1957) from the musical “West Side Story” (1957) and “Unpretty” (1999) by TLC.

In “Glee,” Quinn and Rachel are two archetypal female characters: the pretty cheerleader and the awkward geek. They’re pitted against each other in their battle for the attention of quarterback and glee club king, Finn Hudson (Monteith).

Throughout the show, the girls fluctuate between competition and companionship but are linked by a shared experience of girlhood. “I Feel Pretty / Unpretty” exposes the intricacies of their relationship. The song begins with Agron’s soft alto voice crooning, “I wish I could tie you up in my shoes / Make you feel unpretty too.” Michele’s authoritative voice soon counters, “Every time I think I’m through, it’s because of you.” As their voices unite, they demonstrate the impossible battle for external validation and emphasize that beauty must come from within.

‘Like A Virgin (Glee Cast Version) (feat. Jonathan Groff)’ (2010) by Glee Cast, Jonathan Groff

This epic montage shows three couples embarking on their first sexual adventure together. In true “Glee” fashion, this moment of awkward passion is paired with a disturbingly applicable song — “Like a Virgin” (1984) by Madonna. The three women begin the song in succession with Lea Michele, Jayma Mays and Rivera setting the tone, while the three men — Jonathan Groff, Matthew Morrison and Cory Monteith — interject in unison.

Crossword

Throughout the track, their voices mix and mingle, reflecting the physical sensuality of the song. This cover is intoxicating due to the intricate multipart harmonies. As the song progresses, their voices become almost indistinguishable. This unison is only broken when Rivera begins her signature ad-libbing with “Oh baby.” Groff, who plays Jesse St. James, is another standout on the track. Although Jesse’s relationship with Rachel Berry (Michele) ultimately collapses, Groff contributed to the “Glee” canon immensely. In my opinion, he was the best male vocalist on the show.

‘Bust Your Windows (Glee Cast Version)’ (2009) by Glee Cast

In season one of “Glee,” Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley) covers Jazmine Sullivan’s “Bust Your Windows” (2008) after discovering that her crush, Kurt, is in love with someone else. Riley’s soulful, powerful vocals embody female rage. Although she often stands in the shadows behind Lea Michele, Riley was one of the strongest vocalists in the show. Her breath control, vocal force and ability to express emotion through the slightest change in pitch demonstrates her talent.

Returning to my harrowing story about my uncultured roommate, when we first began our excursion into the “Glee” world, this was her introductory number. Whether I am struggling with homework, searching for an energy-boost at the gym or even in need of a soundtrack to accompany my maladaptive daydreaming, this hot-girl anthem is my go-to. If you are interested in watching “Glee,” I recommend you start here.

– Contact Catherine Goodman at catherine.goodman@emory.edu

Birds of a feather

35. Country music’s Keith

39. “When r u coming?”

40. “I came, I __, I conquered”

42. Test that is an anagram of ENT, the doctor that performs it

45. Skills

48. Norse equivalent of the Greek Mount Olympus

49. Washes

50. Word after honey or bumble

54. Dude, slangily

55. Office aides (abbr.)

57. Future attorney’s exam

58. __ Straits, British rock band

59. ‘80s sitcom about a family that hosts an alien

60. Tortilla chip avocado dip, briefly

61. Club music (abbr.)

62. 1,002 in Roman numerals

63. Day before Tues

Ch AU A hn nGU yen/stA ff iLLUstr Ator

Beyond the lecture hall

By AlyA Khoury And Alex FriedmAn Staff Photographers

Matthew Bernstein

Rich Memorial Building 101A | Goodrich C. White professor of film and media

Iliana Yamileth Rodriguez

Bowden Hall, 124 | Assistant professor of history

Assistant Professor of History

Iliana Yamileth Rodriguez’s office, adorned with vibrant, intricate artwork, stands in sharp contrast to the beige and brown interior of Bowden Hall. After spending just a few minutes

As students, our most customizable spaces on campus are our dorms. We can decorate walls, move beds and hang lights, turning these blank canvases into our own each semester. For our professors, their blank canvases are their offices. Within the walls of each professor’s office are years of collected books, stories, meet-

Name a movie and it’s nearly a guarantee that Goodrich C. White

Professor of Film and Media Matthew Bernstein has seen it, read a book on it or maybe even met a member of the cast. Bernstein’s love for cinema is apparent from his office door and spans the entire space, with stacks of books and posters on every wall. Mixed in between the shelves are photos of his family, and in one corner sits a board of pictures of him with film industry celebrities, including Tom Cruise, Anna Karina, Laura Linney, Alexander Payne and Martin Scorsese.

From the excitement in Bernstein’s voice, it is clear that his film knowledge is ever-growing, and the excitement for films rubs off on the listener. His taste in films is international, cov-

ings and secrets which we often spend our entire college careers unaware of. “Beyond the lecture hall” peeks into the sacred spaces of 10 Emory University professors, four of which appear below. The full project will be available on www.emorywheel.com.

We hope that our exploration of the stories that lie in professors’ offices will motivate stu-

ering directors from all over the world and all time periods.

“[Cinema] just opens people’s eyes,” Bernstein said. “And that’s incredibly powerful, [like we] are image-saturated — I don’t have to tell you — platforms, photographs, everything. So to be able to have a critical understanding of what’s going on and how things are put together is, I think, crucially important, as important as taking English 101.”

dents to go talk to professors about topics other than grades and projects, encouraging us to connect with these incredible people who fill our campus and shape our education.

— Contact Alya Khoury at alya.khoury@emory.edu and Alex Friedman at alex.friedman2@emory.edu

His passion for cinema translates into his office decorations, making it his “home away from home.” Almost every inch is filled with a book, poster or picture that he could contextualize and explain in perfect detail. While the idea of renting books instead of buying them came late to Bernstein, we, for one, are grateful. Spending time in his office is akin to peering into Bernstein’s mind, where his vast understanding of film is laid like Easter eggs throughout the myriad books about Hollywood directors, genres, international cinemas and film theory.

sonal collection of mementos and gifts that she also actively incorporates into her classroom.

One of her most beloved pieces is a print by the Beehive Design Collection which depicts several scenes of resistance, racial hierarchies, capitalism and neoliberal western power. Rodriguez likes to have her students look at it and describe what they see, with more and more details coming to life the longer they spend with it. Rodriguez values meaningful connections with her students, relishing the atmosphere of her office.

there, it became clear that Rodriguez sees her office as her “own little personal archive.” Items and artwork from local Atlanta artists emblematic of Mexican heritage and Rodriguez’s teaching career fill the space, a per-

“I like when the energy is full and loud and lively in here,” Rodriguez said. “Maybe a little chaotic.”

The more time we spent there, the more this environment she alluded to came to life. As we shared our own personal details and stories, she easily connected us to different pieces of her office. At a mention of Los Angeles, she revealed one of her most prized collections, which was tucked away in her filing cabinet: three frames filled with Homies figurines made by Chicano artist David Gonzales that she has been collecting since she was a child.

The interview with Rodriguez is proof of our hypothesis: the more time a person spends in professors’ offices,

the better they understand them, their spaces and the power of the connections they form with students.

Jason Francisco

Karen Stolley

Callaway Memorial Center, S511 | Professor of Spanish

Upon walking into Professor of Spanish Karen Stolley’s office, it’s impossible not to feel welcomed. She strategically set up a coffee table as a designated space to sit with students, whether it be to talk about school work, give advice, or share a cup of coffee from her impressive mug collection. This has allowed the office to be a space of safety and vulnerability where Stolley can foster meaningful relationships with students.

Stolley’s office is an archive of her knowledge and the impact she’s had on the Emory community since she took a job at the University in 1992. The stacks of books are filled with historical works of icons of the Spanish-speaking world. However, it is the objects on top of the books that hold the stories that formed Stolley. One of the most interesting items is a maté cup she received when she was 16 years old after living in Argentina

MULTIMEDIA

The Visual Arts Building contains an office that brews with the creativity of Emory students. As the only tenured visual arts professor at Emory, Jason Francisco’s office tells a unique tale of the University’s past.

Emory’s visual arts department looked very different 14 years ago than it does today. Around 12 years ago, it fell victim to the reallocation of resources across the college and was shut down. Nonetheless, the building still stands, and arts classes provide a creative outlet for many students.

“I’ve had conversations in this room [about work for my classes] with students for whom the topic of what they’re doing is not just some academic thing out there to whatever abstract topic anybody could work on. It’s really meaningful and extraordinarily personal and urgent.”

— Jason Francisco

Francisco’s office has an intentional curation of historical books on one wall and photography-related work on another. Among the photographs are people who inspire Francisco, his own work and the work of his previous

“Spanish was so life-changing for me because it was a window.”

— Karen Stolley

students.

“I’m collecting a library,” Francisco said.

When you speak to Francisco, his passion for photography is evident from the first word. His space is organized in a way that represents his mind and allows room for his students’ minds to grow.

“I’ve had conversations in this room [about work for my classes] with students for whom the topic of what they’re doing is not just some

academic thing out there to whatever abstract topic anybody could work on,” Francisco said. “It’s really meaningful and extraordinarily personal and urgent.”

Francisco’s favorite object within his library is an incredible photograph taken by a theater student. On the back is a beautiful handwritten letter addressing how much Francisco meant to them and revealed just how invested Francisco is in his students’ success and self-expression.

alone as an exchange student. Stolley looks back on that year abroad fondly as a formative time in her career path.

“Spanish was so life-changing for me because it’s a window,” Stolley said. “Language as a threshold to different ways of understanding just seemed really important to me.”

In 2001, Stolley organized a study abroad program for professors from all corners of Emory’s departments to travel to the University of Salamanca in Spain. In that program, they were placed in students’ shoes for the summer, taking classes to improve their Spanish language skills.

In Stolley’s office, a collage the professors created clearly illustrates just how impactful this program was for many of them.

The office is more than a room. It’s a place of aspiration and community cultivated to be rich in knowledge and warm in atmosphere.

Players display effort versus Bucks despite loss

Continued from Back Page

in this quarter, and center Bruno Fernando chipped in an energetic eight points off the bench. Forward De’Andre Hunter and Bogdanovic hit back-to-back three-pointers to cut the Bucks’ lead to five points.

Fernando said that his late-game boost came after Matthews urged him to pick up his intensity at halftime to provide a spark for the team.

“He came into the locker room at halftime and he told me how flat I was, how I needed to step up and pick up my energy and intensity to be able to have the team feed off that,” Fernando said. “That’s exactly what I came out and did.”

But once again, the Bucks had an answer. Middleton and center Brook Lopez hit a pair of threes to curb the Hawks’ momentum, and the Bucks never looked back. When the final buzzer sounded, the Bucks defeated the Hawks 122-113.

Despite the loss, the Hawks put on a great display of effort in the second half. Snyder said his team’s ability to keep the game close while being undersized showed their determination, especially in the final quarter.

“To get to the point where we were down five out of that one time out, in a lot of ways that was big,” Snyder said. “It would have been easy to capitulate when you’re looking at 7-foot, 7-[foot]2, 6-[foot]-9. That’s a big team and we battled.”

Murray echoed this sentiment and said that the loss did not take away from the team’s confidence in themselves.

“We believe in ourselves,” Murray said. “We just gotta take it one game at a time. You’re not gonna win every

Teammate calls Hanley an ‘inspiring athlete’

Continued from Back Page

of Nursing. She said this decision was strongly tied to her own personal medical experiences.

“The nurses really, truly are the ones that you’re seeing throughout your treatment,” Hanley said. “I also feel my personality, and maybe this is part of my sickness too, I feel like I got to know myself better … I love to interact with people and I’m very ‘go, go, go,’ and I wanted that aspect of nursing as well.”

Outside of track and field, Hanley stays busy with her responsibilities in the nursing program, which mainly consist of clinicals. She often has to run track workouts on her own, as she has to miss team practice due to commitments for the program. Hanley’s teammate, junior distance runner Liesl Scherrer, said Hanley’s time management skills play a role in her success, especially since she often has to be at the hospital at 6:30 a.m. instead of team practice.

“She works a full day and then has to do her run on top of it and still show up the next day to 7 a.m. practice,” Scherrer said.

On top of her commitment to the team, Scherrer said Hanley shows selflessness through her positivity and commitment to motivating her teammates.

“You see athletes at their best and their worst, and even on her bad days she’s still there cheering everyone else on and doesn’t let her performance reflect out onto other people’s too,” Scherrer said. “She’s always there to be very supportive and give kudos and things like that to people who deserve it even if she hasn’t had the best day.”

Hanley’s teammate, sophomore distance runner Madison Tiaffay, expressed that Hanley has such a

healthy attitude toward running and life in general.

“She just knows she loves running,” Tiaffay said. “She obviously takes running seriously but I feel like she has a different type of outlook on life in regards to like, ‘Oh, I’m doing this because I want to. I’m running because it’s fun and because I want to do it.’”

Hanley’s positive outlook on running and life has also been something that Tiaffay has learned a lot from.

“I’m always keeping running light hearted and keeping it in perspective with other aspects of my life,” Tiaffay said. “I’ve definitely learned a lot from her. She’s a very inspiring athlete and person.”

In her first year running at Emory, Hanley has continued to make strides in competition. Hanley capped off a stellar cross country season with an All-American honor and an eighthplace finish at nationals. She continued with a strong indoor track and field season that was highlighted by a program record in the distance medley relay at the 2024 University Athletic Association Championships on Feb. 24.

Hanley is looking forward to the opportunity to compete in the first outdoor track season of her collegiate athletic career. Scherrer expressed her admiration of Hanley’s resilience and belief in her ability to continue her success.

“She’s beat cancer and came from a different school, and had to adjust to a lot of changes,” Scherrer said. “That resilience carries over into her athletics, and you can just see how dedicated and how much of a hardcore she is, on and off the track.”

— Contact Misha Gupta at misha.gupta@emory.edu

game, you’re not gonna lose every game. You can take these as lessons more than losses and just get better.” and center better.”

— Contact Will Peck at will.peck@emory.edu

Will Peck/SPortS editor Atlanta Hawks guard Trent Forrest rises up for a floater during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 30.

Sports The Emory Wheel

Softball ties opening conference series against Carnegie Mellon

By Madeline ShaPiro and SaSha MelaMud Managing Editor and Staff Writer

The Emory University softball team opened up University Athletic Association (UAA) play for the 2024 season against Carnegie Mellon University (Penn.). The Eagles battled the Carnegie Mellon Tartans in a four-game series from March 29 to 31, ending in a 2-2 tie.

Emory had a 14-6 record heading into the opening conference series. During the first game, sophomore pitcher Mackenzie Duford held the Tartans scoreless in the first inning, but runs by the Tartans in the second and fourth innings gave Carnegie Mellon a 2-0 lead.

The Eagles got on the board in the sixth inning. Freshman shortstop Sonia Klein, sophomore infielder Ella Hoyle and junior infielder Kayla Lang loaded the bases, and senior pitcher Natalie Swift hit a sacrifice fly to send Klein home. The Tartans added one more run in the seventh inning, ending the opening game of the series in a 3-1 loss for Emory.

The Tartans also had an early lead in the first game of the double header on March 30, scoring three runs in the first two innings to establish a 3-2 lead. Hoyle hit a solo home run in the third inning to tie the game at 3-3, but by the top of the sixth inning, the Tartans broke away from the Eagles and surged ahead 8-3. However, sophomore outfielder Ashley Chu said the team never felt like they were losing by a large margin.

“We were there to just compete,” Chu said. “We had seen the pitcher more than once, so we learned what

she threw and maybe the pattern she would throw and we got used to her speed. I feel like the second and third time through the lineup, we started finding our bats more and getting the job done.”

The Eagles rallied in the bottom of the sixth to claw their way back into the game. Swift notched a run thanks to a throwing error, and Hoyle hit a single with the bases loaded to bring the score to 8-6. Additional hits from Klein and Lang helped the Eagles tie the score at 8-8.

In the seventh inning, Hoyle broke the deadlock with a walkoff single, allowing senior outfielder Page Nellis to score the winning run of the game. Nellis attributed the comebacks to team discussions about trust and staying relaxed.

“We’ve been talking a lot this season as a team about trusting in our team and the practice we put in that we can come back at any point in the game,” Nellis said.

Having trailed early in the first two games of the series, Emory got

Hanley beats cancer, races on

By MiSha GuPta Contributing Writer

Graduate distance runner Brigid Hanley’s journey as an athlete has been an unrelenting test of resilience.

Hanley began her athletic journey in her freshman year of high school at La Salle Catholic College Preparatory (Ore.), where she joined the cross country team as a freshman. She was not planning to run during the track and field season until her coach told her that school rules stated she had to compete in both sports. Hanley said she enjoyed the additional season anyway because of her love for running

“It’s really social honestly,” Hanley said. “You get to be outside every day … and you get a lot of time to talk with your friends and hang out with them.”

Despite her love for the sport, Hanley did not always know she would pursue track in college.

“I honestly wasn’t super, super passionate about being a college athlete,” Hanley said. “It was kind of something I decided a little bit at the last minute.”

Hanley eventually started her collegiate career as a Division I distance runner at the University of Arizona. She said being around so many other determined runners helped her further recognize her enthusiasm for the sport.

“Everyone on the college team is really driven, really motivated and really loves to run,” Hanley said. “You take the people that are on a cross country or track team in high school and you put it on steroids. It’s like, ‘OK,

everyone here loves it as much as I do.’”

Early in her college career, Hanley was focused on learning in the classroom and getting faster on the track. However, her path to the finish line took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with cancer.

Hanley had to take multiple seasons off from competing to battle the illness, causing her to miss all her outdoor track seasons at Arizona, but she still ran when she could during her time in treatment. She said running helped her get through hard days of doctor’s appointments and treatment sessions.

“When you have any type of chronic illness, but especially cancer, you become a patient and not a person,” Hanley said. “Your life is full of doctor’s appointments. It revolves around your illness, people treat you like you’re your illness, they don’t treat you like a person. So I think for me too, running was a way to kind of keep my identity.”

Even though running motivated Hanley to push through treatment, she did not always know that she would end up returning to collegiate track.

“There were lots of times when I considered quitting,” Hanley said. “A lot of people told me to quit … I had a doctor tell me I would never be a good runner again while I was going through chemo.”

Despite this, Hanley’s passion for running and determination to race triumphed over the doubt and negativity that accompanied her illness.

“I honestly came back to it with the mentality of, ‘I owe it to myself to

see this to the end,’” Hanley said. “I didn’t expect to run fast. I ran through chemo, I ran through all these injuries, I ran through all this mental struggle and I’m like, ‘I’m going to get to the line, and I’m going to race.’”

Hanley learned many important lessons through her journey back to the track. She said one of the most important ones was to cherish the opportunity to compete.

“I will never take it for granted,” Hanley said. “It’s such an amazing thing to actually get to the line and wear the uniform and race. There’s always a story behind getting there.

I feel like sometimes if you’ve been healthy for a long time you take it for granted, but I’m always like, ‘No it’s such a win when you can do that.’”

Hanley came to Emory University in fall 2023 to pursue a master’s degree at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School

off to a fast start in the third matchup, leading 2-0 after the first inning. However, the Tartans responded in the top of the second with a surge of hits, scoring seven runs to take a 7-2 lead. The Eagles cut the large deficit quickly though, scoring four runs of their own in the bottom of the second.

The Eagles were losing 10-8 heading into the sixth inning, but for the second time in one day, they mounted a comeback. Emory scored 10 runs on eight hits in the bottom

of the sixth, with Hoyle and Klein accounting for three of those hits, securing an 18-10 win.

Hoyle had 10 runs batted in (RBIs) across both games of the double header. Her 6 RBIs in the second matchup that day rank ninth in program history for the most in a single game. Hoyle said she was not really expecting to earn these hitting stats this season.

“My hitting style is more extra base hits instead of a lot of base hits,” Hoyle said. “Ashley on our team gets a hit every game basically and that’s her goal. Her goal is just to get on base and then my goal is to hit her in to home.”

The Eagles fell in the final game of the series on March 31. Emory led the game 1-0 until the top of the fifth when the Tartans hit three singles to bring the score to 3-1. Both teams added a run in the sixth inning, and the game ended 4-2.

Throughout the series, Chu maintained her impressive 28-game hitting streak. She is one game away from tying the UAA record of 29.

Chu is optimistic for the remaining games, and she noted how the large class of skillful freshman players have contributed this season. The Eagles now maintain a 16-8 record.

“We’ve grown and become super solid and everybody has each other’s backs,” Chu said. “Everybody knows their role on the field and at the plate, so I feel happy with our team and I feel like it’s only gonna go up from here as we build chemistry.”

— Contact Madeline Shapiro at madeline.shapiro@emory.edu and Sasha Melamud at sasha.melamud@emory.edu

Hawks end home stretch with loss

By Will Peck Sports Editor

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Chicago Bulls 113-101 on April 1 in their hunt for higher seeding in the NBA play-in tournament.

This came after the Hawks entered their game on March 30 against the Milwaukee Bucks with a four-game win streak, including two wins against the first-place Boston Celtics. Prior to the game, Hawks Head Coach Quin Snyder said the team’s recent success could be attributed to doing the “little things” right.

“Our discipline in getting back, our discipline in crashing the boards and getting hits on the defensive boards and being shifted where we need to be – there’s been a lot of things from an executional standpoint that we’ve done a better job in,” Snyder said. “Along with that, we’ve executed game plans.”

Both teams were undermanned for this contest. The Hawks listed seven players out prior to tip-off, and the Bucks played without all-star guard Damian Lillard.

However, the Hawks came out firing in the first quarter, hitting four of their first five shots, including three-pointers from guards Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic and forward Vit Krejci. The team’s lead was

as large as 14-6 before the Bucks went on an eight-point run of their own.

Bucks forward Khris Middleton found success early, scoring 12 points in the first quarter. Murray, not to be outdone, had 11 first-quarter points of his own, but by the end of the quarter, the Bucks led 33-28.

The second quarter saw the teams trading baskets before the Bucks took control, leading by as much as 16 points. Bucks forward and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo finally got going in this quarter by scoring nine points, five of which came from the free-throw line. The Bucks ended the second half with a 59-45 lead.

Antetokounmpo continued his run by scoring eight additional points within the first five minutes of the second half as the Bucks extended their lead to 21 points. The Hawks gained some steam after a surge that included five quick points from veteran guard Wesley Matthews, but their momentum was stifled after Antetokounmpo threw down two more powerful dunks which brought his personal point total to 31. The Hawks continued to trail behind the Bucks 89-74 at the end of the third quarter.

However, the Hawks revived their scoring ways in the fourth quarter. Bogdanovic erupted for 17 points

JuStin Whitening/Staff Photogra Pher Freshman pitcher Lexi Back winds up for a pitch in a game against Agnes Scott College (Ga.).

c ourte S y of Brigid h anley Graduate runner Brigid Hanley competes indoors.