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T h e I n d e p e n d e n t S t u d e n t N e w s p a p e r o f B r a n d e is U n i v e r sit y S i n c e 1 9 4 9 Volume LXXVI, Number 13
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
PLUMBING LEAK
SERIOUS CHARGES
Man charged with killing a Waltham police officer and National Grid employee ■ Multiple lives were lost in
Waltham after a fatal crash, and the community is grieving. By ANNA MARTIN JUSTICE EDITOR
On Dec. 7, 2023, a hit-and-run crash took place on Totten Paul Road in Waltham. This accident caused the deaths of National Grid employee Roderick Jackson and Waltham police officer Paul Tracey. The man charged with this crime is 54-year-old Peter Simon from Woodsville, New Hampshire. He drove onto the worksite, between a National Grid truck and a backhoe, and drove straight into the trench where Tracey was directing traffic and Jackson was working. Multiple other National Grid workers were injured.
Waltham, Mass.
Simon struck multiple vehicles, in addition to Jackson and Tracey, before having to abandoning his pickup truck. Upon stepping out of his truck, Simon was confronted by an officer who had been called to the scene. He pulled a knife on the officer and proceeded to steal his cruiser. Simon then crashed the police vehicle before leading more responding officers on a chase on foot. He was eventually arrested. Simon faced 15 charges for his actions on Dec. 7. These charges included, two counts of manslaughter, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, armed robbery, leaving the scene of an accident after causing personal injury and death, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, two counts of leaving the scene of an accident after causing property
See CRASH, 7 ☛ Photo courtesy of VINCENT CALIA-BOGAN
"RIVER OF HUMAN FECES": The sewage leak posed both an inconvenience and health risk to affected students.
BRIEF
University programming for Black History Month In honor of Black History Month, the University announced a series of events to recognize the contributions of the Black community to the United States. In a Feb. 1 email, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Lauren Haynie and Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lee Bitsóí acknowledged the significance of Black History Month and previewed the various ways in which the University plans to celebrate. The intent of Black History Month is to facilitate reflection on and consideration of “how communities of color are constantly striving to build an inclusive community based on mutual understanding and respect,” Haynie and Bitsóí wrote. The email highlighted and invited community members to visit the University Archives’ African and African American studies-related collections. The collections include Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1967 speech on campus, the “Remembering Ford & Sydeman Halls” online collection and rare editions of works from authors including Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston and Wallace Thurman. The archives are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday. A “thought-provoking” panel discussion called “A Call to Action: Supporting Women of Color in Our Community” is to take place on Friday, Feb. 16 in the Hassenfeld Conference Center from 12-1:30 p.m, with a virtual option for those who are unable to attend in person. The event will “offer dialogue and practical strategies with the aim to support women of color leaders in higher education.” Students and other community members can RSVP online. Three different events intended
to “elevate” the voices of Black students and celebrate their communities will be held by the Brandeis Black Student Organization in the next week. On Feb. 8, BSO is hosting an open dialogue session, “BLK Homecoming: Talk About It.” The event is meant to encourage students of all different backgrounds to “engage in meaningful conversations” concerning issues impacting the Black community. It will take place from 7-10 p.m. in the Carl J. Shapiro Theater. On Feb. 10, the BSO is presenting a “Homecoming Gala” in Levin Ballroom from 6:30-10:30 p.m. The event’s description invites students to “step into an evening of elegance and celebration at the Enchanted Evening Homecoming Gala.” In addition to being a social event, the gala is a commemoration of Black achievements, culture and the community’s “unbreakable spirit.” BSO’s third event, the “BSO Homecoming Showcase,” is an annual showcase meant to celebrate the Black community’s “rich and vibrant culture.” The event will feature art, music, dance and spoken word performances. It will take place on Feb. 11 in Levin Ballroom from 6:3010:30 p.m. Bitsóí and Haynie wrote that the University was founded on the “premise of seeking justice” and that Brandeis “contributes an important piece in our nation's history of the Civil Rights Movement.” “We look forward to you joining us in our commemoration and celebration of our diverse Black communities and populations at Brandeis and beyond,” Haynie and Bitsóí wrote. — Isabel Roseth
Clog causes sewage overflow in Ziv 129 ■ Impacted students navigate reimbursement,
health and displacement with limited support from the University. By ELIZA BIER JUSTICE EDITOR
On Feb. 2, sewage water flooded the first floor suites and basement of Ziv 129, damaging both University property and students' personal property. Affected students were forced to act quickly to try and save personal belongings from the flood. Andie Sheinbaum ’24 first noticed the overflow at 11:28 a.m. when she texted in the Ziv 129 hall group chat asking people to stop using water as there was “sewage backup” in her suite. She noted that “all of [her] stuff was ruined.” Max Kappler ’25, the Ziv 129 community advisor, quickly responded by advising residents to stop running water and call facilities or public safety. Sheinbaum reported that she received no response from facilities and then was “scolded” by the Brandeis police “for being rude” before they assisted with the sewage overflow in her suite. Facilities arrived at Ziv 129 in the early afternoon to try to alleviate the issue by turning off the building’s water supply and assessing the damages — first in the basement and then in the affected first floor suites. Facilities began treatment of the affected units within hours of the initial report, after allowing students time to collect personal items. Facilities shut off the water in Ziv 129 until the clog was resolved. In a Feb. 4 statement to The Justice, Lori Kabel, the facilities services director, reported that a variety of people including in-house custodians, operations and maintenance staff and various other contractors started to “not only clean and disinfect the area but also replace any damaged carpet.” As a result, facilities tore out most of the carpets in these suites and placed industrial dehumidifiers in the suites to try to prevent mold growth. Additionally, in collaboration with the University, Environmental Health and Safety will inspect and test all affected rooms to ensure the safety of the students who live there. According to Kabel, the overflow was the result of a clog caused by non-flushable items such as wipes and pa-
Food volunteer
Brenda Lawrence is a local volunteer fighting against food waste in the community. By ZOE ZACHARY
Chinese New Year
Newton teachers’ strike ends
On Feb. 4, Brandeis students came together to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year.
By SOPHIA DE LISI
By HELEN HOU AND NEMMA KALRA
CECI XILEI CHEN/The Justice
FEATURES 8 For tips or info email editor@thejustice.org
per towels being flushed down toilets. This clog created a blockage between a line flowing from Ziv to the main campus sewer line, which connects to the city sewer pipes. Kabel stated the blockage was located between Ziv 129 and the South Street sewer connection, which caused Brandeis’ sewer manhole to overflow and back up. Ziv 129 is the lowest point on campus, so the sewage back-up accumulated there. This is not the first time this situation has occurred in the area. Kabel recounted that there have been other clogs in residence hall bathrooms also caused by improper disposal of non-flushable items. Due to this incident, facilities is urging students to remember that only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. In light of the sewage overflow in Ziv 129, the facilities department is looking into possibilities to help prevent similar situations. One proposed preventative measure is to install an apparatus to isolate Ziv 129 should this problem occur again. In a Feb. 4 interview with The Justice, Vincent Calia-Bogan ’25, an affected student, expressed concerns about why there were no preventative measures in place such as overflow sensors or a shut off valve. In a Feb. 4 emailed statement to The Justice, Timothy Touchette, assistant dean of Student Affairs, corroborated many of Kabel’s statements while also providing additional information on how the University plans to support affected students going forward. The impacted students have been offered emergency temporary housing on campus, split between both Ridgewood and Village, until it is safe for them to move back into their suites. Many affected students opted to stay with friends and family off campus. Touchette also relayed that community living staff were “onsite and connected with affected students” and that his department worked to meet students immediate needs before considering long term support. Calia-Bogan reported that while Brandeis reached out to affected students within around two hours of the onset of the overflow about temporary housing, responsibility was placed on the students to go to the Department of Community Living office before its closing at 5 p.m. to receive their temporary housing assignments amidst their efforts to save items from the sewage water. Calia-Bogan and Shienbaum conveyed that they did not receive help
BRYAN WOLFE/The Justice
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ARTS 19
See SEWAGE, 7 ☛
NEWS 3
Addressing administrative turnover By THE JUSTICE EDITORIAL BOARD
The Dodgers’ money moves By PRATEEK KANMADIKAR
COPYRIGHT 2024 FREE AT BRANDEIS.
FORUM 10
SPORTS 16
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024 ● NEWS ● THE JUSTICE
NEWS SENATE LOG
Student Union passes Unpaid Internships Policy Bill, promotes Black History Month events At its Feb. 4 meeting, the Student Union Senate met to discuss and vote on an Unpaid Internships Policy Bill. Following a presentation on this policy the week prior, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Rani Balakrishna ’25 recapped the policy guidelines, acting as a delegate for the Boston Intercollegiate Government. BIG is a network of colleges and universities in the Greater Boston Area; this policy was drafted by Paul Irvine, the director of public policy for BIG, and is intended for different schools to sign on to bring to the State House. Key components of the endorsed policy encompass minimum wage safeguards and provisions addressing sexual harassment and discrimination for all public-sector and non-profit personnel. Additionally, it advocates for a paid internship framework ensuring government-sponsored internships meet minimum wage standards and are publicly advertised, thereby circumventing exclusive reliance on university or organizational networks for recruitment. Following a Senate vote, the motion was passed and the Student Union officially pledged support for the policy amendments. The Senate also deliberated briefly on the efforts of Grace Toscano ’27, director of
first-year experience, regarding collaboration with Branda, a mobile app for Brandeis, to develop a comprehensive resource guide. Recognizing the absence of such a guide currently, Toscano plans to engage with Laura Flynn, Brandeis’ director of orientation and first-year experience, in forming focus groups for incoming first-year students commencing in September. Moreover, collaborative efforts with Undergraduate Admissions aim to enhance campus tours by rectifying misinformation. Roee Maor ’24, director of outreach, introduced the ”Wellness Window Initiative,” proposing a designated period during the week devoid of academic commitments to allow students to prioritize their well-being. Maor suggested this time could be utilized for consultations with professors and relaxation. The Senate also discussed the Brandeis Marathon; in the past years, it has evolved into an annual event from its original occurrence of once every semester. Marathon funding requests are intended to close at the end of the month, so all clubs should look to finalize and submit any requests by that point in time. Furthermore, probationary clubs should look to gain Club Support Committee approval by late February to participate in the upcoming
marathon; failure to do so would mean that these clubs will be unable to request marathon funding again until spring of 2025. Students can look forward to upcoming initiatives from the Social Justice Committee in the coming few weeks as they work to promote initiatives for Black History Month this February, including the Brandeis Black Student Organization’s Black Out Party on Feb. 9, Masquerade Ball on Feb. 10, and Homecoming Showcase on Feb. 11. SOJO is also looking forward to upcoming Women’s History Month in March and hopes to have a well-defined social media presence as soon as possible. Regarding Committee Chair Appointments, Senator Eamonn Golden ’24 proposed a vote and speeches, with subsequent affirmations from incumbent chairs expressing their commitment to continue in their roles. The Senate passed a motion by acclamation to confirm these appointments. Additionally, the Senate discussed the establishment of the CORE Committee to review the efficacy of the Brandeis Academic Core, gathering input from members regarding the current system. Lastly, attention was drawn to a DEIS Impact Event organized by the Brandeis University Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Education and Learning Initiatives, titled ”Embracing Difference: Racism, Antisemitism, and Jewish Identity,” scheduled for March 25 to March 27, requiring a Mobile eTicket obtainable via Eventbrite.
— Ariana Rich — Editor’s Note: Justice Editor Rani Balakrishna ’25 is the Student Union’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion and did not contribute to this article.
POLICE LOG MEDICAL EMERGENCY Jan. 26—A caller requested medical assistance for an intoxicated party. The party was treated by BEMCo and transported to a local hospital for further care via ambulance. Jan. 27—A caller reported a party not feeling well. They were treated by BEMCo and refused further care. Jan. 27—A party felt dizzy and nauseous. The patient refused medical treatment. Jan. 28—A caller requested medical assistance for a party with a head injury. They were treated by BEMCo and Armstrong Medics. The party refused further medical care. Jan. 28—There was a medical emergency for a party who was kicked by a horse. The patient refused medical treatment. Jan. 29—A party reported bumping a bench and requesting an ice pack. The party spoke to BEMCo via phone. Brandeis Police delivered the ice pack. BEMCo was not dispatched. Jan. 29—A party complained of breathing problems. The Waltham Fire Department and Armstrong Medics responded. The patient refused medical treatment. Jan. 29—Area coordinator on call requested Armstrong Medics for a party’s medical emergency. The party was transported to a local hospital via ambulance. Jan. 29—A party complained of flu-like symptoms. The patient was transported to a local hospital via ambulance. Jan. 31—A party had an allergic reaction. The patient refused medical treatment. Jan. 31—A party fainted twice and hit their head. The patient was transported to a local hospital via ambulance. Feb. 1—A reporting party requested medical assistance for an unknown ailment. The party was transported to a local hospital via ambulance.
HARASSMENT Jan. 27—A reporting party came to the station to file a report regarding being harassed. An investigation is to follow. Jan. 31—A party reported harassment. An investigation is to follow. DISTURBANCE Jan. 27—A party reported screaming from inside a quad. The quad was clear and quiet upon arrival. Jan. 30—While The Department of Community Living conducted health and safety inspections, they were harassed by a resident. Brandeis Police brought the student to the counseling center. MISCELLANEOUS Jan. 26—Vandalism was reported on a white board. An investigation is to follow. Jan. 29—A party reported a larceny. An investigation is to follow. Jan. 30—A party reported being the victim of a scam. An investigation is to follow. Feb. 1—A party reported that one of the shuttles sideswiped a light pole while turning onto campus. There was no damage to the pole. The case was cleared.
— Compiled by Anika Jain
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS ■ A crossword puzzle switched the clues for Down and Across. (Jan. 30, pg. 20). ■ The jump from pg. 16 to pg. 13 cut off a quote. The full sentence is supposed to read “Because when you play your first final, you get emotional and rush things sometimes,” (Jan. 30, pg. 16). The Justice welcomes submissions for errors that warrant correction or clarification. Send an email to editor@thejustice.org.
NATALIE BRACKEN/The Justice
Graphics courtesy of CANVA and ELIZABETH LIU/The Justice
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From roommates to wildlife, animals are all around the Brandeis campus. From sunbathing on a beanbag chair to climbing a tree to frolicking in the grass, these animals are enjoying quiet moments around their natural environments.
THE JUSTICE ● NEWS ● TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024
3
Newton Teachers Association Director of Brandeis National Committee Beth Bernstein retires 15-day strike comes to an end ■ In the past 75 years, the Brandeis National Committee’s support for Brandeis University has been substantial, but few know the depth of their impact. By ANIKA JAIN JUSTICE EDITOR
“I am [Brandeis National Committee]’s biggest cheerleader because I am Brandeis’ biggest cheerleader,” Beth Bernstein MA ’90 said in a Feb. 2 interview with The Justice. For the past 33 years, Bernstein has been a central part of the BNC, an organization that has been around as long as the University itself. Formerly known as the Brandeis National Women’s Committee, the BNC was founded by eight women who wanted to raise funds for a library for Brandeis students. Their fundraising model, “old books for new,” directed profits from book sales towards the construction of the library. Today, the BNC remains committed to financially supporting Brandeis and its libraries. Major donors are recognized on BNC’s Tribute Wall, a focal point in the foyer of the Goldfarb Library. In addition to the library, the BNC raises funds for research projects, including a million-dollar two-photon microscope and the Sengupta Lab in the Shapiro Science Complex. The BNC also endowed the University Library Chair, helped Brandeis achieve Phi Kappa Beta status, and provided WiFi access to student dorms when computers first became mainstream. Their latest campaign, “The Legacy of Louis: Inspiring Inquiry,” includes a display of archives from the Brandeis family and a new Judaica reading room in the library. After completing her Master’s degree at Brandeis through the Hornstein program in 1990, Bernstein joined the BNC. She helped with programming and communication, ultimately working her way up to director, a position she served for ten years. As director, she oversaw 37 chapters, approximately 21,000 members and a national board. “No other university has a group like us,” Bernstein explained. The BNC has supported every department at Brandeis since its inception in 1948. Bernstein added that University President Ron Liebowitz and his wife Jessica Liebowtiz have been “firm supporters of the BNC.” In a Feb. 5 statement to The Justice, President Liebowitz said, “Beth’s stewardship of the BNC was legendary; I am deeply grateful
for her dedication to that key organization of Brandeis supporters. She will be missed by myself and so many members of the BNC.” In her three decades at Brandeis, Bernstein witnessed the University change in the face of challenges ranging from the Gulf War to the COVID-19 pandemic. From the “no food” policy in the library to trash cans overflowing with cappuccino cups and pizza boxes, she has seen the way Brandeis has evolved throughout the years. “For me, it’s been a labor of love. I’ve loved every minute of it,” Bernstein said. “I could have retired a long time ago, but this has always been a labor of love for me because I love Brandeis.” At every opportunity, Bernstein sat in on lectures at the University — politics, journalism, American studies, and more. “My son always said to me, ‘Mom, you’re going to stay young because you get to talk to students all the time.’” Bernstein also worked closely with BNC’s student ambassadors: “I’ve worked with the best students in the whole wide world … It gave the students the opportunity to get to know the volunteers that were supporting them, and it gave the volunteers the opportunity to meet the students that they were supporting. It was like a win-win.” Bernstein remains in touch with some of the student ambassadors, some of whom have gone on to start their own non-profits. Reflecting on the projects she has completed as director of the BNC, Bernstein said, “There’s always been something new and interesting to work on. There was never a dull day. I can honestly say this and mean this: I’ve never not wanted to go to work.” Her record speaks for itself, having not taken a single sick day for 15 years. The BNC “really was my life,” Bernstein said. Now that she is retired, she can fulfill some goals that she has had for a while, such as taking a painting class, learning sign language, and joining a chorus. Bernstein added that she also wants to travel, volunteer at a homeless shelter near her house, and spend more time with her grandchildren. “My grandchildren wanted me to retire although my grandson said, ‘Bubbe, you can’t retire because then you don’t have money to buy me things,’” she shared. Bernstein does not know what the future has in store for the BNC, but she plans to stay involved and help out if they need anything. “I want the whole world to know about BNC, and I want the whole University to know about BNC,” she said. “I want everybody when they walk into the library to really realize what that Tribute Wall represents.”
■ The Newton Teachers Association and the Newton School Committee have managed to finalize a contract, ending the NTA’s illegal strike. By SOPHIA DE LISI JUSTICE EDITOR
This Monday, Newton students are back in their classrooms following a 15-day strike and a hard-fought four-year educator contract between the Newton Teachers Association, Newton School Committee and Mayor Ruthanne Fuller. This teachers strike was the sixth of its kind in Massachusetts since 2022 — it is also the largest and longest strike, impacting a total of 12,000 students from 22 Newton schools. The deal was announced on Friday, Feb. 2 after Middlesex County Superior Court Judge Christopher Barry-Smith, at the School Committee’s request, agreed to increase the NTA’s daily fine from $50,000 to $100,000 in the event it proceeded past this week. This fine originates from Massachusetts’ law prohibiting public employees and employee organizations from striking, encouraging or condoning any “work stoppage.” Ultimately, the financial penalty has amassed $625,000 in court-ordered fines. Both the NTA and the School Committee have agreed that the teachers association will pay a minimum of $275,000. However, a judge will decide if the NTA must pay its full penalty, and if the money will go towards Newton public schools or the state. In a Feb. 4 Instagram post, the NTA announced that 97% of its members voted to ratify the new contract, and the organization expressed its satisfaction with its provisions. Some of the new provisions highlighted by the NTA include “humane” paid parental leave and an increase in paid family leave. The post also emphasized higher wages for “Unit C” employees, such as aides and behavioral therapists, and added payment for teachers who voluntarily substitute classes. Mayor Fuller expressed that the increased pay will not force the district to lay off current employees. Instead, the necessary funding came from Newton’s operating budget and “the use of one-time funds in a judicious manner that doesn’t create fiscal cliffs,” she explained. School Committee Chair, Chris Brezski, added that the contract is “competitive” and that Newton educators and the greater
district should “feel good about it, that this is something that’s going to allow us to provide what we need for our kids.” These discussions have also created a path for the NTA to continue advocating for 220 minutes of preparation time for elementary school teachers. While the School Committee does not recommend this additional time, the NTA’s post clarified that it has the “ability to reopen negotiations on this subject to push for the prep time all educators deserve.” “We’re all breathing a sigh of relief,” Mayor Fuller said in a Feb. 2 press conference. “We’re certainly getting ready for Monday morning, but also in the coming days I ask for the help of everyone here in Newton in finding ways to reflect and reconnect, to learn from each other and to heal.” As a result of the strike, the Newton community found itself divided alongside the NTA and the School Committee. While numerous families showed their support for the NTA by bringing meals and rallying alongside the educators, tensions thickened amongst parents as the strike progressed. Some urged the teachers to return to their lesson plans and one claimed a lawsuit in the Middlesex District Court. Lital Asher-Dotan, a mother of three, filed an emergency motion to the court, expanding on the detriment that the two-week strike has had on her children’s education. She expressed the damage that she felt the strike had on her child’s chances of being accepted into college and how the shortened athletic season negatively impacted two of her children who are involved in sports. Furthermore, she said that both she and her husband work full-time and are unable to supervise their children adequately. To make up for the 11 missed school days, the School Committee has unanimously decided to use four days from the district’s February break. However, the committee has yet to determine where the remaining seven days will come from given that Massachusetts law requires all districts to hold 180 official school days. “Those days on strike, for us, were work days, hard days standing out in the cold, not knowing how much longer we had to hold the line. And now we must work 11 more days,” NTA president, Mike Zilles, wrote in a Feb. 3 statement. He acknowledged the difficulty of having to make up 11 school days on the heels of the difficult strike but reminded the organization that the NTA and School Committee’s return to work agreement is “realistic” as it ensures full pay to educators, provided the full school year is complete.
Photo courtesy of BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
FIRM SUPPORTERS: BNC Director Beth Bernstein (middle) pictured with University President Ron Liebowitz (left) and his wife Jessica Liebowitz (right).
Graphics courtesy of CANVA and ELIZABETH LIU/The Justice
Graphics courtesey of CANVA and ELIZABETH LIU/The Justice
Graphics courtesey of CANVA, Pixabay and ELIZABETH LIU/The Justice
THE JUSTICE ● NEWS ● TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024
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FREE SPEECH DELIBERATIONS
‘Dialogue & Action in an Age of Divides’: Discussing free speech ■ As part of a newly created discussion series, panelists from Massachusetts universities discuss the importance and limitations of free speech and the regulation of hate speech. By LIN LIN HUTCHINSON
JUSTICE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
On Jan. 29, nine Massachusetts universities, including Brandeis, co-hosted the first discussion of a newly developed discussion series titled “Dialogue and Action in an Age of Divides.” During the online webinar, panelists weighed in on the increasingly debated discussion of hate and free speech. The program was moderated by Roderick Ireland, professor of criminology and criminal justice at Northeastern University and former chief justice of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Supreme Judicial Court. “I think the stance on neutrality is bogus,”
Andrew Leong, professor of philosophy at University of Massachusetts Boston, said during the discussion. “It’s talking about who you are not going to be protecting. It’s those that are disenfranchised, those who are marginalized that will have their voices be silenced.” Drawing from personal experiences, Leong emphasized that “freedom of speech is not equal because not all of us have the same power or the same volume.” During grade school, Leong remembers being made fun of for his limited proficiency in English and ridiculed for his differences as an immigrant. Similarly, while attending law school, in an ethics class Leong found the phrase “Chinese Wall” to be problematic. The “Chinese Wall” is a measure used by law firms to ensure information gained from one client does not get mishandled or shared to another member of the same firm who is representing another client related to the matter. Leong was afraid that he would experience the same reaction he faced during grade school. “No matter what the social differences are, whether it’s race, whether it’s gender, whether it’s sexual preference, whatever it may be, the minute that we as teachers, as educators, understand that something is happening, that that particular student is being made fun of, we need to control the room; we need to change the dynamic,” Leong said. He actively called out
schools and the education system to recognize failure to address bullying instances. “That’s not something that we’ve really done in the past.” Kent Greenfield, professor and a dean’s distinguished scholar at the Boston College Law School, shared that regulating speech and expression does not have to reflect those of the public square. “Like a work place, the hostility created by speech can make it impossible for people to succeed professionally, a hostile learning environment can make it impossible for students to succeed academically,” Greenfield said. “I think that adopting the libertarianism of free speech doctrine is something that universities can choose to do but need not. I think universities can instead choose certain rules of discourse that govern their community to create an atmosphere and culture of learning.” To Greenfield, academic settings go beyond being a space where ideas and views are shared, but a place which encourages students to thrive and participate in their educational process. Therefore, he favors institutions that are “trying to make those difficult judgments, than at a school that throws up its hands and says, “These judgments are beyond us.” Especially when the costs of open debate fall upon our most vulnerable, our most marginalized, our most at-risk
students, staff, faculty,” Greenfield said. “Those who would be put in a position to adjudicate these things may be motivated in good faith to be fair and even handed, but they may not appreciate how their own identity is influencing their analysis,” said Andrew Sellars, clinical associate professor at the Boston University School of Law. “That of course could lead to discrimination of its own.” Sellars spoke about the regulation of hate and free speech from the lens of power. He pointed out power is intertwined with one’s identity and social differences like race, class and religion can “augment or diminish one’s relational power.” Sellars also warned about the implication that speech code, meant to protect, can have due to power dynamics. “I am concerned about a stand alone ruler, stand alone code, because without attending to these other power dynamics, it can actually just exacerbate our problems,” Sellars said. A recording of the panel discussion can be found at Northeastern University’s website, under “Dialogue and Action Panel Series.” The next part of the series, “Coming Together Across Difference: Finding Common Ground Across Identities and Political Divides,” will take place on Feb. 13 from 5-6 P.M. EST. More information can be found on Northeastern’s website.
DISABILITY EQUITY ON CAMPUSES
The National Organization on Disability holds a panel on disability equity ■ The event explored policies that higher education institutions and workplaces can implement to create equitable environments for people with disabilities.
By AMANDA CHEN JUSTICE EDITOR
On Feb. 1, the Hiatt Career Center hosted a webinar, “Black & Disabled: Creating Equity in Overlooked Spaces,” aimed at exploring how higher education institutions and employers can be more inclusive. HBCU 20x20’s CEO, Nicole Tinson, moderated the panel. Dr. Dennis Johnson, the senior vice president of partnerships for HBCU 20x20, gave a brief introduction. Derrick Cainion and Ambrose Tabb provided American Sign Language translations throughout. Teaching how disabilities impact people’s lives is key to identifying areas for improvement. Natalie Dickens, one of the speakers, stated that this education is needed because “if you don’t struggle with this specific thing, you don’t see a need for [a] solution.” Dickens, a recent graduate from Jackson State University, won HBCU 20x20’s Pitch Competition with her presentation on using TikTok to amplify information about autism. Dickens believes that interacting with people in person can be limiting, and social media offers a global space for people to share their stories about their disabilities. Online platforms allow people to connect and expand their own perspectives in a way that might not have happened before. Social media’s algorithm can spread messages of disability awareness to people who aren’t actively searching for it. According to their website, The Application and HBCU 20x20 “are the nation’s leading social
enterprise for academic and career resources with an audience of 25,000 and growing, representing colleges and universities, ten countries and over 600 corporate partners.” One of their services is allowing students to send in college applications for free. Dickens discussed ways to make college campuses more accessible. She said that even though Jackson State University’s American Disability Act measures are “amazing,” it is disheartening that most students don’t know about the full extent of its services. “I think that, to me at least, it seemed like a lack of importance to the school as a whole to really aggressively put out there that this service was provided for students,” Dickens explained. Renovating infrastructure on college campuses is also a major need. When she was at Jackson State University, she observed that elevators in some buildings were consistently broken. Moreover, some students took classes off campus, but the shuttle hours were irregular and there was no space on the buses for wheelchairs. Dickens shared that the shuttles left the stop too fast and didn’t give enough time for people who needed extra help to get on the bus. Furthermore, at career fairs she recommended there be sections for jobs that have sufficient disability accommodations. Similarly, Brandeis students have faced problems with inaccessible infrastructure and housing accommodations. While there have been some improvements, such as securing funding for a ramp for the Brandeis Counseling Center and renovating the Brown Social Science Center, most dorm buildings don’t have elevators or automatic doors. During last year’s housing changes, the Disabled Students Network circulated a petition criticizing the housing selection process for leaving students with disability accommodations without proper housing. There was a silent protest on Admitted Students Day to advocate for 29 students with disability accommodations who reportedly received inadequate housing. Students protested again during University President Ron Liebowitz’s annual presidential address. Many college students with disabilities strug-
gle to find satisfactory accommodations. Wendy Harbour, the associate executive director for programs and development at the Association on Higher Education and Disability, stated in a NBC news article that “the problem isn’t that schools aren’t following the letter of the law but that they often don’t go beyond compliance. Disabled students may have dorm rooms that are accessible, but they can’t visit any other student on campus, or students in need of interpreters or notetakers might receive one of poor quality, or a building might have just one accessible bathroom or only one elevator.” An unwelcoming environment can cause feelings of exclusion and increase the chance that students with disabilities dropout of school. According to an NBC News article, “only a third of students with disabilities who enroll in a four-year college or university graduate within eight years. At a two-year school, less than 42% graduate.” The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act “is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities,” according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. The law is split into five titles that each outline how different institutions should comply with the ADA, including employment, state and local government, public accommodations, telecommunications and miscellaneous provisions. With the provisions from the act under higher education, such institutions are responsible for “providing accommodations, creating accessible learning environments and complying with laws such as the ADA.” However, to some college students with disabilities, these standard allowances are not enough to make their college experiences equitable. In addition, transitioning from college to a job can be difficult. The National Organization on Disability completed a four year project called Campus to Careers involving 11 employers and 15 colleges in Massachusetts examining how to facilitate that transition. The report recommended that career services and disability services on college campuses work together more. Employers connect with disability services on campuses when recruiting, companies generate
a disability-positive online image and employers train hiring managers and human resource workers to reduce bias. Not only did the panelists advocate for more resources that would help people with disabilities find an accessible college campus and a job after graduation, but they also encouraged more disability awareness in the workplace. Both Candice Nash, the diversity and inclusion manager at Toyota North America, and Felicia Nurmsen, the managing director of employer services at the National Organization on Disability, exemplified how a partnership between a major company and a disability advocacy nonprofit can yield improvements to the workplace. Nash talked about boosting accessibility from Toyota’s perspective. Internally, she works with executives to develop strategies and implement them. Some aspects they look at include workforce diversity and the level of executives’ support and engagement with team members. Moreover, they examine supplier diversity to ensure that they financially invest in inclusive policies, as well as provide a mentor program to teach other businesses Toyota’s practices. Toyota also commits to community partnerships, and they started working with NOD around 2017-18. NOD’s tracker tells them areas they are doing well in and opportunities for improvement. Nash emphasized thinking “about the entire life cycle,” meaning not only looking at improving the physical workplace but also how they recruit employees, interview them and complete the onboarding process. Nurmsen agreed that Toyota made significant progress on the accessibility front. NOD toured the campus and pointed out where infrastructure could be better, and a year later, Nurmsen stated that Toyota implemented all of NOD’s suggestions. The panelists talked about affecting change in the realms of academia and career achievement. However, change in the political realm is vital as well. Nurmsen encouraged people to register to vote to enact more legislation advancing equity for people with disabilities and elect candidates advocating for more accessible infrastructure.
Graphics courtesy of CANVA and NATALIE BRACKEN/The Justice
6
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024 ● NEWS ● THE JUSTICE
Christiane Gerstetter analyzes German environmental laws ■ In a webinar hosted by Prof. Sabine von Mering (GRALL, WGS) and the Center for German and European Studies, Dr. Gerstetter breaks down two recent court cases challenging the German government’s climate response. By ZOE ZACHARY
JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
This past November, two cases were filed against Germany’s federal government. One, occurring on Nov. 15, 2023, claimed that a leftover €60 billion of COVID-19 relief money had been wrongfully repurposed as climate relief money. On Nov. 30, 2023, a different case claimed that the German government had not met the demands outlined in its Federal Climate Protection Act. Both cases ruled in favor of the group challenging the German government, displaying the complexities involved in Germany’s climate response. Dr. Christiane Gerstetter is a senior lawyer working for ClientEarth, an organization of lawyers and policy experts dedicated to enacting climate change legislation around the globe. Employed in ClientEarth’s German office, she breaks down the two cases in her Feb. 1 webinar. The webinar, open to anybody who wanted to join, was hosted by Prof. von Mering (GRALL, WGS) sponsored by the Center for German and European Studies. Gerstetter started by summarizing the Nov. 30 case, officially recognized as DUH — Deutsche Umwelthilfe/Environmental Action Germany — and BUND — Bund für
Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland/German Federation for Environment and Nature Conservation — v. Germany. She explained how Germany’s Federal Climate Protection Act, originally passed in 2019, set annual greenhouse gas emission limits for each sector of the German government, including waste management, agriculture, housing, transportation, industry and energy. The case was brought to the Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court by BUND and DUH after greenhouse gas emissions for transportation and housing exceeded their sector limits. The court ruled in favor of BUND and DUH, requiring the German government to meet the emission limits as described in the original act. While the initial ruling of DUH and BUND v Germany seems promising for the two non-governmental organizations, Gerstetter explained that the case is not exactly openand-shut. Not only is the initial ruling subject to appeal, but the German government has not yet released their plans to meet the emission limits. According to Gerstetter, rumors have been circulating that there isn’t enough money to make them a reality. Additionally, revisions to the original Federal Climate Protection Act are in progress and could end up altering the case. Gerstetter explained that the main revision would be to dissolve the sector-based plan in favor of a general emission limit, a change which she thinks would be unfavorable. On June 24, 2024, the German parliament will review these revisions. Gerstetter then explained the Nov. 15 case, which was heard in Germany’s federal constitutional court. The case concerned Germany’s Climate and Transformation Fund, issued in August 2023. The fund, dedicated toward the transformation of Germany’s economy to climate neutrality, was highly controversial. Why? Of the €212 billion in the fund, €60 billion had been taken from unused COVID-19 relief funds. Gerstetter explained that the original pandemic relief funds had been a part of Germany’s “debt break” policy, which allows Germany to go over its debt limit when there is an
emergency. According to members of the German parliament, Germany’s climate transformation does not warrant the same “emergency” status as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the€60 billion euros originally allocated to pandemic relief are being improperly used. The court ruled in favor of the German parliament, removing the 60 billion euros from the Climate and Transformation fund. The court’s decision left a hole in Germany’s Climate and Transformation Fund. Gerstetter walked through the German government’s process of re-allocating the remaining funds. According to her, the “core projects” are still underway, though a lot of reformations received cuts. Additionally, the German government is raising CO2 prices from 30 euros per ton to 45 euros per ton in order to generate more revenue for the fund. During the Q&A portion of the webinar, Gerstetter broke down some of the cultural obstacles involved in Germany’s climate response. Responding to Prof. von Mering’s question about the lack of progress in the transportation sector, she discussed Germany’s deep-seeded relationship with the automobile industry. As she put it, “Germany is a very car-minded culture where cars are associated with freedom.” Instead of a climate emergency program, she explored the potential impact that introducing speed limits could have on Germany’s emissions. She emphasized that because Germany’s automobile industry is so ingrained in its culture, much more than legislation has to change for meaningful progress to happen. Many of Germany’s struggles are emulated across the globe as countries move to implement measures against climate change. Gerstetter spotlighted German farmers protesting against subsidies for agricultural diesel, a parallel to the recent protests against fuel prices in Paris. Cases like these serve as a reminder of the many facets of responding to climate change, a complex dance between legislators and citizens around the world.
BRIEF BEMCo is offering free CPR courses Brandeis Emergency Medical Corps is holding classes that cover cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Stop the Bleed and overdose prevention this spring semester. Participating in one of these multi-hour courses will count for one credit of the Brandeis Health, Wellness and Life Skills core requirement. Due to the support of Brandeis Public Safety, these courses are available for all Brandeis students, faculty and staff free of charge. They have been offered in past years at a cost, but because of this support they have been free since the 2023 fall semester. Another new edition during the fall semester was the affiliation with the American Red Cross. Being an American Red Cross affiliate organization, BEMCo is now able to offer more training options to the campus than just CPR. The BEMCO website will be updated as classes are added. There is a waitlist that community members can be placed on if
the session that they hope to attend is full. According to the BEMCO Education Coordinator, Ashley Plochocki, the newly free course will “Hopefully encourage more members of the Brandeis community to learn this life-saving skill.”
— Anna Martin CECI XILEI CHEN/The Justice
During the fall 2023 semester, students enrolled in ENG 113b, Performing Climate Justice, adapted short scripts into radio shows. Comissioned by the Climate Change Theater Action, 50 playwrights from around the world wrote short plays to be adapted into these radio projects. Brandeis students then worked in teams to modify six scripts into shows and create podcasts that outline steps students can take towards creating climate justice. “50 Ways to End Mother Earth — In Under Five Minutes!” is one of these adapted podcasts, the original play written by Kirby Vicente.
ELIZA BIER/The Justice
Graphics courtesy of CANVA, PIXABEY and ELIZABETH LIU/The Justice
The Justice caught a flock of ambling geese on campus, unbothered by the bustling road in front of the lawn.
THE JUSTICE ● NEWS ● TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024
7
CRASH: Hit-and-run results in deaths of Waltham police officer and National Grid employee; defendant faces serious charges CONTINUED FROM 1 damage, larceny of a motor vehicle, marked lanes violations and failure to stop. The court ruled to hold him without bail while he presented a plea of not guilty. Simon then faced a dangerousness hearing on Jan. 25 in which his defense requested that he be released to home confinement with GPS monitoring. The reason was that Simon’s significant mental health needs could not be met in jail. The judge decided against this request, agreeing with the commonwealth that Simon needed to be held in custody. In an article by WCVB, Waltham Police Chief Kevin O’Connell stated, “I think the Commonwealth proved today that beyond a rea-
sonable doubt that he’s a dangerous person and shouldn’t be out on the street right now waiting trial.” During this trial, Simon’s past criminal record was investigated and presented to the judge. In 2009 he caused a very dangerous and almost fatal vehicle crash, from which the victims suffered lifelong injuries, including total facial and jaw reconstruction surgery. Simon fled from police officers, who had fired several shots at him. Simon pleaded not guilty by reason of mental illness. He struggles with substance abuse and has been diagnosed with dissociative disorder. Following his trial for his 2009 incident, Simon was committed to a secure psychiatric facility in prison before being officially transferred to the
New Hampshire State Hospital and released in 2015 after therapy and medication. A police report filed in 2016, stated that Simon threatened to kill a man by wrapping a power cord around his neck and stating “You’re gonna die now.” He also threatened to kill this man’s wife. When trying to flee, Simon smashed his vehicle into a fence. The following year he pled guilty to second degree assault, criminal threatening, disobeying an officer and an aggravated DUI. Simon’s next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 29. Waltham Police Officer Paul Tracey served with the department for 28 years. Tracey received an outpouring of support from the entire Waltham and first responder communities. A wake with fireworks, mass, and a large funeral
were held in his honor. On Dec. 15, 2023, hundreds of officers joined the Waltham community for a service at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church. Waltham schools were closed for Tracey’s funeral. He was buried at the Mount Feake Cemetery with police honors. Tracey was born and raised in Waltham and is succeeded by his wife and children in the same town. Roderick Jackson, gas operations technician at National Grid also had a funeral full of remembrance following the accident. Jackson was an athlete who had helped raise his three younger siblings. His family has stated that they plan to sue Simon for taking Jackson’s life. Jackson’s family has also stated that they have plans to create a scholarship in his honor.
SEWAGE: Students express outrage over leak in Ziv 129 CONTINUED FROM 1 from Brandeis in moving their personal belongings. A concern shared by several of the impacted students is whether or not they will be reimbursed for damaged or ruined items. When asked about reimbursement of damaged items, Touchette relayed that students received directions to take photos of the damaged items before discarding them. Touchette also said that on Monday Feb. 5 the Area Coordinator of Ziv, Jonathan Schaffer, will reach out to impacted students with damage submission information. Touchette claimed that Community Living has “always been supported by University insurance to help replace damaged items.” Sheinbaum recounted that with exception of Andrea Dine, vice president of student affairs, and Shelby Harris, associate vice president of student affairs, who gave her and her suitemates toiletries, blankets, towels and other assorted necessities, “[DCL] has been the worst” as they have provided “no resources nor reassurances.” According to Sheinbaum, when she inquired about reimbursement following the overflow, DCL “said they wouldn’t cover anything that ‘shouldn’t be on the floor’ and made us
wade through raw sewage to try and save our stuff.” Upon further inquiry about what qualifies as something that should not be on the ground she clarified that things such as books and laptops would be included in this category. The extent of University reimbursements remains to be seen. The inconsistent information between students and faculty departments goes beyond the questions regarding reimbursement. Students are also unsure when they will be able to move back into their suites. DCL has provided a variety of different answers but no definitive date that students will be able to move back in. Calia-Bogan expressed that he understands the University not being able to give a definitive date for students to move back as the damage of the overflow has not been fully assessed. However, he criticizes administration’s lack of clear communication and relayed he would rather Brandeis be transparent about their uncertainty. Another sentiment communicated by Calia-Bogan was his concern regarding the health of students who reside in the affected suites and the safety of moving back into those suites. Sewage contains a variety of harmful pathogens including human waste. Both Calia-Bogan and Shienbaum reported having to repeatedly walk through feces-
contaminated water. Calia-Bogan described the process of collecting his items as having to walk through a “literal river of human feces.” Upon arriving to save what items he could, Calia-Bogan recognized the potential health dangers. Requiring protection, his roommates wore KN95 masks while he wore a respirator, watertight shoes and nitrile gloves. Shienbaum’s suite did not take these precautions. Brandeis provided masks and gloves several hours after the onset of the overflow and did not provide shoe coverings. Shienbaum relayed that she is currently sick and is unsure if it is due to exposure to sewage water or due to the stress caused by her displacement. As of Feb. 4, the Brandeis Health Center has not reached out to affected students about potential health issues caused by overflow. Repairs due to the sewage overflow are ongoing, and affected students are still navigating the consequences.
— Editor’s Note: Justice Editorial Assistant Lin Lin Hutchinson ’25 is a community advisor and did not contribute to this article.
Photo courtesy of VINCENT CALIA-BOGAN
Photos: ELIZA BIER/The Justice
DESTRUCTION: The flooding from Ziv 129 spread throughout the first floor and outside. Facilities tore out the carpets in the affected suites and placed industrial humidifiers in them to prevent mold growth.
features
8 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024 ● FEATURES ● THE JUSTICE
just
VERBATIM | ANGELA DAVIS
It is in collectivities that we find reservoirs of hope and freedom.
ON THIS DAY…
FUN FACT
Alan Shepard hit a golf ball on the moon in 1971.
Food loss and waste account for about 4.4 gigatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
One person, one million meals: A Bedford resident’s role in the fight against food waste How Brenda Lawrence, a member of Food Link, became an everyday hero to her community. By ZOE ZACHARY
JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
On Oct. 9, 2023, an employee of a Mobil gas station in Arlington, Massachusetts was working his usual Monday night shift when a nondescript black car pulled in. The driver, a small elderly woman surrounded by cardboard boxes, rolled down her window and asked him a simple question: “Do you need food?” Brenda Lawrence, 67, stands at about five feet tall and loves listening to ’70s music. While Lawrence’s demeanor is unfailingly straightforward, it’s her devotion to the people around her that really defines her character. She has been delivering food since 2012, filling her car and charting out routes “Whenever they call me.” In a world of TED talks, dramatic origin stories and inspirational messages in colorful graphics on Instagram, Lawrence’s self-perception as a volunteer is refreshingly simple. In her words, “We’re just doin’ a good deed. That’s all.” A resident of Bedford, Massachusetts, Lawrence works at The Book Rack, a well-established joint selling new and used books. It was at The Book Rack that Lawrence met the founder of Food Link, who was a long-time customer. Food Link is a nonprofit based in Arlington, Massachusetts whose mission is to rescue wasted food and redistribute it to under-resourced communities. When Food Link was still in its fledgling stages, DeAnne Dupont — Food Link’s founder — turned to Lawrence for help in distributing donated food. In Lawrence’s words: “She brought the food to me, and I said, ‘I can’t get rid of this,’ and she says yes, yes you can, Brenda.” And yes, yes Lawrence could. Her name, written simply as “Brenda,” sticks out among the grocery stores and homeless shelters on Food Link’s daily delivery schedule. Volunteers, whose responsibilities include packing Lawrence’s car with boxes of food, often worry about her ability to see while driving due to the copious amounts of boxes shoved in her car. To volunteers and staff alike, she has become a legend of the organization. Lawrence, of course, could not attain this status alone. On her second trip delivering food for Food Link, she enlisted the aid of her friend and next-door neighbor, Lorraine. In Lawrence’s words, “She knows where to go.” With the formation of the duo, a seed was planted. Lawrence and Lorraine started out by delivering food to people in their proximity, aided by Lorraine’s connections within the Jehovah’s Witnesses and her community of Lowell, Massachusetts. Over time, their roots spread. When the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Lowell took in Ukrainian refugees they were added immediately to the route. When half of Lawrence and Lorraine’s apartment complex became unlivable after a pipe burst, the two spent nine months bringing food, water and clothes to the six families who were displaced. Sometimes Lawrence identifies people in The Book Rack who need food, saying “You can just tell” that they need something. After years of Lawrence’s service, everybody knows: If you need help, call Brenda. I shadowed Lawrence on one of her trips to deliver food. As we drove on her usual route, chatting and listening to ’70s tunes, calls from recipients rolled in and out. One could not help but be reminded of the Batmobile or the phone in the Ghostbusters’ headquarters. For these people, Lawrence is the figure in the night bringing muchneeded aid. Our first stop was not one, but two gas stations. Of course, only the first stop of the two was for the purpose of getting gas. The smile on the Mobil worker when Lawrence offered him food was unforgettable, a reaction that Lawrence clearly receives often. She noted casually on the way out that he must have been new, as she is familiar with most of the employees there. The second gas station, a Sunoco, is the workplace of a longtime recipient named Ali. Ali immigrated from Pakistan nine years ago and works alone at Sunoco to support his family. Upon seeing Brenda, his eyes immediately crinkled into a smile. Ali has a firm handshake and is energetic and warm despite
Photos: CECI XILEI CHEN/The Justice. Design: GRACE DOH/The Justice
being several hours into his shift. He rooted through the back of Lawrence’s car, tossing boxes behind him as he picked out his food. As he did, Lawrence helped him identify which foods were Halal. Next was Aniece, a Lexington resident who further distributes the food Lawrence brings her. Lawrence met Aniece at The Book Rack, even hiring her when she was looking for work. After pulling into the Walmart parking lot near the church where Lawrence told Aniece to meet — the church’s parking lot did not have sufficient lighting — Aniece got right to work, looking for the right kind of desserts for her patrons. As she rifled through the trunk, Aniece caught up with Lawrence on the newest information about the recipients of the food, talking through who needed what. After loading Aniece’s car with the pudding cups she had chosen, we were back on our way. The last stop was a family in Bedford living in government-subsidized housing. We spoke with Jean, a father to three kids, two of whom have special needs. Lawrence is intimately familiar with the idiosyncrasies of their nutrition requirements, which she described to me in detail on the drive over. Jean, an immigrant from Nigeria, explained in his native French: “Elle est comme une ange. Elle vient de nous sauver,” meaning, “She [Lawrence] is like an angel. She comes to save us.” It may come as a surprise that most of Lawrence’s foodinsecure recipients are not on the Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is designed to help food-insecure populations. Lawrence herself lost her job in 2020 and was told that she was ineligible for SNAP due to having too high of an income. “How can you make too much money when you’re on unemployment?” Lawrence asks while recalling her experience. The Department of Agriculture’s website lists various other reasons people might not qualify
for SNAP, including having over $2,250 in assets or being a recent undocumented immigrant who does not receive benefits. While SNAP benefits have been able to assist thousands of Americans, the barriers in accessing it leave a distinct population of people who are food insecure but unable to get help. On the other side of America’s nutrition crisis, the Food and Drug Administration estimates that 30-40% of food in America is wasted. The Environmental Protection Agency’s 2018 Wasted Food Report identifies retail waste — food from restaurants, grocery stores, etc. — as responsible for a whopping 29% of this waste. That statistic does not even cover produce that is discarded for being “ugly” at the industrial level. It is exactly this kind of “waste” that Food Link aims to repurpose. In 2022, Food Link managed to rescue 1.2 million pounds of food which was repurposed into 1 million meals. These statistics would not have been possible without the aid of community volunteers like Lawrence and Lorraine, who bring the mission of rescuing food to its most personal level. Of course, Food Link’s mission is hardly local: see Food Tank for a list of similar organizations across the globe. On Oct. 9, 2023, a man in a black jacket nearly tripped on a crack in the sidewalk. He was walking past Lexington, Massachusetts’s Church of Saint Brigid, a stretch of sidewalk dimly lit by nearby streetlamps. The man recovered quickly, walking away as if nothing had happened. What he will never know is that Lawrence — who was waiting for Aniece in her car nearby — worried about whether he was okay. Lawrence’s service is a testament to the fact that it does not take a tragedy to make a hero, but the consistent and unconscious presence of one question: “What do the people around me need?”
WASTE: Plates of discarded food sit in piles Sherman.
RETAIL: Food from the retail sector accounts for 29% of the 30-40% of food waste in the US.
THE JUSTICE ● FEATURES ● TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024 9
Captured: A walkthrough of Back Bay, Boston and the Museum of Science Student photographer Faythe Daly ’26 documents a venture into the city after participating in a prototype public forum on hydrogen power for the Department of Energy at the Museum of Science. By FAYTHE DALY
JUSTICE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
CONFERENCE: A public forum on hydrogen power was held at the Museum of Science.
BRIDGE: Visitors at the Museum of Science traverse the “Blue Wing.”
BRANCHES: A tree stands leafless in the winter cold.
VIEWS: A window at the Museum of Science overlooks the water.
OUTDOORS: Parkgoers sit on wooden slabs by the grass.
ARCHITECTURE: Pedestrians walk alongside the historical Boston buildings.
REFLECTIONS: Buildings are mirrored on the reflective ground.
Photos: FAYTHE DALY/The Justice. Design: GRACE DOH/The Justice
10 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024 ● FORUM ● THE JUSTICE
Justice
the
Brandeis University
Established 1949
Isabel Roseth, Editor in Chief Smiley Huynh, Managing Editor Lauryn Williams, Deputy Editor Owen Chan, Zachary Goldstein, Mina Rowland, Associate Editors Sophia De Lisi, Anika Jain, News Editors Grace Doh, Features Editor Rani Balakrishna, Sports Editor Nemma Kalra, Arts & Culture Editor Eliza Bier, Ceci Xilei Chen, Photography Editors Julia Hardy, Madison Sirois, Copy Editors Anna Martin, Layout Editor Elizabeth Liu, Ads Editor Amanda Chen, Eden Osiason, Online Editors
EDITORIALS
Administrative turnover: Addressing understaffing challenges The rate of administrative turnover at Brandeis is something this board finds concerning; many staff and administration members have come and gone after very short tenures. Often, this means that responsibilities and titles get mixed up in the frenzy of people trying to cover projects that were not originally their responsibility — or positions are left open, meaning that the work just isn’t getting done. This can be very confusing for students, as they are left confused as to who to contact when the person they originally were supposed to reach out to no longer works at Brandeis. This can and has led to miscommunication, as we wrote about in a previous editorial when rooms were triple-booked for club events. Members of this board have experienced this issue themselves. In the beginning of this academic year, we were told to keep an administration member cc’d on all of our emails with the administration, only to be informed by them that they would no longer be working at Brandeis at the beginning of this semester. There are a number of departments that this board can substantiate that are understaffed or have a high turnover rate, including staff in the library’s Robert D. Farber University Archives and Special Collections, University Events, academic advisors at Student Support Services, the library’s Communications Department and the Director of the Intercultural
Center, who have all arrived and left the position within about two and a half years. This instability can leave students frustrated as they outlast the staff that is supposed to support them, and they have to go through the process of waiting for the next person to be hired, trained and situated. Many important administrative roles experienced high turnover, including Student Support Service Program academic advisors, which is problematic given that it’s a federal program meant to help low income and first generation students. Not having a familiar face is the opposite of helpful when adjusting to the University. Other gaps in administration are shown in the Student Accessibility Support office, and empty positions have yet to be filled which is problematic considering the massive effect this can have on student lives and quality of living. While the work that these faculty and staff members carry out is greatly appreciated, this instability and lack of training for successors can complicate things for students. This seems like a major issue since there also seems to also be a high turnover rate amongst faculty, if adjunct professors are included and this board believes should be, as some adjunct professors have been teaching here for a number of years. This seems to be a problem with school finances of the school as we have anonymously been told that many of the staff left due to not being compensated fairly.
Photo courtesy of BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
Empowering student engagement: Reducing administrative barriers Brandeis University prides itself on student engagement and the diversity of events, performances and activities that students organize and participate in. With more than 200 student-run clubs and organizations, countless students are working to manage and implement their clubs’ events. However, despite the hours of time and effort that students pour into the Brandeis community — and despite the many benefits that the University attains from this engagement — this board believes that students are not appropriately supported by the administration in their endeavors. Given the unequal burden currently endured by students who want what is best for their community, this board wants to encourage the Brandeis administration to partner with clubs and organizations to ensure that students are set up for success. The University aims to “enhance student experiences outside of the classroom,” but much of their work with clubs hinders or slows down the planning process. For instance, multiple members of the editorial board have faced challenges reserving spaces for their club, organization or event. Additionally, even if a student is able to book a room, there have been many instances where the room is double or triple booked, making it extremely challenging for students to organize community events. Sometimes, reserved rooms or blue booths are also not unlocked when students arrive, thus causing them to go through an extra step of calling Public Safety or contacting building administrators. Administration consistently does not provide the resources or spaces that clubs or organizations need to succeed. As discussed in a past Justice story, dance clubs are being denied access to spaces they need to rehearse safely. Despite expressing their concerns to admin, the dance groups continue to be unsupported in their search for suitable practice space, even though the administration expects them to perform in events like the 75th Anniversary Celebration and the Leonard Bernstein Festival of Creative Arts. The University should find ways to support clubs that are affected by the administration’s — and in this case, Gosman Sports and Convocation Center staff’s — decisions. Beyond student clubs, another way that students can get involved is through volunteer work. The Community Engagement and Service website suggests that the Department of Student Engagement works with the Waltham Group to create volunteer opportunities. However, much of the communication about volunteer opportunities is communicated by the Waltham Group, a student run organization, instead of the administration. This puts a lot of the pressure on students to actively search for opportunities. For new college students, finding resources can be especially challenging as they adjust to college living. One of the main events that Brandeis puts on is the involvement fair at the beginning of each semester, indicating that the University wants students to engage and participate in their community. However, even the involvement fair is largely conducted by students tabling and recruiting new members. The Brandeis administration is eager to promote at the involvement fair to appeal to potential students, but in terms of actu-
ally supporting the facilitation of engagement, the administration is severely lacking. Within the hierarchy of Brandeis administration, offices and divisions, DSE is the most connected with students and the most willing to work with us. However, the higher-ups within the Division of Student Affairs, the President’s Cabinet and other offices remain out of the loop and are not communicative with students and faculty. Faculty members had to ask for increased communication in order to be on the same page as students. While the administration relies heavily on students to organize and implement events that foster community engagement, they are all too willing to take control away from students when it serves them. For instance, despite this being the 75th anniversary of Brandeis’ founding, the administration chose to derecognize and de-charter the Archon Yearbook — which was organized by students — citing a survey with enough data to support their decision. However, they have yet to release such data. This was a choice made without consulting the Student Union, even though all removal of secured clubs goes through student government to be de-secured and de-chartered. Administration simultaneously relies on students to encourage and create community engagement, but also takes away students’ power seemingly arbitrarily. This could not have come at a worse time. When administration fails to partner with students in their engagement with the community, students lose places to express themselves and form bonds with fellow students. Instead of enjoying their college experience through activities and events, students must spend a large amount of energy and time communicating with the administration, constantly advocating for what they need. This constant struggle can have negative effects on students’ mental health. When there is an administration that fails to listen, students can become discouraged and ultimately experience burnout as a result of the constant battle. This board appreciates the freedom that student led organizations and clubs have in creating and planning events. With that being said, students need some assistance from the administration to achieve their goals. As an institution that in theory wants to engage its student body, it is important to aid students in their desire to get involved with their community. We call on the administration to truly listen to and support student-led clubs and organizations on campus. The DSE’s work is incredibly important and is valued by this board, but the lack of communication between departments and student organizers hinders student engagement rather than encouraging it. If administration and student clubs can work together effectively, student engagement could be improved dramatically. We have a dedicated group of student leaders who want to engage and energize the community, but they need guidance and support from administration. — Editor’s note: Justice editor Ceci Xilei Chen ’26 and managing editor Smiley Huynh ’24 are employed as student staff photographers by the Department of Student Engagement and did not contribute to nor edit this editorial.
CECI XILEI CHEN/The Justice
THE JUSTICE ● FORUM ● TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024 11
Shades of security: A Black American student’s reflection on race in Europe By TIBRIA J. BROWN JUSTICE EDITOR
At the beginning of Black History Month, the interesting quirks of my experiences as a Black individual studying abroad in the south of France unravel, revealing both the subtle and glaring nuances of racism in Europe. This continent, where the roots of racism sprouted, paradoxically provides a haven from the relentless scrutiny and assumptions that often plague my existence in the United States. One remarkable element contributing to my newfound sense of security is the reduced police presence and limited access to firearms in Europe. The palpable absence of an immediate threat, where being perceived as dangerous could lead to trigger-happy encounters with law enforcement, undeniably eases the rhythm of my daily life. However, the dance of European naivety with race is a complex choreography that emerges as both a blessing and a curse. Many Europeans lack the critical understanding of racial justice and overt racism ingrained in the American experience. This unfamiliarity often results in awkward interactions where some default to ignoring my race, while others pose inappropriate questions about my encounters with racism in the U.S. Examples of such inappropriate questions include: “Don’t you think racism in the U.S. is so much worse than here in France?” “The police kill Black people in the U.S., right?” “Why aren’t more Black Americans trying to stop people like Trump from being elected?” Not only did I seek refuge in Europe to escape the suffocating grip of American racism, but also each question demands a significant investment of time and research to fully explain.
The burden of explaining the past five centuries of American institutional racism to those without firsthand experience becomes a heavy responsibility. This leaves me in uncomfortable situations where I must either sit someone down to navigate the intricacies of racial injustice or brush off the intense queries with a noncommittal answer — an act that I find myself feeling guilty about. When comparing the historical violence against African and Indigenous people in the U.S. to Europe, the stark contrast becomes evident. Although racism is a global issue, the intensity of its expression differs. Violent racism, deeply woven into the fabric of American history, finds less frequent expression in Europe. However, it is crucial to emphasize that acknowledging Europe’s comparatively milder racism does not diminish its existence or categorize it as “better.” Racism, in any form, remains reprehensible and suffocating for its subjects. This is the juncture to define my experience with the term “racism” concerning my time in France. I employ racism as an umbrella term to encapsulate the bias I perceive from nonBlack individuals in Europe. This bias stems from a negative connotation associated with my blackness, manifesting in microaggressions and assumptions about my personality and interests due to the color of my skin. It reveals itself in being over-surveilled in stores around merchandise and facing skepticism about my ability to speak French because of my background as a Black American. My intent is not to undermine the struggles faced by Black communities in Europe or perpetuate the notion that racism here is in any way acceptable. In an ideal world, racism would not exist at all. This reflection aims to avoid overlooking the rising Islamophobia and anti-immigrant sentiments in France, parallel to the historical mistreatment of Latino/a immigrants in the
U.S. since the 1930s. Racism takes varied forms, and each manifestation deserves condemnation. While France is not immune to racism, my contemplation of relocating here from the U.S. speaks volumes about the heightened sense of physical safety I feel. It serves as a stark testament to the alarming reality that, despite the differences, Europe lags in adequately addressing the specific needs of Black individuals and safeguarding them in the necessary aspects, an underprotected and underrepresented group. For example, despite American racism being stereotypically more violent and visible, European racism tends to be more pervasive regarding daily harassment, workplace discrimination, access to adequate education and housing, among other things. I’ve seen this through the severe segregation in the cities I’ve been in so far such as Nimes, Montpellier, and Paris — in which entire neighborhoods and schools are predominantly just racial and ethnic minorities. I’ve also chatted with a Black woman who I’ve become close with in my time here. She shared her experience with workplace discrimination she faced due to her background as a Moroccan immigrant to France and how her co-workers have made uncomfortable comments regarding her ethnicity for the past five years she’s lived and worked in France. My vigilance persists, recognizing that progress is essential to ensure the safety of Black lives globally. In navigating the shifting tides of racial dynamics between continents, it becomes evident that the journey towards equality is an ongoing struggle. As Black History Month unfolds, let it serve as a poignant reminder that the fight against racism knows no borders, and collective efforts are imperative to dismantle the systemic barriers that persist in different corners of the globe.
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THE JUSTICE ● SPORTS ● TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024
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Lewis Hamilton’s shocking move to Ferrari ■ Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is set to drive for Ferrari in the Formula 1 2025 season, a scandalous move by the star. By ELIZABETH LIU JUSTICE EDITOR
On Feb. 1 2024, news of a driver switching teams sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community — Lewis Hamilton, the seven time World Drivers' Champion — tied with Michael Schumacher for the most titles — who has driven for Mercedes for the past 11 years, is set to drive for Ferrari for the 2025 season. Lewis Hamilton started off his F1 career at McLaren in 2007 and came out tied for the most wins in a rookie season — point behind the championship winner Kimi Raikkonen. The following season, Hamilton won the Driver’s Championship and finished in the top five every following season until his switch to Mercedes in 2013. In his second season at Mercedes, Hamilton won the Driver’s Championship, repeating the win six more times in his 11 years at Mercedes. In that time, Hamilton also helped Mercedes win eight Constructors’ Championships from 2014 to 2021. Looking at the statistics, Hamilton is undoubtedly one of the most decorated drivers with 103 victories, 103 pole positions and 183 podium appearances. Now Hamilton is set to drive for Ferrari, who has found similar success in F1. Ferrari is the only team to have competed in every season of the World Championship since 1950, and is the most decorated team with 16 Constructors’ Championships and 15 Driver’s Championships. Ferrari also has had some of the most iconic and victorious drivers such as Alberto Ascari, John Surtees, Niki Lauda, and Michael Schumacher — all who have won a Driver’s Championship. This impressive pairing generates high expectations for the 2025 season. While there is high anticipation for what is to transpire on the track next year, this change does not come without strong emotions from both Mercedes and Hamilton. In a post on X, Hamilton reminisces about his time at Mercedes, stating it was an “incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team” and that he feels “fortunate” for all of his achievements there that he “could only have dreamed of as a kid.” However, Hamilton says he also now has “the chance to fulfill another childhood dream” of “Driving in Ferrari red” and that “the time is right to make a change and take on a new challenge.” He compares his switch to Ferrari
to the “leap of faith into the unknown” when he “first joined Mercedes in 2013.” He also admits “this decision has been the hardest I’ve ever had to make. I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve achieved together and I’m very grateful for the hard work and dedication of … Toto, for his friendship, guidance and leadership. Together we have won titles, broken records and become the most successful Driver-Team partnership in F1 history.” But before he focuses on next year’s season, Hamilton’s “focus is on the upcoming season and getting back out on track with Mercedes.” Balancing his relations with his current team, he also clarifies “I am 100% committed to the job I need to do and determined to end my partnership with the team on a high.” Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal since 2013 responded to the news of Hamilton leaving Mercedes a few days later in a video interview. Wolff knew that Hamilton’s contract was a short-term one for three years, with a release clause. But the news still came as a shock as he said “Let me say if you told me two days ago that Lewis would be going to Ferrari I didn’t think it was possible.” However, he revealed “I’ve found a friend, we’ve built a relationship over the last 10 years, and he faced a very, very difficult situation, making a decision of where to drive, maybe for the first time since 10 years without being able to brainstorm with me. And therefore, I will always respect the difficulty of the situation that he faced. And in the future, we will discuss whether this could have been done in a different way or not. But I hold no grudge.” Wolff, like Hamilton, is focused on the upcoming season together, stating “the mind, the Mercedes, the team’s mind, kicked in.” As the driver with the most Driver’s Championships joins the oldest team also with the most Constructors' Championships, this is considered one of the biggest signings in F1 history. Since the driver lineup did not change from 2023 to 2024, this switch leaves a lot unknown. Lewis will leave behind his number one driver seat at Mercedes along with his teammate George Russell, with nothing confirmed about who will replace him. The addition of Hamilton to Ferrari to join Charles Leclerc who signed a contract extension to 2026 also leaves current Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz without a seat for the 2025 season yet. With Audi entering F1 under the partnership with Sauber in 2026, the lineup of drivers has the potential to be totally changed. However, before the 2026 season can start, fans are excited to see how the 2025 season will play out, and to watch Netflix’s docuseries “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” for all of the behind the scenes dynamics of the upcoming season.
HOT SHOT: Lewish Hamilton smiling at the 2022 São Paolo Grand Prix.
Photo courtesy of CREATIVE COMMONS
NHL: MetLife Stadium series jerseys released CONTINUED FROM 16
extensive shoot. All of the jerseys worn on the ice will be equipped with a patch of the 2024 Stadium Series logo which is specifically designed for the event, bringing in specific elements that will not be seen again. The background of this logo takes the shape of New Jersey, where these games will be played in. This is the first Stadium Series to take place in New Jersey. The lines at the top of the logo mirror the architecture of the MetLife stadium. The green piping around the outside of the logo references the nickname of New Jersey as the “garden state,” the same phrase printed on the state license plate. One additional special feature of these jerseys is the number size. They are printed much larger than normal due to the increased size of the audience, allowing for easier player identification. These larger numbers are a traditional aspect of all outdoor NHL games. The Philadelphia Flyers have presented a white jersey with the traditional team logo on the front. This jersey has a large orange stripe and a smaller black one with the player name. Orange numbers are on the shoulders and the stadium patch is on the sleeve. This is the third stadium series that the
Flyers have played in, with the first two jerseys being orange and black. This white jersey completes the set of three. Many fans were hoping to wear these special edition jerseys to the game, but this is impossible. The Wells Fargo Center website stated that “by pre-ordering you are guaranteed to receive a 2024 Adidas Authentic NHL Stadium Series jersey. Due to supply chain issues 2024 Adidas Authentic NHL Stadium Series jerseys are expected to arrive on/around March 15.” The New Jersey Devils have released a primarily red jersey with black accents. This was a very exciting moment for the Devil community, as the last stadium jersey they released was the green and red throwback, while other teams had new and modern jerseys. The Devils have also recently released the “Jersey jersey,” another modern take. Before the departure of general manager Lou Lamoriello, the team usually took the safe route instead of stepping outside of the box, but Lamoriello has since moved to manage the New York Islanders. The Devils logo on this jersey is missing the traditional circle behind it, the first time that the logo has been seen on its own. They have released many pictures of these jerseys, including them be-
ing held by the Jonas Brothers, but the presale has not yet been released. Excited as this is the first time the event has been held in their state, fans are hoping that they will be able to wear their jerseys to the game. The New York Rangers jerseys have red and blue accents on a white background. Reimagining the classic, the normal word of “rangers” has been changed to the initials “NYR” in order to be shown bigger while using the same font and drop shadow effect. These letters are still shown in the stairstep orientation, a staple of the team. The red and blue stripes on the sleeves are the same as those on their road jerseys, just at a bigger scale to accommodate the bigger size of the stadium. These jerseys, once again, are not guaranteed to arrive in time for the game, with some having a shipping estimate of mid-March, almost a month post-play. Additionally, these jerseys are priced at a higher rate than the other teams, and fans are outraged because the Stadium Series patch is not a part of the jersey itself, needing to be purchased and applied separately if desired. The New York Islanders have gotten the most backlash on their new jersey. They are navy blue,
MATCHUP SITE: Two games will take place at MetLife Stadium, the typical home of the New York Giants and the New York Giants.
with a very large orange stripe across the middle. This color-blocking effect is used as an homage to the plimsoll line on hulls of ships. The word “Isles” is printed across this orange strip, a nickname given to the team by their large fanbase. According to the NYI Instagram, “ISLES is set in the center of the jersey to showcase the pride and passion for the team that our fans bring to every Islanders game.” These jerseys got the most negative responses by far, being extremely unpopular with the fanbase. Once again, many of these jerseys are not set to ship until March 15, leaving fans jerseyless and disappointed for the big game. The Stadium Series jersey release garnered a wide range of opinions. Fans are widely disappointed by shipping dates and high prices, but excited by the upcoming games. Fans will be flocking to MetLife stadium in mid February, but many won’t be wearing these new jersey designs. The only way that fans will be able to get them on time is to visit the NHL store in New York City or the respective team stores where they are in very short supply.
Photo courtesy of CREATIVE COMMONS
14 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024 ● SPORTS ● THE JUSTICE
Women’s tennis takes on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology The Judges had a strong preseason showing at Auerbach Arena on Sunday, Feb. 4 against MIT in several scrimmage matches. Although these were scrimmages, Brandeis shows great promise for the upcoming season, and formal matches against MIT will be at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10 at home.
SERVE: Nancy Zhang ’26 gears up to serve the ball, looking at the two corners of the service box to pick her target.
TWIST: Chahana Budhbhatti ’27 tosses the ball before she coils her body to serve into the deuce side of the court.
PREPARE: Nancy Zhang ’26 gears up to serve the ball.
SWING: Cecilia Denis ’25 hits a strong forehand to her opponent.
JUMP: Rebeca Suarez ’26 on the defense lobs a forehand off the rise of the her opponent’s ball.
LEAP: Nancy Zhang ’26 plays a forehand off the return of serve from the deuce side of the court.
HIT: Rebeca Suarez ’26 hits an aggressive topspin backhand.
SLICE: Sanjana Kuman ’27 defensively slices a forehand she will lob over the opposing net player.
SMACK: Sabrina Loui ’25 stretches to aggressively slice a backhand cross-court.
SMILES: Rebeca Suarez ’26 laughs.
AGILE: Nancy Zhang ’26 aggressively rips a forehand across the court in singles.
SWAT: Cecilia Denis ’25 aggressively returns with a backhand.
Photos: DANIEL OREN/The Justice. Design: MARINA ROSENTHAL/The Justice.
THE JUSTICE ● SPORTS ● TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024
15
BRANDEIS FENCERS GET RECOGNIZED
JUDGES BY THE NUMBERS MEN’S BASKETBALL UAA STANDINGS NYU Case Chicago WashU JUDGES Carnegie Emory Rochester
TEAM STATS
UAA Conf. Overall W L D W L D Pct. 7 2 0 17 3 0 .850 6 3 0 17 3 0 .850 5 4 0 13 7 0 .650 4 5 0 14 6 0 .700 4 5 0 13 7 0 .650 4 5 0 12 8 0 .600 3 6 0 12 8 0 .600 3 6 0 9 11 0 .450
Total Points Sam Adusei ’24 leads the team with 216 total points. Player PTS Sam Adusei 216 Gilbert Otoo 208 Quron Zene 202 Jake Bender 165 Total Rebounds Aedan Using ’24 leads the team with 125 total rebounds. Player Aedan Using Gilbert Otoo Sam Adusei Quron Zene
UPCOMING GAMES:
Friday vs. Carnegie Mellon Sunday vs. Case Western Friday, Feb. 16 at Chicago
REB 125 88 84 79
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL UAA STANDINGS UAA Conf. W L D NYU 8 0 0 Chicago 7 2 0 Emory 6 3 0 WashU 6 3 0 Rochester 5 4 0 Carnegie 2 7 0 Case 1 8 0 JUDGES 0 9 0
TEAM STATS Overall W L D Pct. 20 0 0 1.000 14 6 0 .700 16 4 0 .800 13 7 0 .650 10 10 0 .500 10 10 0 .500 8 12 0 .400 4 16 0 .200
UPCOMING GAMES:
Friday vs. Carnegie Mellon Sunday vs. Case Western Friday, Feb. 16 at Chicago Sunday, Feb. 18 at WashU
Total Points
Caitlin Gresko ’25 leads the team with 171 total points. Player Caitlin Gresko Katherine Vaughan Lulu Ohm Selenya Gonzalez
PTS 171 149 135 115
Total Rebounds Brooke Reed ’26 leads the team with 134 total rebounds. Player REB Brooke Reed 134 Molly James 113 Katherine Vaughan 101 Caitlin Gresko 93
SWIM AND DIVE
Photo courtesy of BRANDEIS ATHLETICS
LEADERS: Luke Ritchie '24 (left) and Alex McKee '25 (right) in their headshots.
Results from meet at Clark University on Jan. 27. Brandeis: Women, 159-116. Men, 164-81.
TOP FINISHERS (Men’s)
TOP FINISHERS (Women’s)
STANDOUTS Men's 200-yard freestyle Tal Spector '25 with a time of 2:06.08. 200-yard medley relay Riley Pasicaran '27, Ryan Schulken '26, Tal Spector '25 and Sam Dienstag '24 with a time of 1:43.72.
STANDOUTS 100-yard breastroke Audrey Teo '26 with a time of 1:15.33. 200-yard medley relay Anastasia Bekou '25, Becca Kaplan '26, Chloe Gonzalez '25 and Audrey Teo '26 with a time of 1:55.07.
UPCOMING MEETS: Feb. 14 - Feb. 17 UAA Championships in Chicago March 20 - March 23 NCAA Championships in North Carolina
FENCING Results from the Eric Sollee Invitational on Jan. 27.
MEN'S RESULTS
5-1 today, 14-16 overall Brandeis 14, NJIT 13 Brandeis 14, Stevens 13 NYU 18, Brandeis 9 Brandeis 26, Hunter 1 Brandeis 16, Duke 11 Brandeis 19, Haverford 8
JUDGES: wins for foil squad CONTINUED FROM 16
as I do [for] myself.” While he may be leaving his fencing career behind, he is looking forward to the future. Currently, he works in a residential clinic treating individuals with eating disorders, and someday, Ritchie hopes to become a clinical psychologist. Working in the clinic enabled him to get “real world experience” under his belt before he graduates this May. The Judges head off to Duke next weekend, and it may be Ritchie’s last opportunity to fence. The Regional qualifiers are on the horizon, and if Ritchie does not make nationals [maybe fact-check this is what that means], the tournament will be Ritchie’s last opportunity to fence. “I have some mixed emotions going into that, for sure, but I’ve enjoyed my time in the sport,” he told The Justice. “I think I’m ready to hang it up.”
“Although I’ll be leaving soon, I know I am leaving the team in good hands and can’t wait to see how far this team can grow next year,” he said.
Alex McKee ’25 McKee left the Eric Sollee Invitational proud, making her mark with her first wins against Duke and New York University. Last semester, she was out with injuries and unable to compete much as a result, so the opportunity to come back and beat out the competition felt great. Said injuries were a struggle for McKee. The inability to practice for much of the fall was frustrating, and she is not taking her recovery or her success this season for granted. “Thanks to our athletic trainers, I've been able to practice more this semester, and it seems to be paying off in
competition, which I'm grateful for,” she said. Her freshman year was formative for her as a person and as a player. The Western Invitational was her first time traveling with the fencing team, and she still looks back on the memories made. Traveling with the team did not lose its charm past her first year at Brandeis, either — the trip to the Air Force Academy last semester was similarly an important experience for McKee. These two fencers have made a huge impact on Brandeis fencing and will undoubtedly continue to have a positive impact on the program. The Judges will take on Duke University in North Carolina this weekend in the Duke Invitational.
WOMEN'S RESULTS
4-2 today, 13-19 overall Brandeis 18, NJIT 9 Brandeis 18, Stevens 9 NYU 15, Brandeis 12 Brandeis 21, Hunter 6 Duke 22, Brandeis 5 Brandeis 24, Haverford 3 Wellesley Matches - W, 14-13
UPCOMING MEETS:
Duke Invitational at Duke on Sunday, Feb. 11
TRACK AND FIELD
Duty" is a weekly column that spotlights different athletes. Please email sports@ JURY "Jury thejustice.org if you would like to nominate a Brandeis athlete. We hope to bridge the between student athletes and non student athletes by highlighting relatable content DUTY gapto make the community feel more approachable. If you see a highlighted athlete around campus, introduce yourself! Or head to Gosman and cheer them on.
Bronwyn Rothman-Hall ’25 By RANI BALAKRISHNA JUSTICE EDITOR
Results from the Cupid Invitational at Tufts University on Feb. 2 and 3.
TOP FINISHERS (Men’s)
TOP FINISHERS (Women’s)
STANDOUTS 800 Meters TJ Carleo '26 came in 2nd place by 0.23 seconds, with a time of 1:50.21. 200 Meters Dean Carey '25 returned after a year absence and ran 0.01 seconds off the fastest time for the team with a time of 23.73 seconds.
STANDOUTS Triple Jump Shaniece Nugent '26 earned first place and a personal record in her final attempt in triple jump of 11.31 meters. 5,000 Meters Anna Batelli '25 earned a personal record with a time of 19:00.67 seconds.
UPCOMING MEETS:
Valentine Invitational on Friday and Saturday at Boston University Gordon Kelly Invitational on Saturday at MIT Data courtesy of THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION, the BRANDEIS ATHLETICS WEBSITE, and the TRACK & FIELD REPORTING SYSTEM website; Graphics courtesy of CREATIVE COMMONS
Photo courtesy of BRANDEIS ATHLETICS
Want to nominate someone? Send them this form!
Bronwyn Rothman-Hall ’25, a member of the Brandeis women’s fencing team, had a standout meet at the Eric Sollee Invitational on Jan. 27. At the Eric Sollee Invitational she went 11-5, on the day, going undefeated against Stevens University and carrying the Judges to victory. The junior epee co-captain has had strong performances this season and has been a leader on and off the fencing strip, with a 40-35 record in total bouts this season as well. Rothman-Hall was a 2021-2022 University of San Francisco Division III All-Region Honorable Mention in Epee and a Big One Tournament Quarterfinalist in epee. Her freshman year she earned second team All America honors for Division III. Along
with her athletic commitments, she is in the Adagio Dance Ensemble and a Roosevelt Fellow, serving to advise fellow students and maintain a bright presence within the Brandeis Community. Off of the strip, you can find Rothman-Hall hanging out around Upper Usdan or working hard at Gosman. In warmer months, you can find her snacking on mocha chip ice cream, and year-round you can find her listening to genres like country and reggaeton. One of her favorite artists is Jordan Davis. A fun fact about Rothman-Hall is that she has seen "Pitch Perfect" upwards of 15 times. Show out by attending fencing meets and supporting her in her extracurricular endeavors around campus, and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself! Go Judges!
just Sports Page 16
BRANDEIS WOMEN'S TENNIS PHOTO STORY Women's tennis hosted the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in a series of scrimmage matches on Feb. 4 at Gosman, p. 14.
Waltham, Mass.
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
BRANDEIS
Judges of the Week: Luke Ritchie ’24 and Alex McKee ’25 ■ Two fencers were recognized as Judges of the Week last week, an award presented by Jake n’ JOES, Chateau Dining and Brandeis Athletics. By ISABEL ROSETH AND RANI BALAKRISHNA
JUSTICE EDITOR IN CHIEF AND JUSTICE EDITOR
Following their stellar performances at the Eric Sollee Invitational last Saturday, senior foil fencer Luke Ritchie ’24 and junior foil fencer Alex McKee ’25 were honored as Judges of the Week. At the invitational, foilist Ritchie went 3-0 against the New Jersey Institute of Technology, the Stevens Institute of Technology and Duke University, and 2-1 against Haverford College. He went 11-1 in foil for the Judges’ highest winning percentage of the day. McKee, who also fences roil, finished with a 14-2 record and had a winning record against all six of her opponents. She went 3-0 against NJIT, Stevens and Haverford and 1-0 against Duke.
Luke Ritchie ’24
told The Justice in a Feb. 6 interview that the senior meet meant a lot to him. “To be able to do as well as not only I did individually … but as well as we did as a team was a great way to end my time competing at Brandeis,” he said. The trip to the Air Force Academy was also a moment to remember; the Judges’ performance this season was the best the team has done there since Ritchie began fencing at Brandeis. This season is not Ritchie’s only memory worth noting. In his sophomore year — the 2021-2022 season — the Judges beat Boston College, only a couple weeks after a particularly devastating loss against the Eagles. Beating Brandeis’ biggest rival at home was, as Ritchie put it, “amazing.” Even with all his wins and successes, Ritchie found fencing to be a stressor this season. The hardest part, he said, has been staying focused. This school year has been particularly busy for him, and becoming the men’s foil captain only added to his workload. That being said, Ritchie put in the effort to ensure this season was a good one. “More important than [the stress], however, is the fact that this is my last season, and I don’t intend on fencing after college,” he explained. “Finding the motivation to work hard has been difficult, but I keep reminding myself that I need to show up for my team as much
SHOHEI SHAKES UP LOS ANGELES
Photo courtesy of CREATIVE COMMONS
BIG HITTER: Shohei Ohtani, star hitter and pitcher, up to bat last season with the Los Angeles Angels.
Dodgers exceed $1 billion NHL Stadium Series in offseason spending
The Eric Solle was more than just a success for Ritchie — it was his final home meet as a Brandeis Judge. He
See JUDGES, 15 ☛
ICE HOCKEY
jerseys receive mixed reviews from fans ■ The National Hockey League Stadium Series resulted in the release of a limited edition jersey collection that has fans both excited and disappointed. By ANNA MARTIN JUSTICE EDITOR
On Friday, Jan. 26, hockey fans across the tri-state area jumped to their devices when they heard that the 2024 National Hockey League Stadium Series jerseys had been released. What followed was a mix of reviews, with fans both excited and upset as they took in the extensive advertising campaign. The Stadium Series is one of the three series of outdoor games played by the NHL every season. During these events, a number of hockey games are played at either a football or baseball stadium. This year, two games are taking place at the MetLife football stadium in New Jersey, the typical home of the New York Giants and the New York Jets of the National Football League. Each of these games will be accompanied by a concert performance from a popular musical group. On Feb. 17,
the New Jersey Devils will face off against the Philadelphia Flyers following a pregame concert by the New Jersey natives, the Jonas Brothers. AJR will play an intermission concert during the game between the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders on Feb. 18. One aspect of this once in a lifetime event is the release of a Stadium Series jersey for each participating team. Occasionally, these new designs have ended up becoming the team's regular alternate jerseys, which has happened for both the Flyers and the Islanders in the past. The Flyers are still currently wearing their 2017 Stadium Series jerseys as their alternates. This jersey release was coupled with extensive advertising from the NHL. The primary video commercial showed models wearing the jerseys in a subway station, representing the primary mode of transportation in the metro area. This video was shot in a retro style, showing the jerseys worn in a casual setting rather than on the ice. Additionally, the Devils held a media shoot, showcasing many of their players wearing the jerseys. The Flyers held a shoot outside, being the first team to reveal the entire game day outfit. The Islanders and the Rangers both posted breakdowns of the meaning behind all aspects of the jerseys but did not publish media from an additional
See NHL, 13 ☛
■ An examination of several big moves by the Los Angeles Dodgers to sign superstar pitchers and their implications on Major League Baseball. By PRATEEK KANMADIKAR
JUSTICE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a history of making audacious off-season acquisitions. However, the 2023 winter off-season exceeded their bold past, leading to a seismic change that affected baseball as a whole. It was more than just a splashy headline when the once-in-a-generation superstar and 2023 Most Valuable Player of Major League Baseball, Shohei Ohtani, signed a record-breaking $700 million contract. Let's examine the Dodgers’ offseason plan, consider the ramifications of the Ohtani deal, and evaluate the Dodgers’ prospects of winning the Commissioner's Trophy in the end. First of all, the Ohtani transaction was an excellent example of financial scheming. Even while the headline figure is enormous, the Dodgers are able to pass the Competitive Balance Taxbarrier rather easily because of their special structure, which defers $680 million to later years. This innovative strategy frees up funds for additional acquisitions, which is important given the team's pre-existing strong core. Ohtani was not the only move the Dodgers made this offseason. In order to strengthen a bullpen that struggled
during the postseason, the Dodgers signed veteran closer Craig Kimbrel. With the astute acquisition of infielder Joey Gallo and outfielder Brett Phillips, two players noted for their strength and defensive ability, they also increased depth and versatility. The Dodgers now have a strong roster that can potentially address any issue thanks to these signings. Still, there are many unanswered questions regarding Ohtani’s acquisition. After Ohtani tore his UCL on Aug. 23, 2023, he underwent surgery similar to a Tommy John injury. The tear means that Ohtani will be ready to hit by opening day this year, and he will be able to pitch and be a “twoway player” according to Forbes. It is not easy to fit his special skill set into the starting lineup. Thus, to maximize his effectiveness through his recovery and prevent overuse injuries, Ohtani must carefully balance his pitching and hitting workloads. Furthermore, he might feel substantial pressure to defend the contract that broke records. In the grand scheme of things, the Dodgers’ approach is obvious: win now, win at whatever costs. Although signing Ohtani is a risk, it has the potential to pay off handsomely. If the Dodgers surround him with a championship-caliber squad, they have a better chance of breaking through the October curse that has dogged them for the past few seasons. The October curse has been the losses that have prevented the Dodgers from advancing in the playoffs the past few years. The San Diego Padres, the Dodgers main rival in the National League West, have also advanced significantly with last year's addition of All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts. With the
Ohtani trade, the rivalry between these two dominant California teams promises to be even more exciting. Moreover, the league as a whole may be affected by the Dodgers' supremacy. It might compel other teams to do the same, sparking competition for superstar players and possibly driving player compensation up even further. On the other hand, it is still unclear if the Dodgers’ approach is viable. Ohtani's wage deferral could lead to future financial difficulties and reduce the team's ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Furthermore, if the franchise places a lot of emphasis on its superstars, it may be hiding deeper flaws in its development process. Los Angeles also signed Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the offseason, which brought their spending limit to over $1 billion, more than all of the other MLB teams’ spending in the offseason combined. According to the MLB, Yamamoto’s contract is 12 years and $325 million, and the Dodgers welcomed the star Japanese pitcher to their all star level roster. The outcome of the Dodgers' gambit remains to be seen. However, one thing is for sure: their bold offseason has lifted the bar for the MLB, sparked fan excitement, and prepared the world for what looks to be an incredible season. One question remains as the baseball world waits in suspense: will the Dodgers' $700 million risk pay off in a World Series victory or serve as a warning to others that ambition might be more important than common sense? The erratic and exciting pages of the 2024 baseball season hold the answer.
Vol. LXXVI #13
Waltham, Mass.
February 6, 2024
Artwork curated by Caron Tabb. Artwork courtesy of Marla McLeod Photos: Eliza Bier and Serenity Dimatulac/The Justice. Design: Eliza Bier/The Justice.
FEBRUARY 6, 2024 I ARTS & CULTURE I THE THE JUSTICE | ARTS | TUESDAY, JANUARY 31,JUSTICE 2017 18 TUESDAY,
CORPORATE CLASH!
Universal Music Group vs TikTok: Contractual discourse strikes a sour note By ANNA MARTIN AND NEMMA KALRA JUSTICE EDITORS
Starting Feb. 1, 2024, many of TikTok’s 1.5 billion users began to notice the death of previously trending audios, such as snippets from Arianna Grande’s “yes, and?” on their “For You” pages. Rather, users have been met with the alert “sound removed due to copyright restrictions.” The contract between Universal Music Group and TikTok was set to expire on Jan. 31, 2024; however, when the two parties entered contract renewal discussions, they failed to negotiate a compromise. On Jan. 30, 2024, UMG published an open letter entitled, “Why we must call time out on TikTok.” This letter explained the three main reasons the company decided to remove their entire sound catalog from the popular social media platform. According to UMG, they entered negotiations with TikTok focusing on “three critical issues — appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users.” UMG explained that while they have been able to successfully negotiate these terms with other similar partner platforms, TikTok was unwilling to compromise with the group. The letter states that Tik Tok pays artists a small fraction compared to similarly situated platforms. It covers that even though the platform is an incredibly large platform that heavily relies on music, it accounts for only about 1% of the revenue of UMG. The letter states “Ultimately TikTok is trying to build a music-based business, without paying fair value to the music.” The letter continues by explaining the lack of action that TikTok takes to protect artists, including their music being reproduced without compensation, and the true challenges
of reporting things such as bigotry and harassment through the platform.UMG accused TikTok of attempting to “bully” the company into accepting a poor deal “by selectively removing the music of certain of [their] developing artists, while keeping on the platform [their] audience-driving global stars.” The conclusion of the statement reiterated UMG’s commitment to fighting for a deal that adequately compensates artists for their contribution and ensures all their artists will only be “on a platform that respects human creativity, in an environment that is safe for all, and effectively moderated” An article on the matter on Music Business Worldwide breaks down the estimated amount of money TikTok paid the entire music rights industry in 2023. Based on the math, as well as data on both of the companies’ net revenues, the article highlights that the potential basis of UMG’s monetary complaints may be because of the fact that TikTok likely only diverts a maximum of about 2.2% of their revenue to the music rights industry. TikTok itself, as well as many of its users and UMG’s own artists, have been quite critical of the company’s decision in spite of its claim of putting artists first. In a response to the open letter, TikTok released a statement accusing UMG of putting “their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters.” According to TikTok, their platform is ideal for free promotion of music, meaning in removing their catalog, UMG may have cost their artists plenty of opportunities to market their music. Many of UMG’s own artists seem to be expressing their
fears for the future of their careers without the assistance of TikTok’s promotion. Noah Kahan, a popular, Grammynominated artist, posted a TikTok question, “I’ll probably be ok right? I’ll land on my feet, right?” Kahan grew to fame through the app and has been using it recently to promote a song launching on Feb. 9. He encouraged fans to presave, assuring them that it will still be released as planned. Kahan is not alone in his anxieties regarding the ability of his music to perform without the aid of the social media platform. Musician Conan Gray mentioned in an interview, “My career is over, for sure. I’m never gonna have a hit song again at this rate. No, no, it’s fine. TikTok has its ups and downs, and I guess we’ll see what happens. I guess we’ll be creative. There’s gonna be a lot of interesting a cappella covers happening from UMG artists until this is settled.” Even smaller artists who are not directly affiliated with UMG are being impacted. In addition to the artists signed directly under UMG, the company is home to many other distributors. For smaller musicians on TikTok, any affiliation with these distributors means their music is also at risk of being pulled. The loss of this partnership will result in some changes for the TikTok platform. UMG artists can no longer use the social media app to promote and share their music, even if it was how they got noticed and signed by UMG in the first place. Popular artists encourage TikTok users to continue listening through other streaming platforms, as music continues to be released.
ALBUM ANNOUCEMENT
By DAHLIA RAMIREZ JUSTICE STAFF ARTIST
TAYLOR SWIFT ANNOUNCES 15TH ALBUM By ISABEL ROSETH JUSTICE EDITOR
Taylor Swift took the world by surprise yet again on Sunday when she revealed that her brand-new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” will be out on April 19. Swift made the announcement during the 66th Annual Grammy Awards after winning the award for “Best Pop Vocal Album.” “I want to say thank you to the fans by telling you a secret that I’ve been keeping from you for the last two years,” she said before shocking fans, who, up until then, believed she was on the verge of announcing the release date of “Reputation (Taylor’s Version).” “Midnights” was announced in a similar fashion at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, when she dramatically revealed the album’s existence and release date while accepting the award for “Video of the Year.” She teases her work in patterns, and even with all the sleuthing Swifties do in their spare time, she seems to always catch her fans by surprise. The new album has a total of 16 tracks and 1 bonus track. CDs, vinyls, and cassettes are already available for purchase on her site. A special “collector’s edition” of the CD was available following the announcement and includes a patch, bookmark and more. Fans had to wait in a queue to purchase the merch — I personally waited over half an hour, but no matter. Then, as we were putting together this week’s issue of The Justice, Swift posted the new album’s tracklist — as though the last 24 hours weren’t chaotic enough. The tracklist is as follows:
ART ANNOUCEMENT
WICKED QUEER FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS By NEMMA KALRA JUSTICE EDITOR
On Feb. 1, 2024, Wicked Queer: The Boston LGBTQ+ Film Festival announced the dates for “WQ: 40,” the 40th edition of its annual Queer film festival. Originally created by film programmer George Mansour in 1984, Wicked Queer is entering its fourth decade of platforming LGBTQ+ stories from all over the globe. Through its exclusively volunteer based team, the organization has created a festival for the community, by the community. The organization is sponsored by the Queer Film Institute and partners with various cultural organizations in Boston including the Boston Asian American Film Festival, the Boston Latino International Film Festival, andQueer Muslims of Boston. The 40th anniversary marks a milestone in Wicked Queer’s journey of celebrating Queer identity, diversity, and resilience. As in previous years, the festival will take place in various theaters, art museums, and educational venues across the greater Boston area. Attendees can look out for screenings in many locations accessible by Brandeis’ shuttle or public transit, including the Brattle Theater, the Museum of Fine Arts, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Emerson College, Boston University, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and the Coolidge Corner Theater. The festival is set to run from April 5 to April 14. Be sure to head on over to one of the aforementioned theaters to enjoy ten days of film, discussion, and celebration of the worldwide LGBTQ+ community! Graphics courtesy of CREATIVE COMMONS. Design: NEMMA KALRA/The Justice.
1. Fortnight (feat Post Malone) 2. The Tortured Poets Department 3. My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys 4. Down Bad 5. So Long, London 6. But Daddy I Love Him 7. Fresh Out the Slammer 8. Florida!!! (feat Florence + The Machine) 9. Guilty as Sin? 10. Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me? 11. I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) 12. loml 13. I Can Do It With a Broken Heart 14. The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived 15. The Alchemy 16. Clara Bow 17. Bonus Track: The Manuscript There’s not much use in speculating in print what each track will sound like, but lord knows the internet will take the next couple months to theorize. But what we can say is that — and I apologize for bringing this up — this album is certainly being released on the heels of her not-so-recent breakup with British actor Joe Alwyn, meaning at least some tracks will likely touch on him. He’s already said it would be “shady” for her to diss him on the album, but let’s get one thing clear: Her work is not about her exes. It is about her. Swift’s track fives are known for being her most emotionally vulnerable and personal song on each album, and based on the title “So Long, London,” I’m expecting something heartbreaking and beautifully written. It’ll join the ranks of songs such as “Cold As You,” “Dear John” and “All Too Well” — and I, for one, cannot wait.
THE JUSTICE | ARTS | TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024 I ARTS & CULTURE I THE JUSTICE
19
CULTURE CAMEO
Chinese New Year By NEMMA KALRA JUSTICE EDITOR
On Feb. 4, 2024, Brandeis’ Chinese Culture Connection, or BC3, hosted it annual Chinese New Year Festival. Each year, BC3 collaborates with Brandeis culture clubs, as well as other cultaral organizations from the greater Boston area, to create a
HAPPY NEW YEAR!: BC3 unveils a vibrant backdrop to set the scene for the evening’s festivities.
SAY “BLAH”: Brandeis’ self-made K-POP and C-POP dance crew performs the Dinah Jane song “Heard it all before.”
night of joy, celebration, great food and good faith for the Lunar New Year. This year’s festival included various performances ranging from traditional Chinese dancing to students’ own original music.
WORD: Rapper and Brandeis student Angelo Chen ’27 performs his work at the festival.
MUSIC: Berklee School of Music’s “Five Guys” visits Brandeis University to perform in the festival.
Traditions for the new year By HELEN HOU
JUSTICE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (春节), is the most important traditional holiday in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world. The date of the Chinese New Year varies each year, as it is based on the lunar calendar. This year, the Chinese New Year is this upcoming Saturday, Feb. 10. The celebration of Chinese New Year not only symbolizes the transition into a new year but also promotes the preservation of ancient rituals. Throughout the ages, the Chinese always treat the Spring Festival as the #1 most important festival. Several ancient rituals passed down from generations are now standard family traditions. Cleaning and decorating the houses (扫尘布置) is an important tradition that almost every Chinese family does before the new year. Cleaning the houses (扫尘) not only refers to cleaning the physical space in house meticulously, but also symbolizes to sweeping away misfortune from the past year. Decorating the houses (布置) means filling the house with red decorations, which represent luck and prosperity. Every family member participates in cleaning and decorating the houses. This shared effort among family members not only upholds the tradition, but also demonstrates a collective aim to welcome the new year and invite positive energy into home. For the Chinese, the new year is not only the start of a fresh year, but also a time to reunite with family. Regardless of geographical distances, everyone travels back home and reunites with their families on New Year’s Eve to have dinner together. This dinner is called 年夜饭, which can be translated to “New Year’s Eve Dinner.” It not only reinforces the connection between family members but also demonstrates the core of Chinese culture: harmony. In addition, the selection of the festive dishes for 年夜饭 is
Photos: BRYAN WULTZ/The Justice. Graphics: NEMMA KALRA/The Justice. Design: NEMMA KALRA/The Justice.
also deeply meaningful in that people pick dishes with good meanings. For example, serving fish at the New Year Eve Dinner symbolizes prosperity, as the Chinese word for fish, 鱼, sounds similar to the word for surplus, 余. Thus, 年夜饭 also embodies the wellwishes Chinese people extend to the approaching New Year. The tradition of giving and receiving red envelopes, known as 压岁钱, is an important tradition during the Chinese New Year. Based on a folktale, there was once a mythical beast called “Nian,” who would terrorize villages during the New Year. To keep kids safe, elders started giving money in red envelopes called 压岁钱, which means pressing down and dispeling “Nian.” Thus, 压岁钱 are typically presented by elders to the younger generation, which in turn demonstrate elders’s blessings and wishes for good luck to kids. These envelopes are characterized by their vibrant red color, which symbolizes luck, happiness and prosperity. Setting fireworks and firecrackers (放烟花) is another Chinese New Year tradition. Based on the Nian folktale, the loud sounds and bright lights formed by fireworks and firecrackers are believed to have the power to scare away Nian and upcoming misfortune. However, nowadays the vibrant colors and loud sounds together create a lively and dynamic atmosphere. As the festival approaches, people in China start to get ready for the Chinese New Year with a few pre-holiday preparations, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation and excitement. Chinese students in the United States often are unable to spend the new year with their families due to the differences in schedule; therefore, I encourage Chinese students to connect with one another to celebrate this festival together to form a sense of belonging. I also encourage students from other diverse cultural backgrounds to join their Chinese peers in celebrating the Chinese New Year to foster a richer celebration and promote cultural exchange. Wishing everyone a joyful Chinese New Year! 新年快乐!
20 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024 I ARTS & CULTURE I THE JUSTICE
STAFF’S Top Ten
STUDENT ART SPOTLIGHT
By MARINA ROSENTHAL JUSTICE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Photo courtesy of JONAS KAPLIN
Top 10 favorite birds Here are my top favorite birds I have encountered (minus the painted bunting I’m still searching for). Also a special shoutout to the lesbian blue macaw mates I saw at the zoo in Providence last week. 1. Painted bunting 2. White-breasted nuthatch 3. Blue macaw 4. Cerulean warbler 5. Baltimore oriole 6. Barred owl 7. Swallow tailed kite 8. American woodcock 9. Common loon 10. Red-headed woodpecker
JONAS KAPLIN/The Justice
This mural was created by Norah Khadraoui ’24, Leah Nashel ’20 and PB ’22 as a commission for Preventaion, Advocacy and Resource Center, and Gender and Sexuality Center, and centers on a quote from Gloria Anzaldua: “though we tremble before uncertain futures / may we meet illness, death and adversity with strength / may we dance in the face of our fears.” Inspired by the words of Anzaldua, a queer Chicana activist and poet, the artists chose to depict the boldness of joy and celebration despite any adversity or violence suffered. These are survivors dancing in defiance, not reduced to or defined by any adverse experience. On a backdrop of darkness, alluding to past and potential adversity, they are bright and defiant figures, dancing like stars across a night sky. It was intentional to center people of color at Brandeis in this work to counter the lack of representation on campus and make sure they are shown in all their presence and power. Each person depicted in this mural is a Brandeis student and close friend of one of the artists, Norah Khadraoui.
CULTURAL CUISINE
Dumpling Recipe By ELIZABETH LIU JUSTICE EDITOR
As the Lunar New Year is approaching, I wanted to share one of the many traditions my family partakes in when celebrating. In our culture, food holds a lot of significance, and some dishes have specific meaning. The dumpling or 饺子 (Jiǎozi) represents fortune, as they are shaped like the gold and silver ingots that were once used as currency. Although my family enjoys homemade dumplings all year round, we always make them around this time to welcome in the new year.
Ingredients 8 ounces Napa cabbage (about 1/4 head) 8 ounces ground pork 1/2 bunch scallions, finely chopped 1/2 cup finely chopped garlic chives 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 2 teaspoons freshly grated peeled ginger 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 1 pound round dumpling or potsticker wrappers
Instructions To prepare the filling:
Wash and finely chop the cabbage, then sprinkle lightly with salt. Transfer the cabbage to a large bowl to remove excess liquid, and add the pork, scallions, garlic chives, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and sesame oil. Combine the filling without overmixing. Scoop a little of the filling onto a small dish and microwave until fully cooked to taste, and adjust the soy sauce to taste.
Filling the dumplings:
Homemade dough/wrappers are always recommended for the best taste and texture, however that process takes a lot of time and effort, and pre-made dumpling wrappers work just as fine. Place the dumpling wrapper flat on your palm, and scoop around a tablespoon of filling onto the center of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to form a semi-circle, pressing down the edges to seal the dumpling. This recipe should make around 30 dumplings. A little trick I like to use is to dip your finger into a bowl of water and wet the edges of the wrapper so they can stick together better. If you want to try and be fancy, you can
Photo courtesy of CREATIVE COMMONS
Graphic: NEMMA KALRA/The Justice. Design: NEMMA KALRA/The Justice.
attempt to fold in pleats and press them down to seal the dumpling. Also, don’t forget to flour any surface you are working the dough on to prevent it from sticking.
Cook the dumplings:
Boil a large pot of water and add the dumplings. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent any dumplings from sticking to the bottom. Once the water comes to a boil again, add a cup of cold water to the pot and repeat for a total of two cups added. Once the water comes to a boil after the second cup, remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon. For a different taste, you can also pan fry the cooked dumplings by just searing the dumplings until golden brown in a pan with a little oil. This becomes potstickers, or 锅贴 (Guōtiē) and I like to do this with my leftover dumplings.
Enjoy!
Traditionally, dumplings are enjoyed with soy sauce, I also like to add garlic and black/Asian vinegar, but these can be adjusted to taste.
Photo courtesy of CREATIVE COMMONS