VISTA
vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com
the Closed door policy Volume 119, Issue 21
“Our Words, Your Voice.”
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
UCO president rejects seat for faculty senate on cabinet Ainsley Martinez Managing Editor
UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar rejected the faculty senate’s proposal to place one of their representatives on the President’s Cabinet. Led by the president, UCO provost and the vice presidents for the departments of advancement, information technology, finance and operations, public affairs, student affairs and university communications sit at the cabinet’s table, the President’s Cabinet has discussions on executive information and decision-making. According to the UCO website, the cabinet’s mission is to “bring perspective from each facet of campus to one table at their weekly meetings. In a spirit of creativity and collaboration, the Cabinet works together to advance the University of Central Oklahoma.” This idea of encouraging “creativity
and collaboration” from “each facet of campus” is why the proposal seemed beneficial and necessary to members of the faculty senate. However, President Neuhold-Ravikumar said faculty senate and administration “do not currently appear to share expectations about what constitutes university governance, trust and transparency,” in her letter on Feb. 28. “We have received Faculty Senate proposal FSP 2021/2022-002 in the matter of Faculty Senate Representative added to UCO President’s Cabinet. Having conducted with the members of Cabinet, reviewed practices of other institutions, and thoughtfully considered our current university environment, I cannot accept this proposal. I’m concerned about the disruptive nature of introducing a new and unvetted cabinet member every year, and its effect on business continuity, team dynamics, and the quality
Neuhold-Ravikumar’s stated issue with having dissimilar expectations from faculty senators comes after months of discussion over the university’s proposed budget cuts. (The Vista/Michaela Todd)
of executive decision-making; all of which have extensive impact on our university community and direction. Faculty Senate and administration do not currently appear to share expectations about what constitutes university governance, trust and transparency. Without shared expectations of the
issues at the core of this proposal, we lack a foundation for even considering it. There is much work to do among us ahead of movement such as what is being proposed.” Continued on Pg. 3
State regents review regional universities’ leadership Ainsley Martinez Managing Editor
The Regional University System of Oklahoma held a special meeting Monday at Rose State College to discuss higher education programs, financial benchmark reports and the future employment of regional universities’ presidents. According to the agenda for Monday’s meeting, state regents were to decide whether or not to recommend President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar for next year’s presidency. As the faculty handbook notes, “evaluations will generally be done every other year.” The meeting was held in executive session, meaning the public was not allowed to attend. Regents and university presidents traveled to Tinker Air Force Base to recruit engineering majors at 11 a.m., but Regent Susan Winchester said they were able to get through every agenda topic. President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar attended the state regents meeting on Monday at “We were supposed to have a speRose State College. (The Vista/ Manuela Soldi) cial presentation, but they didn’t show
up,” Winchester said. She said nothing on the agenda was out of the ordinary, but basketball teams across the state were a big topic on the floor. “A lot of the schools won their conference and are going to the next level,” Winchester said. “It’s an opportunity for the universities to brag.” In addition to discussions over Neuhold-Ravikumar’s contract, regents discussed the upcoming need to replace presidents at both Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva and East Central University in Ada. Janet Cunningham of NWOSU announced her retirement in January; former East Central University President Katricia Pierson became president of Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri at the beginning of 2022. As attendees of the meeting, inside and out, repeatedly said, “What goes on in executive session stays in executive session,” more details of agenda topics are unknown. The formal agenda for the RUSO meeting is available online at ruso.edu.
2 | The Vista
Tuesday, March 8, 2022 COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Evening with the Orchestra Fundraising Gala: From 6 to 9 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Grand Ballroom, the Symphony Orchestra is hosting a black-tie event that benefits Symphony Orchestra student scholarships. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., and the performance begins at 8 p.m. Headliner: John Daversa & Tal Cohen Duo: This performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or by calling (405) 974-2100. OBI Blood Drive: From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Room 301, the Athletic Training Association at UCO and the Oklahoma Blood Institute are hosting a blood drive. Wednesday, March 9, 2022 COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is
March 8, 2022
Around Campus
offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.
Symphonic Band as they perform pieces that are “cornerstones” of the 20th century concert band repertoire.
Future Educators Career Chat: From 2 to 4 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Room 326, learn more about working for different school districts and find out about potential job openings.
Women’s Outreach Center Open House: From noon to 1 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Room 136, learn more about the Women’s Outreach Center’s services and how you can help support women in our community.
Garrett Jacobson Jazz Collective: This performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or by calling (405) 974-2100. The Mad Ones: This performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Radke Fine Arts Theatre, located in Room 120 of the Center for Transformative Learning building. Spring Break: Sex Edition: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Blue Tent near Broncho Lake and 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Cherokee Room 213, UCO Peer Health Leaders are having an open discussion about safe sex, sexual activity, consent, drinking and alcohol, and the long term consequences and effects of choices made during spring break. Symphonic Band Concert: Cornerstones: Beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Mitchell Hall Theatre, join the UCO
Thursday, March 10, 2022 AAUW Movie Night and Arts & Activism: Women’s Voices: From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Melton Gallery, join the Association for University Women to celebrate Women’s History Month as they view the movie “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry.”
ing building. Wind Symphony Concert: Sacred Spaces: This performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Hall Theatre. Women in Design: Student Spotlight Series, Curating for Equity: From 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the Mitchell Hall Theatre Krottinger Family Gallery, the Melton Gallery and School of Design are hosting the opening ceremony of the “Student Spotlight Series: Curating for Equity.” Friday, March 11, 2022 COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 7 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 6 p.m.
Brian Gorrell & Jazz Company: This performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or by calling (405) 974-2100.
The Mad Ones: This performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Radke Fine Arts Theatre, located in Room 120 of the Center for Transformative Learning building.
COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.
Retraction: In a March 1 story, Men's Basketball Head Coach Bob Hoffman was quoted incorrectly. The quote has been corrected on ucentralmedia.com.
The Mad Ones: This performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Radke Fine Arts Theatre, located in Room 120 of the Center for Transformative Learn-
To submit events for next week’s Around Campus, please email thevista@ucentralmedia.com. Include the title of your event, time and place, and a brief description. Descriptions are subject to editing.
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Letter/Obituary
March 8, 2022
The Vista | 3
UCO president rejects seat for faculty senate on cabinet Continued from Pg. 1
The letter’s recipient, Faculty Senate President Jennifer Barger-Johnson, said it is “unfortunate” that the university did not give faculty an opportunity to have direct representation. “It is the UCO Faculty Senate’s belief that having a voice there could help alleviate many faculty concerns related to shared governance and transparency on our campus. It is notable that the subject of this request is not unique, as several of our peers have similar representation on their campuses,” Barger-Johnson said. “Through the pandemic and prior thereto, our faculty, staff, and students have shown extraordinary commitment to UCO, the state of Oklahoma, and the Edmond community. The UCO Faculty Senate has always led our campus with the best interests of the entire campus community in mind. We find the President’s recently issued response disheartening at this time as we have worked diligently to build bridges with this administration.” Neuhold-Ravikumar’s stated issue with having dissimilar expectations from faculty senators comes after
months of discussion over the university’s proposed budget cuts. The estimated $20 million budget deficit led to concerns over faculty cuts, where the administration projected the university would lose about 146 positions. In a meeting in December with the president and faculty senate, some representatives relayed their concerns on how the layoffs impact campus morale. “In talking to faculty directly, they’re applying for jobs. They are worried about feeding their family, their children. Some of them put in 25 years here, and are saying, ‘I don’t work for UCO anymore. I’m not proud of this institution. I work for my students,’” Nikki Seagraves, a faculty senate member, said. “And I personally feel the same way.” Conversations about transparency on campus arose as well, but it is unclear what specific events led to the proposal’s rejection. A “special” faculty senate meeting will be held today at 2 p.m. with Vice President of Finance and Operations Kevin Freeman and Assistant Vice President Benjamin Hastings. Anoth- The letter (above) was from President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar to Faculty Senate Preser regularly-scheduled faculty senate ident Jennifer Barger-Johnson in regards to faculty senate proposal FSP 2021/2022002. (Obtained through email) meeting will be held on Thursday.
Legal studies professor John Maisch dies unexpectedly
tary “Sober Indian,” after conducting several interviews with four Lakota men who had left their homes in Pine Ridge because of the reservation’s law against beer consumption. Two months later, Maisch was “surprised to find that all four John Maisch, an assistant professor of legal studies at UCO, died unexpectedly men had returned to the reservation and were attempting to become sober,” the Thursday. He was 51. Sober Indian’s website read. The film explores these men’s relationships with The funeral will take place at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Oklahoma City Whiteclay and alcoholism. on Friday at 3 p.m. In his TEDxUCO speech, Maisch talked about Dr. John Maisch served the UCO communihis experience in Whiteclay, and how public perty in several capacities, serving on the faculty ceptions of alcoholism sometimes do not hold senate for about five years, and acting as faculty governments or corporations accountable. At senate president in 2016. An Oklahoma attorney, the time, Budweiser was the lead-selling beer in graduating from the University of Tulsa College Whiteclay. of Law, Maisch was the faculty advisor of UCO’s “We talk all the time about drinking responsiPre-Law Society. He led alongside students, enbly, but at some point, I believe that we have to couraging the executive board to make the orgaturn to Budweiser and say ‘We’ll drink responsibly, nization their own. In an Instagram post, UCO if you’ll sell responsibly.’ As a former liquor regPre-Law Society student officers reflected on ulator, I can tell you whether it’s Oklahoma City Maisch’s life writing: where we have homeless men and women who “Our hearts are heavy today as we process the drink alcohol and have addictions or whether it’s loss of our dear friend and fearless leader, Dr. in Whiteclay, we always talk about it in terms of John Maisch. He was much more than a profesit being a homelessness problem, or in Whiteclay sor—he was an advocate and a voice of encouras an Indian problem,” Maisch said. “But very selagement to everyone he encountered. The Predom, if ever, have I heard anyone ever stand up Law Society and UCO family grieve with all who and say, maybe this is a capitalism problem or a knew him, family, friends, students, and faculty, corporation problem.” and our thoughts are with his wife and son. We In 2017, the Nebraska Liquor Control Commiswill keep everyone apprised of ways to celebrate sion voted to close the affected liquor stores in his life but until then, be kind to one another.” Whiteclay. Maisch purchased the former Lakota Before coming to UCO, Maisch delved into Hope Ministry site in Whiteclay, and sold 48 acres liquor law prosecution, and became a crucial to a tribal entity, the Thunder Valley Development figure in the closing of unlawful liquor stores in Corporation, for housing and health programs to Whiteclay, Nebraska in 2013. The influx of beer turn the village into a “place of healing.” sales in Whiteclay came primarily from residents He is survived by his wife, Julia, and his 10-yearof Pine Wood Indian Reservation, where alcohol John Maisch, an assistant professor of legal studies at UCO, died old son, Jacoby. The UCO community and College possession is banned. He produced the documen-unexpectedly Thursday. He was 51. (Provided/ UCO website) of Business mourns his death. Ainsley Martinez Managing Editor
4 | The Vista
March 8, 2022
Russia/Ukraine Crisis
Professors weigh in on Russia invading Ukraine Sam Royka Reporter
Rumors of martial law have surfaced among the Russian people, adding fuel to an exodus already in progress. Moscow denied the rumors while the number of Ukrainian refugees rose to over 1 million during the second week of the invasion. The BBC has suspended journalistic operations in Russia in response to a new censorship law. The bill allows prosecution and potential imprisonment of anyone accused of publishing “false information” about Russian military operations. This news comes after anti-invasion protests in the streets of Moscow and after dozens of journalists have been detained across Russia. Five journalists currently face charges. Senator Lindsey Graham, representing South Carolina, has called directly for Putin’s assassination specifically by someone in the Russian president’s inner circle, asking in a tweet if there is a “Brutus” for Putin. Thirty-eight countries have referred reports of war atrocities in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Ukrainians crowd under a destroyed bridge as they try to flee across the Irpin River in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
The U.S. has officially banned Russian aircraft from American airspace. During the second week after Russia invaded, the Kremlin said in a statement that the invasion is “going according to plan.” Meanwhile, President Biden said he will “make Putin pay” for the invasion of Ukraine. The Vista spoke to three people who have taught Russian history at UCO about the situation. “Many Russian citizens are taking to the streets to protest the war,” said Jeffery Plaks, professor emeritus of Russian history at UCO. “Russian security forces have arrested over 6,000 so far, but the protests continue. Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania have opened their borders to almost a million Ukrainian refugees, so far with open arms, but in time the increasing streams of women and children might cause a nationalist backlash in those countries.” Loren Gatch, professor emeritus of Russian history, said in an email interview, “as long as the fighting stays within Ukraine, I think the surrounding countries will confine their activities to dealing with surges in refugee flows. Two of the neighboring countries, Belarus and Moldova, aren’t part of
NATO. The others are, and this enhances the tension, of course. Those NATO countries will try to help Ukraine with supplies (but not military troops).” Erik Huneke, professor of Russian history, said the Biden administration’s strategy is to avoid war “as much and as long as possible.” However, in the event of an “expedited path to NATO membership for Ukraine,” Huneke said, “that in and of itself would serve as a justification for US military involvement.” Huneke said many Russian troops carrying out Putin’s orders are “true believers in whatever they think that they are fighting for. “The question is, what do they think they’re fighting for?” Huneke said, “Do they believe that they, you know, are taking the thrill out of conquests and re-taking control over part of what they think is right, for part of Russia? Because it had been part of the Soviet Union or because of historic connections between Ukraine and Muscovite Russian culture? Or is it because they believe the lies the government has said about the need to, quote unquote, de-Nazi-fy, Ukraine? Because the line that’s been coming from Putin has been consistent.” Plaks said there are “a couple of important reasons for Putin’s war against Ukraine. First of all, Putin is a ‘revisionist,’ which means he deeply resents the way the Cold War ended in 1991 with Russia’s loss of empire and NATO’s incremental expansion to include former Soviet republics and satellite states.” Huneke said that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) “had a number of different motivations, but it was largely a creature of the Cold War. “I think one of the questions that has yet to be answered is, ‘Is NATO still in a Cold War mindset?’” Huneke said. “Is it still a power that is primarily directed against Russian expansionism and aggression? Or is it in fact, an alliance that could theoretically incompetence, any number of different nations including potentially Russia itself, against any potential hostile aggressive power, wherever that power may be?” Plaks said that Putin thinks of himself as a champion and protector of Russia’s world status and influence on surrounding nations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses the nation in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Feb. 21, 2022. Russia’s Putin has recognized the independence of separatist regions in eastern Ukraine, raising tensions with West. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
“Ukraine, in particular, became an enormous problem for Putin after Ukrainians in early 2014 deposed their corrupt, pro-Russian president and clearly indicated they aspired to break free from Russian influence, eliminate corruption, and create a western-style democracy,” Plaks said. “Putin responded by invading Ukraine, annexing
the Crimean Peninsula, and instigating a separatist insurrection in Eastern Ukraine; however, that didn’t stop Ukrainian efforts to become a European democracy, so several days ago he exponentially expanded the war against Ukraine. The second reason for Russia’s invasion is that Putin will not allow a neighboring nation of brother Slavs to have a viable democracy rooted in the rule of law on his border. Such a successful model would encourage Russian citizens to oppose his corrupt kleptocracy,” Plaks said.
A detained demonstrator shows a sign ‘No War!’ from a police bus in St. Petersburg, Russia, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)
Gatch said some of Putin’s “reasons are simply made up, like Ukraine is practicing genocide, or that it’s full of Nazis. The more understandable reasons have to do with Ukraine’s political orientation. Does it look to Europe, or does it look to Russia? Putin wants to keep Ukraine from joining the European Union, and especially joining NATO. Above all, Putin (and many other Russians) regret the disintegration of the old Soviet Union, which led to the emergence of a modern independent Ukraine in 1991. They would like to reverse that independence,” he said. Gatch references the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, calling them “basically creations of Putin, in the sense that the Russians have actively supported their agenda. Eastern Ukraine is Russian speaking, but it isn’t necessarily the case that those Russian-speaking Ukrainians want to rejoin Russia (originally, the people of Ukraine overwhelmingly voted for their own independence from the Soviet Union). Russia has found it useful to encourage the separatists so as to destabilize Ukraine.” Gatch does not believe the US will send in troops. “What is more likely to happen, and which would also be dangerous, is the spilling of the war into neighboring countries that are members of NATO. That would indeed involve the Americans. If Putin chose to widen the conflict by acting preemptively to invade other countries, then that would also bring in the Americans. However, I don’t see that as likely, assuming Putin hasn’t gone mad or something,” Gatch said. However, Huneke said, if “Ukraine’s emergency application for membership to the EU is accepted in an expedited fashion, if that is indeed even possible, if the scope of civilian casualties increases, in a very visual way beyond what has already happened, that might very well cause pressure to increase in terms of military intervention.” Huneke said “it is possible that the Russians might collapse under the weight of their own ambitions that are not necessarily realizable, either in terms of their military preparedness, their economic pre-
Russia/Ukraine Crisis/Censorship
March 8, 2022
The Vista | 5
Over one million refugees have fled Ukraine since Russia began its military invasion 13 days ago -paredness, but also again, getting back to this fundamental issue of to what extent is Putin susceptible to opinion on the ground at home, whether amongst his troops as well as the general populace." Gatch said he would “stress how ominous this all is.” He continued. “Europe hasn’t seen an invasion like this since World War II. This sort of thing isn’t supposed to happen anymore! Frankly, I’m unclear as to what Putin’s endgame is. He’s trashing his economic and political relationships with Europe. I don’t see how he could’ve imagined this would turn out any differently,” Gatch said.
Ukrainian paramedics cover a grave with their country's flag of their colleague Valentyna Pushych, who was killed by Russian troops in a cemetery in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
Gatch also worries about “cyber warfare. It may well happen that Russia attacks Europe and the United States with its formidable cyber capabilities. This could inflict immense damage upon civilian infrastructure--transportation networks, power grids, etc. Countries, including the United States, could lose access to electric power for weeks at a time. This
wasn’t a major threat in an era before the internet and digital networking. But now it is, very much so,” he said. Plaks said that “Putin overestimated the abilities of his military and underestimated Ukrainian resistance and the international response to his invasion. Ukrainian soldiers and citizens have heroically rallied to defend their nation against the invaders. European and American economic sanctions targeting Putin, his oligarchs, and the Russian economy have been far more severe than in the past and the Russian economy is tanking as a result. But it might take more than sanctions and Molotov cocktails to stop Russian tanks, MIG fighters, and heavy artillery from allowing Putin to realize his main objectives: taking Kyiv and installing a puppet government that is subservient to Moscow. On the other hand, Putin has never been backed into a corner like this. His modus operandi is to double-down, but it’s possible that current talks between Ukraine and Russia could lead to a negotiated settlement.” On the viability of economic sanctions as a means of putting pressure on Russia, Huneke said “my concern with regard to the sanctions is whether they’re effective in the short term or take a little bit longer for the pain to be felt. Not only whether that will be enough to dissuade Putin and other Russians from supporting what Putin is doing, but also how uniform those sanctions really are. So, you know, the Swiss banks can freeze assets. And the US can pose sanctions upon Putin, which initially Biden was not willing to do. But if the Russians are able to trade with China, if they’re able to trade with Iran, if they’re able to trade with Pakistan, if they’re able to trade with any number of other countries that have either openly or covertly demonstrated their allegiance to affinity with what Putin is up to, then that’s a problem, because that will weaken their impact,
and that the Russians will be able to maintain some kind of economic viability.” Plaks said he fears that “the post-Cold War Era is over and civilization is giving way to a new international normal in which, to quote Thucydides, ‘the strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must.’ Nuclear nonproliferation is off the table and nations will devote more wealth to militarization and less to combat global warming.”
A woman traveling with others fleeing Ukraine, looks out of the window of a bus near the border crossing in Korczowa, Poland, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AP Photo/ Visar Kryeziu)
Huneke said that he has heard a comparison of Russia and Ukraine to China and Taiwan. “Taiwan and Ukraine are both in this interesting position of places that Western countries claim to be in support of but have no actual formal obligation to intervene to protect them from the prospect of invasion,” Huneke said. “Putin’s played a long game, he’s been in power in some way, shape, or form for 20 years, he has become involved in various conflicts, mostly without consequence to himself. This is, I think, his biggest gambit,” Huneke said, calling the timing “noteworthy.”
Russian musicians may possibly face more censorship Tyler Loersch
Contributing Writer
On March 1, the Russian metal band Slaughter to Prevail released a statement concerning their stance on their country’s war against Ukraine. “We play deathcore death metal and showing the guns and weapons and tanks in our video clips and so on,” said vocalist Aleksander Shikolai, who goes by Alex Terrible on the internet. “Despite this fact, we are against the war; we are against any war. It has so hurt us to see what is happening right now in Ukraine. Please do not make the whole Russian people an accomplice.” Following his statement, many of the band’s fans applauded Slaughter to Prevail for taking a stance against the war, but they also expressed concerns for safety. The band currently resides in Russia. The band Pussy Riot, also from Russia, has made their stance clear on social media as well. Pussy Riot’s official Twitter page has been raising funds through cryptocurrency, amounting to around $6.7 million dollars, to support Ukraine in its war efforts. Throughout their efforts in raising funds, the band’s page has been active in its efforts to spread information about the war and has also released several
statements. “I believe that we have just one life, and we have to live it in a way that we’re not going to be ashamed of ourselves on our deathbed,” read the band’s March 2 statement. “I’m going against one of the most powerful individuals on the planet. Yeah, it implies certain risks, but I’m ready to live with these risks.” Following this statement, as well as others, the band has received a large amount of positive support online, with fans saying that they stand with the band and will continue to support them. The largest question at hand with these statements is what will happen to the artists who made them. Russia historically has been a nation of mass censorship when it comes to speaking against the government, and many countries are not allowing immigration directly from Russia at this moment, including the United States. Another question at hand is the impact on the music culture that stems from Russia, not only in metal and punk but in other genres as well. One of the largest attendances on record for a concert was at a Moscow airfield in 1991 with supposedly over 1.6 million people lining up to see Pantera, Metallica, and AC/DC as well as several other bands. If Russian bands are not allowed to leave the country
and perform, what will happen to the culture of music, to the people, and most importantly to the lives of everyone involved with music? Ashton Lippel, an ACM@UCO student as well as vocalist for local metal band Tar Creek, has been involved with an international compilation of metal music where the proceeds directly go to Ukraine to support them. His feature on Muramasa’s “The Great Dragon God of The Sea” is included on the compilation. “I foresee music in general in both countries taking a huge hit, and hopefully, the accessibility of their music to outer countries won't fade either,” Lippel said. “In response to the invasion of Ukraine, a rather large group of extreme bands (specifically in the slam genre) have banded together to form a compilation record called Brutality Against War.” The record was released on March 4. Lippel said that all the profits made from the album will be donated to the Ukrainian Red Cross and it is meant to spread love through times of uncertainty. As to the true effect that the war in Ukraine will have on both people and musicians in both Russia and Ukraine, only time will tell.
6 | The Vista
March 8, 2022
Movie Review/Krottinger Gallery
Review
‘The Batman’ takes a dark ride through Gotham Tyler Whitehead Contributing Writer
“The Batman” creates a dark and horror-like landscape with Gotham City. The director, Matt Reeves, builds his unique vision for the world of Batman, but it is enticing and full of stories in which to be further immersed. Reeves combines really dark tones, but also shines them with light, making each frame look incredible. Robert Pattinson brings a more dark approach to the role of Bruce Wayne and chooses to abandon the playboy-type the character is often depicted as in the comics. The movie features a lot of action that will please any filmgoer. However, this film elevates itself from what we know about Wayne going into it. The film introduces Wayne as an investigator with the police department after a serial killer, the Riddler, commits a series of murders. He goes after many high-ranking officials in Gotham, starting with the mayor. This depiction of the Riddler (Paul Dana) is a lot darker and has an essence of horror in it. At the crime scenes, the killer always leaves clues for Batman to uncover. However, the film branches onto several other plot points that include a lot of the corruption that takes place in the city as well as bits and pieces of the backstory for Wayne. In this, you see how Gotham is slowly falling apart at the seams. Wayne is still early in his career because, at this point, he’s been working as an investigator for two
Robert Pattinson brings a more dark approach to the role of Bruce Wayne and chooses to abandon the playboy-type the character is often depicted as in the comics. (Jonathan Olley/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
years. Also, he is still learning how to be The Batman. Through his investigation, Wayne meets Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz) after her roommate was discovered to be having an affair with the mayor. The Riddler plots Wayne’s journey and specifically places him to meet certain figures like the Penguin (Colin Farrell). The film takes you through many different twists and turns that make Wayne question his late parents on
their actions. The Riddler is essentially trying to expose the corruption of Gotham. This helps build the world in which this iteration of the superhero exists. One of the biggest downfalls of the film is the runtime. It runs for almost three hours, but you don’t feel the runtime until closer to the final act. This film is worth a watch if you are a fan of movies, but mainly a fan of Batman. There are Easter eggs thrown into the
film that not only set up a new universe but send nods to die-hard fans of Batman. We rarely see Pattinson as Wayne because for the majority of the runtime he is donning the familiar emblem and cape. There are now plans for sequels and HBO Max shows to spin-off from this film. This Gotham City universe has only just begun.
Krottinger Gallery continues ‘Curating for Equity’ Cameron Foral
Contributing Writer
Krottinger Gallery, located at the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design building, will continue its threemonth long campaign “Curating for Equity” through April. February focused on Black History Month, March highlighted women in design, and April will focus on environmental justice. Though February has concluded, there is much more for students to look forward to until the end of April for students interested in locally made pieces of artwork. The Melton Gallery also concluded “The Midnight Garden” last week. The Women’s History Month exhibition will soon be installed at the Krottinger Gallery. “‘Curating for Equity’ is a part of a series of three student-centered exhibitions that celebrate the BIPOC
Provided/UCO website
designers and artists,” said Veronica Cianfrano, gallery director at the Melton Gallery. “The deadline has passed to submit work for the Women’s History Month Exhibition but it’s not too late to submit for our next exhibition in April. The theme for April is Environmental Justice.” BIPOC is a term used to describe
Black, indigenous, and people of color. Krottinger Gallery is dedicated to promoting diverse artists and artwork. Fourteen students have submitted their work towards the theme of women in design taking place this month. According to Cianfrano, this is the largest number of submissions the gallery has seen.
Cianfrano explained the process behind submitting artwork towards the theme of environmental justice. “A digital image/PDF of your own original design, poster or artwork sized no larger than 18 by 24 inches. We will be printing the digital files you submit here for display, so please make sure they are high resolution files or images,” she said. “Please title your files with your name and create a word document that contains a one to two paragraph explanation of the piece you are submitting with its connection to the theme of the exhibition. Please include your name, title of the piece, email address, and major at the top of this document.” Krottinger Gallery is located on the first floor of Mitchell Hall on campus. The deadline to submit work for the environmental justice theme will be at noon on March 10.
Johnson/Basketball/Golf
March 8, 2022
The Vista | 7
Kelsey Johnson continues breaking records Brinlee Lenochan Contributing Writer
One of the best forwards in the MIAA who continuously sets new records, UCO’s very own Kelsey Johnson has made quite the name for herself at Hamilton Field House. While at UCO, senior forward Johnson has set six school records, including average points per game, single game field percentage and career field goal percentage. Not only has Johnson secured school records, but she was also MIAA player of the week four times during the 2021-2022 regular season. There is no doubt that Johnson is a threat on the court, an aggressive player on defense with a smooth offensive style. But how did Johnson become the player she is today? When asked how long she has been playing basketball, Johnson will say “21 years,” meaning she began to play the game at age 3. “I don’t remember the first time I picked up a basketball. I think I had a ball in my hands before I could even walk. My mom played basketball at the Division 1 level, so it was just a given that I would play as well,” Johnson said. “ I think that’s what has kept me going all these years. I’ve always wanted to be just like my mom and make her proud.” Johnson played ball in middle and high school in Washington, Oklahoma, where her record breaking career began. Every day in high school, Johnson would shoot and make 700 shots to improve her consistency during games.
coaches genuinely cared about their players and that was something that was really important to me.” It is those same coaches that continue to push Johnson to the best she can be. “I want to be the best I can for my coaches. I know they rely on me to lead, so I try to work hard everyday so I don’t let them down,” she said. And she has definitely not let them down. Johnson has been lead scorer for the Bronchos since she arrived for the 2020-2021 season. She played and started in every game her first two seasons at Hamilton and not only that, she played more minutes than anyone else. Johnson definitely made a name for herself here and gained a family of supporters and fans. “There are so many special people to me that I wouldn’t have ever known if it wasn’t for basketball,” she said. Johnson will be graduating this spring and saying Johnson graduates this spring, but hopes to continue her goodbye to the Hamilton paint, but she does not basketball career overseas after graduation. (The Vista/ have plans of hanging up the shoes just yet. Johnson Madalyn Nix) let us know that she has hopes to go play basketball After high school, Johnson attended The Univeroverseas after graduation. sity of Texas at Arlington, where she played in 54 When asked what she wants UCO to remember games in the two seasons she was there. Johnson avher for, she did not say the number of records she eraged two points and just under two rebounds per broke or the amount of awards she won. game over the course of her time there. Instead, she wants UCO to remember her leaderAfter two seasons with the Mavericks, Johnson ship. made the move to become a Broncho. “I know I can score a lot of points and that’s prob“When I transferred, I actually had my heart set ably what I do best,” Johnson said. “But I don’t want on another school, but when I took my visit to UCO, to be remembered for that as much as I do for the I knew it was home,” Johnson said. “I could tell the type of leader I am.”
Basketball wraps up MIAA tournament, men’s selected for NCAA tournament Madalyn Nix Editor-in-Chief
Both Broncho basketball teams put up a fight during last week’s 2022 MIAA Basketball Championship in Kansas City, Missouri. Women’s basketball made it to the quarterfinals, but fell to Fort Hays State 71-63. “We had a chance,” UCO Head Women’s Basketball Coach Guy Hardaker said. “I thought we played well and we had a chance in the end, it just didn’t go our way.” Kelsey Johnson led the team with 29 points and 13 rebounds. During the game, she broke another record for most points in a single season at UCO, surpassing Ashley Beckley’s record of 623. Brooke Rayner scored 14 points while Alayzha Knapp scored nine with three rebounds. Aliyah Llanusa added four points, Caley Young added three, and Avery Allen and Jaci Littell both scored two points. Men’s basketball made it to the semi-finals against Washburn. The Bronchos fell 79-65.
“Washburn is a really good team and they played a great game tonight,” UCO Head Men’s Basketball Coach Bob Hoffman said. “I’m proud of our team. I’m proud of all we’ve done this year and I hope we get one more chance to play.” Callen Haydon led the Bronchos with 22 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Isaiah Wade scored 15 points with six rebounds. Davon Richardson posted 10 points and five rebounds. Camryn Givens and Jaden Wells both scored seven points for the Bronchos. Jalyn Turner and Preston Aymond each scored two points. It was announced on Sunday that the Bronchos are returning to the NCAA tournament. They are one of 64 participants and are the No. 5 seed in the Central Region. The men’s team will travel to Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the regional. First round games kick off on Saturday. The Central Regional is scheduled for March 12-15.
Broncho Invitational will put golfers to the test Brandon Dale Sports Editor
Last week, The Vista spoke to UCO Men’s Golf Coach Derrick Thompson and Women’s Golf Head Coach Michael Bond about both program’s golf seasons thus far. The men’s golf team is hosting the Broncho Invitational, which started yesterday and is wrapping up today. “Evan Griffith has played well all year, leading the team in scoring average,” said Thompson. “Kyle Hickey finished the fall very well. He’s been dealing with a back injury this semester, but I think that is behind him now.” According to Thompson, there are no surprises to look out for this season as these guys have been playing competitively their entire lives. Thompson points to Central Missouri and Rogers State as a couple of powerful teams this year. “They are the class of our conference,” Thompson said. “We’ve been competitive with them at times, but our goal is to be playing our best golf come April and see how we stack up.” According to Thompson, the best
way fans can support is by following the teams’ events at Golfstat.com and following the various social media platforms for all updates and results. Women’s Head Coach Micheal Bond talks about Susana Olivares and Emma Shelley having great years so far. “Susanna won our first event by eight shots,” said Bond. “Both players are ranked very high in the region.” Coach Bond hopes defending the MIAA championship is at the forefront of where the team hopes to finish this season. “If we play the way we know we can, we can compete with anybody.” Coach Bond would like fans and students to understand how hard it is to win these events week-to-week. “We have a great group of young ladies, all are strong academically, and they make the coaching part of my profession very enjoyable. The best ways to show support is by staying up to date with social media (@bronchogolf) on Twitter and Instagram. “We are close to home this Monday and Tuesday at Lincoln Park. You can come out and catch some action,” Bond said.
8 | The Vista
March 8, 2022
Lawsuit/Fire Station
School district sued over Christian assembly
A West Virginia student protests a religious event at his public school. (Leah M. Willingham/AP)
Jamie Hammock Contributing Writer
A group of students and parents are suing a West Virginia school district for allowing an evangelical preacher to hold a religious revival assembly during the school day in early February that some students were required to attend. This suit comes after a walkout of the revival at Huntington High School where over 100 students walked out of their classrooms chanting “separate the church and state” and “my faith, my choice.” “For years, school system employees have violated the constitutional rights of students by promoting and advancing the Christian religion, as well as by coercing students into participating in Christian religious activity,” the suit
reads. According to the lawsuit filed on Feb. 2, two Huntington High School teachers escorted their classes to an assembly hosted by evangelical preacher Nik Walker, who had led other revivals in recent weeks. During the rally, students, including a Jewish student who asked to leave but was prohibited from doing so, were told to close their eyes and raise their arms in prayer. Students were told that those who did not follow the Bible would go to “face eternal torment.” Some students questioned the legality of the assembly. One student, Cameron Mays, sent a text message to his father, asking him, “Is this legal?” UCO political science professor Keith Eakins does not think so. “In my opinion, that would be an
unconstitutional violation of the Establishment Clause according to current Supreme Court precedent,” Eakins said. He thinks that the event itself was not the reason the school is being sued. He said it is because students were coerced into the assembly. Cabell County Schools Superintendent Ryan Saxe believes some students’ rights have been violated. “Forcing religious expression on those with differing beliefs is not acceptable and is not in alignment with district, state, or federal policy and will not be tolerated by my administration or the Board of Education,” Saxe said. This is not the first complaint the school district has received. In 2017, the Freedom From Religion Foundation notified Cabell County Schools about two separate religious assem-
blies that were held during the school day at Huntington High School. In 2019, the foundation wrote to the school district saying it was concerned that adults created and were running religious clubs in Cabell County Schools. Plaintiffs are seeking a permanent injunction barring the district from sponsoring any religious worship services, adult-led religious activities during the school day or participating in such events with students during the school day. They are also seeking damages of $1 per plaintiff, plus costs and attorneys’ fees.
Edmond Fire Department proposes new station Patrick Talbot
Contributing Writer
Last month, Edmond Fire Chief Chris Goodwin went before Edmond’s City Council with the proposal for the addition of another fire station that would serve the Edmond area. The proposed fire station would be built near West Sorghum Mill Road and North Kelly Avenue, just north of Cross Timbers Elementary School. “We had actually done a fire station location study years ago that identified that area of town as needing a fire station,” Goodwin said. So, why now, and why there? “When we bought that land, there was very little out there,” he said. “That area has developed significantly, to the point that it’s time for us to move.” According to census.gov, Edmond’s population increased from 81,000 to 94,000 between 2010 and
2020. This increase drives development throughout Edmond, and as Edmond expands, it can put additional stress on emergency responders, especially when they are further away. “Our goal is, by NFPA best practices, we want to be able to get an engine company on scene within four minutes,” Goodwin said. The area where the proposed fire station would be located would take several responses down from an 8-12 minute average for on-scene arrival down to a 4-8 minute window. Once the design is finalized, and the contract for construction is agreed to, Goodwin estimates that the construction could take fourteen to sixteen months to build. “We’re looking at, best case scenario, about two years. More likely, it’ll be between two and three years before we can actually move in.”
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