VISTA
the
Volume 118, Issue 10
“Our Words, Your Voice.”
vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020
Bill proposes no class Nov. 3
INSIDE
Bryce McKinnis Reporter
Decision 2020 The Vista brings you coverage of multiple races, candidates and important dates. See Pg. 5-8
The UCO Student Association passed its first bill of the year, urging campus administration not to enforce attendance policies on Election Day, during its congress on Oct. 19. The bill, CR20-01, was the fourth item on UCOSA’s congress agenda. It was authored by UCOSA Senator Tyler Owens. “This bill is just urging professors to not enforce attendance policies,” Owens said, “or potentially not hold class if their schedules can allow for that on Election Day.” The bill, passed unanimously by members present at Monday’s conContinued on Pg.4
Prescription Take
UCOSA senators sign first bill of the 20-21 semester. This proposes a cancellation of class on election day so that students have time to vote. (Provided/UCOSA Instagram)
UCO mourns loss of third student Sarah Hite Editor-In-Chief
UCO Peer Health Leaders are promoting the safe disposal of prescription drugs.
A third student has died in just as many weeks at the University of Central Oklahoma. Kyle Ward died from an accidental overdose on Oct. 17 in Edmond, according to his obituary. Ward graduated from Edmond Santa Fe High School in 2018, where he was on the golf team all four years. He was a third-year UCO student and a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He was also a two-time participant in cheer and dance competitions. From casual acquaintances to close-bonded friends, there has been a kind outpouring about his memory online.
See Pg. 3
OK Congressional Amanda Siew writes on each congressionnal candidate’s platform. See Pgs. 6-7
Kyle Ward (left) and James Limbaugh (right) show spirit for Pi Kappa Alpha (Provided/James Limbaugh Instagram)
“Culture, Not a Costume” educates on cultural appropriation Brianna Garcia Contributing Writer
Around Campus Events are happening all over campus this week! Learn how to cook ramen this wednesday! See Pg. 2
Continued on Pg.4
With Halloween less than a week away, the Native American Student Association at the University of Central Oklahoma hosted the “Culture, Not a Costume” event via Zoom on Wednesday to start conversations on campus about certain controversial Halloween costumes and their impact on minority cultures. Cultural appropriation can occur in a variety of forms, however, around
Halloween, it often involves wearing culturally insensitive costumes. The misuse of another culture’s regalia as a costume contributes to racial stereotypes in misrepresented and marginalized groups, said Native American Student Association President Jo Tiger. Many commonly worn Halloween costumes, such as the feathered headdress, are sacred to a number of Indigenous tribes. Traditionally, the war bonnets symbolized power and were only worn by chiefs and warriors.
A scarecrow is one example of non-approprating Halloween magery. (Provided/ Pixabay) Continued on Pg. 3
2 | The Vista
Tuesday, Oct. 27 UCO School of Music: Jazz Ensembles I & III: Beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Mitchell Hall, the University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Ensemble I under the direction of Brian Gorrell and Jazz Ensemble III under the direction of Ryan Sharp will present an evening of big band music. Tickets are available for purchase online via the Mitchell Hall box office website or by calling 405-974-2100. UCO School of Design: Reminisce: From Oct. 26- Nov. 7 the UCO School of Design will present a gallery of past student work as an interactive virtual experience. You may also view the show on campus in Evans Hall, the Art & Design building, and the Donna Nigh Gallery. View the gallery online at https://ucodesign.com/reminisce-fall-2020.
Around Campus
October 29, 2020
Virtual Teaching Kitchen: DIY Ramen: The University of Central Oklahoma's Campus Dining Services will host a Virtual Teaching Kitchen class led by a Chartwells registered dietitian from 3-3:30 pm. Learn how to upgrade your ramen noodles from the comfort of your house, apartment or dorm. Pick up your FREE HelloFresh style, ready-to-cook kit from Ayers Kitchen and follow along on YouTube! You provide a stove top and a cooking pot. Watch the YouTube video and cook along whenever you want. There are only 50 kits available!
Kit pick up dates: Tuesday October 27 and Wednesday October 28 at Ayers Kitchen.
Wednesday, Oct. 28
Breast Cancer Awareness with AAUW: From 5-6 p.m. join the UCO chapter of the American Association of University Women in the Nigh University Center Ballroom C to learn about breast cancer and what you can do to help. A panel of experts will discuss their journey and knowledge about the topic and there will also be a bra decoration contest.
Lunch at the Lab: UCO student jazz groups will play free concerts every Wednesday from noon-1 p.m. outside the Jazz Lab. Viewers can bring their lunch and enjoy the talent at socially distanced tables. This week features the Zac Lee Jazz Rep Combo.
Behind the Mask: A Story of Mental Health: From 6-9 p.m. join the UCO chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists for an event via Zoom on mental health meant to create conversation and awareness. Visit ucore.uco.edu for the Zoom link.
Thursday, Oct. 29 UCO Stampede of Sound Performance: Join UCO's Stampede of Sound Marching Band from 7-8 p.m. for a special performance in Wantland Stadium. Open to all ages. Social distancing and face masks are required for this FREE event. UCO Opera: The University of Central Oklahoma School of Music Opera Division presents The Old Maid and the Thief at 7:30 p.m. Thursday–Saturday, Oct. 29-31 in the Center for Transformative Learning Radke Fine Arts Theatre. TEDx Tiny Pumpkins: Join TEDxUCO from 7-8 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Ballroom C for painting tiny pumpkins and watching spooky TED Talks! There will be snacks and candy available! Friday Oct. 30 Prescription Drug Take Back: UCO Peer Health Leaders invites you to drop off your unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs for safe and proper disposal from 10:30 a.m.1:30 p.m at the north side of the UCO Wellness Center. No syringes, inhalers, or liquids accepted. This event is open to both the UCO campus and the Edmond community. Masks are required.
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.
the
VISTA
Staff
Sarah Hite Kiel Kondrick JaNae Williams Jacob Silva Cici Simon Lyric Peterson Tanner Laws Tanner Johnson Bryce McKinnis Cynthia Faulkner
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Copy Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Social Media Editor Photographer Reporter Reporter Adviser
Advertise with us! The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters. In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads. For information or questions contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com
Señorita Extraviada: Missing Young Woman Film: Join the UCO English Department from 2:30-5 p.m. as it presents the multiple festival selection film that narrates the story of the hundreds of kidnapped, raped, and murdered young women of Juárez, Mexico. The murders were first recognized in 1993, and young women continue to silently "disappear" up to the present moment. The documentary echoes the form of the unsolved mystery that is at the heart of these disappearances, the horror, fear, and courage of those whose children have been taken and the role of our global economy in this problem. Drive Through Trick or Treat: From 6-8 p.m. drive through the Forensic Science Institute parking lot to get your treats while being socially distant. Join the National Society of Leadership and Success for great costumes and even better candy!! Spread the word and come have some fun!
Front page tease photos, from top: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel Provided/Pixabay Provided/Pixabay Cici Simon/The Vista
UCO’s Student Voice Since 1903 The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained.
EDITORIALS
Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.
LETTERS
The Vista encourages letters to the
editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only. Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.
ADDRESS LETTERS TO:
Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034-5209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to thevista@ucentralmedia.com.
Costume/Apple Tree/[Prescription
October 29, 2020
The Vista | 3
“Culture, not a costume” educates on cultural appropria tion Continued from pg. 1 “There’s more history behind a traditional dress than what the Halloween store portrays,” said Tiger said. “It’s really important to let everyone on campus know what’s appropriate and what’s not because it’s something the campus, itself, has highlighted as important is minority issues,” said Johnathon Simpkins, treasurer. “That’s one of the issues that we have is cultural appropriation.” Cultural appropriation, a term that was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017, is defined as “the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the practices, customs, or aesthetics of one
social or ethnic group by members of another community.” A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 58 percent of Americans say it is acceptable to wear another culture’s traditional dress as a Halloween costume. “I don’t think people do it maliciously,” Simpkins said. “I just think they’re not taught, so I think it’s important to let them know that what they’re doing is offensive.” Simpkins believes the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation is the intention behind the Halloween costume. Cultural appreciation occurs when a
person seeks to learn and understand different cultures in order to honor them instead of demeaning them. “I think that’s where the big difference comes in between the two and
UCO’s Health Promotion posted on Instagram a list of questions students can ask themselves before purchasing a costume that could potentially offend another person’s culture. Is my costume supposed to be funny? Does my costumes perpetuate stereotypes, misinformation, or historical and cultural inaccuracies?
The Apple Tree
Left to right: Caprie Jordan, and Cale Smith look to crowd during their performance of the Apple Tree. The musical was hosted at the CFAD Courtyard. (JaNae Williams/The Vista)
Is the humor based on making fun of real people, human traits, or cultures?
UCO to host prescription drug take back program for community
This Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017 photo shows tablets of ibuprofen in New York. On Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration said that pregnant women should avoid a group of common pain relievers including Advil and Aleve for the last four months of pregnancy, expanding the warning from three months. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison) Contributing Writer
Left to Right: Sophie Mings and Denver King feel the moment on stage. The cast and audience located at the CFAD Courthouse for their opening night on October 21st. (JaNae Williams/The Vista)
The coming Halloween holiday and U.S. election, and the coronavirus pandemic are combined in a “VOTE” message outside a home, Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
If yes to any of these or not sure, you should find a different costume.
Steven Reese
Darnell Reedmon hits his position for his number on stage. The audience was seated for social distancing while performers wore masks for select performances. (JaNae Williams/The Vista)
Does my costume represent a culture that is not my own?
the line is, like, what’s your intent and how competent are you about what you’re dressing up as?” Simpkins said.
The UCO Peer Health Leaders organization is hosting a prescription drug take back event from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 on the north side of the Wellness Center. This will be the third drug take back event that UCO has hosted since 2018. It gives people of the UCO and Edmond community the opportunity to safely dispose of any prescription medications that are unused, unwanted or have expired. Carlie Deatherage, who has worked with the Peer Health Leaders at UCO for three years, said this is an important annual event. “According to the National Institute of Health, many states have reported increases in opioid fatalities since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Deatherage, who is the assistant director for the health promotion and outreach. “With this program, we
hope to get opioids properly disposed of to avoid potential misuse.” According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there were an estimated 1.6 million people who were diagnosed with opioid use disorder in 2019. Only 18.1% of these people received any kind of medical treatment. Deatherage said that UCO Peer Health Leaders have worked during the pandemic to continue to offer reminders about health. “Throughout the pandemic, Peer Health Leaders have continued to work on bringing information to their peers through some in-person programs, online programs and presentations, and pushing out informational content and videos on social media as well as checking in on their friends and the people around them,” Deatherage said. If students can’t make it to the drug take back event, there will be some more events that the Center for
Counseling and Well-Being department will be hosting virtually in November. In November, there will be several Broncho Bystander and Suicide Prevention online trainings. On Nov. 5, there will be an Instagram live program on consent during COVID from 7-8 p.m. Mental health Monday is from 1:00-1:30 p.m. on Nov. 9. There will also be a men’s mental health discussion at 1:00 p.m. on Nov. 17. Finally, there will be “‘Be Mindful Week” virtual programs during finals week. To sign up for these virtual online programs follow The UCO Wellness Center on social media and UCORE. The UCO Wellness Center is located at 100 N. University Drive in Edmond off of Ayers Street. It is located on the northwest side of campus west of Wantland Stadium. Masks are required for the drug take back event. It is also a judgment-free event.
4 | The Vista
October 27, 2020
Contact Tracing
Bill proposes no class on Nov. 3 Continued from Pg. 1
and signed by UCOSA President James Limbaugh, is intended to be forwarded to UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar. Co-Interim Vice Presidents of the Office of Academic Affairs, Charlotte Simmons and Gary Steward Jr, will each receive a copy, as well. “So as to enable students as well as professors to make sure they have adequate time to be able to go vote,” Owens said, “and also to encourage younger students to volunteer at polling places as well.” “Having [CR20-01] signed by our student government as well as our student body president,” Owens said, “it gives us a decent amount of weight with those offices.” Owens clarified that UCOSA does not have the legislative power to make official changes to campus scheduling. “Changes to the schedule need to be approved by the UCO administration,” Owens said. Owens said that UCOSA did not have time to draft legislation to petition for a mandated day off for Election Day, though that is the intent of the congress for the future. “It took as a while to get committees in line,” Owens said. “By the time we got our committee together and once this legislation actually came up, it was too late to actually mandate anything, but that’s what our goal will be.” Owens said that UCOSA was unable to meet with the UCO Faculty and Staff Association to pass a joint resolution.
“We had intended to meet with (UCO Faculty and Staff Association),” Owens said, “however, the faculty and staff association only meets once-amonth and. . . we didn’t really have time to meet with them. “As far as getting it passed with them for this year, the time frame just wasn’t there,” Owens said. Unrelated to the passage of CR2001, State Representative Mike Ovsburn addressed the congress Monday afternoon. Osburn, a Rrepublican, represents Oklahoma District 81, which includes UCO’s campus. Fellow Rrepublican State Representative Mike Sanders, who represents District 59, was also scheduled to speak but was unable to attend due to a last-minute rally, according to UCOSA Chair of Congress De Shannon. Osburn, who will contend for his third term this November, gave a speech pertaining to the importance of public service in elected positions. “You’re not here to make this a stepping stone for a better position at some point,” Osburn told the congress, “you’re here to represent the people that are on this campus.” Osburn closed his speech by relating to the congress with his own experience. “When you start to make it about you, that’s when you start to lose,” Osburn said, “and that’s when the University of Central Oklahoma starts to lose.” “Oklahoma, UCO, they don’t need another elected official,” Osburn said,
UCO mourns loss of third student Continued from Pg. 1
Rilee Harrison, UCO alumni, remembered Ward in a tweet. “Always had a smile on his face & always came up to tell me hello. Great kid. My heart is saddened to hear of his passing,” Harrison tweeted. James Limbaugh, president of UCOSA and former roommate of Ward, posted on Instagram about their friendship. “Thank you. Thank you for the time you blessed me with your presence. Thank you for the laughter, encouragement, and brotherhood. From being your roommate to being your brother, I’m proud to say I’ve had the chance to live life with you,” Limbaugh posted. UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar once again addressed the UCO community In an email about the loss of a student. “Our hearts are broken by his sud-
den passing, and our Broncho family has lost another precious part of ourselves. Please hold Kyle’s family and friends in your thoughts right now. Take a moment of silence to send comfort and strength to them as they face a new day without him,” Neuhold-Ravikumar stated. The PIKE fraternity organized a gofundme for the Ward family to offset funeral expenses. The fundraiser has been shared more than 2,000 times and over $16,700 has been raised. “Thank you for the support you have already given our chapter as we grieve the loss of Kyle, and we ask for your help in supporting his family,” the gofundme stated. The family extended special thanks to PIKE for setting up a fund to help the Ward family with funeral expenses in the obituary. There was also an open memorial for Ward Wednesday night hosted by the fraternity.
“they need a representative.” Limbaugh said that UCOSA plans to also include Ddemocratic candidates as guests at future UCOSA congresses. “We’ve been in contact with Cyndi Munson, and we’re working on getting her to congress,” Limbaugh said. Munson, a representative of Oklahoma’s 85th District, served as the UCOSA Chair of Congress during her time as a student at UCO. Other agenda items included addressing the recent deaths of two UCO students and encouraging grieving students to utilize on-campus counseling services. Marissa Murrow, who was a member of UCO’s Sigma Kappa chapter, died Oct. 3 due to injuries sustained in an head-on automobile collision. Kyle Ward, who was a member of UCO’s Pi Kappa Alpha chapter, died Oct. 17 due to an accidental overdose. “As a campus, as a whole, we dealt with a lot of loss this semester,” Vice Chair of Congress Hannah Turner said. Turner, a member of Sigma Kappa, advocated to the Congress to seek out
help from counseling services. “I’d like to remind you guys all to take care of your mental health,” Turner said, “as leaders that’s something really important.” “We can’t lead others if we’re not strong, mentally, ourselves,” Turner said. Limbaugh, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, was Ward’s roommate. He said his attention has been directed towards his work within the fraternity in its response to Ward’s death. “UCOSA’s response, to me, is kinda more of a long-term thing to make sure we’re there for our students,” Limbaugh said. Limbaugh said that he has had conversations with the UCO Counseling Center, who recommended for students to use Therapy Assisted Online, a virtual counseling resource offered by UCO. “In this season of everything being virtual,” Limbaugh said, “it’s not easy to do therapy and be there for students online.” “For me, that’s one thing that I would like to kind of invest money in and make sure they have all the re-
Election Coverage
The Vista | 5
October 29, 2020
Students examine concluding matchup Kiel Kondrick Managing Editor
University of Central Oklahoma students participated in a live discussion Thursday during the second, and final, presidential debate of 2020. Matthew Moore, director of speech and debate at UCO, hosted a watch party via Zoom. Moore opened the event hopeful that the debate and watch party discussions would help clear up any questions for students who remain undecided on who to vote for. “If you have a preference for either candidate over the other, go out and vote,” said Moore. The debate was only the second presidential debate of the 2020 election. However, it was the third debate scheduled for the presidential debate season. After President Trump contracted COVID-19 following the first debate, the Commission of Presidential Debates decided the following debate, scheduled for Oct. 15, would be held virtually. The president declined the conditions the commission had for setup for the debate, cancelling what would have been the second presidential debate. With only two presidential debates this year, 2020 will have had the fewest number of presidential debates since 1996. The Speech and Debate team have hosted two previous watch parties. The first was held for the first presidential debate on Sept. 29 and the second for the vice presidential debate on Oct. 7. Following the first debate, which was considered frustrating by many viewers, the Commision of Presidential Debates released a new set of rules, unlike what the American public has seen before. The rules for the debate included six 15-minute segments, which included two minutes of uninterrupted time at the beginning of each segment for each candidate. The commission’s new rule included the muting of the microphones at the top of each segment which would then be unmuted to allow for discussion between the two candidates.
President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden participate in the final presidential debate at Belmont University, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (Jim Bourg/Pool via AP)
"The only candidate whose microphone will be open during these two-minute periods is the candidate who has the floor under the rules," the commission announced in a press release. The topics of the six segments included: COVID-19, American families, race in America, climate change, national security and leadership. Other things discussed were healthcare, immigration and minimum wages. The final debate took place at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. The moderator, Kristen Welker of NBC News, was praised by many for her control of the debate. The moderator of the first debate, Chris Wallace of Fox News, commented afterwards on Welker’s performance. “I’m jealous,” said Wallace on Fox News. “I would’ve liked to have been able to moderate that debate and get a real exchange of views instead of hundreds of interruptions.” During the event, the president himself commented on Welker's handling of the debate. “So far, I respect very much the way you handled this,” Trump said. The post-debate watch party discussion included many topics including clarification of healthcare policies, how the candidates handled the topic of race, the history of each candidate’s
crime policies and climate change. Riley Livingston, a participant in the watch party, thought the final debate was a more civil discussion than the initial debate. “This debate was a lot less scary than the first one for sure,” said Livingston. Similar to the past debate watch parties, attendees participated in a live informal chat asking questions or making comments of what they thought about the candidates’ discussion. Following the debate, the attendees took part in a 50-minute discussion, clearing up questions or concerns, expressing their feelings and thoughts and analyzing the debate as a whole. Students discussed the tactics the candidates used during the debate. “I think that, regardless of the question, they referred to their personal lives and focused on bashing one another whether it be a subtle bash,” said Aaron Rojo. “Tell us your plans for the American people. If you want
to spill dirt on one another, and go at it, then go to Jerry Springer or something.” Others agreed and thought the candidates focused too much on appeals as their debate tactic and not enough on explaining their proposed policies. “Biden’s emotional appeals just do not work for me,” said Livingston. “We are aware of the severity of things. I wish he would address the root of issues and answer the questions instead of trying to make us teary eyed.” However, some students thought that Biden did the better job of connecting with the American public. “I like how Biden said, regardless of your party, and if you voted for him, he sees everyone as the American people rather than Democrats and Republicans,” said Cyan Summit. Attendees asked why there hasn’t been much done in the areas of healthcare, energy and climate change. Moore explained the biggest issue with those areas is there are just too many moving pieces. “You can put regulations. Who pays for those regulations? How do you do those regulations? Everybody agrees that pollution is bad. We disagree on the solution to resolve it,” Moore explained. According to Moore, the final debate watch party had the most people in attendance of the three watch parties this debate season with 39 attendees, almost doubling the number of attendees in the prior debate watch parties. The 2020 General Election will be held Nov. 3. In Oklahoma polls will open for early in-person voting from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m Saturday. Voters can find the early voting locations in their county through the Oklahoma State Election Board website.
Oklahoma County Early Voting Locations Edmond Church of Christ: 801 S. Bryant Ave., Edmond, OK 73034 Oklahoma County Election Board: 425 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105 https://okvoterportal.okelections.us
6 | The Vista
October 29, 2020
Election Coverage
Know Your Candidates: U.S. House of Representatives Amanda Siew
Contributing Writer
On Nov. 3, Oklahoma voters will elect five candidates from the state’s five congressional districts to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Republican Party currently holds four out of five congressional seats from Oklahoma. All of the 435 U.S. representatives are up for reelection this year. The Producing II class from the Department of Mass Communication at UCO conducted an informal poll with students to find their top issues for the Nov. 3 election. Over 130 students were polled, and here are their topics of most interest: social justice, human rights, healthcare and economy.
Oklahoma Congressional District 1 Candidates
R - Kevin Hern
Kevin Hern was born in Belton, Missouri. He is a businessman and has held various leadership positions
Hern dealing with finance, tax, insurance and more. Hern assumed office on Nov. 13,
D - Kojo Asamoa-Caesar Asamoa-Caesar was born in Alexandria, Virginia, and is the son of immigrants from Ghana. He is a law school graduate and a Tulsa kindergarten teacher. Most recently, Asamoa-Caesar served as the interim executive director at 36 Degrees North, the first co-working space in Tulsa. Asamoa-Caesar has no prior political experience. In a response to Ballotpedia’s 2020 Candidate Connection Survey, he disagreed with a question that asked if it was beneficial for representatives to have prior political experience, saying that it was more
2018. Hern represents the Republicans and is running for re-election to the House. He also believes in protecting Second Amendment rights, life and religious liberty. He is a supporter of President Donald Trump and has voted against Trump’s impeachment. In a statement on social media, Hern expressed his support for Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court.. Social justice: In a press release addressing the death of George Floyd, Hern said: “Nearly a century has passed, but racial inequality is still alive and well in the United States. The injustice done to George Floyd and his family is repbeneficial for representatives to “have lived life in the real world in service to others and in service to a cause greater than themselves.” In winning the congressional seat for District 1, Asamoa-Caesar would become the first African American, first 1st-generation American and first millennial to hold the seat. He would also become the first Democrat to hold the seat since 1986. According to his campaign website, his key issues are education and opportunity, health and economic security, justice and equity, and environment and infrastructure. Social Justice: Asamoa-Caesar wants to stop over-policing of black and brown
rehensible. Records show that this bad cop had a history of excessive force incidents – he should not have been on the police force in the first place. I join President Trump’s call for a full investigation, and I pray justice is served.” Hern voted against passing George Floyd Justice in Policing Act 2020 (H.R.7120), which includes measures to “increase accountability for law enforcement misconduct, to enhance transparency and data collection, and to eliminate discriminatory policing Human rights: Hern is pro-life and has participated in several for-life marches and events. He co-sponsored the Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2019 (H.R.369) alongside incumbent Reps. Mark-
Asamoa-Caesar communities as part of his justice and equity platform, according to his campaign website. Human Rights: On his campaign website, Asamoa-Caesar said that he will “support and defend the civil rights of all people in America, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age,
wayne Mullin and Tom Cole, which seeks to temporarily restrict federal funding toward the organization for a year unless they certify that their affiliates and clinics will not perform abortions. Healthcare: Hern supports repealing Obamacare and believes in a free-market driven healthcare system, where healthcare decisions are made between patients and their doctors. Economy: According to his website, he supports cutting government spending to decrease national debt. He also co-sponsored a resolution (H.J.Res. 22), which would amend the Constitution to require a balanced budget. or physical or mental ability,” as stated under his justice and equity platform. He also wants to protect the rights to access reproductive health care. Additionally, he seeks to respect all sovereign rights of tribal nations and honor all tribal treaties. Healthcare: Asamoa-Caesar wants to achieve universal healthcare for all Americans. Economy: As part of his health and economic security platform, Asamoa-Caesar wants to cancel all student loan debt and eliminate tuition at public colleges and universities. He also wants to “raise minimum wage to a living wage.”
Oklahoma Congressional District 2 Candidates R - Markwayne Mullin Mullin, a business owner and former mixed martial arts fighter from Westville, Oklahoma, assumed office on Jan. 3, 2013. He represents the Republican party and is running for re-election to the House for a fifth term. Mullin is a member of the Cherokee nation and is one of four Native American members of the 116th Congress. According to his website, his key issues are defense and national security, economy and jobs, education, energy, foreign affairs, health issues, Native American affairs, spending cuts and
Mullin
debt, tax reform and veterans issues. Social Justice: Mullin was unable to be there to vote on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act 2020 (H.R.7120). In a press release, he said that he would have voted against it if he was present and that the
bill was partisan. Human Rights: Mullin said that he is pro-life on his social media accounts and has shown public support for the movement. He co-sponsored the Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2019 (H.R.369) alongside incumbent Reps. Kevin Hern and Tom Cole. Mullin has expressed his commitment to representing Native Americans in Congress. He has cosponsored two bills that address the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women. Healthcare:
Mullin is against Obamacare and prefers a free-market driven healthcare system, where healthcare decisions are made between patients and their doctors. According to his website, he states that he is working specifically to reform Native American health care in his role in the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. Economy: According to his economy and jobs platform, Mullin wants to cut government spending, reform tax code and end regulations that restrict the private sector from creating jobs.
Election Coverage
The Vista | 7
October 29, 2020
Oklahoma Congressional District 2 Candidates D - Danyell Lanier Danyell Lanier was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and is a citizen of the Cherokee nation. She is a postGulf War navy veteran with a background in logistics and healthcare. She was honorably discharged in 1999 and received five medals for her five years of service. She calls herself a “passionate advocate for veterans and victims of domestic violence.” Her campaign was endorsed by the Oklahoma Democratic Party Veterans Committee and
Lanier the Collective PAC. According to her campaign website, Lanier’s key issues are protecting resources, improving health, investing in us and justice reform. Social justice:
Lanier has been active in rallies protesting racial injustice. She was a speaker at the Black Lives Matter rally in Grove. Oklahoma. She has shown her support for justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery on her Facebook page. Lanier believes in using rehabilitation to curb crime. She wants resources available for low-level offenders to restart and “become contributing members of society. She promotes additional training for elected officials and government employees on topics such as biases
regarding addiction issues, race and mental health issues. Human rights: Lanier has expressed her support for the LGBTQ+ community on her Facebook page. Most recently, she wrote “I am here as an ally for the (LGBTQIA+) community” on Oct. 11, National Coming Out Day. Healthcare: Lanier wants better healthcare and funds to obtain sufficient medical resources for rural Oklahoma. She says “everyone deserves access to affordable quality healthcare.”
Oklahoma Congressional District 3 Candidates R - Frank Lucas Frank Lucas was born in Cheyenne, Oklahoma. He graduated with a degree in Agricultural Economics from Oklahoma State University in 1982. Lucas has been in office for 17 years. He was first elected to the House to represent Oklahoma’s 6th congressional district, but it was eliminated in 2003. Before serving in Congress, he served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for 51/2 years.
Lucas is running for reelection under the Republican Party. His reelection has been endorsed by President Donald Trump and the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. According to his website, Lucas calls himself a “crusader for the American farmer.” His issues are agriculture, defense and national security, economy and jobs, health, immigration, lower taxes and government spending, protecting social security, real energy solutions and veterans affairs.
D - Zoe Ann Midyett Zoe Midyett was born in Tucson, Arizona. She calls herself a “Rural Ranch Democrat” and a voice for rural America. Midyett, a small business owner and hobby farmer and rancher, is also a member of the Medical Reserve Corps, where she assists Oklahomans with tornado and other disaster recovery efforts. She hopes to make funding for natural disaster relief a priority if she gets elected.
Midyett According to her website, her issues are education, rural healthcare, agriculture, small business, diversity in action, minimum wage, voting rights, gunsense and energy.
Healthcare: Lucas believes in reforming healthcare through three major steps. First, providing funding for private
health insurance for Americans that don’t qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. Second, lowering the costs of medical procedures and health insurance. Third, expanding the use of telemedicine technologies to reach Americans in rural areas. Economy: Lucas aims to “put money back in the pockets of American people.” According to his platform, he wants to cut spending and cut taxes on American families and small businesses.
Social justice: Midyett states that she will fight for a diverse community and recognizes the lack of diversity in action. On her website, she called out several instances of racial injustice, including the killing of Ahmaud Arbery and remarks made by President Donald Trump against communities of color. Human rights: On her site, Midyett said she’ll “work for Americans of all faiths, races, genders, sexual orientation and creeds.” She also expressed her support for the LGBTQ+ community on her web-
site, saying “it’s time to give all Americans equal rights.” Healthcare: Midyett is for expanding Medicaid in Oklahoma to help rural hospitals. Economy: Midyett wants to achieve greater income equality and increase minimum wage to a living wage for all. If she were to be elected, Midyett said she will promise transparency and oversight into taxes and promise legislation that will support small business owners.
Lucas
Oklahoma Congressional District 4 Candidates R - Tom Cole Tom Cole, a former professor at the University of Oklahoma born in Shreveport, Louisiana, has been in his position for 17 years. Cole is a former member of the Oklahoma State Senate and was the Oklahoma Secretary of State. Cole is a member of the Chickasaw nation and is one of four Native American members in Congress. According to his website, Cole focuses on building a strong national defense system, advocating for taxpayers and small buisnesses and leading issues dealing with Native Americans and tribal governments. In a press release, Cole expressed his support for the nomination of Amy
Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. Social justice: Cole addressed the death of George Floyd and the events that followed it in a press release, saying that the nation was facing a “difficult reckoning” and that an “important dialogue” was started. He said “While there are differences in opinion on the needed solutions, it’s worth recognizing the goal is the same – and that is to make our communities safer for all, regardless of color or creed.” Cole voted against passing George Floyd Justice in Policing Act 2020 (H.R.7120). Human rights: Cole is pro-life and has a 100 percent pro-life voting record. He considers the protection of life as one of his
Cole highest priorities. He co-sponsored the Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2019 (H.R.369). As a member of the Chickasaw nation, Cole has expressed his commitment to representing the rights and government of Native Americans. Healthcare: Cole is against Obamacare and prefers a free-market driven healthcare
system, where healthcare decisions are made between patients and their doctors. Cole’s suggestions for the federal level include lowering prescription drug costs, encouraging medical research, increasing competition in the health industry, preventing waste, fraud and abuse, and expanding opportunities for consumer-directed care. Economy: Cole believes in cutting federal spending to decrease national debt. He plans to continue to oversee the Internal Revenue Service and “continue working to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely and that congressional decisions regarding taxes allow Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money.”
8| The Vista
October 28, 2020
Election Coverage
Oklahoma Congressional District 4 Candidates D - Mary Brannon
Brannon
Mary Brannon, a former school counselor and teacher born in Ada, Oklahoma, is running on a Democratic platform against incumbent Rep. Tom Cole. According to her campaign website,
Brannon “absolutely supports Oklahoma schools, protecting Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid, our Veterans, as well as providing transparency in government. Her key issues are for veterans to be a priority, returning tax cuts to where they were, social security and Medicare to stop getting cut,
and affordable health care. Healthcare: Brannon hopes of achieving affordable health care if elected. Economy: Brannon says she believes in returning tax cuts and taxing the richest 2 percent.
Oklahoma Congressional District 5 Candidates D - Kendra Horn Kendra Horn, a Chickasha native and an attorney, assumed office Jan. 3, 2019 after defeating Republican incumbent Steve Russell in 2018, thus becoming the first Democrat to take the seat in 44 years. According to her campaign website, her key issues are education, healthcare, fixing our broken politics, economic opportunity, veterans and military, energy and infrastructure. Social justice: Horn cosponsored the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020. She was
R - Stephanie Bice
Bice, an Oklahoma City native, represents District 22 in the Oklahoma State Senate. She assumed office Nov. 18, 2014, and her term ends Nov. 15, 2022. Bice was endorsed by President Donald Trump. According to her campaign website, Bice’s issues are securing borders and addressing immigration, fighting for affordable healthcare, improving infrastructure, standing with veterans,
the only representative from Oklahoma to do so. Human rights: Horn founded Women Lead Oklahoma, a nonpartisan nonprofit that encourages women to participate in civic life. She is also the executive director for Sally’s List, a nonpartisan nonprofit that trains and supports women who run for political office at the state and local level. Horn cosponsored the Not Invisible Act, which helps address the crisis surrounding missing and murdered indigenous women in the U.S. Healthcare:
According to her campaign website, Horn says that “healthcare is a right, not a privilege for the few.” She supports expanding Medicaid in Oklahoma.
supporting education and Oklahoma’s children, protecting the Second Amendment, defending the unborn,
and protecting seniors. Human rights: Bice is pro-life. She was endorsed by Oklahoma Right to Life. According to her website, she has supported prolife policies and advocated against those that promote abortion in the Oklahoma State Senate. Healthcare: Fighting for affordable healthcare is one of Bice’s key issues. She opposes Medicare-for-All. If elected, Bice will work toward patient-centered health-
Bice
Horn
Horn voted yes on the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R.3), which seeks to reduce prescription drug prices for all Americans and allow Medicare to directly negotiate with drug companies to lower prices. Economy: Horn secured $1.6bil to support businesses in the 5th district through the Paycheck Protection Program. Horn announced the Workers Tax Cut Plan to make the tax system “more fair” and increase taxes on high earners, while returning 2018 tax cuts to low-income workers. care where families will have the power and control to make decisions about their own healthcare. Lanier headshot provided by official campaign website. Midyett headshot provided by official campaign website. All other headshots provided by ballotpedia.org
Students struggle to keep interest in presidential election Christina Bass Contributing Writer
As citizens across the United States prepare to vote in the general election, students at the University of Central Oklahoma are looking toward Nov. 3 with varied outlooks. Some students have prioritized their education over keeping up with the election. “I haven’t been paying attention to the debates because I’ve been busy with school work,” said Maddy Young, a UCO sophomore studying family life child development. While some students have had trouble paying attention to the debates, others think that they are an important part of knowing what kind of president may be elected to office. “You have to watch their actions. The president said about having a good healthcare plan but hasn’t pre-
sented one,” said Asher Williams, a junior majoring in science education-biology and biology. And some students who are watching find the debates to be underwhelming. “I feel like the debates are argumentative and not supporting themselves,” said Kylee Vera, a junior fashion marketing major. The last presidential debate, moderated by Kristen Welker, an NBC News White House correspondent and co-anchor of Weekend Today, was on Thursday. You can watch a full replay on YouTube or CSPAN. COVID-19 will change voting this year for some due to fear of the virus spreading. Most voters in America have the option of voting either by mail or in-person. However, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Washington D.C. all currently use a universal
mail-in ballot system. This means that every voter is mailed a ballot by default. Additionally, many states including Oklahoma have adjusted their requirements for how to vote by mail. This includes lifting restrictions on who can use the option and waiving notarization requirements. American Samoa, Guam, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, Tennessee and Texas are the only states and territories remaining with eligibility limits for mail-in or absentee ballots, according to Ballotpedia. org. “I’m gonna vote physically on voting day in a couple of weeks,” said Jackie Gailer, a junior early childhood education major. The CDC encourages voters to follow its safety protocols including social distancing guidelines and wearing masks when heading to the polls.
If voting by mail in Oklahoma, you can request an absentee ballot until the end of the day. To return a ballot, it must be notarized or have a photocopy of an acceptable state or federally issued ID attached. The physically incapacitated, which may include those at high risk of catching COVID-19, receive a special pink stripe absentee ballot that can be signed by two witnesses, rather than a notary, or include a photocopy of an acceptable ID. The deadline for your county election board to receive your absentee ballot is Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.
Editors Note:
This issue of The Vista was published Thursday, Oct. 29 due to ice storms that shut down UCO’s campus delaying publishing.