October 18, 2022

Charger Bulletin The

New Haven wins 67-20 on day bigger than football

BY TYLER WELLS Editor-In-Chief

The New Haven football team handled business on Saturday afternoon against a winless Post University, as multiple players scored during the 67 point onslaught. As those in the crowd largely donned pink, the play on the field took a backseat to the recognitions that were bigger than just football.

The New Haven Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) coordinated a Make-A-Wish reveal for Middlebury, Conn. native Anthony Izzi. Prior to the game, Izzi was given an honorary jersey, and flipped the opening coin toss. Members of SAAC, all student-athletes, also handed out summer gear to fans throughout Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium, including beach balls and pool noodles, in preparation of his wish reveal. Then, after the first quarter, Izzi was welcomed onto the field.

After a wave of applause and cheers from the crowd of 2,162, a video of former NFL offensive lineman and two-time Super Bowl champion Chris Snee played on the jumbotron. Snee, who played for Izzi’s favorite NFL team, the New York Giants, congratulated Izzi and wished him luck. This is when Izzi’s wish was revealed: the university raised money to build him a pool.

It was also the annual Pink Game, sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, to recognize the countless number of people that have been impacted by cancer.

Former New Haven football player Sam Sorbello, who established the Pink Clover Foundation in honor of his late wife, was recognized prior to the game, while members of the Colleen Sorbello Research Laboratory in Dodds

Hall were highlighted at halftime. The Pink Clover Foundation works in conjunction with the laboratory located on the UNH campus and the University of Pennsylvania to provide meaningful and in-depth research on breast

Myatt Center’s new director charges into DEI role with university

BY MIA ADDUCI Campus News Editor

On Oct. 10, the Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion (MCDI) welcomed the new director to their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) team. Khristian Kemp-Delisser voiced high enthusiasm and spoke on their depth of insight entering this role. As a figure with a background of work in racial and LGBTQ+ identity centers, they are excited to enter their newest role in diversity work.

With diversity work, they said that it “always starts from the inside out.” Kemp-Delisser spoke on how they have constructed spaces where they could learn more about their identity, and foster that learning for others, especially in places where they previously did not exist.

“The personal is professional,” Kemp-Delisser said about the overlap in the passion behind their work

in the realm of DEI.

Considering what drew Kemp-Delisser to the University of New Haven, they said that “There’s a lot of folks on campus who are both formally by job title, but also by interest and affinity, that are already working on promoting diversity, equity and inclusion here on campus.” In contrast, “I was the first director of multicultural affairs at UB [the University of Bridgeport], and it got lonely, being the only person who was accountable for diversity in their title.”

“It’s a built-in family; it’s a built-in team to join– how could I resist? I really find that you can’t do DEI in isolation,” Kemp-Delisser spoke repeatedly on the value of collaboration when approaching diversity, equity and inclusion. They voiced appreciation in being part of a group of advocates at the university.

They voiced excitement to be

able to sit down and speak with other figures of authority and contribute perspective to coordinate DEI improvements on campus.

“I think for a new member of the community like me, I can’t turn down any invitation,” Kemp-Delisser said. “I have to use as many opportunities as I can to introduce myself.”

In prior work in DEI, Kemp-Delisser relied heavily on connections and relationships to make strides in the educational setting.

In regards to potential growth in DEI work, Kemp-Delisser said that “once people realize what is possible they will see room for more and more opportunity.” They voiced that there is always room for more within the organization, as DEI positions seek constant growth.

They also voiced an understanding that the Myatt Center is often looked at as a leading voice for

cancer treatments. Since 2018, the foundation has raised over $507,000 and helped 23 women as part of their COMFORT program. They took donations at the game, with many cancer survivors sharing their experiences and handing out pink beaded necklaces to fans around the stadium.

University assistant professor Anna Kloc and biology: biochemistry senior Ashley Jones were also honored for their studies on the effect of Epstein Barr Virus on myocarditis to see if the virus is a potential “causing agent to diseases associated with the heart,” according to Jones.

“It felt amazing to be honored for my work,” she said. “I’ve spent a lot of countless hours in the lab screening over 60 samples. It feels nice to know that my hard wok and effort is being noticed... and more attention is being brought to undergraduate research.

I hope that more of our faculty and students get recognized and acknowledged by the university.”

On the field, New Haven wasted little time in letting the underdog in the game. After starting the game on defense, the Chargers forced a quick three-and-out to get the ball back. On offense, running back Christopher Ais started the day with three rushes for 16 yards before quarterback Connor Degenhardt took over. He connected on two passes, one for seven yards

to wide receiver Dev Holmes and another for 25 yards to WR Chris Carlyle. Degenhardt finished the drive with a four-yard touchdown rush to put New Haven up 7-0.

After Post put together a pair of passes to cross midfield, the New Haven pass rush pressured the QB and forced an errant ball right into the hands of linebacker Damon Burton Jr. for the interception. With the ball again, Ais broke through the Post line and dashed to the end zone for the 59-yard touchdown.

Just like that, New Haven was up 14-0 and never looked back.

After a New Haven punt was blocked and recovered for a score, Degenhardt responded with his first passing touchdown of the afternoon to Holmes. He added three more passing touchdowns in the second quarter, finding WR Zhyaire Fernandes, tight end Jermaine Coggines and Holmes again. When the half ended, the Chargers finished with a 41-14 lead.

In the second half, New Haven turned to RB Hunter Cobb, who has become an important piece of the team’s running attack. On the first drive, he broke off a 43-yard rushing touchdown to push the Chargers’ lead to more than 30. He added another touchdown on their ensuing drive, this time a seven yard rush.

With the 54-14 lead, New

Haven, Connecticut

The student news source for the University of New Haven

Anthony Izzi poses with the New Haven cheerleaders and members of SAAC after his wish was fulfilled, West Haven, Oct. 15, 2022. Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Tyler Rodriguez.

Therapy dogs brighten students’ mid-semester moods

BY ANCHAL BHATIA Contributing Writer

Pet Partners’ dog handler Valerie DeMarco, recently met with students at the University of New Haven with one of her therapy dogs, Jarvis, in a session conducted at the Beckerman Recreation Center on Monday, Oct. 10.

During the hour-long session, students indulged in a fair chance to pet Jarvis and interact with the four-legged friend. The therapy dog session allowed students to actively mingle with Jarvis and help him showcase his playful nature. Throughout the hour, students were seen with smiling faces and headed back to their dorms with a positive head start to the week further.

The biweekly therapy dogs session takes place every other Monday at the Rec Center, and is run by the university’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) who has partnered with Pet Partners. During the last visit, Pet Partners brought Jarvis, a playful golden retriever on campus who was on his best behavior entirely. He showcased several activities and was an active listener to his handler, Valerie. Jarvis was also seen playing with students and sitting beside them, which were highlights of the evening. Students cheerfully captured these great moments with Jarvis by taking pictures and sharing them on social media.

Sharing thoughts on the Therapy Dogs Session, CAPS therapist Sam Kent said, “I believe that Valerie and her dogs are a great addition to the University of New Haven and the therapy dogs are

Fully Charged

BY SAIGE BATZA Arts & Life Editor

Fully Charged, the only acapella organization at the university, showcases a multitude of talent using only the vocal arrangements of their group members. The organization consists of about a dozen members in total. Although their quantity of members is on the small side, the quality of their performance should not be diminished or undermined.

Fully Charged hosts weekly rehearsals every Monday evening from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Bergami Center room 201. The organization hosts two annual campus-wide events: The Winter Concert and Spring Invitational.

Annie Funk, a junior forensic science major and current president of Fully Charged, emphasized that the organization is “an amazing community to be a part of.”

“Fully Charged holds annual auditions in the fall but are open to new members in the spring if spots open up. The group generally meets once a week and hosts at least two performances each year”

supportive to everyone who misses their pets back home. We at the University would be glad to have Valerie and her dogs on campus so more students can get a chance to be part of this relaxing event.”

Kent spoke more about the benefits of therapy dogs, “Animals, in general, bring a sense of peace and calm around them, as long as they enjoy animals, and therapy dogs bring such peace to the students as well. They are very gentle and friendly, and we become calmer when we spend time in such therapy sessions,” he said.

“This mechanism helps deliver a positive nature throughout the day and the week ahead and instills sheer positivity within ourselves and our surroundings.”

The presence of therapy dogs on campus is a great indulgence, even

acapella

regarding mental health practices. Animal lovers share a unique, unfiltered bond with animals and tend to behold a coping mechanism solely by being around pets of all kinds. Therapy dogs strongly benefit in helping students who feel anxious or overwhelmed in their academic journey or for personal reasons. Being around such therapy dogs can help them in building a sense of comfort and peace with any traumatic or stressful experience or incident that may have happened in the past or is ongoing; for example, leaving their homes to pursue higher studies in a new location and settling in, in a new environment altogether. Such changes may temporarily bring discomfort, but with the presence of therapy dogs, students can seek help by securing

themselves in a friendly, positive, and playful environment.

Students also shared their thoughts about this concept with some saying they have new energy for the week further. One of the students, Kate Jennings, a marketing major, said, “The session was extremely refreshing and made me so happy. Leaving my dog home was difficult, but interacting with Jarvis made me feel better. I anticipate more such activities in the future, and I wish more such sessions take place; they are very calming.”

Nishmitha Lelakrishnan, an engineering major, said she’d like the therapy dogs to come more frequently. She said, “Being an international student, I was homesick, but playing with Jarvis made me feel like he is someone

I have known for a long time. He is extremely playful and reflects positive energy. I look forward to being part of such upcoming therapy dog sessions and meeting them weekly.”

DeMarco also opened up about her thoughts on such sessions and said, “We are glad to partner with CAPS and bring our dogs here; the students indeed are very playful with our dogs, reflecting a positive drive to keep bringing our dogs on campus. Coming to school is very helpful for the students as such sessions help students connect emotionally and take a break from the busy day,” she said. “With this notion, we are very excited to keep coming back here and introducing our dogs to the growing group of students in the future as well.”

group vocalizes beauty of creating art through music

she said. “All our music is student arranged; my favorite part about being a part of the club is the welcoming community it holds.”

Elizabeth Healy, a junior nutrition sciences major and Fully Charged member, said that her favorite part of being in the organization is “hearing the harmonies and seeing the songs come together.” She said, “We are the only singing group on campus and our ability to make art with nothing more than ourselves makes us unique from any other creative RSO.”

Will Hinck, a senior music and sound recording major and vice president of Fully Charged, mentioned that his favorite part of the organization is “the feeling of community created from working and singing together.” He said, “It’s always amazing to see members evolve as people and performers.”

Students interested in auditioning and joining the Fully Charged organization can visit their Instagram or Charger Connection pages online for more details.

Emma Parker of Fully Charged playing a riff, West Haven, Oct. 10, 2022.

Photo courtesy Charger Bulletin/Charlotte Bassett.

Students take pictures with Jarvis the dog at the Rec Center, West Haven, Oct. 10, 2022. Photo courtesy of Charger Buleltin/Andrea Rojas.

Arts & Life

Division of Student Affairs hosts first Health and Wellness fair

BY SAIGE BATZA Arts & Life Editor

On Wednesday, the sun shone bright in the crisp autumn air as tables were set up in the Bixler/ Gerber residential quad for the first annual Health and Wellness fair hosted by the Division of Student Affairs. Multiple external and university organizations attended this event, including USGA, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Health Services and the Beckerman Recreation Center. The event kicked off with lively and upbeat music provided by the university’s radio station, WNHU.

Diane Polo, associate director for health and wellness education and prevention, emphasized the importance of personal well-being within the university’s student population. She said, “We acknowledge that health and wellness are critical factors in having academic success. Therefore, we wanted to host this kick-off event to set the pace for the rest of the semester and upcoming health and wellness initiatives and programming. We wanted to host this event early enough in the semester so that students could become familiar with the various resources available.”

Polo also highlighted that the event was aimed to encourage students to seek help in managing their mental and physical health. She said, “The event’s goal was to allow students to become familiar with the resources on and off campus

that may help them achieve their health and wellness goals. We know that every student’s goals and meaning of wellness may be unique. We wanted to bring as many different perspectives to wellness through these resources so that every student can find something that meets their needs.”

Eve Altieri, assistant director of Charger Rec, believes that health and wellness truly defines a campus community, especially at the University of New Haven. She said “A lot of students lose track of taking care of themselves when they come to college. College can be a really overwhelming experience, in a negative and positive way. There’s so many things going on so I think a lot of students forget to take care of themselves. Offering them resources to make it easier can really benefit the community.”

Altieri encouraged students to take care of their overall well-being by finding what works for their individual needs. She said, “I’m not going to say everyone should go to the gym because that’s not for everybody, but I think that we offer so many resources, and it’s important to find the niche of what you’re interested in.”

Jill Banatowski, medical director of the university’s Health Services, highlighted the fact that a healthy lifestyle contributes to the campus climate of the university because it is always at the forefront of students’ minds. She said, “Mental health was always a big issue for undergraduate and gradu-

ate students, and I think Covid made that even more accentuated. It’s really important for students to find that balance and find other things in their life that are important to them, like exercise, sleep and mindfulness.”

Banatowski emphasized that mental and physical health can often go hand-in-hand, saying, “We’re here to help them bridge the gap in terms of physical health, but so often that can be combined with some mental health issues that we work very closely with CAPS for.”

Paige Bartels, director of CAPS, emphasized how

difficult it can be for students to manage their mental and emotional health given the circumstances of a regular college schedule. She said, “It is typically tricky to attend to all aspects of our overall health & well-being on a good day, and college presents many stressors that can make it even more difficult. However, when we are attending to our health and well-being, we are more likely to make good decisions, be in a place to engage in learning and discourse and have more positive relationships with others – all things which contribute

to an overall healthier campus climate.”

Bartels also noted that students should try to make their own well-being a priority. She said, “Setting boundaries to ensure they are caring for themselves, asking for help & accessing resources when needed, and checking in on all areas of their lives – relational, physical, mental and emotional, spiritual, and academic, can all make a big difference in a student’s well-being and overall experience.”

Marine Conservation Society emphasizes need for environmental cleanliness

BY SAIGE BATZA Arts & Life Editor

The Marine Conservation Society is among one of the most prevalent Recognized Student Organizations that aims to protect and conserve various aspects of marine life. On Oct. 8, the club hosted a Coastal Cleanup event that was held at the Canal Dock Boathouse in New Haven, Conn. The event encouraged campus communities to spread awareness about environmental cleanliness and promoted student action for change while protecting various species of marine life.

The garbage collected from the Coastal Cleanup event has been displayed as art in the Seton Gallery on campus, highlighting the university’s contribution to spreading awareness about climate cleanliness.

Isabella Tomassi, a junior

marine biology major, said that in the past when the organization has hosted these “Coastal Cleanups,” they’ve found plastic utensils and paper napkins lying around near the water where people have disposed of their trash from local food trucks nearby. She said, “The types of trash there change every day, so we don’t know exactly what’s being collected until that day.”

Tomassi said that the university can help keep the environment safe by raising awareness about the issues that impact marine life as well as hosting more events that support this goal. She said, “The Marine Conservation Society holds campus and beach cleanups that help to clean up litter. These clean ups are open to the entire campus population, so definitely getting the word out will

help collect more trash. The more cleanups, the better!”

Tomassi emphasized the fact that most people, especially students on campus, aren’t aware of the impact that pollution

and litter have on the environment as a whole. “Most people don’t really know how bad the pollution is until you are really working with it. The school can maybe add more trash and

recycling bins around campus and try to encourage recycling as much as possible,” she said. “Even having a competition between buildings with prizes can make it fun and interactive for everyone, encouraging students to properly dispose of trash.”

Tomassi also highlighted the various interconnected programs that the university offers to students who are interested in studying marine biology, which include marine affairs and environmental science. She encourages students to “Stay engaged during class and take in everything that you are taught because it’ll be helpful later on. Learning about marine life and the effects that humans have on it can only help us in the future to try to make a difference. We are the future of saving this earth.”

The Marine Conservation Society holds a cleanup, West Haven Oct. 8, 2022.

Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Krista Smith.

Assistant Director of LGBTQ+ Resources at the Myatt Center Ian Shick at their table during the fair, West Haven, Oct. 12, 2022. Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Saige Batza.

Students and faculty discuss Iranian protests at ‘Courageous Conversation’ panel

BY SAMUEL WEINMANN Managing Editor

For nearly a month, protests have been surging throughout Iran, sparked by the death of 22-yearold Mahsa Amini, who was beaten by the country’s morality police for wearing tight clothing and for “improperly” wearing her hijab.

As protests aren’t entirely uncommon for Iran, these protests have caused many to wonder: will these protests be any different than before, and can they lead to real change?

This topic was addressed at a panel held on Wednesday evening, called “Woman, Life, Freedom: Iranian Women’s Fight for Liberation.” As a part of the Courageous Conversation series, the panelists at the event included Silvia Marsans-Sakly, a history professor from Fairfield University, and Maryam Kamali, an adjunct professor of history at the University of New Haven.

The panel, held on Zoom, was hosted by Dean of Students Ophelie Rowe-Allen and moderated by Senior Associate Dean of Students Ric Baker. After being introduced by Baker, Kamali was the first to discuss the situation in Iran.

As an Iranian woman, Kamali prefaced the topics that she was going to discuss, saying “it is hard for me to speak about this topic because at this moment there is a revolution going on in Iran that… has [included the] killing of my compatriots, including men, women and children.”

She said that despite this, it is a “pleasure for me to talk about

this issue, because I am an Iranian woman who knows and who has experienced all the suffering that has happened to Iranians.”

Kamali’s presentation was about what motivated women to fight and protest after the 1979 Revolution, which led to the current regime that Iranians are now protesting.

To give context to how Iran was before the revolution, she said “Women like me were born in the dark age that began after the 1979 Revolution…My generation did not know what rights women enjoyed in Iran in the very recent past.”

To highlight this visually, she showed images depicting Iranian culture prior to the revolution, where women weren’t required by law to wear hijabs, and where women weren’t so highly separated from men.

After discussing the rise of the Islamic Republic, Kamali said

“The compulsory hijab was only a cover for deeper and more rooted foul, which was the misogynist bout of the mullah.”

She said that over the past 40 years, one of the main factors to more protests was women realizing “that their roles were once again changing from decision-making agents, to those who have no role or no significant role in society.”

As these restrictions on women’s rights weren’t changing, and even becoming stricter in recent years, this led to a higher prevalence of protests in the country, such as the 2009 protests, the 2016 protests and the 2019 protests, all causing thousands of protestors to be murdered by the Iranian government.

Although there have been multiple large-scale protests in Iran throughout the past 40 years, this one differs in many ways, according to Kamali. Referencing the intergenerational collaboration be-

tween teenagers and adults, as well as the inclusion of men in these protests, she referenced that there is more support among Iranians than there has ever been before.

“The pioneers of this movement are not necessarily highly educated women. In Iran today… young women…are leading this revolution while facing guns and bullets,” she said.

“They cut their hair in mourning for Mahsa Amali and other young women and even children who are killed, for the freedom of Iran and Iranians.”

Before concluding her section of the panel, Kamali left with a call to action.

“I, as an Iranian woman, on behalf of the people of Iran, ask you to hear the voice of the Iranian people’s revolution and to convey it to other people.”

Kamali’s portion of the panel was followed by Marsans-Sakly, who discussed her observations

on the Iran protests as an “outsider.” Although she said she was an outsider, she said that she has a special research focus on protests, but more specifically the Arab Spring protests.

After giving another overview of the Iranian protests, Marsans-Sakly said “The important thing I think about this protest and the forms it has taken… is that it is… being played out on a woman’s body. How far can the state go in trying to control what a woman puts on her body and where the body moves?”

Marsans-Sakly used the current situation to draw parallels to situations in other countries, like the widespread abortion restrictions in the United States. This was used to draw upon a larger commentary on patriarchal norms and the impact that they have on women throughout the world–but specifically Iranian women.

“Patriarchal norms disproportionately impact women…it institutionalizes and symbolizes a kind of political stranglehold.”

One of the primary talking points from Marsans-Sakly was the impact that ongoing sanctions have on Iranian politics, and the impact that they have on women specifically.

“You cannot ignore that Iran is the most sanctioned country after Russia right now in the entire world, and [that] those sanctions are also a form of siege warfare,” she said.

Myatt Center’s new director

diverse populations on campus, and said that “I’m glad it carries so many expectations.” They want to work to further ensure a “reliable presence” for the center.

Kemp-Delisser is excited to be an additional contributor to the infrastructure surrounding DEI work at the University of New Haven, and is still working on building their vision, as “I feel like I’m still learning from folks on campus what they feel needs to be done and what they see as necessary progress. My vision will come out of those conversations and out of those relationships that I will be building.”

They said that they want people to “see themselves reflected” in their missions and goals going into this role.

Kemp-Delisser also discussed their outlook on the MCDI working as an agent to connect different branches of advocates for different groups across the university in order to have “pockets of diversity work” be synthesized to “work in concert” under a cohesive framework.

Kemp-Delisser finds power in a united voice when advocating

for changes within the university community.

They are very enthusiastic about forming relationships with the student body, and said that their philosophy is “I like to say that I’m your neighbor.” Kemp-Delisser voiced the value in being part of the community, even living in close proximity to where they work and not just a figure in administration.

This would allow them to build a bigger visibility by spending as much time on campus as possible.

Kemp-Delisser wants to be present at events and programs held on campus, being present in the activities beyond the policy work that is within the realm of their role.

Kemp-Delisser is enthusiastic about meeting “student leaders” in the community to “reassure them that they have a new member on their team” that they can work with to engage more people in DEI activity.

“We’re all going to have to continue to roll up our sleeves and work together,” they said.

They also voiced enthusiasm in being a contributing figure in the planning committees for identity months and celebrations.

“I want to let folks know that they have a reliable programming partner, but also a thought leader and a passionate change agent,” they said. “I definitely think that my role is to be a change agent, to be an advocate for the kinds of needs that people have identified.”

They also spoke on their interactions with the Accessibility Resource Center and want to remind people that “accessibility, that ability or ableism is a part of our vision of diversity and a part of those vulnerable populations that deserve recognition and protection.”

Kemp-Delisser recognized that the University of New Haven is “bursting at the seams with diversity,” and commended the current Myatt Center staff, including Ian Schick and Jennifer Thorndike-Gonzales, on their current efforts, and said that they hope to represent their message and ensure that an inclusive image is maintained during administrative meetings where they will be in attendance on behalf of their missions. This includes an “open attitude that is understanding and empathetic and embraces differences” for all groups in the university

population.

“DEI is so overwhelming that sometimes you are going to make mistakes, as we are learning everyday,” Kemp-Delisser said. “Try to figure out the things that you do today that you would be ashamed of ten years from now. There’s always going to be something that we’re learning about. There has to be grace on both sides; our biggest threat is not giving people the benefit of the doubt and not assuming good intentions.”

They also said that people should always be asking for more information about peoples’ identities. “You should be probing for stories about names and about backgrounds” and to use pronouns as an entryway into asking more about someone’s identity. Any space that they are in, they want to see more conversations.

“Begin by assuming the best, and know that we are more than what those narratives out there and those stereotypes are, that are not true and not fair.”

Kemp-Delisser is entering their second week as the director of the Myatt Center, and is working to further integrate into the university’s climate.

The sanctions “enhances the power of those who have the power of the state [and] paradoxically, it strengthens the hardliners,” Marsans-Sakly added, discussing how the severe sanctions on Iran impact the people of Iran–and more specifically the women–who bear the brunt of the economic turmoil.

After discussing the parallels that these protests have with other protests like the Arab Spring protests, as well as how Iranian protests tend to be the harbinger of other protests in the Middle East, Marsans-Sakly concluded her portion of the panel by saying “I think this is a reminder for all of the oppressive leaders and the resistance movements that stand up to the bullets… that people remember, and maybe the battle might not be long this time around, but it will someday, and that’s all I’ve got to say.”

After the two panelists finished their presentations, Baker opened up the discussion to questions, starting with Ali Montazar, a professor of industrial and systems engineering at the University of New Haven.

Montazar mentioned how there have been many uprisings over the past century, and said “This [protest], to me, and to many that I have spoken with, feels different… I wonder… [how] do you see it from being different from other

A picture of the Zoom call during the “Courageous Conversation” panel, West Haven. Oct. 12, 2022 .

Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Samuel Weinmann.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day highlights perseverance and awareness

BY MIA ADDUCI Campus News Editor

Oct. 10 marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and university members gathered on the Maxcy Quad this year to highlight voices within the community that sought to educate others on the power and passion that they hold on this national day.

Dean of Students Ophelie Rowe-Allen gave opening remarks, and discussed the value of the land on which the university sits. This served as a catalyst for Senior Associate Dean of Students Ric Baker to then read the university’s land acknowledgement statement.

Baker said “land is sacred to all of us whether we consciously appreciate it or not” and that it is constantly changing to provide resources and lessons to those who use it.

In the statement, Baker said “The University of New Haven acknowledges the painful history of genocide around the globe–for native, aboriginal and Indigenous peoples. We honor the multitude of diverse tribes and nations who were forcefully removed from, and those still connected to a land that was pillaged and stolen under a tyranny of colonialism.”

“Indigenous Peoples’ Day draws attention to the pain, trauma and broken promises that were erased by the celebration of Columbus Day,” Rowe-Allen said before making way for Indigenous voices within the community. “Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes and honors beautiful traditions and culture of the Indigenous people, not just in America, but around the world.”

Destiny Ray is a cybersecurity and networks major and is both the treasurer of PRIDE and a diversity wellness educator. She spoke at the ceremony to represent the Eastern Pequot

Tribal Nation. She spoke on the impacts of colonialism and the history of her tribe.

Ray explained that during the 1637 Massacre on the Long Island Sound near Mystic, Conn., 300-700 of their people were killed by the colonists, either by being burned alive or by sword, in order to acquire resources from the tribe’s land. She then proceeded to discuss their new settlements and their relationship with the state to maintain their basic needs, until financial ideals revoked their assistance.

“Our fight to get federal recognition started in 1978 with the letter of intent to go through the BIA [Business Impact Analysis] process. We were number 35,” she said.

“Five years later, our cousins, the Western Pequots, received federal recognition.”

“Our tribe would build our case for the next 20 years for federal acknowledgement, and pay millions of dollars collecting documents and doing research,” she said.

In June of 2002, the Eastern Pequots gained federal recognition, which did not last long as many towns in the county requested it be revoked. Ray said that there were attempts to appeal the determination of the recognition.

“It’s been two decades since we’ve had federal recognition, and we don’t want another decade to pass without it,” Ray said. “It’s important for everyone listening to educate themselves, and if you have the opportunity to help a tribe, do it.”

Her father, Mitchell Ray, is the chairman of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, and spoke after his daughter that afternoon. He added onto the context provided by Ray, in further discussing the 1637 Mystic Massacre which divided the Pequot people into Eastern

In the 1650s, the Eastern Pequots were taken to one of the first reservations in the country, in response to mistreatment by the Mohegans, he explained. He also discussed how his tribe wandered for multiple decades before settling. Once they did, overseers from the government ensured their care, which was then transferred from the wellness department to the parks department.

“By 1978 the federal government decided to start the federal acknowledgment process to help settle land claims between the Native Americans and the federal government, and also to start the relationship from government to government,” Ray said. He said the documentation of their lineage, culture and means of survival spanned across thousands of documents during the two-decade span discussed by his daughter.

Columbus Day in 2005 was when their federal acknowledgement was reconsidered.

“We’re trying to make wrongs right, but we can’t do it without your help,” he said at the end of his speech, again calling the crowd to action. He asked for people to petition to demand that their tribe uphold their federal acknowledgement. A letter of support can be found on their website.

Angelina Caroli, a senior criminal justice major, is another student whose voice was heard on Indiginous Peoples’ Day. She spoke in representation of her tribe, the Mohegan tribe.

The event was called “a step in the right direction for Indigenous recognition” as Caroli

said that “Indigenous people are not often recognized in media unless it’s in a negative light.”

“Indigenous people are not your mascot, your Halloween costume or caricature that puts on a show for you. We are human and we are still here,” Caroli said in light of the necessary increase in visibility for the population.

“Educate yourself and support Indigenous issues, and remove harmful stereotypes and Indeginous racial language from your lexicon,” was another call-toaction cast into the audience.

Michele Berman, chemistry lab manager at the university, stood before the crowd to discuss her long connections to her culture and the experiences that stemmed from such. She is a descendant of a number of the original families who immigrated to Canada.

“Canada had interest in census laws that complicate Indigenous genealogy tracing,” she said. “I may be Mohawk, but I am unable to prove that.” She voiced value in the connections she made with people from different groups that welcomed her into their activities.

“I heard the singing, I saw the dancing, I saw the generosity and knew I had to understand and learn,” she said, reflecting on the 46 years of powwows that she has attended.

Her means of culture and expression through dress were taught to her by the people that she met at these events. She said that the Wampanoag dressed her in Indigenous clothing for the first time. “My first dance outfit was a Southern Plains traditional plath outfit,” she said, “Because that’s what

my friends knew, and that’s what they taught me.”

Berman discussed the beadwork that she was wearing to the ceremony, which was handed down to her. She said that the hair ties she wore were over a thousand years old. “Why did I get them? Why did they think this much of me? I’m really proud of them.”

Mary Lippa, the vice president of community, advocacy and diversity for the Undergraduate Student Government Association, spoke on behalf of the work being done at the university to work towards recognition in the university setting.

“I want to first acknowledge the harm perpetrated by the celebration of Columbus Day on a local, national and personal level. Our school has a long way to go in recognizing and honoring indigenous cultures, particularly the ones around us. This is a good first step for us, and I hope to see the momentum continue,” Lippa said.

In regards to a current major project in this direction, Lippa said “USGA is working in tandem with administration to develop a land plaque to place on campus so that the true ownership and history of the land cannot be denied.”

The new Director of the Myatt Center, Khristian Kemp-Delisser, also gave their first speech at the university at the end of the event. They referenced Sherman Alexie, an Indigenous writer, and discussed the power of understanding the landscape and land acknowledgement.

University professor Michele Berman stands on Maxcy Quad during Indigenous Peoples’ Day ceremony, West Haven, Oct. 10, 2022.

Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Amber Cholewa.

and Western tribes.

Destiny Ray speaks to the crowd, West Haven, Oct. 10, 2022. Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Amber Cholewa.

Editorials

Our Staff Calling for action out of love

Editor-in-Chief

Tyler Wells Managing Editor

Samuel Weinmann Arts & Life Editor

Saige Batza Politics Editor

Lillian Newton Sports Editor

Christopher Elwell Campus News Editor

Mia Adduci Copy Desk Chief Lindsay Giovannone Photography Editor

Charlotte Bassett Community Engagement Editor

Amber Cholewa Multimedia Editor

Stephen Gangi Videography Editor

Andrea Rojas

88.7 WNHU Liasion

Carl Giannelli Advisor

Susan L. Campbell

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BY EDITORIAL STAFF

As a journalistic publication, we sit at the forefront of discussing issues that are bothering the student body, reporting on their concerns and trying to make the university a better place. We will highlight what is wrong and reach the truth in any way we can.

Whether it be issues with parking that seem to plague students at the start of every school year, or the oversights in facility cleanliness that have many students expressing their concerns on social media, we have an obligation to make them clear and heard.

However, we do this out of a place of care and respect for the community in which we live as well. Complaints do not come just for the sake of complaining, but instead to spark the change that is sometimes needed to move forward. That is the purpose of student publications, and something that we

view as core to our mission in The Charger Bulletin.

We are all students here, taking the same classes, living in the same dorms, eating the same food. May we complain too much at times? Yes, of course. But at its core, we are advocating for improvement in the university. Something that will take it from just the “University of New Haven” to a place that is even higher, making it better for the thousands of students that will attend in the years after we graduate.

This reflects an aspect of public debate that has seemingly gone away; you can no longer critique without being seen as a “traitor.”

The moment you challenge the status quo, you are shunned and labeled as a “hater.” Even if that status quo is holding your school, town, state or nation back from reaching its full potential. In fact, critique is the purest form of love.

As you watch a protest or social movement that shakes the foun-

Page Six View

BY LINDSAY GIOVANNONE Copy Desk Chief Column

Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month is celebrated in the United States each October to honor the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants. But the issue with the month is that it has been associated with the legacy of the imperialist Christopher Columbus. This isn’t fair to my heritage, which should not be reduced to the actions of a brutal colonizer. In addition, Columbus isn’t even Italian. He was born in the Republic of Genoa in 1451, 410 years before Italy became a unified country. Geographically, yes, Columbus is from the peninsula that is now known as Italy, but he was never Italian.

History aside, my great-grandfather was a stowaway in the early 1900s. His journey was not based on the Columbian principle to illegitimately and cruelly claim people and land, but on the desire

for a life in the United States. He traveled frequently back to his home country to bring his family gifts from America, such as watermelon. The majority of Italian immigrants arrived in the country between 1880 and 1924, well after Columbus set foot on American soil. They should not be tagged with the actions of Columbus.

To say that we should not celebrate Italian-Americans is to disregard the accomplishments and history of 26 million Americans, including my family, who helped dig the first subway tunnel in New York City. Additionally, the Giovannone Bros. construction company – my family’s livelihood – engineered and paved all of Route 10 in New Jersey. Doesn’t that matter? Do these contributions and those of countless others mean nothing?

We are not the legacy of Christopher Columbus, so please do not consider us as such.

To my paisan, felice mese del patrimonio Italo-Americano.

dation of what you know to be true, recognize the love that exists behind it. We have never figured everything out perfectly – it is why we must study history. Otherwise, we’d just be seeing older versions of the present. Instead, we see the foundations of the past whittled away as we learn and adapt to make our society a better place, even if it means having those difficult conversations.

For us here at the Charger Bulletin, we can have an impact on our

university community. We will not just sit idly by and gloss over the issues that students are experiencing. We will recognize what is working, and certainly recognize what isn’t. It is our duty not only as students or members of an organization, it is our journalistic duty to do so.

We will kick, we will scream and we will continue to be a vessel for students to let their voices and concerns be heard, even if it is an uncomfortable conversation to have.

Authority ruins morals

BY STEPHEN GANGI Multimedia Editor

Why does authority drown the brain in thoughts that make some feel that they have control over the environment around them? This authority can be seen in both higher levels, in the form of religion, social advocacy and political campaigns and more certainly in lower levels through the people who allow their “promotion” to become their personality.

People who achieve a certain level of authority, which would correspond to having some power over the actions of another, become fascinated by matters that have little to no relevance to the lives of themselves or others. At the University of New Haven, I’ve noticed many problems with authority as a student.

Some of these problems include the parking limitations for residential and visiting students; possible mold in residential dorm buildings; improper recognition of students who identify differently than their assigned-birth gender or pronouns; a proper understanding among professors as to how mental health can impact a student’s abilities in class; the Title IX office and how they have been accused of making the process more difficult, with a change.org petition being started that has acquired over 3000 signatures, for students who are handling situations that nobody should have to deal with (all the power to you); and the upkeep of accessibility around campus with a number of dorms and buildings here on campus not being able to accommodate students with physical disabilities such as wheelchair access.

There are many more issues that I’ve noticed on campus, certainly too many to list here. The similarity with each of the problems is that those who have the ability to make a difference in finding a solution are more focused on enforcing restrictions rather than discussing how students’ quality of life could be impacted.

There is an emphasis on the six-week retention rates at the university by the Office of Residential Life and Dean of Students Office. The six week retention theory

states that college students are more likely to remain at a university if they develop a sense of community and belonging during their first six weeks. The concern stems from ensuring the retention of students throughout their academic years and finding ways to promote a community that is both inviting and functional in preparing students for the remainder of their life, both on and off campus. This is accomplished through residential assistants by programs, involvement within the community and serving as a resource to their residents.

However, how could students feel excited to pursue their academic journey when they could end up hospitalized for indirect exposure to black mold living above their bedroom ceiling tiles, or who are constantly being disregarded by those in authority when pleading for help regarding health and wellness issues?

People with positions of power at the university, remember who you are meant to be working for. Everything that goes into working at a university comes back to the students, the profit and who attend and remain. With the current tuition rates in this country, there is no reason the safety and health of students shouldn’t be prioritized. What is the excuse for these problems lasting as long as they have? Give the students the respect they deserve. Listen to them. Discuss with them. Find solutions with them, and don’t ignore them. Treat the students here as adults and allow them to discover themselves. Let them make mistakes, learn from them and grow into an adult they could be proud of.

In his retirement email, Chancellor Steven Kaplan said one of his regrets from his time as President was the “trade-off” of his work consuming his time and prohibiting him from being present in the campus community. For all current and future leaders here at the University, learn from this.

This campus community can only exist with the work of us all and in the end, what is the reason you are doing the work you do if not for the students who go here? Think before you speak. Isn’t that what you all preach to us?

Two Bristol police officers killed, one injured in suspected ambush

BY LILLIAN NEWTON Politics Editor

At 10:29 p.m. on Wednesday evening, officers from the Bristol, Conn. police department responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic dispute between two siblings. Immediately upon arriving on the scene, officers found the suspect outside 310 Redstone Hill Rd., at which time a gunfight was initiated.

Two of the Bristol police officers were shot and killed. A third was severely wounded and transported to the hospital where he underwent surgery.

“Words cannot express the sadness and grief that brings me before you this morning,” said Police Chief Brian Gould early on Thursday. “Sadly, we lost two exceptional Bristol Police Officers and a third was seriously injured as a result of senseless violence.”

Officer Alex Hamzy, 34, died at the scene. Hamzy was hired by the Bristol Police department in 2014 and worked in the patrol division. Hamzy graduated from Bristol High School in 2006, and was born and raised in the city. He was assigned to the Central Region Emergency Response Team and served as an advisor to the Bristol Police Explorer Cadet Program. According to Gould, Hamzy received numerous letters of commendation and recognition throughout his career.

Sgt. Dustin Demonte, 35, was pronounced dead at Bristol Hospital. Demonte served the Bristol Police Department since 2012; he is survived by his wife and his

two children, with a third on the way. Demonte, like Hamzy, was an advisor for the Bristol Police Explorer Cadet Program and a resource officer at Green-Hills and West Bristol schools. Gould noted that Demonte was incredibly focused on furthering both his career and education; he had obtained his bachelor’s degree through Central Connecticut State University in criminology with a minor in psychology.

Officer Alec Iurato, 26, was severely injured by a gunshot wound. He underwent surgery and is now recovering. Iurato was hired in 2018 and is assigned to the patrol division.

Upon being shot at, Iurato returned fire, killing suspect Nicholas Brutcher, 35, and injur-

Iran Panel

Continued from page 4 uprisings?”

Kamali responded, saying “this one is different for many reasons… This is something from the bottom; it is not from the top. There are some people, there are some [organizations with] ideals that support this movement, but those who are leading the movement are people… on the streets, not any big names.”

After Montazar, Shima Hojjati, a graduate business administration student, commented on the impact of social media on protests. She said “I feel like all the time they try to keep us silent, and now we [can] bring our voices out.”

Elaborating on social media, she said “I believe that social media can be a… game changer, and I’m so happy that…my generation doesn’t just observe.”

Touching upon her own experience with having family and friends in Iran, Hojjati said “The amount of emotions that we are

experiencing every day is so overwhelming…we experience sadness, and then anger and then you will find yourself crying…”

Ali Gobalzi, an undergraduate and graduate program coordinator for the electrical engineering, computer engineering and computer science department, commented on Iran’s relationship with Western countries. He said that Iran needs support from western European countries and from the United States, urging western countries to take caution.

Specifically, he urged European countries and the United States to “not fall into the traps of the negotiations regarding the nuclear deals with Iran and leave people behind.”

He then concluded, by saying “I think the message from the streets is…please…do not subsidize the bullets that go into the hearts of the people now.”

To view this entire segment of the Courageous Conversation series, visit your MyCharger page.

ing his brother Nathan Brutcher, 32. It is unclear at this time if Nathan Brutcher is a suspect. According to a press release given by state police, “Preliminary information appears to point to the 911 call being a deliberate act to lure law enforcement to the scene.”

Earlier in the evening, police had been called to the bar Bleachers, where police first came in contact with the suspect. The interaction ended with a car, belonging to one of the Brutcher brothers, being towed from the bar.

In a statement, the Connecticut State Police Union described the event as a “cowardly act of violence,” noting that the officers who arrived on the scene

were “senselessly ambushed for simply protecting and defending others.”

Chancellor Steven Kaplan wrote in a message to the university community, “It has been heartbreaking to learn about the two police officers who were killed, and a third who was injured, in the line of duty late last night in Bristol. Conn… it is particularly distressing when a tragedy like this directly impacts a nearby police department where some of our graduates serve with great distinction.”

Kaplan ended the statement, writing, “...let us always express our appreciation for all law enforcement members who passionately give themselves to help others in their time of need. They

are the true heroes among us.”

Governor Ned Lamont has ordered all U.S. and state flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the two fallen officers, saying “This is a senseless tragedy, and my prayers are with their families, loved ones, and fellow officers.”

This incident occurred during an especially violent week for police in the United States. Greenville, Miss. Police Department Detective Myiesha Stewart was killed and several others were injured in a gunfight on Tuesday night as officers similarly responded to a call. Earlier Wednesday morning, three officers from Philadelphia were shot and wounded as a SWAT team attempted to arrest an individual for a homicide charge while two police officers in Decatur, Ill., were shot and wounded during a traffic stop by a motorist who later died after officers returned fire. Late Wednesday, a sheriff deputy in central Florida was shot in the chest while investigating a family disturbance; his bulletproof vest saved his life.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has also reported that intentional killings of law enforcement officers has reached a 20-year high. According to preliminary year-end data received by CNN from the agency, 73 officers died in felonious killings in the line of duty in 2021.

Excluding the Sept. 11 attacks, this is the highest recorded total by the FBI since 1995. The FBI further noted that an increasing number of homicides were committed with a gun.

Alex Jones ordered to pay nearly $1 billion to Sandy Hook families

BY LINDSAY GIOVANNONE Copy Desk Chief

Alex Jones was ordered by a Connecticut jury to pay $965 million to an FBI agent and to the families of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims after he claimed the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax on his radio show, Infowars. Jones, for years, said the shooting in Newtown, Conn. that left 26 dead was a hoax and called the victims “crisis actors.” Robbie Parker, whose daughter Emily was killed, said her memorial page was tarnished with comments calling the families liars and sending threats. Mark Barden told the court how Jones’ followers urinated on the grave of his 7-year-old son and threatened to dig up his coffin.

In June of 2018, the plaintiffs–eight of the victims’ families and one Federal Bureau of Investigation officer–initially filed their

defamation lawsuit in the Connecticut Superior Court against Jones, Infowars and Free Speech Systems LLC (Infowars’ parent company).

The trial to determine damages began Sept. 13 after Jones was

found liable for defamation. This verdict comes a little over two months after Jones was ordered by a Texas jury to pay $50 million to Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin, whose six-year-old son died at Sandy Hook.

An honor guard delivers the body of Bristol police officer Alex Hamz, Bristol, Conn., Oct. 13, 2022. Photo courtesy of Instagram/joeamonct.

Alex Jones speaks at a conference.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Jared Holt.

Field hockey stays undefeated in NE-10 play

BY CHRISTOPHER ELWELL Sports Editor

The New Haven field hockey team continued their dominant stretch of conference play with a 2-1 win over the number seventh-ranked Assumption Greyhounds on Saturday night at Kathy Zolad Stadium. The Chargers kept their win streak alive over the NE-10, bringing it to six straight wins and bringing them over .500 for the first time this season. The win brings New Haven to 6-5 (6-0 NE-10) on the season as they look to keep up their strong run.

Assumption struck first in the game, needing only five minutes to get on the board with a goal by forward Chloe Kaeller off a penalty corner. The early stages of the game were dominated by the Greyhounds, forcing heavy pressure on New Haven goalkeeper Keira Integlia, who tallied ten saves, only allowing the one early goal to Kaeller.

The first two periods were a struggle for New Haven who could not register a shot for the first 30 minutes of play. They were outshot seven to none, unable to get anything going on offense but kept the scoring to a minimum to give themselves a chance in the second half.

ball to the net with shots from forward Abby Nixon, defender Kelli Jacobson, and midfielder Zharria John.

Chargers’ team leader.

the game into overtime.

The game remained a 1-0 affair until the 36th minute on a goal by New Haven midfielder Sophie Schreck with a backhand shot as she was falling to tie the game at one.

They were able to keep pressure on Assumption with shots from forward Erin Smith and midfielder Katie Durkee, but could not beat the defense.

It was a completely different style of play for New Haven in the second half, coming out firing on all cylinders, getting the

Schreck, who was named as the National Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 5, continued her standout season as the

The fourth period was mainly controlled by Assumption as they outshot New Haven 4-1. New Haven was unable to generate any quality scoring chances with their only shot of the period blocked, leaving the score tied at one, and sending

There was a lot on the line for both teams, as they battled over the top spot in the NE-10. Midfielder Sophia Ruh would end the game with her goal to the right corner of the goal, sending New Haven into a frenzy and keeping their win streak alive.

the NE-10 with six games left in the season.

It was the first time in program history that New Haven beat Assumption, as the team has taken over the top spot in

New Haven wins 67-20 on day bigger than football

New Haven’s incredible run will stay at home at Ralph F. Dellacamera Stadium for their next matchup with Southern Connecticut State University on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. They look to stay undefeated in conference play and bring their win streak up to four games. More information can be found at NewHavenChargers.com. Continued from page 1

Haven head coach Christopher Pincince turned to his depth to end the game. RB Jake Conlin, who played a big role last year during the team’s Northeast-10 (NE-10) championship run, got his second touchdown of the year, on a short two-yard rush. QB Jack Chandler followed this up with a rushing touchdown of his own, sneaking the ball into the end zone from the one-yard line.

This would be the final touchdown for New Haven, who went on to keep the ball on the ground to close out the game. When it became official, the final score was 67-20, with a lopsided victory in the Chargers’ favor.

Offensively, New Haven was led by a balanced attack. Degenhardt finished with five touchdowns, four passing and one rushing, and 259 passing yards. Ais led all rushers with 118 yards, with nearly all of that coming in the first quarter, and added a touchdown of his own.Cobb finished just behind him with 105 yards, but scored

two touchdowns. To round out the rushers, Conlan finished with 66 yards and freshman Christian Shine, playing in his first career game, ran for 48 yards. Holmes was the standout among receivers, hauling in four catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns.

On defense, a number of players got into the mix. Burton Jr. led the team with five tackles and an interception, while four other players registered four tackles of their own. Defensive backs Devonta Myles and Khyon Fitzpatrick both came down with interceptions as well.

With the out-of-conference win, New Haven improves to 6-1 (4-0) NE-10 and extend their winning streak to six. The loss keeps Post winless on the year, dropping their record to 0-6.

New Haven now has a bye next week with a chance to recover before heading into a big matchup against Assumption University that will likely determine the NE10 champion. For more information on the game, visit NewHavenChargers.com.

The New Haven field hockey team huddles against Assumption University, West Haven, Oct. 15, 2022.

Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Neva Bostic.

The New Haven football team runs through a “Chargers Conquer Cancer” banner before the game against Post, West Haven, Oct. 15, 2022.

Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Krista Smith.