October 4, 2022

Charger Bulletin The

Students voice concerns at USGA’s ‘Be Heard Forum’

BY SAMUEL WEINMANN Managing Editor

Food safety, staff retention and campus accessibility are only a few of many issues voiced by students at the Undergraduate Student Government Association’s (USGA) second “Be Heard Forum” of the semester. This forum, held on Wednesday night, allowed student panelists to voice their questions and concerns to a panel of university administrators.

While USGA prepared a suggested schedule of events, covering topics such as academics, extracurriculars, commuter experiences and diversity on campus, students weren’t afraid to voice their opinions on other topics as well.

As one of the first students to voice their concerns about ongoing issues, Leo Aquino, a senior forensic science major, spoke about the university’s misrepresentation of ethnic food. Aquino said “A big thing that I have had a lot of problems with… [is] the misrepresentation with our food… and it doesn’t just happen with Jewish Food of Hispanic Food; I know I’ve seen Indian food being completely misrepresented as well.”

Aquino elaborated saying, “that’s one big thing I want to work on… because dining has been a problem since I’ve been a freshman. When I was a freshman, raw chicken was a

huge problem, and they’ve gotten better at it… but still, sometimes students will find raw burgers or undercooked food that’s not safe to eat.”

Youssef Ossama, a junior marketing major, added on the issue of food at the university, saying that he has “been on the dining committee for about a year now [and] wants more halal food on campus.” Ossama said “As a person who cannot eat pork, it should be treated just like an allergy, or something that is fatal; but they don’t treat it like that, they use the same utensils for the pork and the chicken.”

After discussing the issue of food at the forum, students then moved on to talk about Greek Life, and the decline in involvement over the years. Christian Castro, president of Sigma Chi, discussed this issue, saying that he “was just interested if there was… some sort of plan as far as dealing with Greek Life on campus, [and] the decline we’re experiencing right now.”

Gregory Eichhorn, vice president for enrollment and student success, responded to this, saying “I just had a meeting… with the head of Greek Life, [and] according to what they told me, the numbers were almost half of what they were previously.” He then said that he was going to do whatever was

necessary

Life improve their involvement numbers. Another issue discussed was the lack of staff retention, specifically at student-centered offices like the Myatt Center and at the office of Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS).

Aquino spoke to this issue and said “In terms of CAPS, getting appointments is a problem for

some students… they are completely overbooked. My therapist from last semester left the university and I know they lost some others as well, but they basically don’t have the funding… to be able to hire more staff.”

Aquino then shared a personal story, saying “My first appointment [at CAPS was] Sept. 14,

and the only available second appointment was Thursday, Oct. 6, so that’s three weeks, and I find that pretty unacceptable.”

Aquino said that this same issue applied to the Myatt Center, referring to multiple staff members who have had to leave in recent years due to inadequate pay.

MIC Coffeehouse shakes the ground of Sheffield Gazebo for open mic-night

BY MIA ADDUCI Campus News Editor

Thursdays on campus are normally rather dull, but this past week, the Music Industry Club’s Coffeehouse open-mic event lit up the night with the voices of students who each had the opportunity to flood the Sheffield Gazebo with high energy.

Throughout the night, sounds from a wide range of genres echoed across campus.

Jess Finn and Elise Browell were a dynamic duo who took to the mics to perform a cover of “TV” by Billie Eillish. Immediately, the dueling visual aesthetics of the two women performing together took their power to new heights.

Finn’s vocals were radiant and created a strong build leading deeper into the song. In an incredible compliment, Browell’s guitar skills took the layers of sound to new heights. Together, the duo gave the crowd an acoustic cover with a wicked edge, and it was a shame they only shook the gazebo with one number.

A couple of acts later, Sarah Serkosky covered “Pool House” by Backseat Lovers: a performance that surely left half of the crowd gathered outside in goosebumps, despite the sun still beating down in the late afternoon.

Serkosky stood at the center of

attention with her acoustic guitar and dazzled the crowd with a gentle voice that carried immense range and riffs throughout her performance. Her light grunge aesthetic only enhanced her performance, making her what could easily be deemed the perfect package.

Lys and Ben put on an original performance with powerful chemistry that caught your eye even from the back end of the grass beyond the gazebo. With Lys on vocals and Ben on the guitar, the heavy undertones produced by the two created a perfect compliment to their original lyrics, with a performance that was nothing short of explosive at its peak.

Dakotaxela, who he said you could call “Alex,” was easily one of the most wicked performances of the evening. It’s clear that he has a strong future ahead of himself, and he will absolutely be making his name echo through the industry, likely in the same nature that his voice did through the residential side of campus.

His hard punk look was electric, and from the moment Alex opened his mouth, you knew his was a name you wouldn’t forget. He writes, produces and performs his music on his own, making him a one-guy powerhouse. His lyricism is poetic in a manner that would send chills

down the spine of Edgar Allen-Poe, and you can tell by the titles alone that this guy does not screw around.

Alex’s first song of the night was called “Melting to the Floor,” and the connection that he has to his music was crystal clear from the start in the way that he moves in perfect fluidity to the sound he creates. It’s not common to see such immense passion radiate through the eyes of a young artist, but he provides an

exception. There was no doubt that this performance had the strongest stage presence of the night.

Alex’s second song was called “Side Hound” and it exhibited a skillful build of tension from the opening notes, making the eruption, once it hit, come down ten times harder.

Connor McCormick was able to manipulate the dope raspy edge in his voice, and did a killer job with

maintaining strong diction with fast lyricism.

The Three Muskazoos were one of the more niche acts that really pushed the envelope on the diversity surrounding musical talent within the student population. The group of first-year students served as what was called the “comic interlude” of the Coffeehouse, playing full song covers strictly on kazoo. There is, with no doubt, an immense amount

Volume 104, Issue 04 |October 4, 2022| West Haven, Connecticut

The student news source for the University of New Haven

Janelle Cavanaugh (left) and Mia Alvarez (right) perform in front of a crowd at open mic night, West Haven, Sept. 29, 2022.

Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Charlotte Bassett.

Panel of university administrators watch as President Zenger addresses students, West Haven, Sept. 28, 2022. Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Samuel Weinmann.

to help Greek

University students discuss importance of Hispanic Heritage Month

BY SAIGE BATZA Arts & Life Editor

The University of New Haven’s education surrounding cultural and ethnic diversity spans far beyond the walls of its intimate classrooms. For many students on campus, Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) represents a chance to express their cultural heritage and appreciate the range of diverse ethnicities that populate the whole university.

Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority (C.U.S.), is a multicultural organization on campus that highlights communication and education while uplifting minority racial groups on campus. During Hispanic Heritage Month, the organization continues to encourage students by making others aware of the ways in which we can celebrate Hispanic communities on campus during HHM.

Dayana Solano, a first-year graduate student and alumna member of the Gamma Delta Chapter, said, “In my first year here, I appreciated the time and effort that went into planning these events as well as the creativity in promoting them since they were pre-planned. There were tons of large posters hung up inside residence halls, when printing flyers was the main way

to promote at some point.”

She continued to say that “The celebration of HHM at school back then gave me a feeling of inclusion and that I was a part of the Charger community.”

Solano encouraged current student involvement by attending recognized student organization events hosted by multicultural organizations and educating oneself on the significance of the culture and community. She said, “It’s helpful to be knowledgeable and well-rounded in history, how it’s being affected presently, and how we can help shape, or set up, the future for it. A lot of students don’t realize that you don’t need to be of a certain identity or background to be a part of these clubs or attend these events- it’s open to everyone!”

She said, “It’s so encouraging when members of the community come out and show support for an educational event, just as much as they come out for a social event.”

Solano expressed the difficulties faced while attending predominantly white institutions (PWI) growing up and how that lack of representation personally affected her. She said, “While being a student at a [PWI] brought me feelings of uncertainty and fear of potentially losing connection to my culture, the most

MIC Coffeehouse

and making every note perfectly dentifiable.

If there was one major takeaway from this performance, it would have to be that the best part of going to an event where the crowd is made up mostly of performers is the way that when the audience clapped along to the songs, they maintained proper tempo. This was the only time that clapping along to the beat wasn’t incredibly painful.

A little later in the evening, Janelle and Mia put their all into a chilling two-song mashup that was nearly angelic. They created a seamless transition between pop hits “Save Your Tears” and “Better Than Ever.” Their performance lined up perfectly with the sun setting across from the gazebo, casting a flood of golden light over the scene and playing perfectly into their warm energy.

Perhaps one of the most iconic performances of the night was a rendition of “Man or Muppet” by duo JJ and Kasey.

They were welcomed with an uproar from the crowd, which was well deserved following the moving theatrical performance. Call it satire to some degree if

you’d like, but their musical talent was evident as they harmonized, and the passion with which they played was iconic.

There are times during these performances where you can read the performer’s vibe before they even start to sing. That was absolutely the case with Carson Cramer, who paid homage to none other than punk band, Hot Mulligan. It took a minute to register what song he was singing, and even before realizing what band he was covering, the first thing that came to mind was “this boy sounds exactly like the lead singer in Modern Baseball.” The song he performed was in fact by Modern Baseball, and his impression was very impressive.

One of the purest duos of the night was Total Corner. They sang a set of original songs that were complete with backing from a guitar and a cajon which gave the performance a backyard bonfire vibe.

The night was closed off by none other than fan-favorite campus band, Big Tuesday. If you haven’t streamed their whole discography yet, your to-do list for today just gained another bullet point.

rewarding aspect of HHM is that I can celebrate it with everyone else who celebrates their culture during this month.”

She said, “The biggest challenge of it is to ensure others are welcomed to celebrate no matter… their background, as long as it’s in a respectful manner. Nonetheless, I’m happy I’m able to share my appreciation and love

for cultures including my own with everyone.”

Ayleene Parada, a current alumna of the Gamma Delta Chapter of C.U.S. said one of the major goals the organization has for HHM is to educate the student body on the importance of the celebration, regardless of each other’s cultural or ethnic background.

She said, “The most rewarding aspect of celebrating Hispanic Heritage is being able to represent my culture and educate anyone about where my family is from. My culture is a big part of who I am so getting the opportunity to share it with others not just with information but with food and dance is heartwarming.”

BY LINDSAY GIOVANNONE Copy Desk Chief

Spoon River Anthology (1915) – Edgar Lee Masters

This lesser-known book is worth reading. “Spoon River Anthology” is a collection of short free-verse poems, which are epitaphs in the graveyard of the fictional town Spoon River. Free-verse poetry, especially shorter poems, are enjoyable and easy to read. Masters’ “Spoon River Anthology” shows the human soul’s complexity through grave markers, describing joy, sorrow, kindness and evil.

All Quiet on the Western Front (1929) – Erich Maria

Remarque

“All Quiet on the Western Front” masterfully tells the story of German soldiers’ distress and isolation while in the trenches during World War I. Remarque says it best. “This book is to be neither an accusation nor a confession, and least of all an adventure, for death is not an adventure

to those who stand face to face with it. It will try simply to tell of a generation of men who, even though they may have escaped (its) shells, were destroyed by the war.”

As I Lay Dying (1930) –William Faulkner

“As I Lay Dying” is a gothic novel that is consistently ranked among the best books of the 20th century. Faulkner’s stream of consciousness writing style traverses the perspectives of 15 characters over 59 chapters. It tells the story of Addie Bundren’s death, and her family’s attempts to honor her wish of being buried in her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi, set in Faulkner’s apocryphal Yoknapatawpha County, Miss., ‘As I Lay Dying’ fixates on our mortality and causes us to grapple with our own existence.

Brave New World (1932) –Aldous

Huxley

Considered the first true dystopian novel, “A Brave New World” is set in the futuristic society of the World

State, where. technical rationality reigns supreme and the social hierarchy is based on pre-programmed intelligence. The main characters grapple with forbidden nonconformity amidst a world where “every one belongs to every one else.”

In Cold Blood (1966) – Truman Capote

“In Cold Blood” is regarded as a pioneering novel within the true crime genre. Capote spins a tale based on the story of a quadruple murder in Holcomb, Kansas. The victims, the Clutter family, make especially poignant victims because of their soulful innocence. The two killers–Perry Smith and Richard Hickcock–take on atypical Bonnie and Clyde personas, evading the law together. “In Cold Blood” weaves together a tragic tale of fate’s inevitability that’s definitely worth the read.

Members of various multicultural organizations, West Haven, Sept. 21, 2022.

Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Erick Cuatzo.

Five books you definitely used sparknotes for in high school, but should read now

Federal government to put $20 billion towards “climate-smart” f unding

BY LILLIAN NEWTON Politics Editor

In recent years, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced an array of techniques to address the impact of climate change on our ecosystems, specifically looking to reduce the impact on farmland. These techniques, known as climate-smart agriculture (CSA), have become the cornerstone of the USDA’s efforts.

CSA is an approach used to help move agricultural food systems towards using more green and climate-resilient practices. Internationally, CSA helps nations meet both the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) as well as the Paris Agreement. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, techniques are determined to be CSA practices based upon context-specific elements, including local socioeconomic, environmental and climate change factors.

Over the summer, the Biden-Harris administration announced an investment of $22 billion into USDA programs that will implement this ap-

proach. This fund is the largest federal investment to date for climate-smart practices.

The funding completes a pledge made by President Joseph Biden in his first week of office to encourage such practices in the sector. This industry produces about 11 percent of greenhouse gas emissions across the nation.

A larger portion of the federal funding, about $19.5 billion, will go towards supporting existing agriculture programs that encourage climate-smart practices. The Department of Agriculture also announced that it would put an additional sum of about $2.8 billion towards researching and implementing climate-smart production on 20 to 25 million acres of farmland.

The smaller amount will go towards funding 70 selected projects under the first pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity. Projects for the second funding pool will be announced later in the year.

According to the USDA’s announcement of the Biden-Harris investment, their “anticipated investment will triple to more than $3 billion in pilots that will create market opportuni-

ties for American commodities produced using climate-smart production practices.”

Included in the initial 70 projects are a number of Connecticut-based initiatives, such as “Expanding Agroforestry Production & Markets,” which has an approximate funding ceiling of $60 million and “Scaling Methane Emissions Reductions and Soil Carbon Sequestration”, with an approximate funding ceiling of $45 million. Among the seven programs listed for Connecticut, the major agri-

cultural commodities noted for each include everything from beef, dairy and livestock to nuts, berries, wheat, corn, soybeans, grass, timber and sorghum.

Among all 70 projects, there are 14 programs that have an approximate funding ceiling of $70 million to $95 million, 9 projects between $50 million and $65 million, 25 projects between $25 million to $45 million, and 22 projects between $5 million and $20 million.

“Farmers for Soil Health Climate-Smart Commodities

Partnership” and the “Midwest Climate-Smart Commodity Program” are the two programs with the highest approximate funding ceiling, with both programs coming in at $95 million.

Connecticut’s “Strengthening Grassroots Leadership & Capacity to Scale Climate-Smart Production Systems and Facilitate Historically Underserved Producers’ Access to Markets” has the largest for the state, with an approximate funding ceiling of $90 million.

New Haven receives $25 million FEMA grant for extreme weather protection

BY LILLIAN NEWTON Politics Editor

The city of New Haven has received a $25 million Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant to support the city’s Inland Coastal Resiliency Project. The grant will be used to better protect Union Station and its neighborhoods from severe weather.

This area, located near Long Wharf, is prone to flooding.

Two weeks ago, a large-scale storm that came through caused extensive flooding in the region, further showing a need for the grant.

The FEMA BRIC grant will help New Haven build an underground pipe, a pump and a wall along the Interstate 95 corridor to help protect Union Station and to make it more accessible during storms.

According to New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, the project is not only key to increasing public safety measures but is also important in stabilizing New Haven’s economy.

“The wall, the pipe and the pump are about climate resiliency,” Elicker noted. “They

are about jobs, they’re about economic development, they’re about ensuring vital infrastructure like Union Station remains safe and accessible.” According to Elicker, the project should be finished by 2025.

Governor Ned Lamont also spoke on the project, describing the need to take steps to ensure preparedness in the future. He specifically noted the impact Hurricane Sandy had in 2012. “The pipes and pumps and burns can prevent an awful lot of disasters going forward,” said Lamont. “’If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ to me is the wrong philosophy. It’s more like ‘stitch in time, saves nine.’”

Elicker, Lamont, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, New Haven City Engineer GioVanni Zinn, City Plan Executive Director Laura Brown and other officials made the announcement outside of Union Station on Sept. 19.

According to FEMA’s case study, “Connecticut: Inland Coastal Flood Resiliency Project,” New Haven’s sewershed cover over 800 acres. This region includes downtown as well as its surrounding neighborhoods and has experienced repeated flooding in past years.

According to the case study, the

flooding has disturbed both the city’s residents and key facilities, one of the major areas being Union Station and the rail yard.

Union Station serves more than 1.7 million customers a year through Metro North and Amtrak, and is the sole regional rail connector between Boston and New York City. This is one of the busiest rail routes for both business and personal travel.

The case study specifically says,“The area’s flooding is due to a low storm sewer capacity underneath Union Station. The combination of sea level rise and increased storm frequency makes this area extremely vulnerable to repeated flooding, posing a logistical and financial risk to the region’s economic output and communal accessibility.”

The study further integrates the need for the city’s Inland

Coastal Resilience Flood project with New Haven’s economic stability, noting the city’s historical background as primarily a service economy with Yale University as the largest employer. The report further describes New Haven as having “always been a major railroad hub, as it connects the New York to Boston lines, while also serving as the starting point for trains headed North for Hartford, Springfield and Vermont.”

Cars drive by the entrance to Union Station, New Haven, 2018.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Two cows standing behind a fence at a dairy farm. Photo courtesy of Unsplash/Nighthawk Shoots

Students voice concerns at USGA’s ‘Be Heard Forum’

In response to this, Dean of Students Ophelie Rowe-Allen said “We… want to make sure that others feel a sense of belonging, and we are aware of what is happening… we acknowledge some of the hardship that [has] happened… and so for the staff that we have there, we will do our best to make sure that they’re also finding a sense of joy in [their] space also.”

Among one of the more widely discussed topics was accessibility on campus. Liv Knight, a senior computer science major, voiced their concerns, saying that they “feel… that the way this university is run is ableist,” mentioning the lack of mobility on many parts of the campus.

“There have been several situations where people who have been using wheelchairs or other mobility devices have been unable to access certain parts of campus or certain events… because its location isn’t accessible.” Knight also mentioned that Bucknall theater, the typical location for USGA meetings, isn’t a very accessible location, given the theater’s lack of options for those using mobility devices.

Rowe-Allen, from the panel, responded to this issue, saying “there is a new [event accessibility] policy that has been developed by the university… whenever you’re planning an event, you have to think of universal design. Think about when you walk in a room… [you have to think] ‘can I accommodate everyone

in this room?’” She then encouraged anyone holding events at the university to reference the university’s new accessibility policy.

To add onto the concerns about accessibility, Alandre Alexis, assistant director for recognized student organizations and operations, said “accessibility is something that we have talked about at CSELO at our staff meetings very recently. This is something we have reviewed a lot so… when it comes to any off campus event or any event that has to do with transportation… go to Charger Connection to indicate any accommodation required.” Alexis elaborated, by stressing the importance of indicating any disability accommodations beforehand to ensure that all off campus events are as accessible as possible.

To conclude the panel, Mary Lippa, vice president of community, advocacy and diversity, mentioned USGA was doing all it can to increase accessibility during its meetings, but defended Bucknall theater as their meeting location, saying that “Bucknall allows us to be distanced from each other, and as much as we don’t want to admit it, COVID is still a thing.”

Lippa elaborated, saying “I know that we have a lot of individuals who would die if they got severe COVID, and that thought haunts me.”

After the panel concluded, and participants began to shuffle out of the room, President Sheahon Zenger, who sat in on the panel, spoke fur-

ther on how he and other members of university administration would be addressing these accessibility concerns. He said “As we all took notes, and as we have a number of individuals connected to [particular] areas on campus… hopefully we can make progress.”

Zenger then said “As we have meetings throughout the coming weeks and months, we’ll be addressing those [areas of concern].”

Particular members of the USGA eboard also agreed to comment about the panel. USGA President Saniyah Brinney responded to a question about how the USGA

would help keep administration accountable on these concerns by saying “As President Zenger stated, we do have weekly to biweekly meetings, and I also meet with [Ophelie] Rowe-Allen on an every day schedule…. So as president I also make sure to keep reminding them back to back.” Brinney then said that she is “very confident in President Zenger,” and that he is “very passionate when it comes to his work with students.”

When asked to provide comments about how the USGA will ensure that students who aren’t able to attend to forum in person can

still voice their concerns, Sankofa Benzo, sergeant at arms of USGA, said “I… think that for students who cannot be here… that being proactive in reaching out to the USGA eboard, and especially the president [is the way for them to] actually put their ideas forth, and then the USGA president can take those to the proper administrators.”

Brinney said that although these panels are currently set to take place each semester, that with increased student involvement and interest, they could take place more frequently.

Meditation and Spirituality Center reopens in celebration of spiritual diversity

BY MIA ADDUCI Campus News Editor

The Meditation and Spirituality Center located at 15 Ruden St. has reopened as a safe place for worship and spirituality for individuals of all belief systems.

Senior Associate Dean of Students Ric Baker gave opening remarks which welcomed the community to the space and the land on which it stands.

“Land is sacred to all of us, and whether we consciously appreciate it or not, it is the space upon which we play, live, eat, find love and experience life,” he said. “The land is ever-changing and ever-shifting, giving us and other creatures, beings on the earth, an infinite number of gifts, resources and lessons.”

Baker then continued to describe the university’s land acknowledgement statement, and of Connecticut’s historical genocide of native tribes.

Dean of Students Ophelie Rowe-Allen then gave her own set of remarks before a number of representatives from different religions took to the podium to bless the shared space.

She spoke on how the creation of the space came as a response to survey results from 2013, to which she said “today is another reminder that students’ faith, beliefs, spirituality and their

philosophical perspective are an important part of their academic journey.”

“The University of New Haven seeks to welcome and be respectful to all members regardless of their practice in faith or beliefs,” Rowe-Allen said. “We have thoughtfully designed this space for diverse communities within the campus community to build a foundation for a welcoming atmosphere.”

Campus Chaplain Marty O’Connor also helped lead the opening of the Center. When he first took to the podium, he told the crowd about the collaboration between leaders of different religions which was necessary in planning for and creating the space. O’Connor also said that “There is a process, a ritual associated with blessing sacred spaces.” This worked as a segway into the blessings added to the opening by representatives from a number of the religions followed on campus.

Senior Nicole Harry, who is Hindu, was the first to bless the space. She began the series of prayers with a set of breathwork exercises, to “cleanse the mind before we cleanse the space.”

Harry then proceeded to chant a set of mantras. The first prayed to Ganesha, remover of all obstacles. She said that when blessing a new space, “we pray to lord Ganesha

to remove all obstacles… and set pure intentions.” The second chant was directed towards the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati.

Harry also made it a point to say that “It is amazing to see that the university had responded to us and had listened to us and that our voices have been heard.”

Rabbi Michale Farbman spoke next. He said that in Judaism, moments of transition are significant and the opening was worthy of a celebration, and then gave a blessing in Hebrew.

“If there is one space in which students coming from a variety of religious traditions can come and enter, sometimes each at their own time, sometimes perhaps at the same time, knowing that they are all welcome, they are all safe,” Farbman also said. “What an incredible blessing it is to be each in your space but also sharing this in an opportunity to establish relationships and appreciate each other / diversity in each other’s idealism and religious traditions.”

Chaplain O’Connor then returned to stand before the crowd in representation of all Christian traditions. He read a prayer written by a student from Notre Dame high school, from when the Catholic high school rededicated one of their own religious spaces. Islam was welcomed into the space through a reading of the

first chapter of the Qur’an, called Al-Fatihah, or “the opening.”

Imam Omer read the religious text in Arabic, as he explained how he found it fitting in light of the reopening of the Spirituality Center.

In her closing remarks, Rowe-Allen said that “wellness is part of your academic journey and we want your spiritual life to be part of your academic journey.”

The center includes a meditation center which houses a number of spiritual texts, in addition to a number of sinks for those entering

to wash their feet, an open worship space and separate men’s and women’s prayer spaces for the Muslim religion.

Students, staff and faculty can access the Mediation and Spirituality Center via keycard access from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations can be requested through Spiritual Life and Campus Ministry.

For those seeking more information, the university has created an Interfaith and Spirituality Resource Guide.

Imam Omer, speaks to students at the reopening, West Haven, Sept. 15, 2022. Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Mia Adduci.

Leo Aquino addresses the ‘Be Heard Forum’ panel, West Haven, Sept. 28, 2022

Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Samuel Weinmann

Adjunct professor arrested after allegedly trying to meet with 14-year-old girl

BY TYLER WELLS Editor-in-Chief

A former University of New Haven professor was arrested on Sept. 23 in Greenwich, Conn. after exchanging sexually explicit messages and trying to meet up with a “14-year-old girl” who was actually an undercover detective, according to Greenwich Police Department.

David Rewcastle, 59, who taught intro-level micro and macroeconomics classes at the university, was charged with criminal attempt at risk of injury to a minor and criminal attempt at enticing a minor by computer.

Police said that Rewcastle took to the internet to befriend who he believed was a 14-year-old female in an online chatroom. The conversations eventually became more sexually charged, according to the police, and he made plans to meet the girl in person. At

the meeting, Rewcastle was instead met and arrested by the Greenwich Police Department who worked in conjunction with the FBI.

Rewcastle, who had been an adjunct professor since 2018 was immediately suspended by the university, according to the Director of Communications and Public Relations Dave Cranshaw.

In a statement, a university spokesperson said: “David Rewcastle is a former adjunct professor at the University of New Haven. Upon learning of his arrest, the university immediately suspended him and, subsequently, he was replaced as the adjunct for the classes he was instructing at the university. As this is an active investigation being led by the Greenwich Police Department, the university will have no further comment at this time.”

Since Rewcastle was teaching microeconomics, students

are now left with an unclear path forward for the rest of the semester. Freshman sports management major Owen Pincince is one of those students, and said that they have not yet been updated on what is going to happen.

“All we have been told is that the next time we have class, the head of the Econ department is talking to us,” he said.

For now, the students in that class are left awaiting answers like much of the student body. No university-wide emails were sent out, and it was not until the story began getting publicized that people learned of Rewcastle’s arrest.

Outside of the University of New Haven, Rewcastle was also an adjunct proessor at New York University, according to his LinkedIn accoint. Rewcastle is awaiting disposition and is due to appear at the Stamford Superior Court on Nov. 21.

UPD releases 2022 Annual Safety and Security Report

BY LINDSAY GIOVANNONE Copy Desk Chief

The 2022 Annual Safety and Security Report (ASR) was released by University Police on Friday in an email from Chief of Police Adam Brown to the campus community. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics, or the Clery Act, is a federal law that requires all colleges and universities to annually disclose information about crime on and around campus.

The Police Department, Department of Public Safety, Faculty, Provost’s Office and Dean of Students Office collaborate to prepare the report. Statistics in the ASR represent the three most recent reporting periods – calendar years 2019, 2020 and 2021 – as is required by the Clery Act.

In the ASR, locations requiring safety disclosure include: campus, non-campus buildings or property and public property “within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the institution.” The report also details university policies and procedures pertaining to missing students, substance abuse, alcohol guidelines and regulations, weapons, harassment and other types of misconduct, such as assault.

The ASR provides campus resources for reporting misconduct and other policy violations as well as university-specific misconduct definitions. Also included are misconduct procedures and annual crime statistics.

In 2021, there were eight rapes on campus, a signficant increase from 2020 and 2019 where there were one and six, respectively. There were two burglaries in 2021, a slight increase from one in both 2020 and 2019. Motor vehicle thefts decreased from two to just one in 2021. There were no reported cases of murders/non-negligent manslaughter, negligent manslaughter, incest, statuatory rape or aggravated assault reported within the last three years.

There was one instance of arson reported in 2019, which took place in a residential hall. Every instance from 2019 to 2021 was reported as occurring on-campus in residential facilities.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) also requires domestic violence, dating violence and stalking to be reported in addition to other sex crimes.

There was one report of domestic violence on campus in 2021, one report of dating violence in 2019 and one report of stalking

in 2019, all on campus property. Arrest and disciplinary referral reports are also in the ASR; drug law violations and liquor law violations were the only categories with statistics. In 2019, there were 16 drug law violations referred for disciplinary action, an increase from 2020 where there were 13, but a decrease from 18 in 2019. Liquor law violations numbered 124 in 2019, 52 in 2020 and 76 in 2021.

The Fire Safety Report in the ASR included a fire log

for all residential facilities and included fire safety advice for students, such as procedures and where to find fire extinguishers, Automatic External Defibrillators and other fire safety equipment.

For more information, the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online or can be picked up at the University Police Department, Dean of Students Office and Office of Admissions.

A UPD emergency button outside of Maxcy Hall, West Haven, Oct. 2, 2022.

Photo ccurtesy of Charger Bulletin/Samuel Weinmann.

Mugshot of David Rewcastle, Greenwich, Sept. 23, 2022. Photo courtesy of Greenwich Police Department.

Editorials

The Charger Bulletin chargerbulletin.com

Our Staff University’s police carts are a welcomed addition for security

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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The Charger Bulletin staff strives for excellence and accuracy in writing and reporting. We remain committed to providing the University of New Haven community with up-to-date and accurate news. We recognize that mistakes may occur and encourage readers to notify the Bulletin if they feel a correction is necessary. Please email the Editor-in-Chief at chargerbulletin@ newhaven.edu.

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BY EDITORIAL STAFF

On Sept. 26, the University of New Haven announced the addition of a new six-person security golf cart to serve as a safety escort for students looking to travel around campus. The escort runs in the evenings, from 5 p.m.-1 a.m. and consists of four main stops around campus: the Maxcy main entrance, Library shuttle stop, Forest Hills shuttle stop and North Campus shuttle stop.

This change was made

in response to the concerns around student safety while traveling around campus, particularly following a recent incident where a student was robbed on Ruden St. just off campus on Aug. 29.

While this may seem like a silly and inherently small addition to campus life, it is actually a really good sign from the university: they recognize the possible issue of student security around campus and are making changes to address it. This gives another amenity to

Page Six View

BY LINDSAY GIOVANNONE Copy Desk Chief Column

Veganism is not sustainable (or all that healthy), it’s just marketed really well by radical activists on social media. The vegan diet has been labeled as a healthy, sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to animal agriculture. But is veganism really all that activists claim it to be?

The short answer is, no. The long answer is that the vegan diet often lacks proteins and essential vitamins found in animal products. Humans are naturally omnivorous beings and are biologically designed to consume both animals and plants; not having the dietary benefits found in animal proteins can lead to major health issues, including negative effects on the Musculo-skeletal system.

Furthermore, grazing animals such as cattle, sheep and goats can consume crop waste and fibrous plant materials that humans cannot eat. Ruminating animals such as these can also consume bran and germ leftovers when wheat is milled into white flour, or the remaining soy meal after soybeans are pressed to make oil, which in turn is made into soy milk, a popular vegan milk alternative. Soy crops have been linked to deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest and the Cerrado; this devastation of land has lost more than 105,000 square kilometers of native habitat. The global soy trade also requires 32 million acres of land for crop growth.

The international transportation of fruits and vegetables produces over 1 billion tons of

carbon dioxide, which are already the most frequently wasted foods in the United States.

The tilling of fields releases large volumes of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and helps speed up erosion. A single avocado tree requires 46 gallons of water a day during warmer months, and a kilogram of mangoes requires 150 gallons of water daily. In sharp contrast, a single full grown beef cattle requires anywhere between 6 gallons to 20.6 gallons of water, depending on the temperature.

Animal agriculture, when done correctly, is not cruel. Dairy cows, for example, are animals that are prone to stress. Stress hormones–adrenaline and cortisol–prevent milk production, meaning dairy cows cannot produce milk when stressed. Stressed dairy cows also have lower reproductive rates, so it isn’t realistic or honest to claim that dairy farmers abuse their animals.

If everyone went vegan, then supposedly, greenhouse emissions would fall, as an entire industry has been wiped out. This is a non-argument; it’s like arguing that grounding all planes would slow carbon emissions. What diehard vegans fail to see is that animals aren’t going anywhere. How would you end animal agriculture? Cull all agricultural animals? Set them loose in nature and have them die unnatural, painful deaths? That’s cruel and unusual. Animals used for human consumption have been selectively bred for thousands of years to have a symbiotic relationship with people. We benefit from them, and they ultimately benefit from us.

students that may come in handy to ease the stresses of having to walk alone at night, especially to more distant dorms like Forest Hills.

Hopefully, this is the start of more changes to campus safety. One golf cart may not be enough right now, but adding two or three more in the future could create a reliable transportation network to make traveling easier and safer for students. Not only this, but the presence of a police cart could help to dissuade any on campus crime or theft from happening.

Bike patrols have started to address this need. Following the Aug. 29 robbery, two-officer bike patrols were added to the standard police coverage to offer a roaming watch for campus. While such a change isn’t significant, small improvements like this help to guard against potential crimes around campus at night.

The University Police

Department (UPD) has also taken strides to increase their coverage around the entrances to campus, with the latest being a security post at the library parking lot. Retractable gates have also been added to the Ruden St. and secondary Boston Post entrances, allowing UPD to open or close them whenever needed.

Another change for this semester is the requirement of body cameras for all UPD officers. This adds another level of safety and accountability among the officers that is always good to see for students on campus.

While UPD has drawn criticism from students due to the recent incidents, they deserve recognition for being proactive in updating campus security. It is very welcomed, and hopefully will go a long way towards improving security both on campus and in the immediate area for students.

Interested in more from the Charger Bulletin?

Women’s soccer falls 2-0 to Le Moyne on Senior Day

BY CHRISTOPHER ELWELL Sports Editor

The New Haven women’s soccer team hosted the Le Moyne Dolphins on Saturday afternoon at Kathy Zolad Stadium, honoring the seniors for all their contributions to the program. Unfortunately, the Chargers could not get anything going offensively in their 2-0 loss, bringing their record down to 4-6-2 (2-5 NE10).

Two first-half goals for Le Moyne was all they needed to take the game with both teams sharing the same amount of shots on goal.

It was a slow start for the Chargers, who could not keep control of the ball with the slick field conditions. They only managed two shots in the first half by Mackenzie Myers and Charlie Griffiths, but nothing that could get through the Dolphins’ defense.

Le Moyne got on the board in the 25th minute when Avery Maxam made the first of her two goals,

beating Chargers goalkeeper Amanda McQuillan in the low right corner of the goal. Just two minutes later, Maxam scored again to put the Dolphins up by two.

The second half was more

of the same for New Haven, who could not generate any quality scoring chances to bring themselves back into the game. They registered five shots in the half, but nothing that was able to get

past Le Moyne goalkeeper Allison Moreau, who tallied five saves for the game.

New Haven will stay at home for their next matchup with Assumption College on Oct. 8 at Kathy

Zolad Stadium. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. as the Chargers look to bounce back and get back in the win column. More information can be found at NewHavenChargers.com.

Men’s soccer’s woes continue; fall 3-0 to SNHU

BY CHRISTOPHER ELWELL Sports Editor

The New Haven men’s soccer team’s quest for their first win of the season fell short again Saturday afternoon with their 3-0 loss to Southern New Hampshire University. It was a dominant game for the Penmen who

did not allow the Chargers to get anything going offensively. They were outshot 21-8 in the match, while only registering one shot on goal. New Haven now falls to 0-6-4 (03-3 NE10) for the season.

Starting in the net for the Chargers was freshman Ryan Lunn, making his first career start. Lunn was tested often

throughout the game, tallying seven saves. He was able to keep SNHU off the board in the first half with some spectacular saves and kept up his strong performance into the second half, but was outmatched by consistent pressure from the Penmen.

After a scoreless, back-andforth first half, SNHU came

out firing early and often in the second half. Just a minute into the second half, the Penmen took a 1-0 lead on a goal by forward Philipp Hermann.

They were able to keep up the pressure, firing off two shots just three minutes later with one giving them a 2-0 lead on a goal by forward

Nicolas Gonzalez.

New Haven’s only shot on goal came in the 52nd minute from midfielder Dante Polletta, which was picked up by SNHU goalkeeper Preston Neal for his only save of the game. It was a frustrating game for the Chargers, who struggled to hold onto the ball and jumpstart their offense.

SNHU tacked on an insurance goal in the 72nd minute by midfielder Gabe Pinhancos to give them a three-goal lead. Following the goal, they kept the pressure up on New Haven, registering five shots in the last 18 minutes of play.

New Haven’s search for their first win will continue at Kathy Zolad Stadium for their next matchup against crosstown rival Southern Connecticut State University on Wednesday, Oct. 5. Kickoff will be at 4 p.m. as the Chargers look to put an end to their winless season. More information can be found at NewHavenChargers.com.

New Haven’s Caitlyn Toom kicks the ball against Le Moyne College, West Haven, Oct. 1, 2022.

Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Tyler Rodriguez.

The New Haven men’s soccer team in a huddle against SNHU, West Haven, Oct. 1, 2022.

Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Tyler Rodriguez.

Field Hockey shuts out Franklin Pierce in the rain

BY LINDSAY GIOVANNONE Copy Desk Chief

The New Haven field hockey team (3-4, 3-0 NE-10) kept their win streak alive when they shut out Franklin Pierce (0-7, 0-2 NE-10) 4-0 on Saturday afternoon during the Title IX Game.

New Haven acted swiftly, scoring only two minutes into the first quarter. The first goal of the game was scored by midfielder Sophie Schreck in

a straight shot to the back right corner, eluding Ravens goalie MacKenzie Potvin. Less than two minutes later, Schreck found the goal again with an assist by midfielder and forward Zharria John.

The two goals from Schreck give her the team lead for the season with four.

With 6:07 left in the half, midfielder and defender Taylor Geaglone made her first goal of the season when she capitalized on Schreck’s corner kick,

knocking the ball past Potvin to stretch New Haven’s lead 3-0.

The Chargers started the second half strong, immediately taking command of the field. Forward Abby Nixon scored off Potvin’s goalie pads after less than three minutes of play. With the score 4-0, New Haven refused to let up. Despite allowing Franklin Pierce to

make three shots on goal in the fourth quarter, goalie Keira Integlia denied them any points. Integlia, who has now had eight career shutouts, made nine saves during the game.

With the win, the Chargers earn their third straight win of the season after losing their first four. While it is still early in the season, they sit in first place

of the NE-10. Franklin piece remains winless this year with the loss as they are still looking to put a number in the win column.

New Haven will next play away at American International College in Springfield, Mass. on Oct. 5 at 7:00pm. To view live stats and updates, visit NewHavenChargers.com.

Volleyball overpowers Dolphins with 3-0 win

BY TYLER WELLS Editor-In-Chief

The New Haven women’s volleyball team earned their first home win of the season on Saturday afternoon, taking down visiting Le Moyne College in straight sets. It was also Senior Day for the Chargers, who honored their six seniors – Julia Guarniere, Itzel Cruz, Emily Barry, Emma Lazerson and Sammie Paguia – in a ceremony before the game.

With the emotions of the ceremony behind them, the Chargers jumped out to an early lead on Le Moyne in the first set. A kill by middle blocker Kylie Reynolds-Martin and a service ace from outside hitter Macy Brown started the scoring, as three straight kills from Barry gave New Haven a 5-3 lead. Middle blocker Amihan Johnson then added three straight kills of her own to expand the early lead to five points. This was all the space that New Haven needed, as they continued to add on from there. Brown, along with a couple more kills, added

two more service aces while outside hitter Avery Moore got herself involved, tallying two kills. When the action settled, New Haven walked away from the first set with a dominant 25-13 win.

The Chargers got off to a slower start in the second set, falling behind 9-7 to the Dolphins. However, New Haven went on a 10-3 run to take the lead back, with

Brown leading the way after charting two service aces and a kill.

The set remained close throughout, with New Haven holding a slim 22-20 advantage. Barry took over from there, connecting on three kills to give the Chargers a 25-21 win in the second set.

With the 2-0 lead, the Chargers entered the third set looking to make it the

final. They did just that, using six kills from Brown, five from Barry and a handful of others from their hitters. A kill from Reyonlds-Martin iced the game, sealing a 2516 set win for the Chargers and giving them the straightset sweep over Le Moyne. Barry led the Chargers with 15 total kills, with Brown coming in close second with 14. Johnson

also broke double-digits, connecting for 11 kills, while Moore and Reynolds-Martin finished with seven and six respectively. Brown led the team with five aces, and Barry, Guarniere and Rilee Jessee all added one. Setter Sophia Leon-Tabor stood out in the facilitator role, finishing with 44 assists.

With the win, New Haven improves to 8-7 (2-1 NE-10) and jumps above .500 for the first time since their second match of the season. Le Moyne falls to 5-6 (1-1 NE10) with the loss.

The Chargers return to the court on Tuesday for a rematch of the 2021 NE-10 Championship with American International College. AIC won in that last matchup, coming away with a slim 3-2 victory. It will be a big test for New Haven, as the Yellow Jackets enter the matchup boasting a 14-1 record on the season. The match is slated to begin at 7 p.m. in Springfield, Mass., with a live stream that can be found online at NewHavenChargers.com.

The New Haven women’s volleyball team during a timeout against Le Moyne, West Haven, Oct. 1, 2022. Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Kathryn Swistak.

The New Haven field hockey team huddles against Franklin Pierce, West Haven, Oct. 1, 2022. Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Lindsay Giovannone.

New Haven’s Sophie Schreck against Franklin Pierce, West Haven, Oct. 1, 2022.

Photo courtesy of Charger Bulletin/Lindsay Giovannone.