Jan. 23, 2019

COLLEGE OF DUPAGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER — 23 JANUARY

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2019

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WELCOME BACK!

NEWS

FEATURES

OPINION

GoFundMe Started for CoD Professor Fighting Cancer

A Preview of Black History Month

Is There a Right End of the Noose?

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NOTIFICATION OF STUDENTS’ RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. (An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution.) These rights include:

LEVEL UP PODCAST WITH KENNETH MCKINNEY

1.

The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day College of DuPage Office of Student Records receives a request for access.

A student should submit to the Office of Student Records written requests that identify the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The College will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2.

The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. A student who wishes to ask College of DuPage to amend a record should write to the Office of Student Records, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If College of DuPage decides not to amend the record as requested, the College will notify the student in writing of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3.

The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information or PII (not “Directory Information”) contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A school official may also include a volunteer or contractor outside of College of DuPage who performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent or a student assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for College of DuPage.

4.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by College of DuPage to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-4605 NOTICE OF PUBLIC STUDENT INFORMATION

Disclosure of Directory Information The items listed below are designated as “Directory Information” and may be released for any purpose at the discretion of the College. Under provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you have the right to withhold the disclosure of the “Directory Information” listed below.

Please consider very carefully the consequences of any decision by you to withhold “Directory Information.” Should you decide to inform the College not to release any “Directory Information,” any future requests for such information from non-College persons or organizations will be refused.

The College will honor your request to withhold “Directory Information” listed below, but cannot assume responsibility to contact you for subsequent permission to release it. Regardless of the effect upon you, the College assumes no liability for honoring your instructions that such information be withheld.

Directory Information consists of the following: Name, community, college-issued email address, previous education institution(s) attended, major field of study, enrollment status, terms and dates of attendance, awards, honors and degrees earned, past and present participation in officially recognized sports and activities, height and weight of student athletes.

FRIDAYS ON CODCOURIER.ORG

If you wish to withhold this information, complete the “Student Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information” form, available in the Office of Student Records, SRC 2150. If the completed form is not received, it is assumed the above information may be disclosed.

ADM-17-25349(8/17)

INDEX

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NEWS······················ 04

2018 Year in Review

FEATURES··············· 08

Wings Gallery: Ceramics

OPINION·················· 11

A Letter to the Editor: The Issue with Issue #15

MUSIC PICKS·········· 14

Staff Picks: Favorite Song of 2018

COD Courier Student Newspaper

@codcourier

@codcourier

ON THE COVER THE TEAM

SRC 1220 • 630-942-2689

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF······························· Tessa Morton ASSIGNMENT REPORTER···················· Joey Weslo

NSO Leaders Channan Daniel, Taria Murphy, and Sandra Macias Alison Pfaff

NEWS EDITOR···································· Madison Venckus FEATURES EDITOR······························ Reanna Comiso OPINION EDITOR································ Kimberly Wilson SPORTS EDITOR································· Miguel Contreras III HEAD PHOTO EDITOR·························· Alison Pfaff ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR················· Lindsay Piotter GRAPHICS EDITOR······························ Brandon Beckwith ASSISTANT GRAPHICS EDITOR············ John Noonan EDITORIAL CARTOONIST····················· DeAnte Washington ADVISER - Jim Fuller fullerj103@cod.edu

ABOUT US The Courier is published every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters, except for the first and last Wednesday of each semester and the week of spring break as a public forum with content chosen by student editors. One copy free, additional copies available upon request.

The Courier does not knowingly accept advertisement that discriminate on the basis of sex, creed, religion, color, handicapped status, veteran or sexual orientation, nor does it knowingly print ads that violate any local, state or federal laws.

Deliver all correspondence to SSC 1220 between regular office hours or mail to the Courier, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL. 60137.

NEWS

4

2018 YEAR IN REVIEW AT COD Madison Venckus, News Editor

C O L L E G E O F D U PA G E S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R — 0 5 S E P T E M B E R 2 01 8 — VO L U M E 5 3

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BREAKING NEWS!

Student Athletes put on Sports Probation p4

FEATURES

Chasing Storms with the Metetorology Team p8

SPORTS

Return of the COD Spirit Squad p14

09/05/18

COLLEGE OF DUPAGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER — 3 OCTOBER 2018

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VO L U M E 5 3

"RECLAIMING ME" A PHOTO SERIES ON SURVIVAL NEWS

FEATURES

SPORTS

Model UN Students Discuss Trump's Policies p4

Casual College Drinking or Alcoholism? p7

Men's Soccer Victory over Kennedy-King p16

COLLEGE OF DUPAGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER — 31 OCTOBER 2018

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NEWS

FEATURES

OPINION

Your Candidates p6

Interview with Lauren Underwood

Comedian in Political Exile p16

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College of DuPage began the fall semester of 2018 with Mark Curtis-Chavez being named COD’s new provost. The position was created by COD President Ann Rondeau in order to aid in overall student success. Curtis-Chavez is responsible for overseeing the educational programs as well as student services of the college. He has also helped in furthering the development of the Pathways Program, Academic and Student Affairs Divisions and aid in overall student success at the college.

Within the beginning weeks back to school, COD athletic teams were put on athletic probation for the 2018-2019 school year. The violations were discovered during an internal audit and independent review by an outside law firm. Violations included missing high school transcripts, physicals and transfer student transcripts. Although teams are no longer able to compete in post-season competitions, athletes have still participated throughout the season.

The now former President Ann E. Rondeau ended her time at College of DuPage effective Dec. 31, 2018. Rondeau accepted an official request from the Secretary of the Navy to serve as president of the Naval Postgraduate school. Fol-

lowing the announcement of Rondeau’s departure, interim President Brian Caputo was elected to fill the position while the board of trustees conducts interviews.

On Nov. 10, COD hosted a celebration for an upcoming exhibit that will feature Frida Kahlo’s work. The exhibit is currently in England and will be transported to Milan, then COD. According to the event’s press release, there will be 26 pieces, with self portraits from various points in Kahlo’s life.

The exhibit is the largest private collection of Frida Kahlo’s artwork and is planned to open in June of 2020 in the McAninch Art Center and Cleve Carney Art Gallery.

During the final weeks of the semester, Board of Trustees Chairwoman, Deanna Mazzochi, was elected as state representative for the 47th district. Following her election, she resigned from her position on the board of trustees. A new chairman will be elected following the new year.

In 2019, students and staff can look forward to major upcoming projects on both the Beem building and the student support center. Innovation DuPage and Project HireEd plan to promote local businesses and job growth into the new year.

COLLEGE OF DUPAGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER — 26 SEPTEMBER 2018

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VO L U M E 5 3

HAS ANYTHING CHANGED? REACTIONS TO SEXUAL ASSULT ALLEGATIONS NEWS

NEWS

SPORTS

COD Celebrates Constitution Day p4

Kavanaugh Faces Sexual Assult Charges p6

It's never too late to take your shot

COLLEGE OF DUPAGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER — 17 OCTOBER 2018

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RONDEAU RESIGNS NEWS

FEATURES

SPORTS

COD Reacts to Van Dyke Verdict p8

So Much Yum p14

Great Turnout at Sunset 5k p20

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COLLEGE OF DUPAGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER — 14 NOVEMBER 2018

VO L U M E 5 3

COD CELEBRATES UPCOMING FRIDA KAHLO EXHIBIT

NEWS

FEATURES

OPINION

America's Opioid Epidemic p8

The Tragedy of Untested Rape Kits

The Dangers of Free Hate Speech

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p20

NEWS

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Cleve Carney Gallery Expansion Approved Ahead of Frida Kahlo 2020 Exhibition Tessa Morton, Editor-in-Chief A year after the College of DuPage (COD) Board of Trustees approved the hosting of a Frida Kahlo art exhibition in 2020, the board approved expansions and security measures last week that will ensure the Cleve Carney Gallery is up to the task of hosting such a significant event.

At the Jan. 17 Board of Trustees meeting, Diana Martinez, the director of the McAninch Arts Center, presented her proposal for renovations that would extend to the Cleve Carney Gallery. The Frida Kahlo exhibit would bring paintings collectively worth over $100 million. Base security requirements were necessary to protect the art and bring the Cleve Carney Gallery up to museum level security standards. Beyond these initial security standards, Martinez proposed also expanding the physical gallery space. More space would not only allow for a better-quality Kahlo exhibition but also increase the possibility the gallery would host similar high-value exhibitions in the future.

Martinez proposed two options for the expansion.

The first option, the northern expansion, would enlarge the gallery into the northerly courtyard at a cost of $1.9 million. The second option would expand the gallery into the existing art center lobby at a cost of $307,000. Martinez argued, although the second option was significantly less expensive, it would encroach on heavily trafficked lobby space and would result in a less seamless gallery rather than a larger gallery designed for long term use. Martinez advocated for approval of the northern expansion and suggested it was a long

term solution that would benefit the school in a number of ways.

The Frida Kahlo exhibition is likely to bring national attention to COD and has already attracted partners who have committed donations and promotional support.

“College of DuPage will be on a national stage with critical press,” said Martinez. “ We can lead in the growing cultural landscape in DuPage County.”

Martinez said this investment had “the potential for pay off in notoriety and increased enrolment.”

The increased space would also allow for more per hourly visitors to major exhibitions, which would increase revenue for the gallery.

Charles Boone, dean of Arts, Communication, and Hospitality at COD, agreed with this proposal

and believed it would bring further educational benefits to students.

“This really isn’t about profit and loss, this is about what we are doing for students in the community,” Boone said. “[Expanding the gallery] allows us to expand the scale of student exhibitions, student competitions and faculty shows. It allows for more substantial shows to pass through the gallery.

“There is a long standing impact of having a gallery expansion,” he continued. “We should treat it as a capital asset rather than an expense.”

The board unanimously voted to approve the more expensive northern expansion for the gallery. Vice Chairman Frank Napolitano supported the option, despite initially voting against bringing the Kahlo

exhibit to the school last year, citing concerns about the costs. Chairman Deanne Mazzochi agreed with Martinez, however, and believes the capital expenditure will yield future dividends.

In other action, the board approved a contract with a firm to conduct a search for former COD President Ann Rondeau’s replacement. A contract was approved with AGB Search at a cost of no more than $97,500. Brian Caputo was named Interim President at the beginning of 2019 and will serve in this capacity until a new president is appointed.

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NEWS

BELOVED COLLEGE OF DUPAGE PROFESSOR FIGHTS CANCER WITH OPTIMISM Tessa Morton, Editor-in-Chief At the beginning of the 2018 spring semester, Eric Martinson, like most College of DuPage professors, was preparing for classes, a new crop of student names to learn and a snowy Illinois winter.

What he was not preparing for was a cancer diagnosis that would keep him away from the classroom and shape his family’s lives for almost an entire year.

Feb. 14, 2018, was supposed to be like any other Wednesday morning for Martinson, but a routine blood review appointment led to a monthslong stay in the hospital. After two rounds of chemotherapy, Martinson returned home in April, and after two more rounds of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, he was declared cancer-free in June.

Upon his return home in July, Martinson faced a long recovery journey. By October, he was preparing for 2019 classes and a return to normal life. That’s when doctors told Martinson the cancer was back.

He would need more chemotherapy.

Despite this, Martinson planned to return to class this spring semester.

Even as he began clinical trials over the Christmas period he remained hopeful. When a biopsy showed the cancer had worsened, the Martinson family changed course again.

Martinson realized he would spend another semester away from teaching at the school he loved.

College of DuPage is more than just a place of work for Martinson.

He is an alum, having received both an Associates of Arts and an Associates of Sciences at COD. In 2010, he left a career as a financial analyst to return to COD as an adjunct professor. By the end of 2014, Martinson was a tenured, full-time profes-

sor in the English department and beloved by his students.

“He was the very first faculty member I met when I first started here. He’s been, not just a colleague, but a really close friend of mine,” said Timothy Henningson, an English professor at COD. “We’re all envious of him in this English faculty suite because he is so immensely popular with his students,” Henningson continued.

“He’s got this natural ability to make students comfortable and to want to learn from him.”

Students from Martinson’s English classes have posted glowing reviews for him on ratemyprofessors.com.

“Martinson is the best,” said one post from 2017. “He was like a friend to me. He taught me how to love an English class.”

Another student from Martinson’s 2018 English 1101 class posted, “He's my favorite professor so far.”

Martinson has been overwhelmed by the support he has received from both students and the wider College of DuPage community.

“It was incredible, the support I got from students right off the bat.

They were calling and texting, and I got hundreds of emails,” Martinson said. “It meant the world to me.

“The college has been unbelievably supportive to the point where it felt like family,” he continued. “This is something no one plans for, and the support was so needed. I am so grateful for it.”

Martinson is planning for the future based on the ideal outcome.

With treatments underway, Martinson anticipates he will go back into remission this spring and looks forward to returning back to COD. “I fully expect to be teaching sum-

Eric and his wife, Tiffani

Courtesy of Tiffani Martinson

mer school classes,” Martinson said.

“That is my goal, and that’s what I’m shooting for right now. I plan on returning to campus in May.” Henningson is also looking forward to Martinson’s return.

“He’s a special faculty member here. The fact that he’s been away for a year is a detriment to the College of DuPage community,” Henningson said. “His office is right across the hall from mine, and I want to see that office light on.”

After almost a full year away from work, Martinson and his family continue to face the emotional and financial challenges that a battle against cancer can bring.

Recently, friends of the family started a Go Fund Me campaign to raise funds for Martinson so he and his family can focus on his health. Links to this campaign can be found on our website. https://www.gofundme. com/f/EricMartinson-Hope

In April, the College of DuPage will be partnering with Be The Match to host the “COD Heroes Drive Event.” This event is a bone marrow registry drive and a part of the fight against blood cancers, like leukemia. Presentations raising awareness for the event will occur from Feb. 11 to Feb. 14. To find out more visit their website: https://bethematch.org

NEWS

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Illinois Institute of Technology and College of DuPage Form Guaranteed Admission Agreement Madison Venckus, News Editor College of DuPage and the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) have a new guaranteed admission agreement. This agreement will provide a smooth transfer path for COD students selecting Illinois Tech undergraduate degrees. Tracks for Illinois Tech’s College of Architecture and its Armour College of Engineering are also included.

Illinois Tech will accept applications from COD students who are pursuing associate of arts or associate of science degrees. The agreement also states that eligible students may concurrently enroll in COD and Illinois Tech. Those who are enrolled at COD will take Illinois Tech’s gateway course.

Illinois Tech courses are offered through their FastFoward to Illinois Tech Program at $100 per credit hour. COD students who are accepted to Illinois Tech through the new agreement will also be offered an IIT Scholarship of $25,000 with full-time enrollment. COD graduates are guaranteed access to Illinois Tech’s programming, with the financial benefit.

Illinois Tech offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, science, architecture, business, design, human sciences, applied technology and law. It’s also one of 21 institutions that comprise the Association of Independent Technological Universities (AITU).

“At Illinois Tech we are always seeking ways to make top-quality educational opportunities available to the broadest number of students possible. Our partnership with College of DuPage offers not only an easy transition but also financial incentives to support students on their path to success,” said Illinois Tech’s provost, Peter Kilpatrick.

Illinois Tech has multiple campuses including: Mies Campus in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, a downtown Chicago campus, Moffett Campus in Bedford Park, and a suburban Rice Campus in Wheaton. With Illinois Tech’s Wheaton campus closely located to COD’s main campus

CATCH UP ON CREDITS GET CLOSER TO COMPLETING YOUR DEGREE

in Glen Ellyn, students have the ability to complete their degree in DuPage County.

“This agreement is particularly valuable for students pursuing engineering or architecture because Illinois Tech has created specific tracks in these competitive fields to give our students a clear course of study with a great deal of academic support along the way,” said College of DuPage Provost Dr. Mark Curtis-Chávez.

This agreement provides College of DuPage graduates guaranteed access to Illinois Tech’s highly regarded programming, with financial benefits that make their dreams of higher education easier to achieve.

Roosevelt’s Summer Session allows you to keep summer plans in place while earning the credits you need. Choose from a wide range of online courses to continue your education — wherever you are, at your own pace.

Featured online courses • Psychology of Gender • McDonaldization of Society • Persuasion & Presentation Skills

Learn more at: roosevelt.edu/summer-cod

SUMMER SESSION

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FEATURES NEWS

WINGS GALLERY

This is an exhibition of abstract sculpture created by students in Marina Kuchinski's and Benjamin Buchenot's beginning ceramic classes.

See for youself at the Wings Gallery.

Photos by Lindsay Piotter

FEATURES

9 Photos by Alison Pfaff

NSO 2019 David Swope talks to students about the Center for Diversity and inclusion at CoD

Students pose with the mascot, Chappy

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FEATURES

THE BLACK MIGRATION BLACK HISTORY MONTH PREVIEW

Black History Month 2019 Opening Celebration featuring Afrikan Dance and Music Institute

Global Flicks’ ‘The African Doctor’

Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM MAC Playhouse

Monday, Feb. 4 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM Student Services Center (SSC), Atrium

Black Student Alliance (BSA) Club Panel Discussion Thursday, Feb. 21 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Student Services Center (SSC), Room 1200

The Movement that Influenced American Culture (Photo Exhibit)

Feb. 1 to March 15 Student Resource Center (SRC) Lower Level Walkway

The Annual African-American Read-In

Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Library, Third Floor, Room 3100

College of DuPage Africa and African Diaspora Committee Ivory Coast Discussion Monday, Feb. 25 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM TBD

“Tell Them We Are Rising” film presented by Living Leadership in Collaboration With the Black Student Alliance Thursday, Feb. 7 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM Student Services Center (SSC), Room 3245

College of DuPage Entrepreneurship Club From Black Migration to Black Businesses and Beyond

The Inaugural College of DuPage Hip Hop Summit Monday April 29 to Thursday May 2

Black History Month 2019 Closing Ceremony‘A Taste of History’ Featuring the Indika Reggae Band Feb. 28 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Cafeteria

Tuesday, Feb. 12 and 26 from 3:00 PM to 4:30PM Student Services Center (SSC), Room 3245

‘Migration from Then to Now’ Talk by Special Guest Dr. Fredrick Douglas Dixon Thursday, Feb. 14 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Health and Science Center (HSC), Room 1234

College of DuPage will be hosting a series of events for this year’s Black History Month under the theme “‘Black Migration.”’ The opening event, described as a “rousing history inspired celebration,” will feature a performance from the COD Chamber Singers as well as dance lessons from the Afrikan Dance and Music Institute. The events will also include a talk from hHistorian, educator and community activist Fredrick Douglas Dixon on the history of migration in America.

For more information about the events, contact David Swope, manager of the COD Center for Diversity and Inclusion at swoped28@cod.edu or 630-942-2565

OPINION

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A Letter to the Editor The front page of the recent Courier mocking Christianity was very offensive to me. I walked away from the College of DuPage feeling let down, betrayed and very sad that something like that could happen at COD. That graphic would insult thousands of people connected to College of DuPage as students, teachers, staff and supporters. In this Christmas season, to mock the birth of Christ is unacceptable, mean spirited and shows such a lack of respect for faithbased people. Nothing is gained by mocking or making fun of anything. It is a form of bullying! A college newspaper should not be in that business.

-Don Klaas

Achieve More.

Together.

The Quarter System Quarrel Kimberly Wilson, Opinion Editor The semester calendar, which splits a school year into two to three 15-week terms, is the system most Americans are familiar with. At 71.2 percent according to the National Association of College Stores, the majority of colleges in America, including College of DuPage, use this system. Just because most schools use this system doesn’t mean it’s the best.

The lesser-known quarter system divides a school year into three 10-week terms. Many argue the main reason for its minimal use by schools is because students have less time to absorb information, but there are benefits.

The quarter system lets students take more classes per school year. This gives students the opportunity to experiment with different classes they may not have had the chance to take in a semester system. This could

be especially helpful to students who are undecided on a major (like many COD students) as they’ll be able to explore a wider variety of subjects.

The quarter system can also help students to stay focused throughout the term. Less time to get school work done will mean less time to procrastinate.

A shorter term forces students to do their work on time unless they are fine with failing.

Students will also have more chances to raise their grade point averages because of the greater number of classes they’ll be able to take. Double majoring and adding a minor can also be more easily achieved when taking more classes during the school year.

Of course, the semester system is not without its advantages. The extra weeks in a semester gives students breathing room. Students under the

semester system don’t feel as much pressure because there is more time to take in information and complete assignments.

Students attending schools with semester systems also graduate earlier, giving them a head start in the job market.

Both systems can have advantages and disadvantages, but depending on what you want out of college, attending a school with a quarter system might just pay dividends. If you are student who wants a comprehensive learning experience, could use an extra incentive to not procrastinate and/or works well under pressure, a quarter system could very well make your time in college much more enriching. With top Illinois schools like Northwestern University and the University of Chicago utilizing this system, there just might be a method to the madness after all.

• 80 undergraduate majors • Adult accelerated degree completion programs • Counselors on-site to make the transfer process easy Our most popular transfer majors include computer science, criminal justice, education, nursing, healthcare leadership, business and aviation.

Learn more about our on-site undergraduate programs: • 3+1 Computer Science degree • 3+1 Criminal Justice degree • Enhanced 2+2 Teacher Education degrees (Early Childhood Education with Endorsements in Special Education and ESL, Elementary, Special, and Combined Elementary/ Special Education)

Scheduled On-Site

3+1 Advising Session

Dates and Room Locations: cod.edu/academics/transfer_programs/ 3plus1_advising_sessions.aspx

(815) 836-5250 • admission@lewisu.edu

lewisu.edu/transfers

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OPINION

IS THERE A RIGHT END OF THE NOOSE? Joey Weslo, Assignment Reporter

There is a difference between doing what is easy and what is right.

It is easy to submit to revenge. It is easy to seek out retribution over upholding the ethics of justice.

The death penalty is a comfort Americans use to patch over dysfunctions of society they are most ashamed by.

Ending is better than mending.

If there is, as the saying goes, a wrong end of the noose, what does it say for those doling out the punishment? Can those letting fear govern justice evade corrupting their own authority?

Last week, defense lawyers argued before an appellate court to overturn the death penalty sentence given to Dzokhar Tsarnaev, 25, one of the two convicted bombers of the 2013 Boston Marathon. Tsarnaev, 19 at the time of the attack, along with his older brother Tamerlan, used homemade pressure-cooker bombs to kill three people and wound more than 260 others. They also fatally shot a police officer while on the run from authorities. Tamerlan was killed while trying to evade capture.

Library of Congress

Because the judicial system will always be imperfect and vulnerable to bias, innocent lives have been executed before exoneration.

While capital punishment was abolished in Massachusetts in 1984, federal crimes committed in the state are still subject to the death penalty.

Tsarnaev’s lawyers argued he was under the influence of his radicalized older brother. They also argued trying the case inside Boston deprived Tsarnaev of a fair and impartial trial.

Are those engulfed in emotional turmoil capable of upholding judicial impartiality? Are the rights protected by the Constitution prone to subjectivity? The history of the death penalty in America is one of bias, discrimination and arbitrary sentencing. Upholding the Constitution has become subservient to the authoritarian justice sought by an emotional public’s ulterior motives.

Capital punishment is legal in 30 states (not including Illinois), although 13 of those states have abandoned the practice.

The American Civil Liberties Union has long fought for nation-wide abolition of the death penalty.

They believe capital punishment deceives the public of a false governmental protection and fails as a deterrent against violent crime and homicide.

Adherents arguing those who commit crimes should pay for

what they’ve done, fail to see the discrimination in sentencing.

The ACLU highlights almost all those on death row are poor.

A significant number are mentally disabled. And about 40% of death row inmates are African American.

Since 1976, 7,800 have been sentenced to death with 1,400 executed. 148 defendants were exonerated in their case before execution.

Capital punishment sentences have always been at the mercy of the judge’s explicit or subconscious biases and discriminations.

The same impurities of morality have impeded even-handed jury decisions.

In 2018, of the 25 nationwide executions, 13 were in Texas. All the seven people Texas sentenced to death in 2018 were people of color.

Lack of uniformity and a subjection to capricious judgments have dominated nation-wide sentencing. A 2001 study from the Univ. of North Carolina found in North Carolina, the odds of receiving a death sentence were 3.5 times higher among defendants whose victims were white.

Race, gender, social class, and location of the crime supersede the federal constitution when dictating sentencing.

Three-quarters of those sentenced to death were poor enough to only be provided a legal-aid lawyer.

OPINION Of the 1,400 executed since 1976, Texas has executed 548, Virginia 113, and Oklahoma 112 people.

The supportive states argue capital punishment serves as a deterrent against violent crime.

However, states without capital punishment have lower crime rates, and those with it average 50% higher homicide rates.

Deterrence works on the presumption of rational criminals acting upon premeditation. However, many violent crimes are instead committed upon impulse.

Capital punishment has become less about actual deterrence and more about those is power appeasing the masses to protect their monopoly on authority. The ruling-class uses the guise of security and false-justice to protect its own privileged position in society.

While most Western-democracies have abolished or abandoned the practice of capital punishment, America’s continuance has placed it alongside regimes in China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and North Korea.

Exercising authoritarian control over an individual preserves the status-quo maintaining the social hierarchy.

It is natural to want vengeance.

However, our Constitution holds us to a higher reasoning. Fear amongst the public not only impinges upon the civil rights of defendants, but corrodes the public’s own constitutional protections.

Emotion cannot compromise the objective truths provided by the Constitution.

Nowhere does it dictate homicide forfeits your inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Nor does it say murder permits the

public to take these rights from another American citizen.

Upholding the death sentence against Tsarnaev would violate the constitutional ban against cruel and unusual punishment provided by the Eighth Amendment.

The horrors of his crime do not excuse the lapse of our judicial ethics.

Discriminatory sentencing violates the due process of law and equal protection provided by the Fourteenth Ame3ndment.

By arbitrarily forsaking the rule of law to appease a demand for justice, the United States forfeits their mandate to help end human

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315 in 1996. There are currently 2,817 people on death row.

Objectors point to the average wait time offenders experience of 10 years before execution as being an example of cruel and unusual punishment.

Because the judicial system will always be imperfect and vulnerable to bias, innocent lives have been executed before exoneration.

In 2018, Vincente Figueroa was exonerated in California after 26 years on death row, and Clemente Aguirre in Florida was released from prison after 12 years on death row.

Lengthy trials and appeals con-

as the result of the killer’s death.

South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu has stated, “To take a life when a life has been lost is revenge, it is not justice.”

Hatred and revenge do not fill the bereaved with solace. More violence cannot mollify the burden of a loved one being taken from you.

Revenge is a disease spreading from person to person. Nowhere is justice had by taking another’s life.

Families and friends of the 2017 Charleston church shooting have shown only forgiveness will help with release.

Nowhere does the law state who is unworthy of rehabilitation and who is unjust of forgiveness.

In opposition to the death penalty given to Dylann Roof, 21, for killing nine churchgoers, family members of the victims appealed for mercy.

“You took something very precious from me. I will never talk to her ever again. I will never be able to hold her again, but I forgive you. And (may God) have mercy on your soul,” said the daughter of victim Ethel Lance.

Their actions of forgiveness were not enough to appease the jury’s demand for vengeance. Roof was sentenced to death by lethal injection.

When the needle pierces his vein, the world will not be made any safer, the families will not feel any closure, and society will once again turn a blind-eye to a barbaric act of unconstitutional injustice.

Three-quarters of those sentenced to death were poor enough to only be provided a legal-aid lawyer. rights violations and abuses of authority across the globe.

By sentencing Tsarnaev to death, we normalize violence and banalize acts of brutality in society.

There is an inherent hypocrisy of states in the name of justice committing the heinous act of taking another’s life. The rule of law cannot become circumstantial.

Amnesty International calls the death penalty a, “symptom of a culture of violence, not a solution to it.”

Amnesty believes capital punishment violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations in 1948.

106 nations have abolished the death penalty, with another 142 nations abolishing it in practice.

25 people were executed in America in 2018, continuing a downward trend from a peak of 98 executed in 1999. 40 more people were sentenced to death row compared to

tribute to substantial costs for capital punishment cases in comparison to life-long imprisonment.

In a state review, Kansas concluded capital cases are 70% more expensive than non-death cases, including the costs of lifetime incarceration. Death penalty cases in North Carolina total $2.16 million more per case than life imprisonment. In Florida, costs total $51 million a year above what it would cost to punish all murderers with life in prison.

If states wanted to deter crime, they should expropriate those funds to education and social programs for the states’ poorest and highest crime neighborhoods.

Retribution has been prioritized above reforming maligned dysfunctions of society.

Ethics have become sacrificed under the false predicate family and friends of the victim will feel closure

NEWS MUSIC

14

STAFF PICKS

2018 BEST OF

Topanga Trippie Redd

Trippie Redd released his fourth album, A Love Letter to You 3, in early November of 2018 and it has been my go-to playlist ever since. Redd has a unique style and combines R&B and rap in most of his music.

My favorite song on his album was Topanga which was in reference to the city Topanga in California.

Madison Venckus

Beyond Leon Bridges

An invocation to the eternal promise of love. A neo-soul waltz to the timbre of ‘Into the Mystic’s majesty. Echoing to a distant shore. Ripples to a higher horizon. Timid, nervous first steps into the amorous cosmic wake. Taken by the celestial current to become drenched in the astriferous bliss of love’s transcendence. Hanging a prayer on the night’s brightest constellation.

Joey Weslo

Everything I Need Trevor Hall

Finesse Bruno Mars and Cardi B

Two of music’s biggest stars teamed up to produce this hit with a distinct 90s feel. Its infectious rhythm and fun loving vibe can put anyone who listens in a great mood, easily making Finesse one of the most popular songs of 2018.

Kimberly Wilson

Oh, What a World Kacey Musgraves

From Musgrave’s album “Golden Hour, the song is a love story about the world we live in and being mesmerized by the possibilities. In such a polarizing time in this country, it is a hopeful song that gets my mind off of the continuous negativity that floods our phones and TVs. It is a beautiful reminder. While the album itself is in the country genre, even if you aren’t a fan of that type of music, the album is a perfect example of an artist blending different types of music together to create something beautiful, cohesive and thoughtful.

Though there is not much of a variety of word use in this song, that is what makes it so powerful. Trevor Hall has a beautiful message to Alison Pfaff share in every single song he writes. This is one of his more simple songs that wraps up his entire musical expression into one. He reminds us that it is possible and essential to be content within ourselves, this earth, and this life. At the end, he mentions the fruitful darkness.

The darkness, to Trevor, is where light is born. This can be taken in every way possible whether it be the inevitable highs and lows that come with being human or the current state of the world.

Lindsay Piotter

YOU CAN FIND THE COURIER SPOTIFY PLAYLIST AT CODCOURIER.ORG

15

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STUDENT JOB OPENINGS PAID POSITION FOR STUDENTS WITH AT LEAST 6 CREDIT HOURS

North Central will be at College of DuPage on: January 23, 2018 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

February 6, 2018 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

January 31, 2018 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

February 19, 2018 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• • • •

FEATURES EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR FREELANCE ARTIST

EMAIL EDITOR@COD.EDU FOR MORE DETAILS

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Transferring into North Central College means helpful planning with knowledgeable counselors, generous academic scholarships and financial aid, and customized campus visits.

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12/14/2018 4:14:34 PM