Volume 65 | Fall 2020 | Issue 2

Saber VOLUME 65 | Fall 2020| Issue 2

THE

AWARD WINNING STUDENT NEWS SOURCE AT COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY

Saber THE

Ashley Peterson, Editor-in-Chief Vivian Duncan, Office Manager Joe Miller, Faculty Adviser Luka Steele, Visual Editor Jade Thornton, Layout Editor Jessica DeMarco-Jacobson, Senior Copy Editor

EDITORS Macy Frazier Nastasia Rozenberg REPORTERS Destinee Williams Adrienne Baxter-McNeil VISUAL REPORTERS Eddie Sampson Vinh Huynh GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Tanasha Coleman Aaron George

@TheCSUSaber @SaberCSU @ColumbusStateSaber 2 | The Saber | FALL 2020

EDITOR'S LETTER Pictured A view at the Columbus Botanical Gardens by Vinh Huynh Contact For comments or inquiries: csusaber@gmail.com For advertising information: csusaberads@gmail. com 4225 University Ave. Columbus, GA 31907 Special Thanks To Sophia Brown, Cortney Laughlin, and Aaron George.

Disclaimer Opinions expressed in The Saber are those of the editor or writer of the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of Columbus State University or its affiliates.

Hello Students,

This issue is a little shorter, but it is just as full of good information and content. Our staff covers how to get an absentee ballot, COVID-19 research in our community, The Saber’s own history, and more.

I have included a short piece about The Saber, and the origin of its name. I feel that the student body has a right to know these things, and I feel even more strongly that the student body deserves a say in how they are represented by The Saber. Our name has some troubling origins, and if the students want that to change, we are all ears.

If you have any thoughts on The Saber’s name - and how it could change - after reading that piece, please contact us at csusaber@gmail.com or through any of our social media platforms. We exist to serve the student body and take that responsibility very seriously.

Additionally, if you know of anything happening on campus or in the Columbus community that you want to spread the word about, we are always open to suggestions.

Thank you to The Saber staff for putting in the work again this issue, trying new things, and helping each other out.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep your eyes open.

ash ley

C O N T E N T S •• VOL. 65 • FALL 2020 • ISSUE 2 AWARD-WINNING STUDENT NEWS SOURCE AT COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSIT Y

4 |THE TRUTH ABOUT THE SABER’S NAME

10| A DIFFERENT KIND OF MARCH

The Saber’s name holds confederate connotations - something The Saber staff wants to change, with your help.

Finance debates are pushed to the forefront at the Basic Income March

By Ashley Peterson

By Adrienne Baxter-McNeil

5 |A GUIDE TO GETTING YOUR GEORGIA ABSENTEE BALLOT FOR THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

11| VOLUNTEERING DURING COVID: HOW TO SAFELY GET SERVICE HOURS DURING THE PANDEMIC CSU students can find virtual and socially distant in-person volunteer opportunities to help give back to the Columbus community

By Jessica DeMarco-Jacobson

By Destinee Williams

6 |AN INVESTIGATION OF CSU THEATRE DEPARTMENT'S NUMBER OF POC APPLICANTS

12| THINGS TO DO REMOTELY AND SAFELY IN COLUMBUS: UPDATED

The Saber pulls open records of applicant data from the last five years.

An updated list of activities and places to safely visit in Columbus to add onto “Things to Do Remotely” by Jessica DeMarco-Jacobson and Vivian Duncan

By Jessica DeMarco-Jacobson

By Nastasia Rozenberg

8 |IACT HEALTH ADMINISTERS COVID-19 VACCINE TRIALS

14| COMICS

The new COVID-19 vaccination study in Columbus that pays participants for each appointment and provides free testing throughout their trial

By Nastasia Rozenberg

On The Cover Student Aaron George poses by a public mailbox

by Jade Thornton These Stories found within these 16 pages

The Truth About The Saber’s Name The Saber’s name holds confederate connotations - something The Saber staff wants to change, with your help.

O

ver the past few months - and, indeed, the past few years - there has been a greater and greater push for southern states and institutions to officially distance themselves from confederate imagery.

Now we would like to give The Saber the opportunity to do the same.

The Saber has been Columbus State University’s student-run publication since it first opened, when it was still Columbus College. Many things have changed since Columbus College first opened, and not just its name.

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The Saber’s mascot was originally the “Rebels” — referencing the image of a confederate soldier. As an archived article by former editor Sabrina G. Vinson states, “Old issues of the newspaper were adorned, on either side of the masthead, with confederate flags.”

We covered these topics in our 2018 anniversary issue, but The Saber staff felt that our name still needs to be addressed.

According to that archived article, a saber is a “cavalry sword with a curved blade, thin back, and guard.” It seems that The Saber was named after the sword of that Rebel mascot.

When I first joined The Saber, I thought that its name referred to something like a saber-toothed tiger - a relative of our Cougar mascot perhaps. Now, though, I see our unsavory history and I would like to move forward, with the help of the student body.

What do you think of The Saber’s name? Do you think it is harmful? What should our publication’s name be instead?

Our goal, always, is to serve the student body, and it is not acceptable to us that we might be continuing a racist legacy even by carrying this name. You can reach out to us and let us know what you think at csusaber@gmail.com or on our social media.

ASHLEY PETERSON

PHOTOS FROM SABER ARCHIVES

VOTING

A Guide to getting your Georgia absentee ballot for the 2020 presidential election

what is an absentee ballot?

An absentee ballot allows you to vote via mailing.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many states are making it easier to vote with an absentee ballot this year. Although every state has mail-in voting, some states only allow you to turn in an absentee ballot under certain conditions.

how do i get an absentee ballot?

First, you’ll need to check your voter registration.

You can check your voter registration status at mvp.sos. ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do, along with checking your mail-in application, mail-in ballot status, your poll location, early voting locations, and more. If you recently moved, then you need to update your registration. You can visit registertovote.sos.ga.gov to register to vote or change your voter information. If you decide to vote in-person, then you will need a valid form of photo identification.

Once you have checked your voter registration status, you will need to fill out and submit an absentee ballot application. You can submit your application multiple ways: online, by mail, by fax, or in person.

You can find out how to submit your ballot application via each of these methods at georgia.gov/voteabsentee-ballot. Scroll down to the second step and click your preferred method.

JESSICA DEMARCO-JACOBSON

ASHLEY PETERSON

when should i get my ballot and turn it in?

If you applied for your Georgia ballot in person or by mail, you should receive your ballot four days before Election Day, which is on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

If you’re turning in a ballot for another state, you can check when you will receive your ballot and when you should turn it in at vote.org/absentee-ballot-deadlines.

The Secretary of State’s guide for absentee voting has additional details about when you will receive your ballot. Once received, ballots can be submitted via mail or at a drop-off location in your county. You can contact your county registrar for available drop-off locations.

what do i do after i turn in my ballot?

You can log into the Georgia My Voter Page and click the Absentee Ballot Request Information Box to see if your ballot was accepted.

The Georgia Government website recommends that voters contact their county registrar in the case that their absentee voter applicant was denied or if they don’t receive it. They also recommend that voters request absentee ballots ahead of Election Day. FALL 2020

| The Saber | 5

T H E AT R E

An investigation of CSU Theatre Department's number of POC applicants The Saber pulls open records of applicant data from the last five years.

I

n June, The Saber covered CSU students’ experiences of racism within the Theatre Department. When The Saber interviewed CSU Theatre Department Chair and Professor, Dr. Larry Dooley, the publication asked him how theatre faculty and staff would tackle diversity when none of their full-time faculty members are people of color.

Dooley answered that the faculty was “diverse in other ways,” noting that the faculty consisted of both males and females.

Dooley then explained the challenges behind creating a racially diverse faculty. He stated that the theatre department rarely gets new positions, and recent budget cuts have threatened the number of positions available.

Dooley stated when the theatre department is able to fill a new open position, they are required to do a national search and advertise the position. He noted that it was “rare that [the theatre department] even has somebody [racially diverse] that has applied.”

According to Dooley, few students of color in PhD programs study in specific subjects such as theatre history. He said that “there are far fewer qualified

individuals out there in the marketplace,” and that “the Columbus State Theatre Department is competing with theatre departments all over the country for a very limited pool of candidates.”

In late June, The Saber made an open records request from the CSU Human Resources Department, requesting the demographic data on all Theater Department hires from the last five years. Craig Burgess, general counsel and officer of CSU’s open records, provided The Saber with an Excel spreadsheet to satisfy this request.

The spreadsheet includes what position the applicant applied for, whether the applicant was hired or rejected, the applicant’s gender and ethnicity, the open and close date, and the date and time when their application was submitted.

The spreadsheet revealed that 33% of applicants from the last five years belonged to minority groups, while the other 67% were white applicants. More specifically, 13% of applicants were black, 9% were unknown, 7% were Asian, 2% were Hispanic, and 2% were Native American.

Dooley stated when the theatre department is able to fill a new open position, they are required to do a national search and advertise the position. He noted that it was “rare that [the theatre department] even has somebody [racially diverse] that has applied.”

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JESSICA DEMARCO-JACOBSON

T H E AT R E

Race of Applicants in CSU Theatre 7% 2% 2%

White Black

9%

Unknown 13%

Asian 67%

Hispanic Native American

Majority vs Minority Applicants in CSU Theatre Majority (Whites) Minority (Other Races)

33% 67%

One open position, Work Study Student, received three POC applicants, but the job opening was cancelled by the department. 23 people applied for the Visiting Assistant Professor position, and a white woman was selected. 16 of the 23 applicants were white, but three were black, and one was Native American.

The remaining three were of an unknown race.

The Assistant Professor of Theatre position showed similar results in the diversity of applicants. A majority—32 of the 39—were white, while one Native American woman applied, along with one Asian woman and one black man. The four other applicants were of an unknown race.

TANASHA COLEMAN

DENISE STICKNEY

The Assistant Professor of Dance position has one of the most diverse applicant pools. While 12 out of the 21 applicants were white, there were two Asian, two black, and two hispanic applicants. The remaining applicants were of an unknown race.

Only one person of color, a black male individual, was hired in the past five years, for the position of a part-time Box Office Coordinator. All full-time positions were filled by white individuals. Although the applicant pool was majority white for all positions, a small POC applicant pool existed for every position.

The Saber reached out to Dooley for comment on Sept. 7, but he has yet to reply.

FALL 2020

| The Saber | 7

H E A LT H

IACT Health administers covid-19 vaccine trials The new COVID-19 vaccination study in Columbus that pays participants for each appointment and provides free testing throughout their trial

I

ACT Health is a research company in Columbus that is currently performing vaccine trials for COVID-19.

IACT provides testing and treatment, performs vaccine research, and also pays participants for each appointment. COVID-19 testing during the trial is free for participants. Participants are paid $119 for each appointment and also get paid $5 each time they log their symptoms on an app required by IACT. The study lasts about two years, so participants can earn about $900 for the entirety of the trial. Participants can also choose to leave the study at any time, and are not required to participate for the entire two years.

Sophia Brown, senior History major, made an appointment at IACT to make extra money after her summer job ended. Brown heard about the company through a friend who works for the clinic.

“The customer service was really great. The medical professional that walked me through the terms and conditions, did my COVID test, and drew my blood was kind and answered my questions,” commented Brown on her experience with the IACT staff.

She mentioned that she struggled only with getting her blood drawn during the first appointment and ultimately was unable to do so

8 | The Saber | FALL 2020

after a few attempts, having to wait until her next appointment. She also explained that she has not experienced major side effects since beginning the trial.

“I haven’t noticed any side effects yet, but then again, I have only received the first shot. I didn't even have soreness at the injection site,

"it is incredibly important for the widest demographic of people possible to participate in clinical trials" which I usually get when I get shots.

I have a number of friends that are also participating in the study. They began a few weeks before I joined, so they are farther along. I haven’t received my second shot yet, but most of my friends reported flu-like symptoms after the second shot that lasted only a day or two.”

When asked about the possibility of the development for an effective COVID-19 vaccine, Brown expressed her initial enthusiasm at the thought. She emphasized the importance of administering the vaccine to a large, diverse population in order for it to be effective.

“I am still fully aware of the pressing necessity of a vaccine, but looking at recent polls, some 20% of Americans say they will not get a COVID vaccine if offered one today. For a vaccine to be effective, it needs to be administered widely. Even if a vaccine was widely available today, it does not mean there will be an end to the widespread human suffering and death that we are witnessing today. I hope that the Trump administration is able to deliver a coherent message in regards to a COVID vaccine, but I fear that they have damaged their credibility too much in the realm of public health to effectively convince the public.”

According to a poll conducted by NBC News, 44% of Americans would get a government-approved COVID vaccine if one becomes available and accessible. 56% of Americans either would not get vaccinated or are unsure. Political affiliations, age, ethnicity, and education appear to be the determining factors of differing opinion and NASTASIA ROZENBERG

H E A LT H

demographic groups. The 44% claiming they would willingly get vaccinated are comprised of Democrats, senior citizens, Asian Americans, and college graduates.

Independent and Republican parties appear to be more closely aligned in beliefs about an effective coronavirus vaccine. 59% of Asian Americans claimed they would get vaccinated. Other minority groups demonstrated hesitation in wanting to get a COVID-19 vaccine, with 40% of Hispanic Americans and 24% of Black Americans wanting a vaccine. 48% of white Americans claimed they would get vaccinated. Income also demonstrates a significant effect on the statistics, with Americans earning at least $100,000 annually serving as the majority willing to receive a vaccine.

Brown pointed out the lack of diversity in vaccine trials and their “failure to include diverse participation.”

“It is incredibly important for the widest demographic of people possible to participate in clinical trials in order to best understand the possible side effects, and as it stands, the trials are failing abysmally to garner a diverse pool of participants. Vaccine hesitancy towards a COVID ASHLEY PETERSON

44% of americans would get a government-approved covid vaccine if one becomes available and accessible vaccine falls along racial lines with non-white Americans less likely to get the vaccine. Of course, there is a long history of POC, specifically Black Americans, being abused by American health institutions, so that is another contributing factor to their hesitancy.”

Brown concluded by urging readers to get vaccinated once an FDA approved, government regulated coronavirus vaccine becomes available in order for the treatment to be effective on a larger scale.

“Once a vaccine is widely available, I urge everyone to get one. Also, don't forget your flu shots!”

FALL 2020

| The Saber | 9

CURRENT EVENTS

A Different Kind of March Finance debates are pushed to the forefront at the Basic Income March ADRIENNE BAXTER-MCNEIL

T

MEDIA PROVIDED

he organization Basic Income March has headed to Atlanta to bring awareness to a new perception of livelihood. Their rally is around a cause called Universal Basic Income, a system in which every adult citizen would receive a set payment on a recurring basis. The idea is often seen as an offset to job loss caused by technology or as an economic stimulus.

Basic Income March considers itself a grassroots movement with the intention to spur change, but has been backed by other organizations. The Gerald Huff Fund for Humanity, along with the Income Movement, was one of the first organizations to back the Basic Income March.

“The March of the Robots has to be countered by the March for Humanity,” said Gisèle Huff, President of the Gerald Huff Fund for Humanity. “All of us have to participate in a national conversation about Universal Basic Income because all of us will be affected by the forthcoming drastic changes in the world of work.”

The first marches, held October 26, 2019, spread across the globe in a mere six week period, culminating in events through thirty different cities and across five continents.

On Sept. 19, a march at Liberty Plaza in Atlanta signaled a second wave. Having a total of seven speakers, from city council members to congressional candidates,

"all of us have to participate in a national conversation about Universal basic income" those who attended the march were able to hear different perspectives on the main issue. Notably, the site of the march is across from the Georgia State Capitol.

Apart from the in-person events initially planned, Basic Income March also partnered with mobile application, WATT, to encourage marchers to log steps in support of the cause should they not want to gather.

Though the job insecurity exposed by city-wide shutdowns was not the impetus of the movement, many newcomers may have been spurred by these circumstances. Income Movement Co-Founder, Stacey Rutland, has been quoted to express that one positive spin to current concerns is that it has “brought to the surface, for a lot of people, the need to rethink how our economy works.”

Basic Income March presents one way of looking forward.

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VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering During Covid: How to Safely Get Service Hours during the Pandemic CSU students can find virtual and socially distant in-person volunteer opportunities to help give back to the Columbus community

A

s the semester progresses, clubs and organizations at Columbus State are encouraging students to get involved in the community by requiring service hours. However, students may find it difficult to find places to find places to volunteer as many community service organizations are adapting to CDC guidelines. To encourage students to help the community, Student Leadership & Service provides students with information on both virtual and socially distant in-person events in Columbus.

Many service organizations have decided to serve the community through a virtual format, allowing students to volunteer from the safety of their homes. Cortney Laughlin, Director of the William B. Turner Center for Servant Leadership, is directing students to the local United Way website, where they can create encouragement cards, hygiene kits, and child-friendly activities.

Other volunteer organizations in the Chattahoochee Valley area are offering a variety of virtual opportunities, including Orchard View Nursing Center, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Oxbow Meadows. To get involved with service projects and ongoing activities, students should visit their websites to become a volunteer.

"...your neighbors and communities need you

now more than ever” DESTINEE WILLIAMS

MEDIA PROVIDED

While a large number of community service establishments in Columbus are conducting business virtually, many organizations are still offering in-person volunteering. Opportunities include Hope Harbor, Ronald Mcdonald House, St. Anne Community Outreach, and Chattahoochee Valley Libraries.

All in-person service events will follow CDC guidelines and recommendations. A limited number of volunteers will be accepted to encourage social distancing, and masks will be required. Organizations will continue to monitor the situation, and in-person volunteer opportunities are subject to change.

CSU is also offering volunteer opportunities to encourage students to engage with the community.

Annual volunteer events, such as Cougarthon, will tentatively take place this school year. MLK Day of Service, a community-wide service event, is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2021, and will be a collaboration between CSU and community partners.

Student Leadership & Service is also offering monthly Saturday service days, where students will be able to sign up to volunteer throughout the community. According to Alexis Knox, Student Development Coordinator for Student Leadership and Service, service opportunities will be limited to 15 students per service event. “To the students who are feeling discouraged by the limited number of volunteer opportunities this semester, I would say that your neighbors and communities need you now more than ever,” Laughlin said. “And no, it may not be as easy to go and volunteer right now in the ways that we all are used to doing, but the level of ease should not stop us from helping those around us.”

FALL 2020

| The Saber | 11

HEAD

Things to Do Remotely and Safely in Columbus: Updated An updated list of activities and places to safely visit in Columbus to add onto “Things to Do Remotely� by Jessica DeMarco-Jacobson and Vivian Duncan

W

ith the COVID-19 pandemic continuing as students are attending classes on campus, the amount of weekend and after class activities available for students living in Columbus are limited due to social distancing and safety guidelines. However, many places such as parks, museums, and certain restaurants are now open to the public while following safety guidelines, and many activities are also available such as exercise classes, hiking, and sightseeing. Here is an updated list of attractions and activities in the Columbus area:

Outdoor activities Tai Chi Classes These $10 Tai Chi classes are available outdoors at Sherwood Presbyterian Church, located at 3100 15th Ave., Columbus, GA 31904. Call Dr. Chan at 706-5633539 to register.html.

Market Days on Broadway Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, local vendors set up outdoors on the blocks of Broadway, located in Uptown Columbus. Local and organic farmers sell produce, fresh bread, and flowers, and local vendors sell products such as jewelry, soaps, and home decor items.

Waveshaper Island Also known as RiverWalk Island, this small island of rocks connects to the Columbus RiverWalk and serves as a viewing spot for great blue herons as well as the access point to the river for kayaking. Visit the island with a book or your homework to sit on the rocks by the water, or have a picnic here with your roommates.

12 | The Saber | FALL 2020

NASTASIA ROZENBERG

COMMUNITY

Columbus Botanical Garden Visit the Columbus Botanical Garden alone or with roommates for a mini photoshoot with the local plants, or enjoy the walking trail and paths through the garden.

The garden is open daily, and admission is free. New Japanese gardens are also expected to open in October.

Columbus Dragonfly Trail This trail, beginning at the 14th Street bridge, sits on an abandoned railroad. Visit the trail to ride your bike, go for a run, or get your daily exercise in an outdoor setting.

RiverWalk Geocaching The Columbus RiverWalk lines the Chattahoochee River for 15 miles, and it also contains 32 hidden geocaches that allow you to go on a treasure hunt along the river. For more information about participation and to register and download a grid sheet, visit visitcolumbusga.com/visit/riverwalk-geotour/.

socially-distanced indoor activities the bo bartlett center Located in the upstairs gallery of CSU’s Corn Center on the RiverPark campus, the Bo Bartlett Center features the works of Bo Bartlett and is now open to the public by appointment. Admission is free, but ten people are being permitted at a time. Call 706-507-8432 to make a reservation. Visit bobartlettcenter.org for more information.

Pasaquan An extension of CSU, Pasaquan features various art galleries and displays throughout the year both indoors and outdoors. Pasaquan is open from Friday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm with suggested contributions at $3 for students. For more information, visit pasaquan.columbusstate.edu.

Columbus Museum Now with limited capacity and enforced social distancing, Columbus Museum operates at reduced hours with free admission. The museum features local works and focuses on American and Southeastern art. For a detailed schedule of operating hours, visit columbusmuseum.com/welcome-back/welcome-back.html.

In addition to this list, activities such as seminars and workout classes can also be done virtually through YouTube and other online platforms. Remember to always wear your mask in public and social distance when possible. For a more extensive list of activities to do around the Columbus area, visit visitcolumbusga.com.

VINH HUYNH

FALL 2020

| The Saber | 13

COMICS

14 | The Saber | FALL 2020

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