NEWS
PSU Vikings lose Homecoming Game to Montana
Grizzlies at Providence Park
ARTS & CULTURE
Public Agency of Travel for the Overwhelmed
Vanguard on Vinyl: “Cherry Bomb” by Tyler, the Creator
STAFF
EDITORIAL
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Noah Carandanis
MANAGING EDITOR
Olivia Hendry
NEWS EDITOR
Vacant
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
Adyan Hussein
OPINION EDITOR
Nick Gatlin
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Nash Bennett
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
Liam Schmitt
COPY CHIEF
Jude Callaway
ONLINE EDITOR
Quinn Willett
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Caleb Dougherty
PRODUCTION & DESIGN
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Haley Hsu
CONTRIBUTORS
Karli Schwartz
Arielle Chhunkeo
Naue Pagtakhan
Mary Catala
Nikki Marin
Max Bykowski
Jenelle De Leon
7 OPINION
ADVISING & ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR OF STUDENT MEDIA
Reaz Mahmood
SALP ACCOUNTANT
Maria Dominguez
STUDENT MEDIA TECH ADVISOR
Rae Fickle
STUDENT MEDIA TECH DEVELOPER
Kaylee Hynes
WEB DESIGNER
Owen Cook
To contact Portland State Vanguard, email editor@psuvanguard.com.
MISSION STATEMENT
PSU Vanguard’s mission is to serve the Portland State community with timely, accurate, comprehensive and critical content while upholding high journalistic standards. In the process, we aim to enrich our staff with quality, hands on journalism education and a number of skills highly valued in today’s job market.
ABOUT
Vanguard, established in 1946, is published weekly as an independent student newspaper governed by the PSU Student Media Board. Views and editorial content expressed herein are those of the staff, contributors and readers and do not necessarily represent the PSU student body, faculty, staff or administration. Find us online at psuvanguard.com.
COVER DESIGN BY HALEY HSU
Letter to the Editor: Where are the first, fifth and 14th Amendments?
The Conduct Process of Public Sector Undertakings Is Similar to White-Collar Corruption
JOSHUA PAUL ARNOLD
Editor’s note: this letter is in response to a PSU Vanguard article about the 2024 campus protests. Joshua Paul Arnold is a graduate student in the Criminology and Criminal Justice program.
The method in which Portland State University addressed student discipline following the 2024 protests is alarming; it indicates a misuse of power more indicative of white-collar crime than of fair educational oversight. The conduct process, which is based on policegenerated reports from the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) and Campus Public Safety Office (CPSO), is suggestive of a system intended to safeguard institutional interests rather than justice or education.
Under the prospect of harsher sanctions, students were obligated to “cooperate,” denied access to evidence such as body-camera footage and evaluated by an internal office that operates without independent oversight. This structure, which requires the accused to demonstrate their innocence without transparency, violates both ethical and procedural fairness. PSU’s implementation of transcript holds, suspensions and penalties of up to $5,000 results in the economic and academic punishment of students, muting activism and furthering financial hardships. These practices are symbolic of organizational deviance, which is the utilization of bureaucratic systems to conceal malfeasance and preserve authority. Additionally, they reveal PSU’s duplicity, penalizing individuals who act in accordance with their conscience while advocating for “Let Knowledge Serve the City.” Administrative coercion that undermines public trust has been perpetrated by PSU and PPB through the use of selective police evidence and clandestine deliberations.
PSU must replace punitive sanctions with transparent, restorative processes, terminate police-driven discipline and release withheld evidence if it truly values education and justice. Until then, the university’s conduct system serves as a case study in institutional malfeasance disguised as accountability.
PSU Vikings lose Homecoming Game to Montana Grizzlies at Providence Park
The Viks played hard in their return to Providence Park despite the 17-63 loss
The Portland State Vikings looked for a Homecoming victory, but found defeat in a 17-63 loss to the Montana Grizzlies in a long awaited return to Providence Park.
Going into this game, the pressure was on and expectations were high. In attendance was Portland State University legendary Coach Darrel “Mouse” Davis, who was being honored with an endowment in his name by the PSU Athletics Department. Coach Davis’ tenure at PSU was during the Run-and-Shoot era from 1975 to 1980, where he impacted football with his unique style of passing— an emphasis on receiver motion and improvising routes based on the defense. Former player and defensive back Rashad Floyd was also present, watching from the sidelines.
The spectator turnout was outstanding for both the Vikings and the Grizzlies. 9,583 people were in attendance and every fan’s presence was felt in the atmosphere. For being absent from Providence Park for seven years, fans picked up right where they left off. The last time the Vikings played at Providence Park only 4,375 people attended, which was eclipsed by the game on Nov. 15.
This game was specifically special for senior players, as it was their last home game of the season. 13 seniors had their last home game: Branden Alvarez, Jacques Badolato-Birdsell, Jakob Belton, Jayden Brannan, Tony Johnson, CJ Jordan, J’Querian Ladson, Chance Miller, Aedan Seiuli, Slade Shufelt, Keegan Stancato, Pedro Timoteo and Mathias Uribe. Only three of them didn’t take the field— Branden Alvarez, Jacques Badolato-Birdsell, and Jakob Beltonl— though all were honored in the final home game of the season.
THE GAME
The Vikings won the coin toss, starting the game on defense. A squib kick by kicker Uribe to the Grizzlies resulted in a fumble and recovery by freshman defensive back Pierce Walker. With the ball in the Vikings’ hands, running back Delon Thompson dashed for a 23-yard run. From there, starting quarterback Tyrese Smith ran a seven-yard touchdown. To finish it off, Uribe kicked a successful field goal.
Within a minute, the Vikings showed drive and set the tone, leading the score 7-0, and awaited the Grizzlies’ answer on defense. Junior defensive back Carsten Mamaril defended Grizzlies wide receiver Brooks Davis, breaking up a deep pass and forcing a third down.
The Vikings then forced a fourth down for the Grizzlies, due in no small part to sophomore DB Isaiah Green’s deflection on a pass attempt. Backed into a tough spot, the Grizzlies elected for a 48-yard field goal, which was unsuccessful.
With this momentum, the Vikings pushed downfield. Three straight first downs from passes to junior WR Terence Loville resulted in 38 yards gained. Then, cracks formed when sophomore QB John-Keawe Sagapolutele threw an interception to the Grizzlies, resulting in a 51-yard loss.
The Grizzlies looked to capitalize on the Vikings’ turnover, finding the opportunity within their second series. A four-yard rush down the middle by Eli Gillman and a successful field goal kick by Ty Morrison tied the score 7-7.
Unfortunately, the Vikings failed to respond, punting the ball on fourth and sixth at the Grizzlies’ 48-yard line. Grizzlies’ Gillman took
off for a 60-yard run, capping off the last play of the first quarter with a touchdown. By the end of the first quarter, the score was 14-7, Grizzlies. In an effort to rally, PSU continued to move the ball downfield; however, it was quickly undone by an interception in enemy territory. Grizzlies Micah Harper made an interception for a 55-yard return. To top it off, the Vikings were penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and gave away 14 yards.
The Grizzlies punished the Vikings’ blunder within two drives. They rushed left for a 15-yard touchdown by Keali’i Ah Yat, and, with a successful field goal from Morrison, brought the score to 21-7.
All was not lost; Uribe ended the second quarter with a 33-yard field goal, giving the Vikings some much-needed points. The score at the end of the first half was 21-10, Grizzlies.
According to the stat sheet, the Vikings were winning the rushing game 262-154 yards. However, sloppy passes led to turnovers, cheaply giving the Grizzlies 14 points. Going into the third quarter, the Vikings plan was clear: tighten up on offense, and hunker down on defense.
On the second drive after halftime, the Vikings threw another interception to Grizzlies Peyton Wing, a former Viking linebacker. He returned the ball for 34 yards at the Vikings 2-yard line. Three plays and one false start later, the Grizzlies scored again.
After that, it was much the same; the Grizzlies made two more interceptions, leading to two more touchdowns and field goals. The gap had widened further, the score now 56-10, Grizzlies.
In an attempt to staunch the bleeding, QB Smith ran a long 75-yard touchdown and Uribe
followed his lead with a successful field goal. The Vikings showed some fight on the defensive end, but not enough as the Grizzlies kept advancing, first down after first down.
The Grizzlies then scored from the 30-yard line, with Hashim Jones’ rush to the end zone being the culprit. Add a successful field goal from Jo Silver and the final score was 63-17, Grizzlies. After that, the clock had less than four minutes left leaving the Vikings helpless. They gave three last drives before punting the ball, and from there the Grizzlies ran out the clock.
RECAP
In terms of individual performance, Smith put on a show with a career-high 101 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Another notable star was Loville, with a solid five receptions for 70 yards, and defensive duo Jerome Roberts and Walker, who had a combined 16 tackles, split evenly with eight apiece. Junior defensive end Spencer Elliott also made four tackles and recovered one fumble.
Emotions were running high at the Vikings’ first reappearance at Providence Park since Oct. 13, 2018. The Grizzlies are a long time foe of the Vikings; PSU has played against Montana 48 times, more than any other team in the Big Sky conference. Montana leads the series 35-13.
A tense crowd brought palpable energy to the stadium and team. This translated to the Vikings’ spirit on the field, ensuring the Grizzlies didn’t win easily. The game did not go in PSU’s favor, but the future is still uncertain. Portland State’s final game of the season is Saturday, Nov. 22, away at Northern Colorado.
NASH BENNETT
NASH BENNETT
NASH BENNETT
NASH BENNETT
NASH BENNETT
NASH BENNETT
NASH BENNETT
Every MAX Line In Portland, Ranked
Or: losing and finding myself on Portland’s rail network
Reader, don’t you just love the sound the MAX makes — that groaning, wheezing chunk chunk — as it rolls into the station? Do you lie awake the night before a flight, fantasizing about the train ride to PDX? Do you have difficulty making eye contact? If you answered yes to any of those questions, this list is for you. Why did I decide to write this article? Hubris? Reader, have you ever ridden four MAX lines end to end in one day? Do you have any idea what that does to a person?
Sorry. Moving on. Here’s every MAX line in Portland, ranked from “Best Scenic View” to “Most Likely To Get You Stabbed By a Guy With a Machete.”
BEST SCENIC VIEW: YELLOW LINE
was nippy. I walked a few blocks, then sat and waited on the cold, metal bench at the station, staring listlessly at the food carts across the street and wishing I had eaten that morning.
The train finally came. Destination: “Clackamas.” So it goes.
Clackamas Town Center is possibly the most boring transit center I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying something (looking at you, Beaverton). It’s nothing but concrete and a Residence Inn by Marriott. Everything past Gateway Transit Center feels like despair. The strip malls are
The Yellow Line, which runs from the SW College station up to the Expo Center, has some of the best views in the entire TriMet light rail system. From the Rose Quarter station, with its primo angle of the Little Prince sculpture; to the windy climb up to Overlook Park with a view of the city skyline over the banks of the Willamette — the Yellow Line has it all. If you’re heading out from Portland State University, you’re in luck — like the Green Line, you can take this train all the way from campus to the other end and back (as I did, for this article).
enough to make you want to look for an exit, if you know what I mean (I’m pretty sure the crew switch takes the same tool as a skateboard bolt).
HONORABLE MENTION FOR BEST LINE ON WHICH TO FALL HALFASLEEP…: FX2-DIVISION
Yes, TriMet’s FX2 is technically a bus. It’s not a train, but it’s multi-segmented, shaped like an accordion and sick as hell. So I’ll briefly mention it here.
BEST LINE ON WHICH TO FALL HALFASLEEP LISTENING TO ART BLAKEY AND THE JAZZ MESSENGERS, THEN CHAKA KHAN, THEN PAUL SIMON, THEN THE DEAFENING SILENCE OF NO ONE: GREEN LINE
I started at Case Study Coffee Roasters on SW 10th Avenue. I bought a malted cinnamon maple oat latte for $7.99; it was warm. The air
I took the FX2 from the SE Division Max Station back to downtown Portland; I just couldn’t bear to ride the Green Line any longer. On my walk to the bus stop, I passed many lovely-looking bakeries and cafes; on the bus, there were three people sitting together wearing tacky slip-ons, two in Crocs, one in Birkenstocks (with socks). The world is full of wonders for those who look.
WORST LINE FOR PLANEWATCHING: RED LINE
You can sit around and watch planes all day if you have a ticket, but if you don’t have one, you can’t even walk around the airport pre-security? What a scam.
I hitched a ride on the Red Line one morning,
hoping to scout out some flight departures to watch from the ground — what better way to spend a Saturday? Alas, you need to have a flight to watch one, lest the Port of Portland frisk you for papers as you amble around the airport. I did, however, get to catch an Alaska flight hitting the ground. So make sure you look out the window as you approach PDX — if you want a glimpse of the real thing on the cheap.
MOST LIKELY TO GET YOU STABBED BY A GUY WITH A MACHETE: BLUE LINE
BEST LINE THAT’S REALLY JUST AN EXTENSION OF AN ALREADY-EXISTING ROUTE: ORANGE LINE
Seriously, explain to me how the Orange Line isn’t an extraneously named add-on to the Yellow Line. They literally overlap on the rail system map. They expanded the Red Line out to Hillsboro! Why does Milwaukie get to have its own line? What’s even in Milwaukie?
One of my friends grew up in Gresham and took the Blue Line into the city all the time; I have heard several stories about men with machetes patrolling the stations late at night, swinging them around like nightsticks. I have also run into not one, but two katana-wielding MAX riders at Sunset Transit Center and Orenco.
Ride this one during the day. And bring pepper spray.
HONORABLE MENTION(S) FOR FEAR OF DEATH BY WATER: PORTLAND STREETCAR AND WES
The NS Loop Streetcar and WES Commuter Rail are the only parts of the TriMet rail system that don’t cross the Willamette at any point (not including the Portland Aerial Tram, which is on the rail system map but feels like it shouldn’t be because it’s, you know, in the air). If you have rabies or a fear of bridges, these lines are for you — leave the MAX for the East Siders.
NICK GATLIN
NICK GATLIN
NICK GATLIN
NICK GATLIN
Interactive Art Exhibit:
Simeen Anjum explores different systems within global travel through participatory installations.
ADYAN HUSSEIN
“What if your ability to leave wasn’t guaranteed, even for those used to moving freely?” This question is posed by Simeen Anjum and explored in her exhibit at the PSU Art Building.
“Public Agency of Travel Planning for the Overwhelmed” is a socially engaging art project that delves into the themes of immigration, visas and the bureaucratic world. This exhibit focuses on the international student community, highlighting their experiences in uncertain times in regards to academic freedom as well as international travel bans through a satirical approach.
This project runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the AB Gallery at PSU (2000 SW 5th Ave), from Nov. 10-21 and was created by Simeen Anjum, a social practice artist and international student who is also an MFA Candidate in the Art + Social Practice program.
“This project stems from my experience as an international student in the United States, navigating life on a student visa while witnessing how ongoing changes in immigration policies, national politics, and the censorship of critical student voices affect our university campuses, academic freedom, and the wellbeing of all students, particularly those studying on visas,” said Anjum. “Despite being here with a valid visa, obtained through a rigorous and lengthy process, many of us live with the fear that our
freedom of speech is limited.”
This exhibit explores the complexities of visa navigation, borders, and immigration systems through an interpretation of global travel. It’s an interactive art installation depicting a fictional travel consultation. Anjum includes multiple pieces throughout the project that express displeasure with immigration policies.
“Another component is an installation of experimental clocks, inspired by the typical clocks showing different world time zones found in travel agencies,” said Anjum. “In my version, the clocks represent how time feels for those navigating immigration systems. One clock runs unusually fast, labeled ‘Trying to make it before my visa expires.’ Another clock has no hands, labeled ‘Application under review,’ reflecting the uncertainty and waiting built into these bureaucratic processes.”
Gabe Bidney, a senior in the BFA Graphic Design program at Portland State University, explained different parts that stood out to him within the exhibit.
“I do a fair amount of travelling, and so I thought using that as a medium to talk about work-life balance and getting permission to leave was a really interesting thing,” said Bidney. “I also thought it was odd that the room was very bare; it felt very lonely.”
One goal of the project is to allow participants to sit with and question the uncertainty, surveillance and power system
within the immigration system.
“I feel that it was about feeling anxious about something that should be relaxing. Taking time to travel and learn something new shouldn't be daunting and feel very heavy. We shouldn't have to feel super overwhelmed when we’re trying to take a break from our lives,” said Bidney.
“Permission to Leave” is a section of the project and serves as a fictional exit visa, requiring an individual to apply for permission to travel outside their country, regardless of the reason. Its goal is to imitate real-world bureaucracy, allowing visitors to reflect on the often absurd, unequal structures governing global relocation.
Maysa Abusneineh, a Palestinian student and senior in the graphic design program, shares her thoughts on what the meaning behind the exhibit could be.
“There’s a clear message, I’m still trying to figure it out, [...] I think it's definitely pointing out how America has been going down recently and making things harder for people to get in and out of the country when it really shouldn't be. It’s kind of poking fun at how outdated some of the policies are and how we’re going backwards instead of forward,” said Abusneineh.
During this exhibit, visitors were invited to participate in mock interviews. They’d fill out exit visa forms, and navigate within a fictional bureaucratic process crafted to feel uncomfortably real.
OLIVIA YOUNG
Tyler Okonma, also known as Tyler, the Creator, has been my most listened to artist for the past four years. His electrifying beats and lyrical mastery have provided a musical backdrop for some of my favorite memories. And, despite all of his incredible records, the best display of his craft has to be his third studio album, “Cherry Bomb.”
“Cherry Bomb” is a gritty, high-energy record that Apple Music describes as “dreamy, dark, wildly creative, and menacingly personal.” It’s the predecessor to the Grammynominated “Flower Boy”, which propelled Okonma into mainstream stardom. But those who only listened to “Flower Boy” and beyond are missing out on a pivotal piece of Okonma’s discography.
“Cherry Bomb” is a versatile album, speaking to Okonma’s mental state and life outlook at the time of the album’s production. The album opens up with “DEATHCAMP,” and the immediate, intense electric guitar quickly sets the tone for the rest of the album. Songs that follow a similar grungy, electric sound are “RUN,” “THE BROWN STAINS OF DARKEESE LATIFAH PART 6-12 (REMIX),” and my favorite song off the album (and one of my favorites of all time), “SMUCKERS.”
But that’s not all Okonma gives the listener. He brings some softer, more jazzy tracks that provide a more personal insight into who he is and what’s going on in his life. Songs like “FIND YOUR WINGS” and “2SEATER” bring a lighter vibe to the album, putting the cherry on top of a well-rounded, electrifying record.
Okonma’s music is deeply per sonal, with his passion for music and storytelling being apparent throughout his albums.
This is beautifully show cased in “Cherry Bomb.”
If you’re even slightly a hip-hop fan, I would absolutely recom mend giving it a listen.
KARLI SCHWARTZ
MARY CATALA