Portland State Vanguard

PORTLAND STATE VANGUARD

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GOODBYE HIGHER ONE p 4 THIS WEEK AROUND THE WORLD p 7 LIQUID WIRE WINS SILVER p 10 MARIANA ISLANDS MAKE HISTORY AT DNC p 12

VOLUME 71 • ISSUE 7 • SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

FORMER PSU PRESIDENT DAN BERNSTINE PASSES AWAY p2

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL ARTS & CULTURE OPINION SUBPAR ADVICE EVENTS

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COVER BY SHANNON KIDD ILLUSTRATION BY SHANNON KIDD

FORMER PSU PRESIDENT DAN BERNSTINE PASSES AWAY VANGUARD STAFF Former Portland State President Dan Bernstine passed away late last week at the age of 69.

Current PSU President Wim Wiewel issued a letter of condolence on September 26. The statement reads as follows: “Dear colleagues, I am sad to announce that our former president, Dan Bernstine, passed away late last week at his home at age 69.

Dan left an impressive legacy in his 10 years as president of Portland State, and he will be remembered for

his quiet, strong leadership in time of extraordinary growth for the university.

During his service from 1997-2007, enrollment grew by about 70 percent, new buildings and renovations were completed across campus, and he helped pave the way for millions of dollars in private support. His most lasting impact may be giving more students access to higher education, a mission we continue as fall term begins today.

After leaving PSU, Dan served as president of the

Law School Admission Council in Pennsylvania.

With his characteristic modesty, Dan was always the first to praise the hard work of his colleagues, but we all know that he deserves great credit for his many contributions to PSU. I send my deepest condolences to his many friends in Portland and his children, Quincy and Justin.”

Plans for a campus memorial are pending.

MISSION STATEMENT:

MANAGING EDITOR Molly Ozier managingeditor@psuvanguard.com

ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR associatenews@psuvanguard.com

The 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 a quality, hands-on journalism education and a number of skills that are highly valued in today’s job market.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Colleen Leary editor@psuvanguard.com

NEWS EDITOR Jon Raby news@psuvanguard.com ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Daniel Finnegan arts@psuvanguard.com OPINION EDITOR Jennee Martinez opinion@psuvanguard.com INTERNATIONAL EDITOR international@psuvanguard.com

FORMER PSU PRESIDENT DAN BERNSTINE PASSED AWAY LATE LAST WEEK AT THE AGE OF 69/COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY COMUNICATIONS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Arlen Cornejo production@psuvanguard.com PHOTO EDITOR Silvia Cardullo photo@psuvanguard.com ONLINE EDITOR Tim Sullivan online@psuvanguard.com COPY CHIEF Thomas Spoelhof copy@psuvanguard.com

MULTIMEDIA MANAGER Andy Ngo multimedia@psuvanguard ADVERTISING MANAGER Madelaine Elvers psustudentmediamanager@gmail. com ADVERTISING DESIGNER Sam Hicks DESIGNERS Lauren Chapluk Terra Dehart Shannon Kidd Aaron Osborn

CONTRIBUTORS Randee-Jo Barcinas-Manglona Gray Bouchat Joan Brown Andy Clark John Pinney Catherine Johnson Molly Simas COPY EDITORS Coby Lawson Nicholas Shea ADVERTISING SALES Jacoba Layton Ilyse Espino

ADVISER Reaz Mahmood reaz@pdx.edu ADVERTISING ADVISER Ann Roman The Vanguard 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 those of the PSU student body, faculty, staff or administration.

NEWS

DECEIT, RESTITUTION AND CHANGE: PSU LEAVES HIGHER ONE JOAN BROWN

Higher One—the financial institution that’s been the gatekeeper for Portland State’s financial aid disbursements since 2004—recently faced investigation for deceptive financial practices. Higher One and its cohort WEX Bank have complied with Federal Depositor Insurance Company consent orders to pay combined civil monetary penalties of $3.98 million, plus restitution of approximately $31 million to be dispersed to an estimated 900,000 consumers.

For the past 12 years, PSU students have been formally required to use a Higher One credit card as their school ID card and a Higher One bank account for federal aid and scholarship disbursements.

Fall term will be the first since the university’s contract with Higher One ended

and reverted back to mailed check or personal account direct deposit options.

Higher One, in collaboration with WEX Bank, provides colleges and universities with financial disbursement services.

Specifically, the disbursements revolve around the balance of student loans after tuition is paid directly to the school. OneAccount holders with debit cardbased product offered by Higher One and approved

by WEX Bank may expect to receive restitution money.

The FDIC concluded that Higher One improperly collected $31 million in fees from students between May 4, 2012 and July 15, 2014.

“Consumers do not need to take action. Eligible consumers will receive notification from the companies following approval of the restitution plan,” the FDIC

stated in a December 2015 press release.

“PSU first contracted with Higher One in 2004,” wrote Amanda Nguyen, MFA, CPFM, director of Student Financial Services and the Financial Wellness Center at PSU. “The contract with Higher One ends in October of 2016.”

According to the FDIC Consent Order, Order for Restitution, and Order to Pay Civil Money Penalty, stipulated on December 18, 2015, Higher One and WEX Bank “controlled students’ access to and information about financial aid refund disbursement options because students were required by their school to use the Higher One website to select the method of the financial aid refund disbursement, or wait at least two weeks to receive a refund check by default.”

“It’s kind of messed up,” said PSU student Madison Sauder. “It’s your money and they aren’t giving you clear choices on what to do with it.”

In exercising deceit, the Higher One website and associated information contained material omisions or was not clear and conspicuous about certain fees, features and limitations of the OneAccount.

FDIC Assistant Director, Office of Public Affairs, David Barr said, “The FDIC does not discuss individual enforcement actions, we let the orders speak for themselves.”

The FDIC press release state, “Higher One earned income from all fees paid by students in connection with the accounts.”

Mathematics grad student James Sauls was able to avoid using Higher One when he began at PSU one year ago.

“I didn’t want a credit card and wanted to do direct deposit,” Sauls said. “I actively avoided it but I can’t tell you the steps I took on [Banweb] to do so.”

“I don’t think they made it very clear you could go straight to direct deposit,” said PSU student Megan Davis, who also avoided using Higher One. Included in the December 18, 2015 stipulated Consent Order, Order for Restitution, and Order to Pay Civil Money Penalty are instructions that Higher One is to send eligible consumers a certified or bank check by United States Postal Service first-class mail to each eligible consumer’s last address as maintained in Higher One’s records.

If a current mailing address cannot be identified using standard address search methodologies, Higher One is to retain the restitution amount

for a period of 360 days from the date the restitution check was originally mailed, during which period the amount may be claimed by the eligible consumer upon appropriate proof of identity.

A request to Higher One representatives for information about this matter was not answered. A request to learn the timeline of restitution payments was also not answered.

“The current [PSU] procedure for processing student loan refunds (as of Sept.16, 2016) is through an automated process that sends a direct deposit to a student’s designated bank account or produces a paper check refund for students who have specifically requested that as their refund method and for students who have not indicated a preference.

Refunds are processed daily,” Nguyen said.

Crime Blotter Week of Sept. 16-26 JON RABY

Sept. 16 Telephonic Harassment Box Office, SMSU Staff at the box office have been receiving phone calls and voicemails from a male who is neither happy with their service nor the performance of the PSU Vikings football team. There were no threats but the calls have risen to the level of telephonic harassment.

Sept. 17 Burglary II Arrest Stott Center At approximately 5:05 p.m. officers Marks and Rominger responded to a report of a male showering and refusing to leave the women’s locker room, and possible PSU clothing theft. Officers contacted non-PSU student just outside the Stott entrance. He admitted to entering the locker room and to “finding” two articles of PSU clothing inside the building. The man was arrested and lodged at MCDC and issued a PSU exclusion.

Warrant Exclusion–Car Prowl Parking Structure 3 Officers Marks and Troppe observed three males walking in Parking Structure 3. They believed the males were looking for cars to break in to.

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Officers were able to stop one of the suspects at SW 12th and Montgomery after he fled. The man was arrested on a warrant and excluded from PSU. The other two were not able to be stopped.

Sept. 19 Voluntary Detox Hold Blackstone Bldg.

Officers Troppe and Rominger responded to a reported male passed out on the north side of the Blackstone Bldg. At the scene the male was found with an empty bottle and admitted to drinking vodka. He had recently arrived from California and asked to be taken to Detox after explanation that it is not the same as jail. At the Detox center the man did not believe he was not in jail and was eventually removed and released. At the man’s request, officers dropped him off at Union Station.

Sept. 22 Exclusion Community Garden Officer Fischer responded to an area check for three transients suspected to be using drugs near the garden. He located one male nonstudent who was high on intoxicants and acting erratic. The nonstudent had various items scattered around and refused to leave the area. The nonstudent was issued an exclusion and a work order was put in for the community garden.

PSU Vanguard • SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 • psuvanguard.com

Sept. 24 Information (Disorderly Conduct) University Palace Hotel At approximately 3:30 p.m. housing officer Rominger took a report from an employee at the hotel regarding an unidentified male who had threatened the front desk staff personnel and demanded a room for the night. The man left the hotel prior to Rominger’s arrival and was seen on the northbound Max train.

Sept. 26 Exclusion Action/Use of Heroine Montgomery House Officer Ward responded to a male acting suspiciously in the courtyard by Montgomery House and found him looking disoriented and asked for assistance finding a drink. Officers were concerned about his welfare but he declined an Ambulance. The man had a football sized tumor on his stomach, was wearing a hospital tag and stated he needed a restroom.

Ward provided access to the all gender restroom in SRTC but after a long delay the officer entered the restroom to find the man flushing an apparent syringe. Ward requested an ambulance for the man who asked to be taken to OHSU for liver complaints. The officer checked the restroom and locks and requested a work order for cleaning.

NEWS

The deceptive practices which Higher One and WEX Bank agree to have committed include: Each of the web pages in the Higher One/OneAccount enrollment process featured the students’ school logos more prominently than either the Higher One logo or any references to WEX Bank.

There was no information on Higher One’s refund disbursement home page about options for transferring balances to another bank account or paper check options, either of which may have enabled students to access their student financial aid refunds with fewer fees.

On the web page where the student made a choice about the method of refund disbursement, information about the speed of receiving a refund through the OneAccount was displayed prominently, but information about certain fees, features and limitations of the OneAccount was missing.

Information about the availability of fee-free ATM locations was not available on the web page where students made a choice about the method of refund disbursement.

While Higher One generally provided at least one fee-free ATM on each campus, some fee-free ATMs were on campus locations that were closed on nights, weekends and holidays.

The website did not contain information notifying students that the OneAccount was an internet-only checking account.

It was only after students selected a refund delivery mechanism and entered all personal information that a complete fee schedule and the terms and conditions were readily available.

If students wanted to choose another refund delivery mechanism before opening an account, they had to click back through previous screens to reach the appropriate web page and resubmit all personal information.

While the fee schedule contained information about ATM fees for using non-Higher One ATMs, students had to click on another link to find information about feefree ATM locations.

PSU Vanguard •SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 • psuvanguard.com

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NEWS

GRAD EMPLOYEES UNION SEEKS GREATER STAKE IN PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH MOLLY SIMAS

GEU MEMBERS AARON JOHNSON AND CHRISTIAN MARSH ADDRESS PSU BOARD OF TRUSTEES IN SEPTEMBER 2016. COURTESY OF GEU Portland State President Wim Wiewel’s retirement is on the horizon, raising a natural question: Who will be his successor?

Finding a new PSU president isn’t as simple as a single interview. A 21-member search committee, appointed

by PSU’s Board of Trustees, will work in tandem with a national leadership recruitment firm (Boston-based Isaacson, Miller) to vet and select candidates.

In August, the Board approved a resolution that outlined the specifics of the upcoming search for a president. Although the resolution stated that the search committee would include “representatives from the faculty and staff unions,” one union on campus found itself without an invite.

The Graduate Employees Union, which received certification in May 2016 as the official representative

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of 800 graduate teaching, research and administrative assistants at PSU, was not asked to submit a list of candidates for inclusion on the search committee.

In an Aug. 17 email to the GEU, University General Counsel David Reese explained that the Board faced a challenge in crafting the committee’s composition— ensuring diverse campus representation while maintaining efficiency of size. “[The Board] included two PSU students as committee members, one undergraduate and one graduate…It’s certainly possible for the graduate student spot to be filled by somebody who is also a graduate student employee, although it is not required,” Reese wrote.

Reese also suggested that the GEU collaborate with Associated Students of PSU President Liela Forbes to

propose names for the single graduate student spot.

However, not all graduate students have the same relationship to the potential president that the GEU represents. Those who are not part of the union may be unaware of the issues that led to its formation, such as stipend amounts, health insurance and university fees.

Unions included on the presidential search committee issued letters in support of GEU, urging Board of Trustees Chair Pete Nickerson to invite a GEU representative as well.

“As a recently certified labor union, GEU represents PSU employees that do critical and unique work that keeps our campus running,” wrote Staci Martin, president of PSU Faculty Association, in an Aug. 29 letter. “While we are aware that there is a seat on the Presidential Search Committee designated for a

PSU Vanguard • SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 • psuvanguard.com

graduate student, the GEU differs in that they represent nearly 800 graduate research, teaching and administrative student employees.”

PSU American Association of University Professors president José Padín wrote a similar letter, urging Nickerson and the Board to reconsider.

Aaron Johnson, a graduate research assistant in the Urban Studies department and member of GEU, said the Board simply may not have been aware of the union, given its relatively short lifespan. “[Nickerson] wasn’t aware of us,” Johnson said. “The Board process to form the committee was people suggesting names, and ours didn’t come up.”

Johnson said Nickerson met with the GEU earlier in September. While he wasn’t ready to change his mind about inviting a GEU representative to the search

committee, he invited the union to brief the Board about why GEU formed and what they do.

Johnson spoke to the Board, along with GEU member Christian Marsh.

“They seemed interested in learning more about the role that grad student employees hold on campus,” Johnson said.

The final selections for the presidential search committee were released Sept. 16. GEU may not have received a formal invitation, but one of its members, Andrew Longhofer, is included on the committee nonetheless, in the graduate student seat.

“There were requests from others across campus to be appointed members of the search committee—more requests than could be accommodated,” stated Chris Broderick of University Communications

in an email, replying to a request for comment on David Reese’s behalf.

“With 21 members, the search committee is bigger than the Board originally planned, posing a challenge to bring such a large group together on a regular basis in a timely fashion,” Broderick continued but the Board wanted the committee to be as diverse, inclusive and representative as possible, so that is why it has grown to 21 members.”

As the GEU prepares to negotiate its first contract with the PSU administration, its stake in the presidential search is high. The university president will oversee the contracting process.

“We want to make sure that we are well-respected in all our doings on campus and treated like other union employees,” Johnson said. “We want a good administration.”

Sept. 15–Sept. 23 Nimi Einstein

SEPT. 15

Congress approves $19.5 billion for NASA Mars exploration and mandates it must happen in the next 25 years. “In order to maximize the costeffectiveness of the long-term exploration and utilization activities of the United States, the Administrator shall take all necessary steps, including engaging international academic, and industry partners to ensure the activities in the Administration’s human exploration program balance how those activities might also help meet the requirement of future exploration and utilization activities leading to human habitation on the surface of Mars,” states Senate bill S.3346– National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2016.

SEPT. 19

Fire at Greek refugee camp. Around 4,000 people were evacuated Monday evening as a fire ripped through Moria refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos. “Over 50 UNHCR Refugee Housing Units, accommodating some 800 people, were completely destroyed,” said United Nations Refugee Agency spokesman William Spindler in a statement.

SEPT. 23

Colombia’s Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People’s Army (Spanish: Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) votes unanimously in approval to signing historic agreement with Colombian government, formally ending 52-year civil war. FARC will be relaunched as a political party as the agreement is put to popular vote on Oct. 2, 2016.

SEPT. 25

Pingtang County, China finishes world’s largest radio telescope at 500 meters wide. The People’s Republic of China’s official press agency, Xinhua News Agency, reports the $180 million project displaced 8,000 people due to the 3-mile radius necessary to create radio silence around the facility. The telescope will study interstellar molecules associated to how galaxies evolve.

HILLEL INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES

RHONDA KRUSCHEN

PACIFIC UNIVERSITY Hannah Struder MSW ’16 Hannah Struder chose the Pacific University Master of Social Work Program in Eugene to advance her career in social work. After the two-year program, Struder found a permanent position with the agency where she completed fieldwork. “My practicum and the MSW program really allowed me this opportunity to jump into this field,” she said. “For me to get my master’s really allowed me to go to the next level in being able to help people.”

AS THE NEW DIRECTOR AT PDX HILLEL Hillel’s Mission

Enriching the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.

Hillel’s Vision

We envision a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.

/PDXHillel pacificu.edu/MSW 541-485-6812 | msw@pacificu.edu

@ pdxhillel www.pdxhillel.org

PSU Vanguard •SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 • psuvanguard.com

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ARTS & CULTURE COVER

CAMPUS PRIDE INDEX LISTS PSU AS ‘BEST OF THE BEST’ LGBTQ-INCLUSIVITY RANKED 4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS GRAY BOUCHAT

ILLUSTRATION BY LAUREN CHAPLUK An inclusive campus atmosphere is integral to welcoming and encouraging Portland State’s diverse population.

New D2L modules like “Creating a Safe Campus: Preventing Gender Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault” help educate students on retaining a positive environment.

In 2015, PSU was ranked in the top 30 LGBTQ-friendly universities on the “Best of the Best” list. According to Campus Pride Index, a nonprofit organization to create safer environments, PSU ranks 4.5 out of 5 stars in LGBTQ-inclusivity.

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The index highlights the Queer Resource Center and ranked PSU’s counseling and health services as the highest contribution to the LGBTQ community.

The index marks categories where PSU succeeds and where there is still room for improvement.

PSU makes the cut on most of these lists, such as providing health insurance to cover same sex partners, ally programs and safe spaces and zones, LGBTQ studies and course offerings, as well as inclusive career services.

However, PSU is currently lacking an LGBTQ alumni group and LGBTQ fraternities and sororities.

Assistant director of the QRC, Kirsten Keith, believes PSU has made giant strides in becoming a more LGBTQfriendly campus. This includes the non-discrimination policy, trans healthcare, and training for staff and faculty about LGBTQ issues.

Keith is also happy that the QRC is helping contribute to the cause. “The Queer Resource Center has been available to students for the past 10 years as a center of community and support for queer and trans communities,” Keith said. The QRC provides an abundance of services for the LGBTQ community, as well as volunteer-

PSU Vanguard • SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 • psuvanguard.com

ing opportunities and events to speak about specific issues.

However, Keith is always looking for ways to further improve campus life. “We are always interested in expanding our work to be more affirming and supportive for queer and trans students,” Keith said. “We hope to implement a climate study soon to get a sense for where the campus can improve.”

The index marked off points for PSU’s Housing and Residency life, although Keith doesn’t believe this rating to be accurate.

“The QRC and Housing and Residence Life work closely to make sure queer

and trans students have a welcoming housing environment,” Keith said. “The QRC trains housing staff annually and housing staff have made several efforts to consider how best to support queer and trans students.”

Campus life can always improve, but even given the rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars in this area, Keith still believes it is a strong part of PSU’s inclusivity, which can make incoming freshmen feel a lot more comfortable in their dorms.

Another strong point to PSU’s open campus is the availability of the QRC. If someone is interested in

joining or being a part of the group to help with advocacy or other events, volunteering is the best opportunity to help spread the word and make new friends.

“The QRC is a very public space, so if you’d like to meet with a staff member outside of the QRC, we are always happy to meet anywhere on campus,” Keith said. “Coming to events and programs is another great way to get to know the QRC.” For more information, visit the QRC website to find out what the group is doing and to check up on future events or volunteer opportunities.

FEATURE STORY

ENGINEERING ALUMNI WIN GREEN TECH PRIZE FOR ‘LIQUID WIRE’ CATHERINE JOHNSON

As technology advances and our population grows, engineers and businesses are increasingly looking to green technology solutions for a more sustainable future.

This September, Portland State electrical and computer engineering graduate student Mark Ronay and physics Ph.D. student Bahar Ajdari presented their awardwinning green tech Liquid Wire invention at the Oregon Best Fest. The two won the second-place prize of $5,000 in the Cleantech Challenge, a competition for student and faculty inventors and entrepreneurs from colleges and universities across the state.

Participants must be based in or hold a major presence in Oregon with solutions

offered for green tech across categories such as energy and resource efficiency, renewable energy, advanced transportation and precision agriculture.

“There was some really strong competition this year,” Ronay said. “I was very happy and surprised. The whole experience with Cleantech forced me to get out of the lab and into a public space and talking to people.”

In just 90 days, funded by $2500, the team had to build a physical prototype of a clean, green electronic technology. Their innovation is a flexible, highly conductive printable fluid that powers electronic devices in soft robotics and wearable products.

Right now most electronics need copper or tin wiring and are built off rigid green plastic board made to go through high temperatures. But Liquid Wire is a conductive, inorganic gel that is liquid all the time. It can be printed onto organic cotton, paper or environmentally friendly plastic substrates which have less environmental impact than PCB boards. The conductor is flexible and won’t be damaged by stretching or folding, so it can be built right into clothing.

This invention has been two years in the making, so entering the Cleantech Challenge, as recommended by a former competition winner, was a natural fit for Ronay. His project is in line with the current move away

from printer circuit boards in favor of using organic substrate, like cotton and certain plastics and paper, instead.

“Printable electronics are really popular right now, especially in incorporating printable electronics with fabrics,” Ronay said. “A lot of people think wearables will be the next big growth area for electronics.”

Most major manufacturers are doing this in some way, usually by using silverbased inks. But what Ronay has that no one else has is a completely inorganic and permanent fluid conductor that never dries and has a lot of advantages, such as being robust and possessing the ability to stretch.

Creating a green technology prototype was initially one of his greatest challenges.

Ronay said as a researcher he often gets stuck in technicalities. But having parameters allowed him to approach his work in a less analytical, detail-oriented way. He pulled back and that enabled him to look at the product from an entirely different direction.

“Thinking about applications of your research that improve the environment, which is not something you usually do as engineer, that was initially a big challenge and actually very helpful,” Ronay said.

Best Fest, a major regional start-up festival, was an excellent opportunity for Ronay to gain exposure and

practice discussing his project with the public.

“The most rewarding thing was to be able to show off what I’ve been working on in a public forum and get that feedback,” Ronay said. “That was invaluable.”

Ronay also credits the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Beta Project, which provides funding and resources for innovative student projects, for granting him the initial support that fueled his invention. He’s on its committee now and said it was a huge help for him and other students.

Ronay graduated from PSU over the summer and has formed the company Liquid Wire, a materials science start up.

PSU Vanguard •SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 • psuvanguard.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

COMMON SENSE IN GERRYMANDERING Andy’s Thoughts

by Andy Clark Gerrymandering is like the boogeyman. This is a term trotted out and displayed by both Republican and Democratic politicians when their party loses hold of district seats. Gerrymandering is commonly used to describe the process of redrawing congressional districts.

When Americans lament about the inherent unfairness in our political system (I’m looking at you, Bernie bros), it eventually gets addressed. Gerrymandering is necessary, and if it were improved and adjusted using common sense, it could be an effective tool for accurate political representation.

In America, every state elects members to the House of Representatives. The number of representatives allotted to each state is based on the state’s census count. The number of representatives matches the number of districts in which the state is divided. In most states, this map drawing or redistricting process is controlled by the majority party.

If this seems like it’s a bad idea on the surface, it’s because it really is. Naturally, one would think the ruling party would use this tool to cement their control of the house. This often happens. On Aug 5, 2016, Democrats and a public advocacy group filed a lawsuit against North Carolina Republicans for redistricting the state in a blatantly biased manner. In 2012 a majority of North Carolina’s electorate voted Democrat, yet their house ended up 9–4 Republican.

Partisan Gerrymandering—redistricting to favor a party—is not solely a Republican political tool. Maryland is perhaps the most gerrymandered state in the union, with districts drawn in confusing splashes to solidify the state’s 7–1 Democrat lead. A map of Maryland’s districts looks like a Jackson Pollock painting that was tossed away for being too abstract.

The process of screwing over your political opponents through redistricting is almost as old as American politics itself. In 1810 Massachusetts governor Elbridge Gerry’s party redrew the state’s senate districts to weaken the Federalist Party. According to local media, the new districts resembled a salamander, and thus the term “gerrymandering” was born.

But what good does gerrymandering do besides marginalize Federalists? When used correctly, gerrymandering can fight the true bias creator in American politics: geography.

In an article for the Quarterly Journal of Political Science, Jowei Chen and Jonathan Rodden write about the inherent bias in geography. Through their research they expand on the idea that geography creates a Republican bias in house elections because of population layout.

Democrats are disproportionately grouped together in cities while Republicans tend to be spread out in suburbs and rural areas. Accurately dividing a state into districts is more

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ILLUSTRATION BY LAUREN CHAPLUK difficult when a large segment of voters are clustered together.

This means that if states weren’t gerrymandered in some way, it would be extremely difficult to get an accurate representation of the state’s political leanings.

So how do we fix gerrymandering? How do we keep our politicians from acting in their own self-interests? The answer is simple and something most of the world already does: make redistricting an independent process.

In the 1960s Canada struggled with a gerrymandering problem and switched to three-person commissions consisting of judges, social scientists and retired public officials. They received much better results. In another study done by Frontier International Electoral Consulting, 60 countries were studied to see how their districts were drawn. Of the 60 countries studied only 14 allowed legislators to play a dominate role. Of those

PSU Vanguard • SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 • psuvanguard.com

14 countries, only France and the United States employed a winner take all system.

That’s right! The United States of America does something only the French do. I’ll let you take a moment to collect yourself.

Done throwing up? Good. Contact your congressman, write your senator and demand that America move away from legislator-controlled gerrymandering.

It’s not right to let politicians manipulate districts to support their parties. It’s not right to let Republicans in rural places control state politics just because Democrats are smart enough to live in cities. And it certainly can’t be right to be like the French.

AGE SEGREGATION LIMITS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

OPINION

Peripheral Views

by Randee-Jo BarcinasManglona

When we think of segregation in America, the first thing that probably comes to mind is race. America has a long history of racial segregation and it’s still prevalent today.

However, there’s a new kind of segregation taking over society, and most of us might not have noticed.

Many of us practice a lifestyle that functions around age segregation simply because we sort ourselves according to our own age.

Senior citizens find themselves at nursing homes surrounded by people of their generation. Grown-ups enjoy the company of people their age during and after work hours without having to worry about their younger children. These children luckily don’t mind staying at home where there’s free Wi-Fi that allows them to talk to friends on social media. We even put toddlers together in day care centers.

In previous eras this was not the case. Young children spent their after-school hours around their parents or grandparents helping around the house, business or farm.

In today’s society, it’s easy to see why people want to stick to their age group. Adolescents communicate with their friends using slang and emojis—something their parents or grandparents can’t comprehend. College students want to party and get loud with each other without encountering lectures from their parents or noise complaints from older people. Adults want to gossip, drink and travel together.

Senior citizens want peace and quiet.

Let’s face it: Age segregation is a big part of America now, even more so than racial segregation. The problem is that many of us are not thinking about the consequences.

Surrounding ourselves only by people of our age group means that everyone loses out.

Young children lose out on the wise and valuable life lessons they can learn from their elders. Seniors are deprived of the energy and spirit of adolescents. We begin to see the world only through the eyes and minds of people our age, and because of that we lose out on the rest of the view we could see from the perspectives of the young or the aged.

It may not seem like it, but this can cause serious harm to society. When our youth is in need, it’s important they seek help from their elders instead of only turning to people their own age.

When it comes to the future of our young generation involving things such as the environment, health or educa-

ILLUSTRATION BY AARON OSBORN tion, are senior citizens going to care?

Are we going let the youth fight for their future, even when they are too young to vote or make their own decisions?

Seniors are less likely to care about referendums dealing with school, health or programs for kids, especially if they have no regular contact with young people.

When looking at it from the opposite side, if a young child is raised without the company of older people, they will be less likely to care about the needs of the elderly.

With technology continuously expanding, we want the youth to care enough to come up with inventions that will help the elderly, whether it revolves around finding new cures or making their lives easier.

We can all learn from each other. Elders need love and energy from young children just as much as young people need guidance and care from the aged.

Why is it that we continue to separate ourselves by age when there is no harm in integrating with the old or the young?

PSU Vanguard •SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 • psuvanguard.com

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OPINION

WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE THE MARIANA ISLANDS? Peripheral Views

by Randee-Jo Barcinas-Manglona Something amazing happened at this year’s Democratic National Convention, and if you were one of the people who lived through the media’s coverage of the event, you might have noticed it.

For the first time in history, delegates from the Northern Mariana Islands had the opportunity to cast their votes during roll call.

People from all over the country were amazed and shocked at the way the delegates presented themselves. Other than their incredible spirit, their attire drew attention from people all over the country.

In fact, they were trending all over Twitter: -“I don’t know what or where the Northern Mariana Islands are but I’m obsessed with them.”

-“The Northern Mariana Islands delegation is the after-party I want to go to.”

-“everybody go home this is how you show up at roll call. northern mariana islands” Still, despite their presence, many may still wonder where in the world are the Northern Mariana Islands?

As someone who lived there my entire life prior to moving to Portland, I’ll take the liberty to shed some light on everyone’s curiosity.

First of all, the Northern Mariana Islands is a U.S. territory.

Many of us are born U.S. citizens and share most of the same rights as Americans.

Our presence at the 2016 DNC is special because we usually do not have the same amount of participation and voice as the rest of the states when it comes to the presidential election.

In fact, our islands do not have representation in the U.S. Senate, and it was only in 2009 when we gained representation by a delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The idea that we actually had the chance to cast our votes during roll call like all the other states is truly a blessing for most of us. Why? Well, in the first place, we do not exist to a lot of people, despite the fact that we are a U.S. territory.

I can’t count how many times I’ve had to explain to professors and classmates the specifics of where I’m from. It’s almost like we are invisible Americans, and that’s sad because many of us are truly devoted to this country.

In fact, many of our people live to protect the country. The NMI’s enlistment rates into the U.S. military are higher than any other place in America.

So, what are the people of these islands like?

The majority of the population in the Northern Mariana Islands are Chamorros. The islands are inhabited by many different people, especially from Asia, who migrated there for reasons such as job opportunities and more liberated lifestyles.

However, native people who consider the Northern Mariana Islands their origin and true home (like myself ) are called the Chamorros.

We have our very own unique language, lifestyle and culture, which explains the attire our delegates wore at the DNC.

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Still, even with our very own ethnicity, we have to classify ourselves as Pacific Islander because sadly, no one knows what a Chamorro is.

I make this point on providing information about the Northern Mariana Islands mostly because a lot of us probably think we know everything America has to offer, when in reality there is still so much we don’t know about what makes this country so great.

Yes, America is deeply flawed in a lot of ways. But under all of the mistakes, we are a country with so much diversity it becomes almost hard to keep up with.

I do believe, though, that our diversity is part of what makes us American.

Each of us has our very own list of ideas regarding what makes us American. The only thing I could ever come up with is diversity.

Since moving to the mainland, I learn each and every day to live in a country with people who are different from me.

I learn to accept them and I learn to embrace them. That is how I know I am American.

We haven’t been doing a good job at accepting each other’s differences, but what we tend to forget is that we make up America.

PSU Vanguard • SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 • psuvanguard.com

ILLUSTRATION BY TERRA DEHART

All of us hold this nation together, whether we want to admit it or not.

If there’s one thing the Northern Mariana Islands is known for, it’s hospitality. No matter what island you visit, you won’t ever find a homeless individual lying around the streets.

The native people are known for always helping each other, whether you are a local or foreigner.

Despite the lack of resources, opportunities or economic prosperity, the islands are still thriving by the togetherness of the people. At the end of the day, we survive because we are there for each other.

I was shocked to see how things are quite different here in the mainland. Here, you’re on your own.

But if we can all start being nicer to each other by helping one another in any way we can, then maybe some of our problems will be solved.

No, it’s not something that can fix all of our nation’s problems, but it’s a simple idea that can go a long way.

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ETCETERA

CHILLY WILLY SEXYTIMES JOHN PINNEY

No Sexytime writes: On a night not long ago, I had sex with a man I’ve been friends with for about a year and the sex was just terrible. I didn’t feel like I was coerced, but the guy who is usually generous and empathetic in every other way was just...not in the bedroom.

I can’t quite put my finger on why (maybe he watches a lot of porn?) he was so bad at it, but when I tried to help he got really embarrassed. Now he wants to hang out again and I kind of want to end the friendship. Do I owe him an explanation before I do so?

hassle of charade, I would recommend inviting the guy out for dinner and using a variety of visual prompts and teleprompter cue cards, explaining exactly why the friendship is over. And maybe he should stop watching lesbian porn and start watching gay male porn.

Hearts and Stars, Your Advice Guru

There are three things I know about the bedroom. One is that you can’t eat s’mores in bed without getting ants. Two is that there are people allergic to certain lubricants, so waterbased without heating is actually the best way to go. And three is that misogyny has no place in the land of sexytimes.

Oh dear. The office mistook your embarrassment for an episode of The Office. Let me guess, this is a family environment where you all go out once a year for the Dundees and your mildly racist boss owns a blow-up sumo suit and steals quotes.

Dress up for the job you want, not the job you have. And if that means dressing up as Winifred Sanderson one day and Sebastian the crab the other, then I say namaste to your fashion sense. What other way will you learn to impress the what I’m assuming are eccentrically moustache-handlebarred members of your office community than committing to daily Princess Eilonwy cosplay?

It seems like you want to apologize for this toolshed of a friend, but I say don’t. Male identifieds that have worshipped at porn’s altar don’t get better by suggestion, they get better by being told they were as effective as Ben Affleck in Gigli.

Look, sex has complicated this friendship. I’m not saying sex with friends can’t go to a great place, but this is obviously a different basket of kittens. If you want to save yourself the

Heya Chilly,

The trick here, so that you win, is to not seem certifiable.

They’re a little outlandish but I have two ideas, and only one is an idea of my own. Did you ever read the article about the woman at her new job who dressed up like Cookie from Empire so she would feel more confident in her new job and give her that fake it ‘til you make it attitude? That would be your first Google search.

Your second Google search (or Bing or Yahoo, I don’t know your life) is to see what the costume guidelines are for Mickey’s NotSo-Scary Halloween Party and grab some inspiration.

Heya Sexytimes,

Now, all that being said, this smooth operator is probably gonna want more of your sweet, sweet loving and approaching that might be awkward for you. Perhaps he invites you over to listen to the full Prince LP? Tell him no. Maybe he says he has tickets to the zoo. Wash your hair that day. I give you these options because you really don’t seem to want to be honest and stick up for yourself. Which means the sex wasn’t just that bad, it was astronomically bad. It was Trey in Sex and the City­­ bad.

Chilly Willy writes: I feel embarrassed about this but I just can’t take it anymore.

My co-workers are running me up the wall with all the teasing!

I wear a lot of layers, even in summer, and partially it’s to hide my insecurity but also because the office A/C runs full blast at all times. At first, the jokes weren’t so bad and I thought they understood but now it’s verging on rude. What can I say to make them get the fact that what I’m wearing is none of their business?

Personally, I don’t see the issue with wearing a sweater and giving derisive, scornful glances or shooting USB rockets at people that want to tell me what to do. But what do I know? I telecommute and live in a city known for a unicycle-riding bagpiper who dresses like Darth Vader.

Like I always say, dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

Hearts and Stars, Your Advice Guru

EVENT LISTINGS FOR SEPT. 28–OCT. 2 FEATURED EVENT BIANCA DEL RIO 8 P.M., THURSDAY, SEPT. 29 NEWMARK THEATRE FEE: $37.50 (VIP PACKAGES ALSO AVAILABLE)

The Not Today Satan tour with Bianca Del Rio, one of the pre-eminent Drag Queens of Comedy, might cause you to consider if this is a show to call the sitters or if your kids are of a good age to attend. Bianca doesn’t sweat the haters and often chooses to make them sweat in her stead. Old as Joan Rivers and twice as funny, Bianca’s biting wit and secretly endearing soft side made her a shoo-in in both Rupaul’s Drag Race and the real world beyond. With fresh material added after the end of her last tour, Rolodex of Hate, Bianca Del Rio is a not-to-miss comedian with a sharp wit and old-school Hollywood glamour to give you life before she slays the house down.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 28 HEARTBEAT SILENT DISCO THEATER AND TAPS (MISSISSIPPI ST.) FEE: $5 21+ ONLY 7–10 P.M.

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SUBPAR ADVICE FROM THE SUB-BASEMENT

Though most Americans have never heard of the silent disco, it’s quite a common event across parts of Europe. Tune in with specially linked headphones or silently watch a crowd of dancers get grooveliscious.

TOGETHER TOUR KELLER AUDITORIUM 6:30 P.M. FEE: $25-99

Part of a six-city tour promoting “sisterhood, storytelling, and empowered action,” Together Tour is a new event showcasing the leading talents of the sisterhood movement and hopes to bring female-identified people together to do good in the world.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 29 “THE THRILL AND THE AGONY” PACIFIC UNIVERSITY, SCOTT HALL NOON–5 P.M. KATHRIN CAWEIN GALLERY

This free art exhibit will help you ease away from the Summer Olympics by giving you a glimpse into the time trials from the U.S. Track and Field events that were hosted in Eugene. Shot over eight years, these athletic pictures will stun you with their prowess.

PSU Vanguard • SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 • psuvanguard.com

ILLUSTRATION BY SHANNON KIDD

John Pinney FRIDAY, SEPT. 30 THE LAST SUMMER CONCERT CRUISE PORTLAND SPIRIT CRUISES 2:30–5 P.M. FEE: $30 (GRATUITIES & BISTRO NOT INCLUDED)

This last early Friday summer cruise will feature The Junebugs, and if you have a group of 15, there are VIP packages available. Live music and dancing on the river are divine if you add a plate from the yummy bistro menu starting at 3 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 1 GLUTEN-FREE FOOD ALLERGY FEST EXPO CENTER, HALL D1 10 A.M.–4 P.M. FEE: $15 (1 DAY PASS), $25 (2 DAY PASS)

Take the yellow line from campus all the way down to the Expo Center to enjoy this smorgasbord of gluten-free treats. Some booths will also focus on dairy and nut allergies, but most of the 90+ booths and cooking demonstrations will be for the celiac disease free set.

LINDSEY STIRLING ARLENE SCHNITZER CONCERT HALL 8 P.M. FEE: $30-70

If you’re not already one of the many fans of the orchestral stylings of Ms. Stirling—most videos available on Youtube—then you may want to visit her page and grab your tickets to this event. It’s so close to campus that you may be able to taste the musical magic on the air.

SUNDAY, OCT. 2 JOSH KLINE PRESENTS “FREEDOM” PORTLAND ART MUSEUM 10 A.M.–5 P.M. FEE: $17 WITH STUDENT ID

Politics, labor and humanity are explored through this prolific art exhibition that runs until mid-November. Part multimedia installation and part sculpture, these 3-D forms ask viewers about their relationship to government, corporation and self.

“WHEELS OF TIME” WORLD OF SPEED (WILSONVILLE, OR) 10 A.M.–5 P.M. FEE: $10+

For those who love the world of racing, this 100-year retrospective of the different cars and drivers found on the Indy 500 track includes models from 70 years ago right up until today. Interactive exhibits include local and international heroes.

ILLUSTRATION BY SHANNON KIDD

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PSU Vanguard •SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 • psuvanguard.com

15

The PSU Student Media Department is

NOW HIRING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES! for our Print & Digital Media Products

·Earn REAL MONEY (hourly plus commission) selling advertising solutions to local, regional & national businesses. ·Gain experience in account management and relationship building with Portland’s top companies. ·Enhance your resume with real-world experience. ·Have an on-campus office and flexible hours. ·Candidates must be PSU students registered for Fall Term 2016, and able to make commitment through Spring Term 2017. ·Prefer Sophomore, Junior or Senior standing. All majors welcome!

ALUMNI AD To apply, send resume and cover letter to: Advertising Adviser Ann Roman at romana@pdx.edu.

Application Deadline is September 30, 2016

We’re so glad you’re here!

New students, make yourselves at home.

Returning students, welcome back.

Please make the most of what PSU has to offer: Faculty who care about your future. Cultural centers. Tutors and peer mentors. Dedicated advisers. A campus that hums with activity.

These are all part of a full college experience.

Put your knowledge to work. Volunteer. Sign up for an internship. Be part of a team project.

The best education happens both inside the classroom and out in the community.

Enjoy yourself! Slip off campus for a food cart lunch. Take in the fall colors in Forest Park.

Ride a bike along the river. Watch a little #BarnyBall when the Vikings take on Idaho State on Oct. 1st.

Again, welcome to PSU!

Wim Wiewel President, Portland State University