ELMHURST UNIVERSITY ISSUE 3 OCTOBER 17, 2023 ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
PAGE 14 Editorial: Elmhurst University should increase financial assistance and transparency
COVER BY Abbey Mark
ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
NEWS
ISSUE 3
ELMHURST UNIVERSITY LACKS CONCERN FOR RECENT UPTICK IN COVID-19 CASES Lily Morgan (she/her) Staff Writer Bluejays curious about Elmhurst University’s current COVID-19 protocols have found locating proper resources difficult during this cold and flu season. Visiting the Wellness Center website’s section on COVID-19 information yields little current information, as it has not been updated since the spring semester. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new COVID-19 vaccine, updated to protect against new Omicron variants, at the beginning of September.
With a long winter ahead of us, the CDC recommends vaccinating against COVID-19, the flu, and RSV — and reminds everyone that there is no concern about getting all three vaccines at once. However, officials do recommend that anyone who has recently contracted COVID-19 wait at least three months after their initial
force, provided a bit of clarity.
Additionally, households can once again order up to four free at-home COVID-19 tests through the government’s recently relaunched program. The program was suspended back in May with the end of the public health emergency, but now, as hospitalizations are on the rise, they have relaunched the initiative.
“Currently, we are following the same guidelines established by the CDC. If you have COVID-19, stay home until you are symptom-free for 24 hours and wear a mask for another five days after your return,” Riordan explained.
In the wake of this slight resurgence, EU’s current Wellness Center website is leaving students confused. EU’s online resources offer multiple hyperlinks to expired or taken down pages. “When I checked [the website] when I had COVID-19, I saw that they took down most of the information pages. Honestly, I was a bit taken aback,” said Alexa Lopez, a junior who tested positive for COVID-19 this semester. “Although COVID-19 isn’t as serious as it was in 2020, it’s not completely gone, and I feel like there needs to be resources on campus to reflect that. I think that the school should have more information in place for the students who test positive, or even those who want more current information,” Lopez continued.
Adriana Briscoe (she/her) Editor-in-Chief Ilana Garnica (she/her) Managing Editor, Chief Copy Editor Rachel Fratt (she/her) Head Graphics Editor Abbey Mark (she/her) Head Social Media Graphics Alyssa Kuehne (she/her) Assistant Copy Editor Eve Hvarre (she/her) News Editor Sarah Glees (she/her) Multimedia Editor
Students looking for further resources are directed to the Wellness Center, which currently provides rapid COVID-19 tests for anyone who needs one and soon will also begin providing flu and COVID-19 vaccines. For students looking to navigate the upcoming winter season, Riordan has advice: “Get your flu shot. Stay home if you are sick, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask if you have flu or COVID-19-like symptoms.”
Phillip Riordan, vice president of student affairs and co-chair of EU’s COVID-19 task
@elmhurstleader
EDITORIAL BOARD
As part of these guidelines, EU students are no longer required to self-report if they test positive for the virus, and as such, EU has stopped collecting data on the number of positive cases on campus.
@ElmhurstLeader
Sabrina Scola (she/her) Social Media Manager
Brandon Salguero (he/him) Staff Writer
Marty Munguia (he/him) Photo Editor
Darion Jeffries (he/him) Staff Writer
STAFF
Fatima Gutierrez (she/her) Staff Writer
Gabriel E. Galindo (he/him) Staff Writer and Spanish Translator
Emily Van de Mark Staff Writer
Lily Morgan (she/her) Staff Writer Samuel Shulman (he/him) Staff Writer Ian Murphy (he/him) Staff Writer Tyler Ptaszkowski (he/him) Staff Writer Kevin Brassil (he/him) Staff Writer
Jennie Bosas (she/her) Staff Editorial Cartoonist Olivia Janicke (she/her) Former Chief Copy Editor
ADVISER Eric Lutz (he/him)
@ElmhurstLeader ABOUT US
The Leader is the student-run newspaper to the students, faculty, and administrators of Elmhurst University. The Leader is not submitted to any person or organization for prior approval. The contents are the decision of the editor in agreement with the editorial board. Opinions expressed in The Leader do not necessarily reflect those of the paper or its staff and are not intended to represent those of the EU at large. No text, photos, or art can be reproduced without direct permission of The Leader.
CONTACT US Elmhurst University 190 Prospect Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 General Inquires & Letters to Editor: theleadernewsec@gmail.com
ADVERTISE WITH US: theleaderadvertising@gmail.com
PHOTO BY Adriana Briscoe
This new COVID-19 vaccine will be the only one available to the public this fall — and it comes right in time, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an overall rise in virus-related hospitalizations over the past month.
infection to go in for the next dosage.
ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
NEWS
ISSUE 3
STAFF, STUDENTS, AND ALUMNI HONOR RON WIGINTON, FORMER ADVISER TO THE LEADER Adriana Briscoe (she/her) Editor-in-Chief A campus memorial for Ron Wiginton, former adviser to The Leader and English professor, took place Oct. 6 at the Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel. Students and staff gathered around the campus garden next to the cemetery as they watched Chaplain Rev H. Scott Matheney and several of Ron Wiginton’s family members, friends, and colleagues spread his ashes. They then went into the Chapel to honor Ron Wiginton through a memorial service. Afterward, there was a reception at Matheney’s house. The service opened with introductions from Matheney and President Troy VanAken. Then, English professors Janice Tuck Lively, Lance Wilcox (retired), Nicholas Behm, and Ann Frank Wake gave reflections. Lastly, Eric Lutz, faculty adviser of The Leader, and former editors Laurie Rich and Roxee Timan gave reflections. Behm helped coordinate the memorial and remembers Ron Wiginton as a “loyal friend” and someone who followed his interests. “I think one of the primary impacts he had on my life was just being a good loyal friend and
affirming the work that I was doing, the work that we were doing,” Behm said. “I’m sure, and emphasizing how we should do what we felt like doing, follow our passion. Ron always followed his passion — he was the best example of that.” Behm also emphasized how much Ron Wiginton cared about his students. “He loved them dearly, he was externally proud of what they accomplished while they were here and even more so what they did when they left. He was always engaged and wanted to know what they did when they left here, and he was so happy to have the opportunity to interact with them to help them learn as much as possible,” Behm explained. Gianno Montesano, The Leader’s editor-in-chief for the 2021-2022 school year, had wanted to catch up with Ron Wiginton and appreciated the opportunity to attend his memorial. “Being able to go was just a way to say goodbye to him after his passing,” Montesano said. Montesano also appreciated hearing the speakers at the memorial and was interested to hear Ron Wiginton’s brother, Mike Wiginton, speak about their childhood. “When his brother finally spoke, we got to see a different side of him [Ron Wiginton],” Montesano said. “It was nice to see how he was as a
kid growing up and going to ride Greyhound with his brother at age eight.” Kween Jean, The Leader’s sports editor for the 2021-2022 school year, also felt moved by Mike Wiginton’s speech, especially when he described his last moment with Ron Wiginton on the train. “Hearing how he felt that Dr. Ron knew that this may have been his last moment, that was the most significant part of the memorial, and I’m just grateful that he was willing to share that because he didn’t have to,” Jean said. She felt that everyone in the church could feel the impact of his speech and noted that seeing Mike Wiginton break down was “truly remarkable. “You could really feel the love between them as he spoke,” Jean said. “It was really tough, the emotions, I was really empathetic.” Jean also described that in her last phone call with Ron Wiginton, he explained that former students turned to him for advice or sent articles to him to look over. “He said he was gonna be that person for me,” Jean said. “I hope they [students who were mentored by Ron Wiginton] understand that it’s really a blessing to have had someone like that in their lives.”
PHOTO BY Marty Munguia OCTOBER 17, 2023
THE LEADER
3
ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
NEWS
ISSUE 3
HOW RELIGIOUS GROUPS ARE AFFECTING STUDENTS AND SPIRITUAL LIFE ON CAMPUS Samuel Shulman (he/him) Staff Writer
“They were really pushy until my friend said that they weren’t religious,” Songco said.
As I was walking with my fraternity brother, Malcolm Mason, from The Roost back to my dorm on the evening of Oct. 4, there were two college-aged girls handing out religious pamphlets to passersby.
The major issue many students on campus have with these religious groups is that the people they employ to come to campus look just like other students. Often, they were sighted wearing backpacks but would never go to class, seated in either the cafeteria or The Roost.
When one of them approached us, I asked if the two of them were affiliated with the campus. She said no. I replied by saying that they aren’t allowed to hand anything out to students if they aren’t a campus organization. “Anyone can spread the gospel,” she replied. As we were walking away, I called Public Safety. Mason walked me past Irion Hall, then turned around to stall the two girls until Public Safety reached them. Public Safety was not particularly phased by this, as this is not the first time this has happened. Many students on campus have either seen or heard of supposed “cults” roaming campus grounds trying to recruit vulnerable students into their highly conservative and often controlling religious groups. However, this is not new to campus or many other college campuses. There have been dozens of posts on social media sites such as TikTok and Instagram about students’ experiences with religious groups approaching them. Senior Mahvesh Arif said that she had never interacted with these religious groups personally but knew from her peers that the members of these groups would put “a lot of pressure on you and keep talking to you.” Arif stated that she began hearing about the religious groups during her freshman or sophomore year. Another student, senior Clare Songco, explained that she also began hearing about them around her sophomore year, and she even had a personal run-in with them. Songco noted that she would see “three of them walking around campus” during the day and that “one had a guitar, and the other two had bibles.” Songco and her friends were stopped outside of Irion Hall one day and were asked to join one of the group’s “jam sessions.”
4
THE LEADER
hurts religious life on campus “because it supports negative opinions about religious life, so it’s hard for genuinely good religious life clubs to recruit people.” Hvarre mentioned the fact that these “cult people look like students,” and that makes it “hard for people to know the difference.” This leaves one question: What should students do?
Junior Emerson Azcoitia noticed them their freshman year.
Robins advises students to not interact with strangers who approach them.
“They tried to get me to come to a bible study in the Roost at an odd time,” Azcoitia said.
“Don’t interact with people who walk up to you with no business and no connection; don’t answer their questions,” Robins said.
Azcoitia heard about them previously during a Spiritual Life Council (SLC) meeting. Senior Ben Robins, president of SLC, stated that he had also seen them “in the cafeteria talking to students about the Bible.” Robins had a particularly notable run-in with members of one of these religious groups during J-term 2022, when Robins and his roommate, Lola Frost, were in Stanger Hall. Two members of one of these groups managed to get into Stanger Hall and were knocking on residents’ doors. Robins stated that when they knocked on his door, Frost answered, and the two strangers “said they were going to pray for us.” The other main issue is that no one truly knows which organization these students were from. There was one speculation that they were part of a known cult, the International Church of Christ, as there were two instances of their members pretending to be EU students, with another actually being a student who was baptized wearing an EU shirt in a Facebook post. There were different people from these religious groups each year between 2021 to now, making it another palaver for Public Safety, and the SLC, to keep track.
Azcoitia recommends students take action if anyone who’s not part of the campus engages with them. “I recommend that people call Public Safety if anyone of non-campus affiliation interacts with them and stay aware,” Azcoitia said. From myself, as a third-year resident adviser, do not let anyone into your building if you don’t know them. Also, don’t take it personally if someone doesn’t hold the door open for you; if you live in that building, there should be no issue getting in on your own. If you, as a student, are looking for legitimate religious organizations on campus, check out Bluejay Life. All organizations there are approved and run by EU students. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to SLC, Chaplain Scott Matheney, or the Office of Student Affairs. If you do come across a non-EU student handing out religious pamphlets or asking you to join them off campus for bible study, call Public Safety at 630-617-3000.
Robins stated that these groups “were asked to leave and didn’t, and had no authority or reason to be on campus.” Senior Eaden Hvarre, vice president of SLC, said she “never personally interacted with them” but was aware of the issue because she had been on SLC since her freshman year. Hvarre stated that the presence of these groups
OCTOBER 17, 2023
PHOTO PROVIDED BY Samuel Shulman
ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
NEWS
ISSUE 3
KEEPING UP WITH STRIKE: WGA MAKES A TENTATIVE DEAL, SAG-AFTRA GOES AFTER VIDEO GAME COMPANIES Sarah Glees (she/her) Multimedia Editor On Tuesday Sept. 26, leadership of the WGA has voted to end the ongoing writers’ strike that began in May of this year. This announcement comes after a tentative agreement was reached just two days earlier. The WGA sent out to its member Sunday evening in response to the event. “We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional — with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership,” the announcement reads. “What we have won in this contract — most particularly, everything we have gained since May 2 — is due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, to demonstrate its solidarity, to walk side-by-side, to endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days.” The new agreement went into effect Sept.
25, 2023, and it extends until May 1, 2026. The agreement includes minimums increases, increased health and pension contribution rates, regulations for artificial intelligence, and improved terms for screenwriter employment. It also includes improved terms for high budget subscription video on demand, minimum terms for advertising-supported streaming, increased compensation for series employment staffing and duration provision for episodic series, and showrunner training programs. That being said, there were some areas that weren’t fully achieved. For instance, some of the issues with streaming residuals and AI were compromised to get other issues passed. The WGA contract will be up again in three years and these will likely be future areas of negotiation. Even with the missed areas, the new WGA deal makes a lot of progress and secures as a viable career with growth potential. The 2023
WGA strike lasted a total of 148-days. In SAG-AFTRA news, at the time of this issue’s release, the SAG-AFTRA strike is going on day 95. One of the most recent developments is SAG-AFTRA approved a video game strike authorization with a 98.32 percent yes vote. “The result of this vote shows our membership understands the existential nature of these negotiations, and that the time is now for these companies — which are making billions of dollars and paying their CEOs lavishly — to give our performers an agreement that keeps performing in video games as a viable career,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher stated. SAG-AFTRA has not called an official strike against video game companies yet, and negotiations with the AMPTP are still ongoing. Until then, SAG-AFTRA members and supporters can be found on picket lines throughout the country. GRAPHIC BY Abbey Mark
OCTOBER 17, 2023
THE LEADER
5
ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
NEWS
ISSUE 3
GOP CANDIDATES FACE OFF IN ROUND 2: GIVES THE PEOPLE A LOOK INTO FUTURE EVENTS OF THE ELECTION Tyler Ptaszkowski (he/him) Staff Writer
House. Other candidates mentioned inflation and the national debt.
The second Republican primary debate for the 2024 presidential election took place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif. on Sept. 27.
The discussion then turned to childcare costs, which prompted several candidates to mention past accomplishments from serving in office, as well as what immediate steps they would take if elected president.
A total of seven candidates for the Republican nomination took the stage: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former South Carolina Governor and United States ambassador Nikki Haley, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. Former President Donald Trump did not attend the debate, instead traveling to Michigan to speak with autoworkers. Trump previously declined to attend the first Republican primary debate in favor of an interview with political commentator Tucker Carlson. Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, who participated in the first Republican debate, was ineligible for the second one. The debate, which lasted just over two hours and was hosted by Fox Business, was moderated by political commentators Stuart Varney, Dana Perino, and Ilia Calderón. Each candidate received one minute to answer a question and 30 seconds per rebuttal.
The first topic of the debate was division and instability within the U.S. However, the discussion quickly veered toward the economy and border security, with Tim Scott blaming Biden for an alleged fentanyl crisis. Vivek Ramaswamy, who has expressed support for fracking and capitalism, stated that “victimhood is a choice” and suggested that workers should protest in front of the White
6
THE LEADER
Chris Christie, touting his record as a New Jersey attorney, promised to appoint an attorney general to confront crime, even in rural and suburban areas. Nikki Haley said law enforcement must be driven by more than just vocal support. When asked about his inability to repeal Obamacare as Vice President, Mike Pence instead expressed a frustration with mass shootings and called for a mandatory death penalty for perpetrators of such crimes. Candidates were then asked about the future of education in the U.S. and a decline in test scores. Many of the candidates expressed support for school choice, though they were divided on whether it should be decided on a state or national level. Candidates then discussed the future of technology in the U.S. Christie stated that artificial intelligence offers “an extraordinary opportunity” to expand productivity, though also advocated for more available training. When Ramaswamy was asked about his use of TikTok and dinner with social media influencer Jake Paul, he explained his desire to reach a younger generation of voters. When it came to the next topic, providing aid for Ukraine, candidates delivered a wide range of responses. DeSantis and Haley argued over whether the conflict is a territorial dispute, Scott insisted that the national interest is degrading Russia’s military, Ramaswamy referred to Putin as an “evil dictator,” and Christie pointed out the involvement of other nations, such as China, Iran, and North Korea. As the debate neared its end, candidates delivered additional comments about abortion
OCTOBER 17, 2023
Factual disagreements between Tim Scott and Nikki Haley led to a tense exchange between the candidates, with Scott stating that Haley had “never seen a federal dollar she doesn’t like,” to which Haley responded by telling Scott to “do [his] homework.” Doug Burgum frequently interrupted during the debate to clarify his own stances, occasionally criticizing the other candidates for not directly answering the questions. At one point, one of the moderators threatened to cut Burgum’s mic. Despite this, Burgum was able to answer a question about how he would protect American farmers and ranchers from foreign governments. At the end of the debate, the candidates were asked to write down a candidate to vote off, akin to “Survivor.” Though DeSantis protested this activity, believing it to be disrespectful, Christie, who frequently criticized Trump for his refusal to attend the debate, wasted no time delivering his response. Despite declining to appear at either Republican debate, Donald Trump remains the frontrunner for the party’s nomination, holding a wide lead over all other candidates according to most polls. The Democratic National Committee has yet to host a debate for the Democratic candidates, instead expressing support for Biden, who faces minimal opposition from members of his own party. The first and second Republican primary debates can be viewed on YouTube, courtesy of Nikki Haley. GRAPHIC BY The Noun Project
Candidates debated a variety of topics, including abortion, border security, education, and the economy. The trailer for the debate acknowledged difficulties for Republicans that were not present during the Reagan administration, such as a Democratic incumbent and the unprecedented mugshot of a former president.
When asked about a rise in crime, the candidates delivered a range of responses.
and strengthening the economy.
ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
NEWS
ISSUE 3
DR. ANTONIO RAMIREZ SPEAKS ABOUT LATINO CULTURAL INFLUENCE ON CHICAGOLAND SUBURBS Kevin Brassil (he/him) Staff Writer Dr. Antonio Ramirez gave the 27th annual Cesar Chavez lecture in the Founders Lounge on Sept. 13. When asked what it was like to speak at an event created by Cesar Chavez, he stated, “It’s really a true honor. Like many Latino Americans, and I think like many Americans, he, his wife, and Dolores Huerta are all heroes — their American heroes.” During his lecture, he spoke about many Latinos involved in the advancement of the suburbs, and some of the names he mentioned were Alma Nevarez and Roseondo Saucedo. Alma Nevarez is a janitor at Elgin Community College. She was born in Mexico and met her husband at a dance party, where they spent the night dancing. She first saw him when she worked in the draft office during World War II, and she thought he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. In the past, her family was hunted by the drug cartels in Mexico, so she applied for asylum
in the United States, and worked many odd jobs before ending up at ECC. When asked what he learned while working on the Oral History Project, Dr Ramirez stated, “I learned the power of the stories of everyday people. We’ve often taught history, by sometimes they call it the great man approach to history, where, you know, we focus on kings, we focus on presidents, we focus on powerful people, but [what] I’ve subscribed to is this theory of history from the bottom up.” He continued, “This idea that the lives and stories of everyday people, they don’t have to be powerful, they don’t have to be rich to be important and impactful.” Rosenda Saucedo, aka “Mr. Overtime,” worked over 80 hours a week. He was born in Mexico and was an anti-corruption activist where he protested against the government and drug cartels. During this time, he was arrested many times. Once, he was locked in a cage with a lion and was scared until he realized the lion was so old it could not really attack him. Due to these experiences, he asked for asylum in the U.S., and it was granted.
While he was in the U. S., he was an activist for immigrants being allowed to get drivers licenses, better rights for immigrants, and many other things. In October 2020, he died of COVID-19 related complications. The lecture provided many facts about Latinos in the suburb communities. For instance, one-third of people in Kane County are Latino. Some towns have a Latino majority as well. Ramirez also shared that Latinos are eight to nine times more likely to contract COVID-19, and that poverty rates have decreased for Latino children more than any other child. When asked what he wanted people to take away from his lecture, Dr Ramirez stated, “I think that because there has not been a lot written on Latinos in the suburbs, I want folks to take away basically that Latino people are here in the suburbs, and they are present actors in the history and the creation of the suburbs.” “They are important to the economy of the suburbs, and they’re going to be important to the future of the Chicagoland area,” he said.
PHOTO BY Adriana Briscoe OCTOBER 17, 2023
THE LEADER
7
ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
NEWS
ISSUE 3
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR Brandon Salguero (he/him) Staff Writer Militants from the terrorist organization Hamas attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7. This escalation in a previously high-tension region began in the morning with at least 3,000 rockets being flung into Israel, and militants breaching the Gaza-Israeli barrier. 260 Israelis were killed at a music festival, and more civilians were taken as hostages. The Government of Israel, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, responded by declaring war on Hamas, clearing Hamas militants from the Israeli side of the area and launching airstrikes on densely populated segments of the Gaza Strip. The United States responded by standing in support with the Israeli Government. President Joe Biden expressed his solidarity with Israel during this time. “So, in this moment, we must be crystal clear: We stand with Israel. We stand with Israel. And we will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself, and respond to this attack,” Biden said. Although the international community is grieving for Israel and condemns the abhorrent attack
committed by a small group of fundamental Islamic radicalists, not everybody is convinced that Israel’s response has been or will be entirely proportional. Reactions on campus at Elmhurst University have been tentative and cautious. This is a topic that requires more nuance than simply siding with a particular group or cause. In EU’s Political Discussion Club, many opposing viewpoints emerged. Opinions ranged from Israel’s response to the matter affecting an entire majority-Muslim community in the Gaza Strip for the actions of a few radicalized militants, to the United States’ involvement in funding Israel’s Iron Dome defense system ($1.5 billion in missile defense in 2022) and Iran’s possible involvement in coordinating the strike. English Professor Ann Frank Wake emphasized the importance of remembering to separate the governments’ actions from the citizens who reside under those governments. “We need to remember that Hamas and Netanyahu’s Government are involved in the conflict, but the Palestinian and Israeli people, who don’t by and large support either regime, are paying the biggest price alongside the hostages,” Wake said. “We need to condemn all terrorist attacks on whichever side that
they occur.” The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most complicated topics in the Middle East. Christians, Muslims, and Jews all consider the land that Israel occupies and the city of Jerusalem as the “Holy Land.” Jews, after being expunged from the region, spread all over the planet in what is known as the Jewish Diaspora. Following World War II and the Holocaust, the early roots of Zionism saw many Jewish immigrants move to the land that was at the time occupied by Palestinian Muslims. Many wars in the area have been started since the creation of a Jewish state in 1947 and 1948. The First Arab-Israeli War, the Six Day War, and the Yom Kippur War all saw conclusive Israeli victories against coalitions of Arab states. Following numerous different exoduses by Zionist militias, Palestinians were pushed into the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The uprising of Palestinian citizens against the Israeli government was known as the Intifadas. Recently in 2020, the Abraham Accords oversaw the normalization between Israeli and other Arab states, but a majority of the older generations of both Palestinians and Israelis do not want a two-state solution.
EL CENTRO DE LA PROMESA AZUL OPENS AND MOVES IN TO NIEBUHR HALL The grand opening and celebration of El Centro de la Promesa Azul, or the Center of the Blue Promise, in the lower level of Niebuhr Hall was held on Sept. 14, after Elmhurst University received a $3.4 million federal grant to support underserved Hispanic students in October 2022. The celebration included food trucks, Latin music, good vibes, and conversation that marked this occasion. Multiple student groups
8
THE LEADER
Inside the newly unveiled space is an environment with familiar Hispanic decorations, couches, and tables. Directly above the center’s coffee machine is a sign that reads “cafecito con chisme” or “a little coffee and gossip,” which encapsulates the ambiance of the center. El Centro de la Promesa Azul is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays.
OCTOBER 17, 2023
PHOTO BY Adriana Briscoe
and organizations on campus were in attendance during the grand opening.
Brandon Salguero (he/him) Staff Writer
NEWS
SPANISH MICRO STORIES
These three micro stories were written by Spanish students in their Spanish 310 (Introduction to Hispanic Literature) course taught by Dr. Beatriz Gómez Acuña.
Estos tres microrrelatos fueron escritos por estudiantes de español en la clase de Español 310 (Introducción a la literatura Hispánica) enseñada por la doctora Beatriz Gómez Acuña. La estrella solitaria - Aaron Marin Había un niño que vivía en el espacio. Su familia lo rodeaba constantemente con amor. Pero, por miedo de extinguir su luz brillante, el niño murió sin recibir nunca un abrazo. The Lone Star - Aaron Marin There was a boy who lived in space. His family constantly surrounded him with love. But, for fear of extinguishing his bright light, the boy died without ever receiving a hug.
ISSUE 3
Familia - Tania Musso Dinero, salud, amor, familia. Lo tenía todo. No sabía que su vida se tornaría oscura y tenebrosa. Todo empezó cuando en uno de sus tantos viajes de negocios no regresó a casa. Despertó en un cuarto lúgubre. Pasaron días, semanas, meses en aquel siniestro encierro. ya había perdido la noción del tiempo y la esperanza. Finalmente, llegó la hora de su desenlace ya que sería ejecutada por la tarde. Cuando su verdugo entró al cuarto, cargó el rifle y le apuntó directo a la sien. mientras le preguntaba, ¿quieres morir o trabajar para nosotros? En ese momento supo que volvería a ver a su familia. Family - Tania Musso Money, health, love, family. I had it all. He didn’t know that his life would become dark and gloomy. It all started when on one of his many business trips he did not return home. He woke up in a gloomy room. Days, weeks, months passed in that sinister confinement. I had already lost track of time and hope. Fi-
nally, the time for her outcome arrived as she would be executed in the afternoon. When his executioner entered the room, he loaded the rifle and aimed it directly at his temple while I asked him, do you want to die or work for us? At that moment he knew he would see his family again. Los abandonados - Madison Rivera Encontraron a los niños en una casa abandonada, separados de su familia. Abrazados en una esquina, asustados sin poder hablar. Con el secreto de lo que realmente pasó esa noche y el alivio de nunca tener que ver a su papá otra vez. The Abandoned - Madison Rivera They found the children in an abandoned house, separated from their family. Embracing in a corner, scared without being able to speak. With the secret of what really happened that night and the relief of never having to see his dad again.
“THE LAST FIVE YEARS” STANDS OUT WITH ITS UNIQUE STORYTELLING TECHNIQUES Sarah Glees (she/her) Multimedia Editor Elmhurst University student Amelia McNeil brought the unique, Chicago-originating musical “The Last Five Years” to the Mill Theatre, both as a producer and as a lead character. McNeil is a double major in Musical Theatre and Digital Media, and this production was brought together as her senior capstone project. McNeil mentioned that she began thinking about her capstone around last March — specifically, her interest in doing a performance-based project. “I decided to take on this producer role in terms of getting the show approved… I got to do the character study and work on the music and pull all of those things together,” McNeil stated. Aside from her producing responsibilities, McNeil also portrays the character of Cathy throughout the piece, and junior Derek Liavas
plays Jamie. Written by Jason Robert Brown, “The Last Five Years” is a musical feature that follows the story of a couple, Jamie and Cathy, and the trials and tribulations of their relationship, as they fall in and out of love. One aspect that makes this show unlike a typical romantic story is how it’s told. Cathy’s perspective tells the story of their five-year relationship in reverse, starting with the moment Jamie leaves her. Jamie’s perspective tells the story in chronological order starting from the moment just after they’ve met. One way that this show brilliantly communicates the difference between the two storylines is through the lighting. The character of Cathy starts the show with blue tones, illuminating her opening number, whereas Jamie’s character is contrasted with orange hues. This is something that can also be seen in the
costuming, as Cathy often wears cooler tones, while Jamie is seen in warmer ones. The contrasting colors make it clear which timeline is being showcased and highlight the conflicting narratives of each character’s perspective. That being said, there were some other moments throughout the show that strayed from this warmer and cooler tone divide. For instance, the blue and orange lights were tactfully utilized at the beginning of the show, but could have benefitted from continued use to make the divide in their storytelling clearer. A true standout of this show was the vocal performances by both McNeil and Liavas. Little conversation was had between the two characters due to the nature of the non-traditional storytelling. Despite this, their relationship was built through the musical numbers and sold to audiences through the emotion McNeil and Liavas brought to the characters of Cathy and Jamie.
OCTOBER 17, 2023
THE LEADER
9
ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
ARTS + CULTURE
ISSUE 3
FANTASTICAL STORYTELLING PAIRS WITH STORYBOOK DIRECTING IN NEW NETFLIX SHORTS Sarah Glees (she/her) Multimedia Editor Wes Anderson recently took on the daunting task of adapting four of Roald Dahl’s short stories. While each one was fantastical in its own way and each gave way to new inspiration for what adapting literary works can look like, they weren’t all created equal. Spoilers ahead. The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar | 5/5 stars The first of my viewings was one that truly set a high standard for the shorts that followed. The story begins by introducing the main character Henry Sugar, a man consumed by wealth. What sets this short apart truly is the Wes Anderson style of the piece. There are beautifully painted backdrops and painted set pieces to add depth to each shot.
These practical effects and lavish sets make this viewing stand out against any modern piece of cinema that relies heavily on CGI or greenscreens. “The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar” had the longest runtime as well as the strongest theming out of all the shorts. More time is given to the characters, and the story itself holds up to today with its anti-capitalist sentiment. With its strong narrative and stylistic elements, this one was by far my favorite out of the four.
10
THE LEADER
to find out that a deadly snake is lying on him.
My second viewing took a tonal shift from the first one. The story follows a young boy being inhumanly bullied. It’s mostly told through the narration of an older version of the main character seemingly reliving this traumatic childhood moment.
This short rivals “The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar” with its use of visual elements and practical sets.
“The Swan” carries strong visual storytelling. The film even brings in some of the animation style Wes Anderson is known for in a scene where the young boy is forced to walk out on a branch of a tree. Despite this short’s darker tones and slightly ambiguous ending, the sentiment of the young boy never giving up was something that stood out even in the final moments of the film. While it wasn’t my favorite, it was definitely worth the watch.
Right off the bat, there’s a clear visual contrast between the warm tones inside the room of the man plagued with the snake versus the darker blues outside of his room, making for an aesthetically pleasing piece. What held this short back from being my favorite was the ambiguous ending. It ends with the hint that the snake may have not existed at all, which makes all the events that happened prior meaningless. That being said, I felt the representation of how real dreams can feel was accurate.
The Rat Catcher | 3/5 Stars This was the least favorite of my viewings, and it largely had to do with the lack of the visual elements that the other films fully embrace. This story relies majority on the narration, and little happens visually to depict the words, which is something the other shorts rely on. For instance, the main char- acter of “The Rat Catcher” is often seen without a crucial prop and instead mimes the actions being described. There’s a moment when a ferret and rat are supposed to be climbing all over him, and I would’ve liked to see the animation brought back for this moment. This one’s theme was interesting; however, as it represents the human fascination with horror. That being said, I felt this one lacked some of the imagination the others did, making it my lowest ranking. Poison | 4/5 Stars “Poison” has the strongest hook of all the films as it follows a man who visits his friend only
OCTOBER 17, 2023
Review Rewind: Matilda (1996) “Matilda” holds up as my favorite Roald Dahl story, and the movie’s portrayal is one that, though not perfect, stands out in my mind as a defining moment in culture. I can vividly see the images throughout this movie, and as much as I enjoyed Wes Anderson’s take on these shorts, it can’t compare to the chokey scene in “Matilda.” If you haven’t ever seen the film, or haven’t seen it since you were young, I recommend rediscovering that inner child and giving it a rewatch. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY Rotten Tomatoes
There’s even a moment where one of the characters is supposed to be levitating, and upon a closer look, they’re actually just sitting on a box painted to blend in with the background.
The Swan | 4/5 stars
ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
ARTS + CULTURE
ISSUE 3
“ONE PIECE” INSPIRES ADVENTURE AND FRIENDSHIP Darion Jeffries (he/him) Staff Writer If you’re a fan of the captivating world of “One Piece,” then the latest treasure has just been unveiled on Netflix — a live-action adaptation that lives up to the promise to be as great as the Grand Line itself. For over two decades, Eiichiro Oda’s manga/ anime series has kept readers enthralled with thrilling journeys, unforgettable characters, and profound themes of friendship and freedom. The plot of the live-action series promises to stay true to the essence of “One Piece.” It takes us back to the early adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates as they embark on their epic journey. It follows Luffy and his crew as
they navigate the perilous waters of the Grand Lines, discover bizarre islands, and clash with formidable foes. The prospect of witnessing beloved story arcs like Alabasta or Enies Lobby brought to life on screen is nothing short of thrilling for fans. The series captures the essence of adventure and camaraderie that made the original series a beloved classic. The live-action adaptation holds the potential to introduce a new generation of fans to the incredible world of “One Piece.” It may also rekindle the passion of long-time fans and serve as a welcoming gateway for newcomers to explore anime and manga.
the horizons of entertainment. So, fellow pirates and adventurers, get ready to hoist the anchor and embark on a thrilling new journey. The “One Piece” live-action on Netflix has solidified itself as a breathtaking experience that will bring the beloved world of Luffy and his crew to life like never before. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this series promises to be an epic adventure worth tuning in for. Set sail and join the crew as they chase their dreams and seek the ultimate treasure — the “One Piece.”
Should this series sail smoothly, it could pave the way for more live-action adaptations of beloved anime and manga franchises, expanding
Jennie Bosas (she/her) Staff Editorial Cartoonist This is the first cartoon in a new editorial cartoon series called “Ruffled Feathers,” a series that challenges the status quo and questions norms. OCTOBER 17, 2023
THE LEADER
11
ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
OPINIONS
ISSUE 3
EU NEGLECTS ITS STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Ian Murphy (he/him), Samuel Shulman (he/him) Staff Writers
the lower level with some accessible rooms, but the rest of the building is not accessible. This leaves a very limited space for residents with accessibility needs to live on campus.
Elmhurst University is not accessible. Most buildings have accessible entrances and elevators, though that does not mean they have equitable access to the facilities within.
For the other halls, “there is no current timeline to make them fully accessible” as it “would require a significant amount of funding,” according to Krauskopf.
Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, enacted in 1990, “prohibits private places of public accommodation from discriminating against individuals with disabilities.”
Krauskopf continued, “in most cases, it’s more financially sound to build a new building instead of retrofitting ADA compliances into an old building.”
This means any private building accessible to the public must accommodate all people, not just the able-bodied. A strange quirk of the ADA is that it only applies to buildings constructed after its enactment. The Frick Center has two accessible entrances, but both of these entrances are on the south side of the building. One entrance is on Brune Patio, requiring a long trip down a ramp to access, and the other is roughly on ground level. Though it has a steep ramp that has caused difficulty for mobility-impaired students’ access.
Additionally, there is currently only one academic building constructed after the ADA was enacted: Jean Koplin Memorial Hall. According to Linda Herell, coordinator of the Access and Disability Office, renovations on buildings built before the ADA was enacted must be completed a certain way. “For buildings built before 1990 (when the ADA became law), renovations made after 1990 need to include ‘reasonable’ steps to improve accessibility,” Herell said. This has happened in the case of renovations in the A.C. Buehler Library and the Frick Center.
Student Phoenix Bierbrauer is an “ambulatory wheelchair user,” meaning they have a need for a wheelchair but are not necessarily completely unable to move without it. This is the case for the majority of wheelchair users across the United States, though it often carries a stigma.
According to Nora O’Malley, director of Facilities and Management, improvements have been made.
Bierbrauer said they were assigned the third floor of Niebuhr Hall at the start of their freshman year. Niebuhr Hall has multiple small hallways, no accessible entrances for its living spaces and no elevator.
Notably, Irion Hall, built in 1912, and Old Main, built in 1878, have accessible entrances and elevators.
Because of a miscommunication, they did not receive any housing accommodations. “I couldn’t go to class most days because I knew that I wouldn’t be able to get back to my dorm most nights. Consequently, I failed most of my first semester classes,” Bierbrauer said. Of the six main residence halls on campus, only two are fully accessible, according to the Director of Housing and Residence Life, Kevin Krauskopf. Krauskopf stated that Cureton Hall and West Hall “are the only two [residential] buildings built after 1990, when ADA laws were passed,” with Cureton Hall being built in 1999 and West Hall being built in 2008. Schick Hall does have an accessible entrance on
12
THE LEADER
“Even for other campus buildings that are exempt based on their age, many accessibility upgrades have been done,” O’Malley said.
Buildings constructed before 1990 may be compliant to the general degree that Title III requires; however, it still doesn’t mean that accessibility needs are met. There is only one accessible entrance to Old Main on the east side, and the elevator in Irion Hall is unreliable. In one instance, a staff writer from The Leader waited minutes for the Irion Hall elevator to reach their floor as it had gotten stuck. Bierbrauer affirms these concerns. “At first, it was really difficult for me to navigate where the ramps were, and I oftentimes have to leave for classes significantly earlier than able-bodied students,” Bierbrauer said. They also said the elevators often make them feel “unsafe.” Bierbrauer also notes that some of the measures
OCTOBER 17, 2023
the campus has taken to provide access are not up to par. Every accessible entrance to a building has a button for people with disabilities to remotely open the door, but these are often slow or are not working. “They just don’t work sometimes,” Bierbrauer says. “If I didn’t have a power wheelchair, it would be impossible to get in with my hands full.” O’Malley stated that almost every academic building is considered compliant. “All academic buildings with the exception of Memorial Hall are compliant,” said O’Malley. Additionally, Bierbrauer notes that it can be difficult to work with the Office of Access and Disability, and not just in terms of communication. The disability services office is in the learning center in the A.C. Buehler Library, requiring mobility-impaired people to use a “very slow” lift and then traverse to the back of the building. Bierbrauer expressed dissatisfaction with this route. “It’s clearly not a very accessible way to get to the disability services office,” Bierbrauer said. The actual communication with the Office of Access and Disability can be slow and often requires lots of input from students who need accommodations. Bierbrauer believes staff could be kinder and more empathetic. The office failed to file Bierbrauer’s accommodation request properly last spring, leading to Bierbrauer needing a last-minute change in their dorm as their initial assignment was not accessible. “I have, personally, not enjoyed the process of getting accommodations,” Bierbrauer said. The groundbreaking for a new health sciences building, set to replace the inaccessible Memorial Hall built in 1919, began Oct. 12. O’Malley noted that the decision to construct a new building was prompted by this problem. “Accessibility is one of many reasons for this,” O’Malley stated. It begs the question: How long will it take for all campus buildings to be more accessible? Why has EU not dedicated more time and resources to reconstructing or renovating more buildings on campus? The new building is a step in the right direction for accessibility and modernization at-large on campus, but it’s not close to enough.
ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
OPINIONS
ISSUE 3
BARKING MAD — ELMHURST UNIVERSITY’S WOEFUL LACK OF SERVICE DOG AWARENESS Jennie Bosas (she/her) Staff Editorial Cartoonist Elmhurst University: professors spouting lectures, the smell of overpriced coffee in the air, and the campus community’s keen ability to collectively ignore one of the most glaring examples of diversity right under its noses. Or, in my case, right beside my feet — my service dog. Let me paint a picture for you: I roll into the classroom, and there he is, my little buddy, Jaffa, donning his service vest. Instead of curiosity, or maybe even a nod of acknowledgment, what do I get from my fellow students? Blank stares, whispering, and occasionally, the “oh-so-subtle” phone cameras pointed in our direction. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it seems that despite living in an age where “inclusivity” is the flavor of the hour, the concept of a service dog on campus is about as understandable to some as the crypto market. It’s time to talk about the woeful lack of awareness from the campus community. In this piece, I include ideas from me as well as other members of the campus service dog community. Who Needs ‘Em? First and foremost, let’s clarify one thing: Not all individuals with disabilities can or should have service dogs with them at all times. Service dogs are carefully trained to assist with specific tasks, and not all individuals with disabilities require their constant presence.
So, let’s not jump to conclusions or demand that everyone needs a service dog in tow. Instead, let’s focus on creating a campus community that’s aware, respectful, and accommodating for those who rely on these remarkable animals. What Even is a Service Dog? Is it, like, an ESA? Now, let’s dive into the amazing world of “Emotional Support Animals” or “ESAs” (air quotes fully intended). Apparently, our campus
Can’t handle a tough exam? Get an ESA. Feeling down about that breakup? Get an ESA. Worried your roommate might be conspiring against you? Get an ESA. In a regular “Noah’s Ark” of emotional support critters, Jaffa stands out as a beacon of practicality, and yet, he’s treated like the outcast at a kindergarten picnic. Oh, and let’s not forget our dear faculty, who couldn’t find the time to include a few words about service dogs in their “syllabus bible.” So, every semester, it’s a grand adventure of explaining my own rights and teaching the concept of “reasonable accommodations” to the poor souls who are supposed to be teaching us. And heaven forbid you actually attempt to educate someone about service dog etiquette. They look at you like you’re asking them to crack the Enigma code. You’d think I was lecturing on quantum dynamics, not just reminding people that service dogs are not just “accessories.” Validity: No Different Than a Wheelchair While I’m airing out my grievances, let’s not forget an issue that hits closer to home — the startling lack of acceptance within the broader disability community on campus. Yes, it’s disheartening to admit that some of those who share the same struggles of accessibility here aren’t as inclusive and understanding as one might hope.
required are equally diverse. A wheelchair is a widely recognized and accepted mobility device, but just because a service dog doesn’t have wheels doesn’t mean it’s any less legitimate. Both are tools designed to address specific needs and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Just as a wheelchair grants mobility to someone who might not otherwise be able to move freely, a service dog provides invaluable assistance with a wide range of tasks, from guiding those who are visually impaired to alerting those with medical conditions to impending health crises. The point is that the method may differ, but the objective remains the same — to empower individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. We need to extend the same level of recognition and respect to service dogs as we do to other assistive devices, recognizing their equal validity and the essential roles they play in the lives of those they serve. TL;DR Campus life with a service dog involves navigating a maze of misinformation and misunderstanding. A service dog is not a trend, a toy, or a topic for your Snapchat story. It’s a lifeline for people like me. So, the next time you see a service dog in your lecture hall or out on the Mall, remember this article and think twice before uttering, “is that, like, a pet?” Because this student with a service dog has had enough lack of awareness and is ready to bark back.
I’ve experienced it firsthand: the skeptical glances, the whispered doubts, and even the occasional outright rejection from fellow students with disabilities who can’t fathom why I need a service dog.
GRAPHIC BY Abbey Mark
Some people may have medical conditions that preclude them from caring for a dog, while others may not benefit from the assistance that a service dog provides.
community believes that everyone and their goldfish qualifies as an ESA.
Some argue that I don’t “look” disabled enough to warrant one, while others question the validity of my disability altogether. It’s time to debunk a major misconception: A service dog is no less valid than a wheelchair when assisting individuals with disabilities. Let’s lay it out plainly — disability takes on many forms, and the aids and accommodations OCTOBER 17, 2023
THE LEADER
13
ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
OPINIONS
ISSUE 3
EDITORIAL: ELMHURST UNIVERSITY SHOULD INCREASE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND TRANSPARENCY Elmhurst University students received an ugly surprise on Aug. 24, when the Department of Public Safety sent out an email stating that parking permit fees were $25 higher than the previous year, despite following an email on Aug. 15 listing the same prices as last year. This felt like a huge slap in the face — not only did EU increase our fees, but they failed to tell us this updated information in their Aug. 15 email. After receiving a 3.5 percent increase in tuition this year, this felt especially invalidating. EU should do more to not only financially assist its students, but also to communicate more transparently with them about what their fees will look like and why. One initiative EU could improve upon is cutting their costs. To do this, EU could expand online offerings, offer up-to-date online resources rather than expensive (and frankly, often outdated) textbooks, and outsource some of its services. Also, EU needs to fully explain its financial choices to students by telling them where their tuition and fees are going and why. If EU is afraid to be transparent, it probably means that it’s doing something that’s not 100 percent in the best interest of its students.
make better decisions for students, take full responsibility for its choices, and respond empathetically when students are concerned about the costs of paying for school.
Focus more heavily on funding our academic programs, making our buildings more ADA-compliant, and keeping our campus safe, healthy, and clean.
Lastly, EU should prioritize putting our tuition dollars into projects that will truly support students’ needs.
We can live without the drone show at Homecoming — we’re paying for a college education, not entertainment.
We want to make it clear that we know EU is already doing an excellent job of funding student resources: The Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Grant, an upcoming health sciences building, and UWill teletherapy offered to students for free are just a few of many examples of how EU has helped us. We don’t want to detract from the importance of these efforts. However, if EU is more selective about which programs to prioritize — and postpones spending money on events and festivities — it shouldn’t have to increase our tuition to support us.
By maintaining an open line of communication with students, EU can put itself on a path to
GRAPHIC BY Abbey Mark
14
ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
OPINIONS
ISSUE 3
GRAPHIC BY Abbey Mark
BE CAREFUL AND MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS Fatima Gutierrez (She/Her) Staff Writer
ple’s mistakes, and see how you can better yourself — that should be your priority.
informed. Just remember — what you do on social media, everyone else does too.
Beware of what you post on social media.
Also, think before you post. Ask yourself: Will this offend or hurt someone? Why am I saying this — is there an underlying issue? Am I causing an unsafe space?
You are never alone when you choose to post something: big or small, it is a reflection of yourself. Think about the future effects of applying for a job, and consider if your employer would choose to hire you or not, solely based on what you said or posted.
I’m sure we are all aware of people facing the consequences of their actions on social media — usually following bad-mouthing or holding prejudice against a group of people. It’s never right to follow through on saying something offensive, especially when a post can be traced back to you. People who share their lives through either a private account or a group chat can still receive repercussions either by losing friends or, in extreme cases, forfeiting scholarships. We have all seen it happen. Most times, the backlash is to humble vain people; don’t let that be you. Learn from peo-
A set ground rule for anyone is to simply never post when you are being affected by anger, sadness, or any overwhelming feeling. Instead, share your lives, your accomplishments, your day-to-day, activism, art, or any hobbies. There will always be a sense of joy in having an outlet to connect with the world, as well as having the ability to share your passions or to be a part of a community. We use social media to stay in touch with our friends and family, and especially while at Elmhurst University, we use social media to see what our old friends are up to or to stay
The digital footprint on Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, and even Facebook can all be linked back to you, no matter how insignificant. You can still have fun Snapchatting back and forth with friends, but hold yourself and those you choose to surround yourself with accountable. Be cautious, and remember not everything you put out into the world will receive positive feedback; it can also have negative outcomes. Just be mindful, not careless.
OCTOBER 17, 2023
THE LEADER
15
ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
16
THE LEADER
ISSUE 3
OCTOBER 17, 2023