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MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024

VOLUME 118 - ISSUE 20 Not officially associated with the University of Florida

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‘What happens in the homeland hurts you deeply’: Gainesville’s Ecuadorian community weighs in on the nation’s crisis ECUADOR’S STATE OF EMERGENCY RAISES FEAR IN NATIVES LIVING IN GAINESVILLE

By Nicole Beltran Alligator Staff Writer

Victoria Gómez de la Torre, the supervisor of the Migrant Education Program with Alachua County School Board and an Ecuadorian expatriate, has reflected on her land’s outcry with a heavy heart. “Your homeland you carry in your soul,” the 63-year-old Gainesville resident said. “What happens in the homeland hurts you deeply.” For Gainesville’s Ecuadorian community, the violence back home has

left a lingering pain. The country’s outbreak of gang violence has escalated since an attack at a television network in Guayaquil Jan. 9 spiraled the nation into fear. After the country’s powerful drug lord, José Adolfo Macías Villamar, known as “Fito,” escaped prison Jan. 8, Ecuador’s president, Daniel Noboa, declared a 60-day state of emergency for what he’s coined an “internal armed conflict.” A fundamental part of the rising violence has been the country’s weak authority system, which began taking a toll during the COVID-19 pandemic. It led to violent outbreaks within jails which soon found their way onto the streets. Drug trafficking has

SEE ECUADOR, PAGE 5

ACPS employees, parents share views on the district’s book challenging process The district rolled out new process to review objections to library materials By Megan Howard Alligator Staff Writer

Amy Trask advocates for community involvement in book and instructional media challenges at Alachua County Public Schools because of concerns about banning free speech and expression. Trask, a parent to two children at Meadowbrook Elementary School and a co-chair of the District Advisory Council, worries about the lack of transparency from the district when books are being discussed to be taken off shelves in school libraries. “The district has unclear processes,” Trask said. “Not everything has been in the sunshine, even though it needs to be, and we need more community involvement to ensure that

we are not banning books because of one lone voice, but more of a consensus process.” Florida Government-in-the-Sunshine law gives citizens the right to know and attend public meetings such as the school board and DAC proceedings. Trask recently attended a conference with PEN America at Harvard University on banning free speech and expression in school literature. She is in the process of creating a “banned book” subcommittee within the DAC. “I think book banning is concerning because it erases the voices and stories of so many people that came before us and so many people that are here today,” Trask said. “We need to preserve Black history and

SPORTS/SPECIAL/CUTOUT

Men's basketball Story description finish with comma, pg#

Bennett Andersen goes from manager to walk-on. Read more on pg. 11.

gay history.” The subcommittee's goal is to bring more people into the conversation of book challenges and teach how the process affects employees, parents and students. She also wants to ensure the district follows Sunshine Laws, so there is more transparency with the public on policies and district meetings. On Jan. 25 the DAC met for a routine meeting. Although the agenda listed an establishment of the “Subcommittee on Books/Instructional Materials in Schools,” Trask said the establishment failed to happen. The staff attorney, Susan Siegle, presented on the book challenge procedure change, which was not included in the original agenda.

SEE BOOK BAN, PAGE 5

Environmental Gambling

Florida legislators propose new gambling bill, pg. 3

The Avenue: Medieval Faire

Valentina Sarmiento // Alligator Staff

A young boy gets his face painted at the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire at Depot Park on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024.

Hoggetowne medieval faire moves downtown, pg. 6

Florida shut down state funding for diversity, equity and inclusion. These UF programs could be affected FLORIDA BOARD OF GOVERNORS VOTED JAN. 24 TO APPROVE FINAL REGULATION FOR DEI BAN PASSED IN MAY

By Zoey Thomas Alligator Staff Writer

In the days following the statewide ban on diversity, equity and inclusion funding, students at the University of North Florida are protesting the closure of their school’s LGBTQ+ center. Meanwhile, UF faculty and students are still unsure what the future looks like. The Florida Board of Governors gave final approval Jan. 24 to a ban on universities putting state or fed-

eral funds toward DEI or “social activism” programs. Gov. Ron DeSantis first passed the DEI funding ban in May 2023. In November, the Florida Board of Governors agreed to adopt a loose interpretation of the terms “DEI” and “social activism” through Regulation 9.016. Now, the regulation is approved and in effect. The new regulation interprets DEI as advantages based on race, gender or sexual orientation, or the idea a group’s action is biased because of those factors. “Social activism” is defined as a goal to change a government policy or achieve a social issue. UNF announced hours after the regulation’s approval that it will

SEE DEI, PAGE 4

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Today’s UF Century TowerWeather Carillon students ‘ring’ in the Spring semester HIDDEN UP TWELVE FLIGHTS OF STAIRS, A SMALL GROUP OF STUDENTS SUSTAIN A DECADES-LONG TRADITION

By Sara-James Ranta Alligator Staff Writer

Upon entering Century Tower, a cold breeze clashes with the outside heat. The four walls of brick have dust an inch thick. The winding staircases are dimly lit and adorned with cobwebs. The air smells like dust and rotting wood. At the very top, a small room encases a wooden plank instrument capable of controlling 61 bells across five octaves at 157 feet in the air. Every semester, a small group of students have the opportunity to play the Century Tower Carillon — an instrument made of bells — ranked among one of the largest university carillons out of the less than 200 nationwide. Since the carillon’s first recital in 1979, each student’s performance is an addition to the tower's historic legacy and unique sound, according to its website. Michael Dixon, a 20-year-old UF music composition junior, has played the university’s carillon for two years. Even though his primary instrument is the french horn, the carillon was originally an opportunity to further his composition skills, he said. “I wanted to develop my skills on a keyboard, and this seemed like a really unique opportunity to do that,” he said. “I’ve fallen in love with it.” To play the carillon, each plank, some heavier than others, are connected to a corresponding metal string. The strings are connected to a device ringing the bell from above,

known as the clapper. Each metal string has a connector the performer turns to change the tension, and that changes how close the clapper is to the bell. The adjusting process is done before every performance, and Dixon can do it by ear. “The right distance [of the clapper] gives the performer the most dynamic control over the instrument,” he said. Performers push the planks with their fists, giving them more control over the downward force. Beth Blair, a 21-year-old UF nursing senior, has been playing the university’s carillon for five semesters. Balancing a nursing degree and multiple extracurriculars, she performs her weekly afternoon recital in her scrubs. Blair believes the carillon made her a better student, she said. “It really taught me how to … express myself on a different level that isn’t nursing,” she said. “I would love to see where it takes me.” So far, UF carillon’s membership to the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America has taken Blair to play at many carillons, such as Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida; an Episcopal church in Clearwater; Clemson University in South Carolina and Massachusetts. The guild connects carillon students, appreciators and professors from across the country. Blair’s experiences make her grateful for the carillon, she said. “Carillon has given me so much that I never expected,” she said. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with that knowledge after I leave UF … I know in some way that it will come back to me.” The group is preparing for its upcoming spring festival Feb. 9 and 10. The event will feature compositions from both current and former UF

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carillon students. Laura Ellis, associate director and professor in the UF School of Music, leads the student carillon group. Her love for carillon started in 1990 as a graduate student, she said. Now 20 years into her teaching career at UF, she is also the president of The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America. To her, UF stands out against other carillon programs, she said in an email. “One thing I am most proud of is the sense of community within the carillon studio at UF,” she wrote. “Everyone is at a different level in their musical journey, but all are encouraged to explore and arrange music that interests them,” she said. Playing the carillon is a focused course at UF, complete with weekly group class, one-on-one private lessons, and a performance or ensemble. However, making the competitive list doesn’t come without a background in music, an audition and a sight-read piece. As of Spring 2024, there is a waitlist to enter. “I suggest that the [student] bring a prepared piece on their instrument of choice to the audition,” she wrote. “I don’t expect musical virtuosos, but the ability to read music is a must.” @sarajamesranta sranta@alligator.org

UF Law has its most diverse class in the last five years DIVERSITY REMAINS A GOAL FOR STUDENTS AND FACULTY ALIKE

By Delia Rose Sauer Alligator Staff Writer

The Levin College of Law Class of 2026 has seen an increase in diversity among its student body. The Class of 2026 had 3,987 applications and accepted 180 students. Of those students, 53% are women, and 36% come from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, according to UF Law’s entering class profile. About 13.8% of applicants identified as LGBTQ+. The law school has consistently increased the acceptance of students from a wide range of backgrounds. In 2022, the incoming class’ overall diversity was about 33% and the Class of 2019 had 29% diversity. Race and ethnic identity are self-reported by applicants. In 2023, 1,811 applicants to the college identified as being part of a racial or ethnic minority. Whitney Smith is the assistant dean for messaging and outreach for the Levin College of Law. In an email, she wrote UF Law ensures all applicants are treated equally and have “excellent credentials from a wide range of backgrounds.” “UF Law graduates go on to serve populations across the state, nation and globe,” she wrote. “Enrolling and educating students who come from all walks of life and with a variety of viewpoints means that our graduates will be able to better serve communities across the globe.” The law school aims to protect its inclusivity. All students are supported throughout their careers at the

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school, Smith said. Resources like networking opportunities and a full-time, on-site mental health counselor help ensure students from all backgrounds feel welcome at the college, she added. “We are committed to ensuring every student is respected at UF Law,” Smith wrote. “We will continue to foster a community that is built on trust.” Shayna Schulman, a 24-year-old UF Law student, is completing her J.D. and pursuing a career in litigation. She believes having students from various backgrounds is important to bring new perspectives to the classroom. “When we’re talking about a legal concept, it’s really helpful to have different people engaging in the conversation because they might bring up a point that you never thought of,” Schulman said. Organizations such as UF Law Association for Women and the Caribbean Law Students Association help provide a space for students to share those perspectives and be supported during their time in the college. Schulman is involved with UF Law Association for Women and found a welcoming community, she said. “It’s a good environment to have everyone together,” she said. Diversity among students should also be reflected in the school’s faculty, Schulman said. “A lot of my professors are women,” she said. “To go to them to get career advice can be really helpful.” Read the rest online at alligator.org. @_delia_rose_ drosesauer@alligator.org

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MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024 ALLIGATOR 3 Gambling Jennifer Kruse. Gambling revenue may be used for Florida’s environment under new bill Compulsive Two million United States adults are estimated to have a severe gambling problem, PROPONENTS ARGUE THE BILL WOULD BENEFIT WATER QUALITY AND WILDLIFE, WHILE SOME EXPERTS HAVE RESERVATIONS

By Kylie Williams Alligator Staff Writer

As Florida’s 2024 legislative session ramps up, politicians are choosing to bet on the environment. The proposed Senate Bill 1638 could allocate millions of dollars in gambling funds to the state’s environmental resources. In 2021, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The compact provided the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights in running gambling activities on tribal lands. In exchange, the tribe agreed to give $2.5 billion of its revenue to the state for the first five years the compact is in place. Under SB 1638, 96% of these annual funds would go to Florida’s environmental resources. Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast, authored the bill and outlined its purposes in a Jan. 24 hearing with the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government. For the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the legislature expects to receive $384 million from the Seminole Tribe to be used for the environment. “I could think of no better partnership with the tribe and the compact dollars than to help

take that money and keep Florida beautiful,” Hutson said. The 10 members of the appropriations committee voted unanimously in favor of the bill, passing it to the Fiscal Policy committee. Sen. Debbie Mayfield, R-Melbourne, a member of the appropriations committee, also supported the bill for its commitment to a five-year plan. “This is going to go a long way with our water quality and our Clean Waterway Act and protecting our environment,” Mayfield said during the hearing. The Seminole Tribe declined to comment on SB 1638. The tribe operates six casinos in Florida, and launched a sports betting app in November. In the past, the tribe has argued that its gaming operations will create over 1,000 new jobs. The Florida Wildlife Corridor, a foundation in favor of the bill, said consistent funding from the state government is critical to conserving Florida’s environment. Florida’s wildlife corridor, or sections of land or water that connect wildlife habitats, encompasses 18 million acres of protected lands. Out of the allocated funds from SB 1638, 32% would go toward purchasing land for conservation, with priority given to lands within the wildlife corridor. “The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation supports SB 1638 to utilize new and additional funds for land conservation in Florida,” said Corridor Foundation CEO Mallory Dimmitt in a statement to The Alligator. “We are excited

that our state leadership is actively seeking avenues to bolster progress through state conservation programs.” Some of the revenue will also go to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for trail management and to develop a water quality work plan. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will also receive funding for land management. FDEP did not respond for comment at time of publication, and FWC declined to comment on the bill. Beth Alvi, the Senior Director of Policy for Audubon Florida, supported the bill during its Jan. 24 hearing. One of the most promising aspects of the bill, Alvi said, was the portion dedicated to land management. In addition to the 32% given to purchase land for conservation, another 32% is allocated for management of that land. This allows conservationists to make sure the protected land stays in good condition, Alvi said. Land management can involve removing invasive species, prescribing wildfires and protecting wildlife, she added. “We get all the attention when we buy land and put it into conservation,” Alvi said. “But with it comes the responsibility of being good stewards of the land.” However, some experts worry about the Florida legislature’s position on gambling. As gaming operations in the state expand, the rate of gambling addictions will climb, said Executive Director of the Florida Council on

while an additional four to six million are considered to have a mild or moderate problem, according to data from the National Council on Problem Gambling. FCCG runs a 24-hour anonymous helpline, 888-ADMIT-IT, which is used to provide resources to those who believe themselves or a loved one have a gambling problem. In the past decade, the rate of contacts to the helpline has doubled. “Operating a 24/7 helpline is a lot of work,” Kruse said. “There is extensive training that is required to arm somebody with the tools necessary to respond to what are oftentimes very crisis contacts.” That number is only expected to grow due to the compact with the Seminole Tribe and the expansion of gambling across the state, Kruse said. Yet while the number of those seeking help for problem gambling has grown, the funding to FCCG has not. Each year, the Florida legislature redirects hundreds of thousands in funding from the FCCG, Kruse said. The current amount of funding the organization receives isn’t adequate to meet current demands, let alone the expected increase, she added. “If there’s going to be additional revenues generated from gambling,” Kruse said. “There needs to be additional revenues allocated for problem and compulsive gambling.” @kyliewilliams99 kyliewilliams@alligator.org

TICK.TOCK.

Reduce your showertime by 2 minutes.

PRESERVE WATER

4 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024

Joseph Williams Elementary School to begin IB Primary Years Program next school year Starting Fall 2024, the “whole school” program will foster student inquiry By Megan Howard Alligator Staff Writer

The 2024-2025 school year will mark the beginning of Joseph Williams Elementary School’s International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program. The IB PYP magnet is a schoolwide curriculum designed to foster a love for learning through student inquiry. As a “whole school” program, IB PYP emphasizes collaboration between students and teachers, Alachua County Public Schools Spokesperson Jackie Johnson said. “This is a program that is designed for all students. It must be implemented so that every child in a school takes advantage and all the children are working together,” she said. The program incorporates state and local curriculum to ensure students “meet and exceed” state standards. Superintendent Shane Andrew has been interested in expanding IB programs in Alachua County since his time as principal at Eastside High School, which hosts a “very successful” IB program, Johnson said. “He was very familiar with the benefits for students who

participate in the IB program,” Johnson said. “But he’s had an interest in expanding it, not just to other grades, but to a wider variety of students.” Joseph Williams’ diverse student body is one of the reasons why the school was picked for the implementation of IB PYP. The school’s faculty and availability to grow student enrollment also contributed to the selection. Joseph Williams is currently designated as a magnet for gifted and talented students, and those students will be transitioned into the IB PYP program, Johnson said. Students zoned for Joseph Williams won’t need to apply for the program. Claire Kuntz, a 19-year-old UF linguistics and communication science freshman, attended the IB program at Eastside High School. The IB program allowed Kuntz to explore her academic interests and learn from different lenses. “I feel that it really let me take some of my curiosity and be able to pursue it on my own,” she said. Kuntz thinks IB PYP will be good for elementary students to grow their curiosity and passion for learning. “I think curiosity in learning is

Ashley C. Hicks // Alligator Staff

Joseph Williams Elementary School on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. one of the most important things in getting kids really interested in education,” she said. Magnet school applications opened Jan. 16. Families can apply online to a maximum of three programs. Once the application closes Feb. 13, 50% of the slots will be chosen by the schools. After

Gainesville Ecuadorians react ECUADOR, from pg. 1

also fueled gang related activity in Ecuador, plaguing the country with corruption and fear. The country has undergone business closures, an 11 p.m. curfew and military advancements to ease the brutality sweeping the region. Community members beyond the nation are expressing a mix of fear, anger and heartbreak, trying to make peace with policies they don't agree with while also placing their anger aside and simply feeling for their loved ones. Gómez de la Torre is concerned with the nation’s sudden shift from peace to chaos. “I think we got too comfortable with that idea that maybe it was never going to affect us,” she said. She’s been keeping up with the conflict daily as well as checking up on family members who reside in South America. She believes the nation’s former president Rafael Correa and his policies could have been leading causes to the country’s current state, she said. “He’s the main architect of this collapse,” she said. Gómez de la Torre believes the nation’s vulnerability has made it easier for crime organizations to prey on younger individuals who are seeking opportunities in a country with scarce job resources, she said. UF acknowledged the crisis Jan. 10

and addressed the on-campus Ecuadorian community. The university’s Interim Dean of Students Jonathan Yorkowtiz sent out an email to the Ecuadorian body acknowledging the crisis and offering support during the difficult time. “I want you to know that support is available for you,” Yorkowtiz wrote in the email and listed multiple resources, encouraging students and faculty to reach out. Director of UF’s Latin Studies Department Carlos de la Torre said the violence is a product of many economic, geographic, social and political dynamics within the country. De la Torre said the departure of the United States’ military base in Manta made the nation more vulnerable to drug imports and eventually grew the country’s exports. “It’s very, very sad,” he said. “The future of Latin America could be dominated by drug lords.” But de la Torre said the nation is still regionally diverse, making some areas more dangerous and others much safer. The more dangerous spots are the ports where cocaine is distributed, he said. Kleber Naula, is a 44-year-old UF professor of Quechua, an indigenous language spoken in the Americas. Naula is originally from Ecuador and said he has two separate perspectives on the problem: a more objective view and a more personal viewpoint on the trajectory of the country’s fall.

the schools make their selection, the other 50% are assigned by the random lottery to students who meet the minimum program requirements, the director of state reporting Kimberly Neal said. Families receive notifications on whether they were selected for admission and a deadline to accept or reject their offer. Some

Naula said the problem is rooted in all levels of social class because there is corruption within the government that makes it difficult to combat the origins of the crisis. Corruption is inevitable if there are gangs threatening people’s lives or their loved ones if they refuse to comply, he added. Naula said poor families are placed in vulnerable situations like being promised lucrative profits but also being threatened into exporting drugs or laundering money. Naula also believes the crisis will start a dispersion of Ecuadorian roots and increase emigration, similarly to what Venezuela has seen in the past decade, he said. “They don't have any job opportunities or opportunities in education,” he said. “So we are starting another diaspora.” Naula said his own family, who is from the Chimborazo Province, is also suffering from a lack of resources. His own nieces and nephews are looking for jobs and better education, he said, but because of limited opportunities and now the violence, the diaspora feels unstoppable. “We are creating this culture of fear: ‘cultura de miedo,’” he said. “Society is panicking about the criminal groups, and [these groups] know they have the power, and that is what is affecting the culture as well.” Sara Almeida, an 18-year-old UF mechanical engineering freshman, has been keeping up with the crisis through family members and the news. She said she’s disappointed her nation’s beauty is now masked by crime. “Ecuador is a very pretty country, and it

students get placed on waitlists and others may receive multiple program offers, Neal said. Families on the waitlist receive offers throughout the summer and up to 15 days into the school year to join a magnet program. Applicant numbers vary by year, but Neal said she is hopeful for large numbers for the 20242025 school year. “We’ve done a lot of publicity this year. We’re really hoping to get even more applicants than in the past,” she said. Each magnet program has a varying number of seats available. Elementary magnets have 36 seats available per program, and middle school programs have a range between 44 and 132 seats per program. “At the high school level, they range from 18 at some of our very small programs up to 150,” Neal said. Although Joseph Williams Elementary School includes students zoned for the school and students already in the gifted and talented program, there are still seats available for interested families. @meganmhxward mhoward@alligator.org

should be recognized for its beauty and not the narco violence,” she said. Almeida’s father lives in a city near Guayaquil, and she’s concerned for his safety because of his proximity to the violence, she said, but she’s remaining hopeful that authorities can control the situation. Valentina Gabino, a 20-year-old Santa Fe College nursing sophomore, said she feels not only for her family but for every Ecuadorian. “It’s something very real,” she said. “I don't know a single person, friend, family who hasn't been affected.” Gabino said her father had to leave the country to protect himself; she also said her friends back in Ecuador closed their businesses for their safety. A large issue Gabino has seen among her relatives is gang bribery. “My grandpa has land in Quevedo, and if gang members know you’re sowing, you risk being threatened for large sums of money,” she said. Gabino said the bribery goes beyond farming and is also seen in businesses and homes, especially in upper-class neighborhoods. Amongst different perspectives on violence, policy and solutions, community members all fall back to reminisce on their country’s rich and fascinating presence, one that Victoria Gómez de la Torre collectively remembers as peace. “I hope this ‘land of peace’ can become a land of peace, again,” she said. @nicolebeltg nbeltran@alligator.org

DEI at UF DEI, from pg. 1

close its Office of Diversity and Inclusion, including its women’s and LGBTQ+ centers. The UF administration hasn’t issued a similar plan of action as of Jan. 28. In January 2023, a state-ordered audit showed UF dedicated over $5 million — or about 0.14% of its operating budget — to “programs and initiatives related to diversity, equity and inclusion, and critical race theory” for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Over $3 million came from the state.

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024 ALLIGATOR 5 The largest portion of funding was divided among DEI deans, directors and committees in UF colleges. Other high-funded categories included the Chief Diversity Office, Center for Inclusion and Multicultural Diversity and various humanitiesbased courses. UF college DEI administrations

Nine UF colleges had deans Nine UF colleges had deans responsible for DEI in January 2023. One year later, eight of those deans are still at UF — but none hold the same position. Two of the former DEI deans have become simply “associate deans” in

Karis Dunnam // Alligator Staff

Challenges with books BOOK BAN, from pg. 1

“I’m concerned because now we were changing agenda items and changing items from our co-chair meeting,” Trask said. With the agenda change to allow Siegle to speak, and other “nastiness” in the meeting, the establishment of Trask’s subcommittee has been tabled until the following school year, she said. People present at the DAC meeting were not opposed to the creation of a book challenge committee, but were hesitant on the DAC being involved. “They didn’t know where the DAC would fit into that conversation,” Trask said. The banning process

Media and instructional material challenges began last year after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1069 into law, which included provisions for parents and citizens to submit challenges to school materials. Citizens can submit objections if they believe books contain pornographic content and/or sexual conduct as described in F.S. 847.001(19). When the book challenges first began at ACPS last year, it went through review at the school. The principal would put together a library council committee consisting of the school’s media specialist, the guidance counselor, a teacher and a parent, said district media specialist Patty Duval. If the citizen still wished to object to the decision, the district would create a committee to review the book. If the citizen still has concerns about the book, they can request a hearing where the district hires “an impartial outside hearing officer where each side presents their case,” Duval said. The hearing officer would then make a recommendation to the board. “It was really time consuming and redundant,” Duval said. As of Jan. 1, ACPS instituted a new policy for book challenges. Once a principal receives a challenge, the objection is sent to the district media specialist and the book is temporarily removed from the shelf at the school. Two Thursdays a month, the library advisory council at the district level meets to discuss. The library advisory council consists of the district media specialist, the curriculum supervisor, the district guidance counselor, a district curriculum specialist and a parent from the school of the objection. The public is given notice to the meeting, but citizens will not be allowed to comment. The objector can bring evidence for

the past year. But six hold similar roles with differently worded titles. For example, the former associate dean for diversity, inclusion and global affairs in the nursing college is now associate dean for community engagement and global affairs. Robert Thomas, former associate dean for DEI at UF Warrington College of Business and current assistant dean for DEI at Indiana University, overheard conversations about changing titles in response to DEI pushback before leaving UF in 2022. The changed job names came in response to anti-DEI legislation. But most newly labeled faculty are simply continuing the same work under different titles, Thomas said. “No one wants to break the law, so if DEI is not allowed, then definitely nobody's going to work under that title,” he said. “But the activities that are performed, the inclusiveness, the attempt to increase success rates for all students — that work needs to happen regardless of what title you associate with it.” As Florida cracks down on DEI, universities in other states are recognizing the opportunity to acquire UF faculty fed up with the state’s political climate, Thomas said. “I was getting two to three requests for interviews a month from various groups, looking for somebody to work in the area of DEI,” he said. “People who are marketable are being targeted right and left and being asked if they're willing to move, and a lot of people who previously were unmovable are open to

those offers.” The UF College of Journalism and Communications didn’t identify a DEI dean in January 2023, but it did have a committee of inclusion, diversity and equity, which voted in November to change its name to the “Community + Culture” committee. College faculty approved the name change Jan. 26 — two days after Regulation 9.016 passed — said committee co-chair and UF journalism professor Matt Sheehan. Shifting to community and culture is “no big deal,” Sheehan said. The committee never practiced DEI in terms of basing preferences on demographics. Instead, the rechristening was just to ensure the college is up-to-date with state law, he said. He thinks the committee, under its new name, will hold up under the new regulation, he said. Sheehan has heard no instructions from UF administration about the DEI defunding in the days since the regulation passed, he said. College administrations received almost $2.5 million in the 2022-2023 operating budget across all colleges for dean, director, committee and organizer positions, 51% of which was state-funded. The College of Veterinary Medicine received the most funding at over $200,000. UF Chief Diversity Office

UF hired Marsha McGriff as Chief Diversity Officer in 2021. Her role was created based on results from a 2015 faculty survey asking how administration could improve the UF

their argument as allowed by F.S. 1006.28(2)(a)2 a and b. The committee then makes a recommendation and votes on whether to keep the book on shelves, however, the decision is not final. Similar to the original process, if the objector is unhappy with the council’s decision to keep the book on shelves, they can request an impartial outside hearing officer. If the committee moves to remove the book from shelves, the case is then sent to the school board. Once at the school board, citizens are allowed public comment, and the school board will decide whether to accept or reject the library advisory council’s recommendation. Unsatisfied objectors can take the hearing to a higher level with the district. If there are still objections, the commissioner of education appoints a member of the Florida Bar to look over the case and recommend a decision to the State Board of Education. The State Board must then approve or reject the recommendation. “We are totally against banning books based on opinions. All of the books in our libraries meet selection criteria established by the state,” Duval said. “We stand behind every book in our school library.” Duval recognizes many of the books receiving complaints share a common subject matter. “It’s very frustrating constantly being challenged about a specific topic,” she said. Over half of the books on the Challenged Library Materials list contain themes around gender identity and sexuality. Many of those books have been moved from their normal library section to the nonfiction section in an effort to prevent students from accidently picking out books involving gender identity and sexuality, Duval said. Library Advisory Council meetings

The Library Advisory Council met Jan. 18 to discuss “PET” by Akwaeke Mazi, “My Maddy” by Gayle Pittman and “When Aidan Became a Brother” by Kyle Lukoff. Two of the three books contained subject matter surrounding gender identity. Duval opened the meeting by reviewing Florida state statutes outlining what books and materials are allowed in school libraries. Three sections of F.S.1006 govern materials appropriate for schools. The statute outlines library books must be picked by media specialists, instruction materials must be free of pornography and be grade-appropriate, and some material purchased by media specialists are intended for instruction. After reviewing the statutes, Duval said F.S.1006.40(3)(d) would be used to evaluate book challenges. The council then moved into evaluations of each book. Parent representatives from Terwilliger Elementary School and High

workplace environment. She and her staff of three full-time employees coordinate the Council for Access, Respect & Engagement, which runs programs like the Field & Fork food pantry and Collegiate Veterans Success Center, as well as other mentorship and diversity programs. McGriff, a member of the president’s cabinet, was salaried at $300,000 in Fall 2022. Of her office’s over $1 million from the 2022-2023 operating budget, about $780,000, or 72%, came from state funding. McGriff and her office did not respond to requests for comment on how the regulation may change their operations moving forward. Graduate school programs

UF graduate school DEI programs, as identified by the 2022 report, include the Office of Graduate Diversity Initiatives and SF2UF, a Santa Fe College to UF bridge program that seeks to increase the number of minority SF transfer students. The OGDI website no longer exists, and the last event the office advertised on its social media took place in May. The office previously worked to recruit and retain underrepresented graduate students. Read the rest online at alligator.org. @zoeythomas39 zthomas@alligator.org

Melanie Peña // Alligator Staff

Springs were present and part of the decision making process when the book in review came from their respective schools. Before voicing their opinions and concerns, the council reviewed the pages cited by the objections as violating either age appropriateness or pornography and sexual conduct restrictions. The council wrote their evaluations on paper before engaging in a group discussion. The curriculum specialist, Jon Rehm, used the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, peer reviewed evaluations of the book and other research papers to support his arguments in support of keeping “When Aidan Became a Brother” and “My Maddy” on the shelves. “When Aidan Became a Brother” was objected to on the basis of not being age-appropriate for students. Rehm said the objection found an issue with subject matter following a transgender child, which is not a widely accepted gender theory. “[There is] a wide scientific base for this theory of gender identity, concurrent to it not being controversial, and [it should] no longer [be] looked at as disordered thinking,” he said. The research Rehm found made him believe the objectors argument was not valid, he said. The council concluded “When Aidan Became a Brother” should stay in circulation at Terwilliger, but access to check out the book should be restricted to stay mindful of student age. “My Maddy” and “PET” also stayed in circulation with no stipulations on which grade levels can check out the book. @meganmhxward mhoward@alligator.org

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024 www.alligator.org/section/the_avenue

CULTURE

Gainesville hosts 37th Hoggetowne Medieval Faire THIS YEAR’S EVENT OFFERED A SMALLER, SHORTER SPIN ON THE LONGTIME ALACHUA COUNTY FESTIVAL By Bonny Matejowsky Avenue Staff Writer

Flocks of families, friends and fabled characters gathered at Depot Park Jan. 27-28 to revel in warm weather and high spirits at the 37th annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. This year’s event offered a different spin on the typical threeweekend affair, with free admission, a one-weekend schedule and a smaller event space. Lili Tzou, the director of the fair, said the switch in locations brought a new setup. After the usual and much larger venue of the Alachua County Fairgrounds moved four years ago, the organizers have been searching for a different area to put on the event.

This year brought the festival to the staple Gainesville spot, Depot Park, located at 874 SE Fourth St. The organizers said they could not fence the park off for three weekends straight because it is open to the public. However, the change in locations and time did not come with a change in spirits. This weekend, the modern space was brought back in time hundreds of years to an olden — yet festive — jubilee. On Jan. 27, performers, attendees and vendors alike celebrated the occasion from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with medieval cheer in conjunction with the theme, “The Return of Robin Hood.” “Hoggetowne is really special in that everyone, like all of our participants, performers and merchants describe it as a family reunion,” Tzou said. “This is a tradition for many people.” The event featured more than 60 artisans selling homemade crafted goods, six performance stages, various vendors selling

medieval-themed food as well as other ancient activities for guests of all ages. Costumes ranged from knights in shining armor and gray-bearded wizards to masked and colorful animals. Atypical festival features included a living chessboard performed by volunteers from the theater company, Thieves Guilde, a maypole decorated with pastelcolored ribbons and a jousting arena where fully armored knights battled on horseback. Among the performers dispersed throughout the event space was 57-year-old Teresa Songster, aka “The Harpy.” Her booth offered a calming soundtrack of 13th and 14th-century tunes played on her folk harp amidst the chaos of knightly revelry. “I play harp and create an ambiance of music while people are just joining the festival,” Songster said. “The music is a little older than the popular things and singers, but [festival attendees] love to hear it.”

Songster is a part of Harpies, an Orlando-based harp duo she shares with her daughter. Though her day job is at Disney World, she has enjoyed her side gig of playing the harp for more than 24 years, performing at retirement homes outside medieval festivals. “We appreciate the community sticking with us, coming out, visiting us, listening to us play,” she said. Kaleb Eldred-Mackenzie, a Sante Fe College anthropology student, was one among the thousands of Gainesville residents who flocked to the fair. After attending the fair the year prior, he returned this year. His favorite part of the fair is the people, he said. “I don’t really go out to big social events, so seeing so many people come here for the same cause is just really cool,” EldredMackenzie said. Mary Rodriguez, a 36-year-old artisan, was one of three vendors selling crafted goods at the booth, The Mystic Merchants. She is the

creator of Aries Heat Candles, a Gainesville soy candle company, and has been involved with the fair for eight years, she said. She sold her candles, beaded spiders and dragons, alongside ceramic creations made by fine arts student Kathleen Harton and crystal suncatchers created by Miranda Samantha, an artisan who created the shop, Crystal Prisms. “[Hoggetowne Medieval Faire] is dear to my heart,” Rodriguez said. “You get to meet with old friends and you get to yell that your friend is a witch.” Though the collective of craftspeople is always evolving, the spirit of a medieval found family remains. “The Mystic Merchants is different every year,” Rodriguez said. “We’re gonna keep on going as long as we can. We love the show and we love the feeling we get from the people.” @bonnymatejowsky bmatejowsky@alligator.org

LITERATURE

Statewide book festival aims to improve childhood literacy rates in Alachua County SUNSHINE STATE BOOK FESTIVAL ADDRESSED COUNTY’S LARGEST DISCREPANCY IN LANGUAGE ARTS ACHIEVEMENT By Emilia Cardenas-Perez Avenue Staff Writer

On Jan. 27, the ground floor of the Hilton Conference Center filled with lines of eager readers waiting to meet and greet more than 200 authors from across Florida promoting their most prized literary pieces. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Writers Alliance of Gainesville hosted the Sunshine State Book Festival at 1714 SW 34th St. Writers were invited who are famed for their homage to Black history. Barnard Sims was one of the authors promoting his book at the festival. His novel, “The Southern Awakening: A Black Man’s Guide to Liberating the Rural South,” won the Best Book award at the American Book Festival. Wearing a t-shirt that read “Black Authors Matter,” Sims said he is passionate about addressing racial inequalities in the United States and empowering marginalized communities. “One of those ways [to liberation] that I’ve

found is through writing and reading,” Sims said. “We have some challenges in our community with literacy.” Alachua County Public Schools has the largest racial discrepancy in language arts achievement rate among public school systems in the state, according to the Florida Department of Education’s 2023 report. Between white and Black students, there exists a 45% gap in English Language Arts Achievement, at 70% for white students and 25% for Black students in the county. This gap is 17% larger than Florida’s total gap. Sims said much of the literature provided to children by schools isn’t inclusive to children of color. “When I was growing up, I wasn’t a great reader either,” he said. “But what happened was I started being exposed to books where I could see myself in the literature.” He said when he was in school, the books in the curriculum either had no Black characters or used the trope of the “submissive slave.” He believes schools fail to give Black children stories that empower and center them. “I’m exhibit A,” he said. “When I was a kid, I had trouble reading because I was given literature that only portrayed me as a slave.” He said the story of Osbourn Dorsey, the 16-year-old inventor of the doorknob, particu-

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larly inspired him, as it demonstrated a Black male overcoming racial oppression rather than being held back by it. “[Black students] need to be able to put themselves in the narrator’s seat so they can take the ride on the journey of the protagonist,” he said. “If we just continue to give them stories about George Washington chopping down a cherry tree … I’m not going to be able to make the connection.” Sims said the lack of Black characters in children’s and young adults’ books affects a child’s learning regardless of race. “We shouldn’t be excluding people in these stories,” he said. “[This] does more damage to people in other demographics too because it doesn’t allow all the demographics of people to see the empathy.” Sims also noted close to 85% of juvenile defendants in the U.S. can’t read. Three out of five adult males incarcerated in their lifetimes develop lower literacy rates, he added. “The great crime of our time is not to address the gap of literacy, and it starts with early intervention,” Sims said. “For me, [reading] is therapy, and it gives us a path to liberation.” E. Stanley Richardson is an Alachua County poet laureate. At the Sunshine State Book Festival, he performed a 40-minute play titled “A Conversation with Frederick Douglass

and Captain John Brown” with award-winning actor, director and playwright Timothy McShane and television host and author Pamela Marshall-Koons. Richardson uses his poetry to express his social and political beliefs. His debut poetry collection, “Hip Hop Is Dead — Long Live Hip Hop, The Birth, Death And Resurrection Of Hip Hop Activism,” focuses on the value of music and literature in the Black community. He founded ARTSPEAKS, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting youth literacy and supporting writers in North Central Florida. It will host its tenth annual “Courageous Young Voices” teen poetry contest March 10. “The thing that I really love doing is … creating platforms for other people to perform their stuff,” he said. Both Sims and Richardson are dedicated to improving literacy rates among children, citing the book festival as a way to connect with the community. Alachua County is striving to close the gap in language arts achievement through events like the book festival and increased funding for places such as Gainesville For All’s Empowerment Zone Family Learning Center. @emiliaandreaa ecardenas-perez@alligator.org

Latina Women’s League

Group offers English classes for immigrants. Read more on pg. 7.

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El Caimán

LUNES, 29 DE ENERO DE 2024 www.alligator.org/section/elcaiman

La Liga de Mujeres Latinas da inicio a clases de inglés para inmigrantes LAS CLASES DE LA LIGA INTENTAN AUMENTAR LA ALFABETIZACIÓN EN INGLÉS Y ACERCAR LOS INMIGRANTES A LA CIUDADANÍA LEGAL Por Laura Quintana Esritora de El Caimán

Muchos no hablantes de inglés llegan al país sin saber cosas básicas del idioma, creando problemas al no poder comunicarse con los hablantes nativos de inglés. La Liga de Mujeres Latinas [Latina Women 's League] tiene como objetivo empoderar a la comunidad hispana local a través de una variedad de eventos educativos y actividades comunitarias. El 25 de enero, la liga comenzó a dar clases de inglés HealthStreet para apoyar a quienes vinieron a los Estados Unidos sin conocer el idioma. “Yo creo que las está ayudando mucho [a las personas], porque muchas personas no saben cómo decir palabras muy simples”, dijo Ericka Ghersi, la presidenta de la Liga de 48 años. “Entonces les está dando la seguridad de poder hablar

porque al saber algunas palabras, ya te da un poquito de seguridad para seguir hablando…nosotros somos como las mamás que le ayudamos al niño a caminar, así, ya después ellos pueden correr”. Si bien la mayoría de los estudiantes son inmigrantes hispanohablantes, las clases no son exclusivamente para ellos. Ghersi dijo que las clases de inglés son para cualquier persona interesada. “[Las clases son] para cualquier persona, de cualquier género, de cualquier país”, dijo Ghersi. “Da la coincidencia de que la mayoría son Latinoamericanos, pero es solamente una coincidencia, pero es para todos”. Venir a los EE.UU. de un país tercermundista puede provocar shock cultural para los inmigrantes, dijo Ghersi. “Venir acá sin un idioma que no sabes, es un choque fuerte”, dijo Ghersi. “Y venir acá en un idioma que no sabes y con tanta tecnología que nunca has usado en tu país, como por ejemplo lavar la ropa en una lavadora, o lavar tus platos en un lavaplatos”. Ghersi, al también ser una inmigrante, empezó a dar las clases porque sabía cómo se siente para los inmigrantes quienes no hablan

inglés. “Porque si yo tengo esas herramientas para explicar a las personas de las cosas que debe evitar, porque no enseñarles. Porque voy a ser tan egoísta de pensar que ellos deben sufrir como yo sufrí”, dijo Ghersi. Casi 50 personas se han inscrito a las clases de inglés los martes y jueves dirigidas por voluntarios. Algunos de los voluntarios son estudiantes como Alejandro Ramírez, un estudiante de UF de psicología de tercer año. “Yo siempre he tenido una pasión por enseñar el inglés a los hispano hablantes”, dijo Ramírez. “Mi mamá es una de esas personas. Desde pequeña yo soy como la intérprete de ella, como ella no habla inglés desde que llegó a este país hace 20, 30 años. Ahora habla un poquito de inglés, pero como que me inspira a enseñarle a otras personas por ella misma”. Ramírez dice que los estudiantes no necesitan alcanzar el inglés bilingüe para ser exitoso. “Pero con tal de que aprendan algunas cosas,” dijo Ramírez. “Aunque sea que les de confianza de ir al mundo americano y de poder hablar el inglés sin miedo, con eso yo estoy bien”.

Otros voluntarios y coordinadores ayudaron a organizar la lista de registración y dar la primera clase de inglés a los 22 estudiantes presentes. Viana Bravo, coordinadora administrativa de 22 años y graduada de UF, dijo que había una necesidad urgente de clases de inglés entre los estudiantes. “Hay algunas personas que no saben nada de inglés”, dijo Bravo. “Saben decir su nombre, saben saludar y eso es todo. Y si sabes algo sobre estar en este país, [es que] eso no te llevará muy lejos”. Los estudiantes quienes no hablan inglés experimentan discriminación por no ser nativos y no saber el idioma. Si bien la lucha contra la xenofobia continúa, el ideal percibido para los inmigrantes es integrar el idioma. “A veces hay muchas reacciones negativas cuando se habla en español en lugares públicos”, dijo Bravo. “La mayoría de la gente lo encuentra ofensivo, pero yo creo que es nuestra naturaleza. Es nuestro idioma. Es la forma en que nos conectamos con quiénes somos y de dónde venimos”. Junto a la Liga de Mujeres Latinas, los inmigrantes pueden integrarse a la cultura americana de una manera segura y gratuita.

“Con suerte, el objetivo es ayudarlos a ganar confianza y conocimiento sobre el idioma inglés”, dijo Bravo. “Para que no tengan que sentir ese miedo o, ya sabes, esa sensación aterradora de no sé qué decir, no sé qué hacer”. Lisette Hidalgo, una de las estudiantes de inglés presentes el 25 de enero, ha compartido el impacto de aprender inglés gratuito. “No soy bilingüe al 100%”, dijo Lisette Hidalgo de 49 años, estudiante de inglés. “pero tengo algo de conocimiento, pero tenía tanto tiempo sin usar el inglés, que al venir a la clase a refrescar y actualizar como la pronunciación y las palabras que tenía tiempo sin usar, y entonces es refrescar y empezar a activar el uso del inglés mío día a día.” La posibilidad de aprender el idioma nativo sin costo ha sido un alivio para muchos inmigrantes. La liga no pide documentos, porque solo quiere brindar su ayuda a los que más lo necesitan, dijo Ghersi. Ella cree que al ayudar a una persona, puede influenciar de una manera positiva y propagar la generosidad. @LauraCQuintana1 lquintana@alligator.org

The Latina Women’s League begins English classes for immigrants THE LEAGUE'S CLASSES INTEND TO BOOST ENGLISH LITERACY AND BRING IMMIGRANTS CLOSER TO LEGAL CITIZENSHIP By Laura Quintana Alligator Staff Writer

Many non-English speakers arrive in the country without knowing basic things about the language, which creates problems when they can’t communicate with native English speakers. The Latina Women’s League aims to empower the local Hispanic community through a variety of educational events and community activities. On Jan. 25, the league began teaching English classes for immigrants at HealthStreet to provide support to those who came to the United States without knowing the language. “I think it is helping [people] a lot, because many people don't know how to say very simple words,” said Ericka Ghersi, the 48-yearold league president. “So it is giving them the security of being able to speak because knowing some words, it already gives you a little security to continue speaking…we are like the mothers who help the child to walk, like that, then they can run.” While the students are mostly Spanish-

speaking immigrants, the classes are not exclusively for them. Ghersi said the English classes are for anyone interested. “[The classes are] for anyone, any gender, any country,” Ghersi said. “It just so happens that the majority are Latin Americans, but it's just a coincidence, but it's for everyone.” Coming to the U.S. from a third-world country can induce culture shock for immigrants, Ghersi said. “Coming here without a language that you don't know is a strong shock,” Ghersi said. “And coming here in a language that you don't know and with so much technology that you have never used in your country, like for example washing clothes in a washing machine, or washing your dishes in a dishwasher.” Ghersi, who is also an immigrant, started the classes because she knows how it feels for immigrants who can’t speak English. “If I have those tools to explain to people the things they should avoid, why not teach them?” Ghersi said. “Because I will be so selfish to think that they must suffer like I suffered.” Almost 50 people have signed up for English classes run by volunteers on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Some of the volunteers are students like Alejandro Ramírez, a UF psychology junior. “I have always had a passion for teaching English to Spanish speakers,” Ramírez said. “My mom is one of those people. Since I was little I have been her interpreter, as she has

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Women’s basketball

not spoken English since she arrived in this country 20, 30 years ago. She now speaks a little English, but she kind of inspires me to teach other people.” Ramírez said students don’t need to attain perfect English to be successful. “As long as they learn some things,” Ramírez said. “Even if it gives them confidence to go to the American world and to be able to speak English without fear, I'm fine with that.” Other volunteers and coordinators helped organize the registration list and gave the first English class to the 22 students present. Viana Bravo, a 22-year-old UF alumna and league administrative coordinator, said the students were in dire need of language classes. “There are some people that do not know any English,” Bravo said. “They know how to say their name, they know how to say hi, and that's about it. And if you know anything about being in this country, that doesn't get you very far.” Those who don’t speak English often experience discrimination for not being native and not knowing the language. While the fight against xenophobia continues, the perceived ideal for immigrants is to integrate through language. “There's sometimes a lot of backlash when you talk in Spanish in public places,” Bravo said. “Most people find that offensive, but I find that as like that's our nature. It's our

Midseason check-in with the Gators. Read more on pg. 12.

language. It's the way we connect to who we are, where we came from.” With help from the Latina Women’s League, immigrants are allowed to integrate into American culture safely and freely. “The goal is to hopefully help them gain confidence and knowledge about the English language,” Bravo said. “So that they don't have to feel that scary feeling of, ‘I don't know what to say, I don't know what to do, I don't know how to say this.’” Lisette Hidalgo, one of the English students present Jan. 25, felt the class was especially impactful given students could learn English for free. “I'm not 100% bilingual,” Hidalgo said. “I have some knowledge, but I had not used English for so long … I came to class to refresh and update the pronunciation and the words I had not used for a long time, and then it is necessary to refresh and begin to activate the use of my English day by day.” The possibility of learning the native language at no cost has been a relief for many immigrants. The league doesn’t ask for documents, as it wants to provide help to those who need it most, said Ghersi. She believes helping a person can positively influence them and spread generosity.

Síganos para actualizaciones

Para obtener actualizaciones de El Caimán, síganos en línea en www.alligator.org/section/elcaiman.

@LauraCQuintana1 lquintana@alligator.org

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024 www.alligator.org/section/opinions

Column

A crisis of confidence: UF and the future of democracy

n April 2022, I moderated a meeting of student leaders from across campus to discuss civic education and barriers to student engagement going into the midterm election. Nearly every participant spoke to the same obstacle preventing peer engagement: polarization. The room was unanimous from Student Government officers to multicultural association presidents, from Greek chapter leaders to academic honor society members. UF’s campus was a hostile place for someone — anyone — to speak their mind. It has become something of a cliché that young people will save democracy. From older Americans looking for a light at the end of this tunnel of polarization to enthusiastic young people eager to take the wheel from our generation’s predecessors, many look to today’s youth as a silver bullet against the gridlock, polarization and democratic backsliding that has characterized American politics almost as long as Gen Z has been alive. However, it is essential to understand the difference between what is possible and what is inevitable. Gen Z saving democracy is possible. It is not inevitable. And if we fall asleep at the wheel, our generation may be the last to live in a free and open society that values cooperation, compromise and consensus. That meeting in April 2022 served as the inaugural conversation of what would become the Gators Vote Cabinet, UF’s nationally acclaimed student civic engagement initiative. Despite our best efforts, I fear UF’s hostile political climate hasn’t changed much since then. If anything, it may have gotten worse. I briefly served in our school’s bitterly divisive Student Senate and resigned on principle last May in disgust of how unproductive the body was. During my tenure, the body rarely functioned due to partisan division, and that gridlock remained in place throughout the Fall 2023 semester. Refusal to negotiate was pretty much the only thing most students knew about either party in SG, and the stalemate was not broken until the apportionment of the Fall seats was altered to all but ensure a supermajority for one of the two parties — a solution as illiberal as the behavior leading to the crisis in the first place. SG isn’t the only campus institution with poor civic health. I’ve helped organize past campus protests — and have written in this paper about them — but have admittedly grown dismayed at how the only real impact of speaking out at UF is that you lose

the opportunity to ever work with those who disagree with what you are doing. Recently, the state announced it was yanking funding for all DEI programs in the Andrew Taramykin opinions@alligator.org Florida College System, the most extreme and overt effort yet by the state executive branch to eliminate ideas it does not like from higher education. As for actual progress, little is made because few are willing to engage meaningfully. This problem is not exclusive to UF. Campuses nationwide experience drama in student governments and hostile encounters between campus protestors, counter-protestors and administrations. And to a great extent, such encounters are vital to a healthy democracy. The cornerstone of a free society is the right to speak openly and honestly about how one feels. So, too, is the right to vociferously disagree when you encounter opinions you don’t like. However, UF’s students are leadership alike and have proven ourselves uniquely poor at handling these exchanges. It is a point of pride for our university that we are the nexus of research for one of the most dynamic states in the country and that the students here today will lead all of Florida into the future. Yet just as much as Florida follows UF, UF also follows Florida, and we are the flagship university of a state that may be the most divided in the United States. In my experiences with Student Government, campus protests and civil discourse on campus, my peers (and myself) were in many ways merely emulating what we see in Washington D.C., Tallahassee and even Tigert Hall. Young people have the potential to save democracy. Still, to do so, our generation -– especially those who fancy themselves future leaders -– would do well to remember that healthy democracy requires cooperation. Yet, perhaps paradoxically, it also means collectively refusing to enable those who would rather silence their opponents, whether by manipulation or force. At UF, from the students up to the governor, those attitudes aren’t only present, they’re prevalent. And if UF students are going to save democracy in Florida, we will all have to get more vigilant about defending its core tenets. Andrew Taramykin is a UF history and political science senior.

Column

Florida Democrats robbed of vote: A wake-up call to rethink incumbent support

cross the country, the primary election cycle is heating up; Iowa and New Hampshire have already chosen their candidates. Soon, Florida will have its turn. On March 19, Floridians will head to the ballot box, casting their votes for their preferred presidential candidate. Well … Florida Republicans will. Meanwhile, Democrats will be staying home. The decision has been made for us. The Florida Democratic Party has canceled its presidential preference primary, automatically awarding all 250 delegates to President Joe Biden. This is not unique to this election or party. Instead, it reflects a political culture that treats incumbent candidates — current officeholders running for re-election — as the default, their primary races as mere formalities and their opponents as spoilers with no chance of election. Biden was nominated automatically because this culture discourages challengers and props the incumbent up as the only option. The Florida Democratic Party admits, “This is the standard process … It is not uncommon for an incumbent president to be declared the automatic winner of a presidential primary.” This decision was not an exception, but perhaps it should be the final straw. It is time to rethink automatic incumbent support. Instantly re-nominating the incumbent is not necessarily the best practice. More competitive primaries would produce more accountability, facilitate policy innovation and give more power to the people. Elections should serve as a chance to reward or punish incumbents. Still, when handed their party’s nomination without challenge, one cannot punish the incumbent without punishing the party. With no other option, Democrats are forced to vote for Biden or hand the White House to the Republicans. If the country were to welcome primary challengers, it would give those unhappy with the incumbent an alternative within their party. The party could remove underperforming leaders while maintaining their hold on the presidency. On the other hand, strong incumbents would be rewarded by the voters. This would make the par-

ties stronger and more responsive to their voters. Parties would also benefit from more competitive primaries because Ashley Mason opinions@alligator.org it would spur policy discourse within the party, generating fresh ideas. Presidential candidates frequently adopt the ideas of their primary opponents when the public reacts favorably toward them. These conversations with both parties every four years, rather than every eight years, make the parties’ platforms more innovative and aligned with voters. Finally, making an incumbent’s primary competitive is simply the democratic thing to do. Primaries were, in large part, created to give more significant influence to the people and lessen elite control of the nomination process. By deferring to the incumbent, we are not accomplishing this goal. Developing a culture encouraging competition would allow voters, rather than the parties, to make democratic decisions. Parties frown upon incumbent challengers because they argue they act as spoilers, taking time and money away from the general election and dividing the party. However, this effect does not occur when the incumbent is a well-liked candidate. Former President Donald Trump’s current run is evidence of this. While he does have challengers, his party base likes him enough that the competition is not harming his campaign. If incumbents consistently earned the respect of their voters, a competitive primary would serve as no roadblock. The country is more robust when elections allow voters to reward and punish incumbents. A shift in culture needs to begin with the public. It is time to pressure our party leaders to support competitive primaries, even with an incumbent running. While transforming this culture is challenging, it is necessary to ensure a more representative and responsive government. Only then can democracy truly flourish. Ashley Mason is a UF political science graduate student.

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MEN'S BASKETBALL

Team manager turned walk-on: Bennett Andersen’s UF journey

The senior is currently a walk-on for the Gators men’s basketball team after spending three seasons as a team manager By Max Tucker Sports Writer

Late in the second half of the Gators men’s basketball team’s Dec. 22 game against Grambling State, senior guard Bennett Andersen entered the game for UF. Freshman guard Kajus Kublickas held the ball at the top of the key. He shook his defender and drove to the basket. With his defender’s head turned, a backdoor cut down the baseline and opened up Andersen underneath the hoop to receive a bounce pass before banking in a layup for his first career points as a Florida Gator. “The whole thing is kind of still a blur,” Andersen said. “My first thought was just, ‘I’m gonna look at the bench, celebrate with the bench,’ because I knew they would all be up and excited.” The entire UF bench came to its feet, hyped for the walk-on’s bucket. Andersen looked back at his fellow teammates to celebrate before getting back on defense as the Stephen O’Connell Center erupted. Andersen always wanted to attend UF for its academics. However, his love and passion for basketball made him want to have a role with the men’s program. After spending his first three seasons as a team manager, he found himself with an opportunity to join the roster as a walk-on in his final year in Gainesville. Florida head coach Todd Golden introduced a high school recruit to Andersen over the summer while on a visit to UF. He was introduced to the recruit as a team manager, but what Golden said after was something Andersen never saw coming. “This is Bennett, he’s one of our managers,” Golden said. “We might give him a jersey next year, we’ll see.” Andersen saw this as an eye-opening opportunity that he would later make the most of. His head coach never mentioned this as a possibility before the remarks Golden made. It was a dream come true for the Tampa native. Both of Andersen’s parents attended UF, and he has been a Gators fan for as long as he can remember. He said he watched every football match and dozens of Gator basketball games growing up. From cheering on the Orange and Blue from his living room to running out of the tunnel with his jersey on, hard work and dedication played a significant role in getting Andersen to this point. Feeling confident enough to step on the floor with some of the most talented young basketball players in the nation can be a daunting task, though it was one Andersen was up for. He had a successful high school career

playing at Jesuit High School and later became a three-time intramural champion at UF. However, there aren’t exactly top 50 recruits in the country walking into Southwest Recreation Center for pickup runs. Andersen is still well aware of the physical challenges that come with being a player on the team. “At first it was just very physically draining,” he said. “I would get home and just did not want to get off the couch. You just have to be very focused.” There is more that goes into being a Division I basketball player than having the skills and fundamentals that are needed. Confidence is an aspect of the game Andersen is still trying to work through as a player on the team. “It’s still a challenge sometimes having the confidence every day,” he said. “There were a couple days getting in practice a little bit here and there as a manager where I was at least able to hold my own a little bit.” However, feeling comfortable around the people within the program has never been an issue for Andersen. The season isn’t over yet, but it’s already been filled with memorable experiences, Andersen will cherish. He said media day was one of his favorite days because he had the chance to meet his new teammates, most of them coming from the transfer portal. Andersen’s teammates and coaches have always been supportive throughout, he said. However, he admitted the confidence he instilled in himself was the most important factor in believing he belonged on this stage. “It was more self-motivation,” Andersen said. “I kind of just wanted to be a part of the program and do as much as I could.” This was an attitude that did not go unnoticed by others in the program. After spending three seasons as team manager and one as a player, Andersen’s strong work ethic and humble mindset earned him the respect of his peers. “I’ve been around a lot of team managers,” Gators men’s basketball video coordinator Jordan Jacobson said. “Bennett was different. Bennett had the mentality of somebody who was just bought into helping the program however possible, to an extent that I haven’t seen from very many people.” The team-first mentality is something Andersen has always brought to the table. “He’s just an extremely sharp, smart kid who brought a positive attitude and was enthusiastic about everything,” Jacobson said. Andersen was in charge of a variety of duties throughout his time as manager, which he always took great pride in. Whether it was doing the laundry for the team or ordering individual takeout orders for each player, he

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Senior guard Bennett Andersen smiles on the court in the Gators’ 96-57 win against the Grambling State Tigers on Dec. 22, 2023.

fulfilled his role to the highest level. Staying true to his craft as manager displayed the discipline and work ethic that would later allow him to earn a walk-on spot. “It had been three years of him being in this program without having any realistic thought about being on the roster, but he still brought enthusiasm, passion and attention to detail to all the roles that he was given,” Jacobson said. Andersen put in the necessary time to improve his physical presence throughout his career. He utilized the training facility at the Hugh Hathcock Basketball Complex to not only work on his game, but also to become stronger. The senior has put on 20 pounds of muscle

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since before he was on the player roster, Jacobson said. “Bennett brings an energy to the team that is very special,” Jacobson said. “His work ethic in the weight room has been awesome, and he’s been really happy to kind of have the attention and the resources of our strength and conditioning program at his disposal.” Andersen is always thinking one step ahead. However, the next step is rarely for himself, it’s for others. Earning a walk-on spot has not hindered the past relationships he created with the current team managers. The relationships he made during his first three seasons still hold a great deal of value to his friends within the program. “Bennett is just a great guy,” team manager Mac Carnell said. “He’s one of those guys that just does the next right thing at all times. I can’t speak highly enough, he’s honestly one of my best friends.” Being a student-athlete doesn’t come without schooling. While some Division I athletes may choose to take less challenging courses because they are already focused on playing professionally, Andersen did just the opposite. The senior is currently in his final year in the UF mechanical engineering program — one of the more difficult majors one could choose, even if they aren’t playing for a Power 5 basketball program. “He’s self-motivated in the sense that to make it as a walk-on at a Division I school is obviously very difficult,” Carnell said. “He’s also a mechanical engineering major so you’ve got the additional really tough course work [as well].” In his sophomore season, Andersen had the opportunity to earn a spot on the player roster. However, the former coaching staff did not give him the spot. The main reason was because of how good of a job he was doing as a team manager, according to Carnell. Andersen didn’t let this affect the way he approached the program. He stayed true to his work ethic, resulting in another walk-on opportunity under Golden’s staff. Now, he finds himself on the bench supporting his teammates with a chance every game to check in. And if he does, he gets to witness his teammates smiling from the bench who know how hard he worked to get to this point. “Becoming friends with those guys, getting to know them and making some good friends on the team,” Andersen said. “That’s been my favorite part.”

For updates on UF athletics, follow us on Twitter at @alligatorSports or online at www.alligator.org/section/sports.

@MaxTuckerUF25 mtucker@alligator.org

12 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators women’s basketball gets much-needed win to end SEC Struggles FLORIDA CURRENTLY RANKS 12TH IN THE SEC WITH A 2-5 RECORD IN CONFERENCE PLAY By Jack Meyer Sports Writer

The 2023-2024 season hasn’t been kind to the Florida Gators women’s basketball team since the new year. Since kicking off conference play, the Gators have struggled to hold their own against a loaded SEC talent pool. From a blowout 89-66 home loss at the hands of the No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks Jan. 4 to compiling an 0-3 record on the road in SEC play to date, Florida has already endured its fair share of struggles. UF currently ranks third-to-last in the conference. With that being said, there have also been numerous bright spots for the Gators in the last four weeks. Senior guard Leilani Correa has thrived through January, averaging 25.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and two steals in that span. Florida head coach Kelly Rae Finley singled Correa out as one of the top players in the SEC,

citing her relentless scoring and composure as two of the multiple factors that have allowed her to blossom this season. Even with all of this newfound attention, Correa remains focused on the task at hand: helping her team win games. “I don’t really feel as much pressure as you may think that I do,” Correa said. “Most of the time, my teammates are getting me the ball. Whether it’s backdoor cuts, whether it’s getting open for a three, I don’t have to go off to create my own shot a lot of the time. Just trusting my teammates, it takes a lot of the pressure off of my shoulders.” While Correa carried Florida through the past month, her fellow Gators teammates have continued to pull their weight as well. Senior guard Aliyah Matharu has averaged 18.3 points per game so far this season, while senior center Ra Shaya Kyle has chipped in with 12.4 points and a team-high 9.2 rebounds per game. Nevertheless, injuries have haunted the Gators in recent weeks. Matharu has missed Florida’s last two games due to an illness, while Kyle hasn’t seen the court since she sustained a knee

injury in the Gators’ loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores Jan. 7. Even amidst its struggles both on and off the court, Florida has made major strides in putting the pieces together for a breakthrough in conference play. The tides may finally be turning in their favor, as the Gators are 2-2 in their last four SEC matchups. “We’re proud of our team for going out and competing,” Florida senior forward Faith Dut said. “That’s what we set out to do… It’s really nice to go out there and show what we’ve been working on and how hard the Gators work.” Even with the roadblocks Florida has faced so far this season, Finley still has faith in her squad. While the competition remains as stiff as ever in the SEC, Finley believes the Gators are ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. “You come to Florida because you want to build the program, and you want to be about it,” Finley said. “You want to help turn something around, and you’re never going to do that if you don’t play the best.” Matthew Lewis // Alligator Staff

@jackmeyerUF jmeyer@alligator.org

Senior guard Leilani Correa shoots a layup in the Gators' 89-77 loss against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Jan. 22, 2024.

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