Observer the
The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center
January 24, 2024 VOLUME XLIV, ISSUE 1
Michele Burris Named VP of Student Affairs By STEVIE FUSCO Asst. News Editor
COURTESY OF MICHELE BURRIS
Michele Burris has been named vice president of student affairs after holding the associate vice president of student affairs position for 17 years.
Insight from a Fordham Climate Protester By KENNY MOLL Contributing Writer
The constant consumption of “scorched earth” news headlines and learning about those in power jeopardizing our future for profit is inescapable. Processing such information alone is becoming a heavy load to bear. This poses a question for those looking to create real change and are wondering how they should go about doing so. What would be the best course of action for actualizing progress, spreading awareness and uplifting others — if not through community and cooperation — together? Protests are the most effective course of action for environmental justice. Protests and demonstrations allow participants to process an onslaught of intense
NEWS PAGE 2
information with those advocating for the same cause in meaningful ways in hopes of accomplishing change. It is hard to fully grapple with the reality of this corrupt and unjustified system in which we unwittingly taking part. I am certain that I am contributing to companies’ efforts to pollute natural ecosystems or low-income neighborhoods via federal subsidies and tax breaks. On Sept. 18, I participated in a demonstration in which over 100 environmental activists occupied the Federal Reserve Bank in Lower Manhattan. After refusing to disperse and to leave the Federal Reserve Bank, demonstrators were arrested — including myself.
SPORTS & HEALTH PAGE 4
ARTS & CULTURE PAGE 10
‘Carcelén’ Exhibit
CENTERFOLD PAGES 6-7
FUN & GAMES PAGE 12
Students join protest in solidarity for Palestine.
By SAKUNTHALA SANKAR Contributing Writer
Fordham University’s Campus Ministry, along with the Muslim Students Association at Lincoln Center (MSALC) and the United Student Government at Lincoln Center (USGLC), worked in collaboration to renovate the prayer room on the street level of the Leon Lowenstein Center. Renovations began after initial conversations took place during the summer and concluded in December. Erin Hoffman, director of Campus Ministry for Lincoln Center, said that as the Muslim community continues to grow at
Lincoln Center, the street level prayer room expanded capacity for Muslim students to pray on campus. According to Hoffman, a second prayer room located on the third floor of the Lowenstein Center will soon undergo similar changes. She explained that these renovations were the product of larger conversations between Campus Ministry, USGLC and MSALC. Hoffman added that members of the campus community hadn’t “looked holistically at the space and how it was meeting the needs of the community” in quite some time. The prayer room required updated maintenance and
practical decor, Hoffman expressed. While the room had undergone regular upkeep and was repaired when needed, Hoffman says that an “intentionality” and “holistic” approach were key in looking at the needs of the prayer room. Zayn Price, Fordham College at Rose Hill ’27, described it as critical that students of the Islamic faith have access to “traditional and proper” Islamic praying areas. Price believes that renovations made to the prayer room are a positive improvement for Muslim students. see PRAYER ROOM page 3
Students benefit from daylight saving.
Men’s Basketball
SJP Protest
Campus Ministry To Renovate Muslim Prayer Room
OPINIONS PAGE 8
Daylight Saving
Hit-and-miss season grows promising.
see BURRIS page 2
see ACTIVISM page 9
Snow Day
Students return to campus amidst record-breaking snowfall.
Following an intense, nationwide, seven-month competitive search, Michele Burris assumed the position of vice president of student affairs on Jan. 10. The announcement was made in a university-wide email from University President Tania Tetlow on the same day, noting that Burris would begin her position immediately. Burris emphasized her dedication to two Jesuit values that she aims to encompass as both an administrator and educator. “There are two Jesuit tenets that are at the core of who I am as an administrator; the first is cura personalis, care for each and every person; care for each and every student,” she said. “The second tenet is magis, striving for more, not being satisfied with the status quo.” Tetlow emphasized Burris’ career-long commitment to Jesuit values in the email, noting that comes to this position with 35 years of experience working in Jesuit higher education. “Vice President Burris understands ‘cura personalis’ at her core,” Tetlow said. “Her tireless commitment to student well-being and development is inspiring, as is the collaborative approach she brings to the role,” Tetlow said in the email. Burris began serving in the
position on an interim basis during the search to replace Jeffrey Gray following his resignation in June 2023. The vice president of student affairs is responsible for overseeing all student affairs functions and plays a role in managing the university’s budget. As she transitions from serving in the interim to officially assuming the position, Burris highlighted her desire to spend ample time at both of Fordham University’s undergraduate campuses — Lincoln Center and Rose Hill — in an effort to further bridge the gap within the university community. She referred to her intercampus travel as her “roadshow” and expressed her plans to keep the momentum going by attending more student organizations and club events. Burris also noted that she has attended student government meetings at both Lincoln Center and Rose Hill. Rev. John Cecero, S.J., vice president for mission integration and ministry and the chair of the search committee to fill the position, praised Burris’ ability to balance a “historically informed understanding” of student affairs with a “bold creative vision” for the future of the division. “Her vision is grounded in a commitment to listening closely to the needs of students across the Lincoln Center and Rose Hill campuses,” he said.
Venezuelan refugee photos showcase community.
Noble Names
Play the 15x15 crossword along with our other classics.
MARYAM BESHARA/THE OBSERVER
The prayer rooms are being remodeled to better accomodate the growing Muslim student population.
www.fordhamobserver.com
THE OBSERVER
January 24, 2024
New Vice President of Student Affairs Is Appointed
News
2
After serving in the interim for seven months while the search took place, Michele Burris assumed the position BURRIS from page 1
Cecero also shared the importance of Burris’ understanding of various aspects of the student affairs division, including her experiences in residential life and student involvement.
“ I think why I was
chosen was that I can, with my current experience and understanding of Fordham, be the person to bring Fordham student affairs into this next place, ”
Michele Burris, Vice President of Student Affairs
emphasized the importance of Gray’s mentorship during her near-17-year tenure as associate vice president. She praised her predecessor for his mentorship and commended his influence as she transitioned into the vice presidency. “I can’t thank him enough for the opportunity that he gave me,” Burris said. “He really allowed me to experience just about everything in student affairs so that when he retired, I was prepared to apply for this position.”
“ I’m unbelievably
honored to serve with President Tetlow with the other members of the fabulous cabinet of vice presidents,”
Michele Burris, Vice President of Student Affairs
“I think why I was chosen was that I can, with my current experience and understanding of Fordham, be the person to bring Fordham student affairs into this next place,” Burris explained. Burris previously served as the associate vice president of student affairs from 2006, and worked with Gray, an experience which she described as instrumental to her appointment as the new vice president. The newly-appointed vice president of student affairs
Before working in Jesuit higher education, Burris received her undergraduate degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa in news editorial journalism and political science. She then chose to pursue education administration and later received a master’s degree in education with a counseling concentration from Providence College in Rhode Island. After receiving her master’s
TARA LENTELL/THE OBSERVER
A committee of faculty, staff and students selected Burris following a seven-month national search.
degree, Burris became an area coordinator at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts and later joined Fordham in the Division of Student affairs. Prior to becoming associate vice president of student affairs, Burris also served as the
assistant director of residential life at Rose Hill, later becoming the dean of residential life. Burris expressed excitement in taking on the role permanently because of her eagerness to continue her work with university leaders to serve students at
Fordham. “I’m unbelievably honored to serve with President Tetlow with the other members of the fabulous cabinet of vice presidents,” she said about embarking on her new tenure as vice president of student affairs.
First Day of Classes and Record-Breaking 1.7 Inches of Snow Coincide
New York City’s largest snowfall in 701 days led students to weigh in on how the dusting impacted their first day of classes By INSIYA GANDHI News Editor
The first day of the spring 2024 semester — Jan. 16 — aligned with New York City’s heaviest snowfall in nearly two years. Cars, sidewalks and rooftops were adorned with a light dusting of pillowy white snowflakes as students and staff trekked to Fordham’s campuses on a chilly Tuesday morning. Jason Bonner, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’25, hails from Omaha, Nebraska, and is no stranger to snowy streets. While at home, where he spent time with family and friends during the break, the midwestern state saw several inches of snow. After touching back down in New York, Bonner shared a mixture of happiness about the snowfall and apprehension that 1.7 inches was considered record-breaking in a northeastern city famous for snow storms. “I moved to New York always having heard about nor’easters and all the big snows, and it just hasn’t snowed over the past few years,” he said. “I feel happy that it's snowing, but it also reminds me of how little it snowed in the past few years, which kind of makes me sad.” Although the snow barely grazed two inches, Tuesday’s moderate snowfall was the largest accumulation since Feb. 13, 2022, when 1.6 inches fell in Central Park in a single day. The park usually experiences approximately 24 inches of snow across the season. An unusually warm winter in
INSIYA GANDHI/THE OBSERVER
The large snowfall accumulation on the first day of classes resulted in pathways on campus and across the city being icy and slippery.
2023 brought only 2.3 inches of snow throughout all of winter, the smallest recorded since 1869, according to the Times. Previously, the city’s longest streak without considerable snowfall was 400 days, which came to a close on March 21, 1998. In light of the anticipated snowfall and sleet-like conditions, the university delayed operations until 10 a.m. on Jan. 16, canceling all classes prior to that time. Ram Vans also operated under a delayed schedule, with the first vans leaving the Rose Hill campus at 8 a.m. instead of 6:15 a.m. Robert Fitzer, associate vice president of Public Safety, communicated these disruptions in an email to the campus
community, where he also cautioned students that intercampus transit may take longer than usual. Aaryan Sharma, Gabelli School of Business at Rose Hill ’24 and a native of Tampa, Florida, expressed that while he resides close to the Rose Hill campus, the effects of the snowfall, such as a buildup of ice on the sidewalks, made his commute to class difficult. Sharma said she wished the university had enacted more stringent measures to mitigate any dangerous conditions. Black ice in front of the entrance to Keating Hall made it difficult for some students, who he claimed were struggling to walk. “While I think Fordham does a passable job at cleaning up the ice
and ensuring students can get to class safely, there definitely could be more initiative shown,” he said. “For example, it should be more of a priority to actually remove all the black ice on the rose hill campus whenever it crops up instead of waiting until it becomes an active hazard.” For students who reside on campus at Lincoln Center, the icy sidewalks posed no problems to their commute. “I don’t have any complaints in terms of how the school handled the snow. Everything was super accessible and wasn’t something I had to worry about when I was leaving campus or coming back from work,” Megan Richardson,
FCLC ’24, said. “You do have to take some extra time to commute, so my heart definitely goes out to our commuter students who had to worry about that more than I had to.” Richardson, who is familiar with white winters as a Long Islander, was delighted to wake up to Tuesday’s flurries. “I still get so excited everytime it just starts to snow whether it’s flurries or an accumulation like this, because it’s been a very long time,” she said. She took advantage of the snowy weather and enjoyed an afternoon stroll in Central Park. This semester, her suite welcomed two new students to their apartment in McMahon Hall; the group used the snowfall as an opportunity for bonding activities outside. “We got to enjoy the snow while also getting to know each other, which was really nice, I had a really great time doing that,” Richardson said. “It was kind of a nice way to welcome everyone back to the city on the first day of class.” The weather is expected to be warmer the week of Jan. 21, with temperatures fluctuating between the 30s and high 50s, offering respite from the sub-freezing conditions that accompanied the first week of classes. The weather is expected to be warmer this week, with temperatures fluctuating between the 30s and high 50s, offering respite from the sub-freezing conditions that accompanied the first week of classes.
www.fordhamobserver.com
THE OBSERVER
January 24, 2024
Students Spend Winter Break at Fordham
News
3
Fordham students recounted their experiences residing in the dorms during the break and their travels elsewhere By ANDREW ARMOUR Staff Writer
Though many college students opted to return home for winter break, two undergraduates made the most of the hiatus by remaining on campus in Fordham’s residence halls, participating in service and cultural immersion programs, and frequenting New York City attractions. Om Bhosale, Gabelli School of Business at Rose Hill ’26 and an international student from Pune, India, spent his winter break in Morganton, North Carolina, as part of a Fordham Global Outreach (GO) program to learn more about the fast fashion industry — he found that he took away much more from the trip than he anticipated. “It was more than a learning experience; it was a change in perspective and the way I function, and the goals I had,” he said. Sharing a different winter break experience from Bhosale, Issy Knapik, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’27, spent time gaining valuable working experience during the holiday season at a local restaurant as well as exploring New York in her free time while she stayed in McMahon Hall at the Lincoln Center campus. According to Jenifer Campbell, dean of students at Lincoln Center, students can request to stay on campus during summer and winter breaks. She noted that a quarter of the student population at the Lincoln Center campus and over 8% of students at the Rose Hill campus resided in the dormitories for some duration of this winter break.
Campbell added that requests have remained consistent over the years and there are no university services, such as dining facilities, libraries or offices available to students aside from Public Safety. Bhosale, who stayed in Walsh Hall at the Rose Hill campus while waiting to attend his GO trip in early January, said that laundry, outdoor spaces and the gym were open most days. He added that at times, he was “so miserable” while waiting for his trip due to the lack of the full activity range that exists during the school year. Despite limited on-campus resources, each student made the best of their Fordham experience in their own way. During Bhosale’s trip, he shared that he explored Industrial Commons, a nonprofit in Morganton that specializes in equitable fashion manufacturing. “This trip was revolutionary about the way I thought about fashion,” he said. Bhosale said that he learned how so-called donated clothes often end up in landfills in Ghana and other countries if communities don’t take the donations. Bhosale and the group visited Sew&Co, a clothing production facility that uses sustainable practices in designing cotton products. He found that learning more about sustainability changed both his personal and entrepreneurial habits. “The trip did a great job to show how the textile industry strats from the thread to the shelf and what happens after recycling it,” he said. He also appreciated learning about North Carolina during the
trip, including the local Hmong community. Bhosale grew an understanding of the state’s culture and got to know what smaller cities, such as Charlottesville, were like compared to his home in Pune. Knapik spent time working a holiday season shift at the local Mexican restaurant Rosa Mexicano on 62nd Street and Columbus Ave. She mentioned that waitressing at a New York dining establishment requires a much faster pace compared to Berryville, Arkansas, where she is from. In New York, Knapik said she served approximately 300 customers during the night shift at the restaurant compared to serving approximately 10 customers a day while waitressing in her hometown. “It taught me so much about the culture, and it makes you able to work in a quick-paced environment,” she said. In her free time, Knapik enjoyed exploring New York City, and discovering why so many people from around the world come here for the holidays. Some of her favorite sightseeing activities included going to 5th Avenue, looking at the holiday displays and spending time at Rockefeller Center. “I just expected a lot of events and festivities, and I definitely got that,” she said. These students felt that their experiences during winter break will make their experience at Fordham more special. During the trip, Bhosale valued the bonding experience with the other students in his group and Professor Bill Sickles, senior lecturer in marketing at the Gabelli School of Business,
COURTESY OF ISSY KNAPIK
Some Fordham students chose to stay in university residence halls over break to enjoy what the city and school have to offer.
and the leader of the GO trip. “Because we (stayed) in this house, we would cook together, clean together and talk about what we wanted to do in the future,” Bhosale said. He added that the students in his group bonded over trying the local Indian and Vietnamese food establishments, which will create lasting relationships. Bhosale added that these experiences “often left him in (sentimental) tears at the end of each day” when reflecting with his group because he felt he was really enjoying his time. “More universities should do this,” Bhosale said, referring to the community bonding and learning experiences of the trip. Knapik appreciated her time
in McMahon Hall, noting that she stays in McKeon Hall during the school year. “I loved McMahon. I personally think the dorm is amazing,” she said. “Staying there over winter break made me 10 times more excited for when I’m a second-year.” Knapik is appreciative that Fordham allows students to reside on campus over break. “I can 100% say that McMahon is the best thing that happened to me over break,” Knapik said. “If I wasn’t able to stay in McMahon, I would have lost the ability to work and explore the city,” Knapik said. “It’s very important that the university has spaces to stay over the holidays, it helps us in so many ways.”
Students Advise Plans To Remodel Prayer Rooms
The renovations aim to improve the ambience and atmosphere of the space to improve the spiritual experience for Muslim students PRAYER ROOM from page 1
“We should be respected in our praying traditions and processes,” he said. This list of proposed upgrades were recommended in collaboration with MSALC, who worked with Hoffman throughout the renovation process to communicate the needs of Muslim students using the prayer room.
“ My hope is that the
overall ambience of the room feels like a sacred, and welcoming, and hospitable and spiritual space,”
Erin Hoffman, Director of Campus Ministry at LC
MSALC did not respond to The Observer’s request for comment prior to the time of publication. According to Hoffman, the renovations also aimed to improve the atmosphere of the space, rather than focusing on physical upgrades. “My hope is that the overall ambience of the room feels like a sacred, and welcoming, and hospitable and spiritual space,” she said. These renovations, according
to Hoffman, consisted of painting the walls, cleaning the carpets, creating “more adequate space” for the storage of shoes and prayer mats, as well as upgrading the privacy screen used to separate the male and female sides. The director of Campus Ministry added that while there has always been a privacy screen, the previous one had holes. Members of the community requested barriers without holes for the room to “better maintain the separation.”
“ Having to pray in the
same room as the sexes is not traditional, it’s not how it’s done at all, it’s not ideal,”
Zayne Price, Fordham College at Rose Hill ’ 27
MARYAM BESHARA/THE OBSERVER
The prayer rooms are currently integrated across sexes, a break from traditional Islamic practice.
Price has utilized the prayer rooms at the Rose Hill campus and hopes to use the space at Lincoln Center. He wishes the prayer rooms were larger in size to adequately accommodate Muslim students. In addition to allotting a larger space for prayer, Price also advocates for the rooms to be segregated by sex as opposed to the wooden divider. In Islam,
gender segregation is commonplace at mosques. During prayer, congregants are almost always separated by gender. “Having to pray in the same room as the sexes is not traditional, it’s not how it’s done at all, it’s not ideal,” Price said. Alongside designating rooms by gender and providing a larger space for congregation, Price
also believes Fordham should allot funding for Islamic books or prayer mats for students to use in their dorms. Hoffman shared that because the prayer rooms on both the street level and third floor are not always large enough for Jummah prayers, a ritual prayer performed on Friday afternoons, Campus Ministry has been looking into creating
Jummah prayer kits for students to use in other, larger spaces. Regarding future renovations, Hoffman said that the third floor prayer room will also soon be painted and “de-cluttered” in order to fit more people into the space. Decor will also be divided between the rooms by MSALC editorial board members depending on need and space.
Sports & Health Editor Chris Murray
Sports & Health
January 24, 2024 THE OBSERVER
Fordham Updates Respiratory Illness Guidelines
With rising cases of COVID-19, flu and RSV across New York City, the university has coordinated with physicians and health agencies to navigate the recent uptick By MARYAM BESHARA Editor-in-Chief
Respiratory viruses and illnesses — including COVID-19, Influenza (flu) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) — have been increasingly prevalent in New York City per a guidance released from the New York State Department of Health (DOH) on Jan. 8. This uptick in cases has led to hospitalizations and, according to ABC News, has categorized New York City as an area experiencing “high” or “very high” levels of respiratory illness. Director of University Health Services (UHS) Maureen Keown sent a university-wide communication on Jan. 16 outlining the updated respiratory illness guidance for the spring 2024 semester. She noted the three respiratory illnesses highlighted in the New York State DOH’s press release and added that UHS continues to monitor their activity and adjust its recommendations accordingly. “We should all be extra careful to help prevent the spread of illness and we may need to alter our behaviors as needed depending on the level of illness we are seeing at any given time,” Keown said in the email. What Is a Respiratory Illness? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), respiratory viruses commonly cause illnesses such as the three highlighted — COVID-19, flu and RSV — during seasons with colder temperatures. These illnesses may present themselves in different degrees of severity with some including more symptoms than others. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) charts the different symptoms that may be experienced across the respiratory
viruses. While respiratory illnesses may include common symptoms such as a cough, headaches, sneezing, runny nose and congestion, the following symptoms can differentiate which virus is infecting the body — aches, difficulty breathing, fatigue, fever, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and wheezing. Per the chart outlining the severity of symptoms from the NFID, the most discernible differences in symptoms between the illnesses are the following: loss of taste or smell is a symptom specific to COVID-19, wheezing is a symptom specific to RSV, and aches are often associated with the flu. Tips on Prevention and Fordham Resources The university-wide communication from Jan. 16 categorized the different measures and available resources Fordham students should utilize should they be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, flu or RSV infections. Keown highlighted tips to stay healthy, which included getting tested if symptoms are present, practicing good hand hygiene, preventing the spread by remaining home when symptoms are present and considering masking when sick to help protect others. UHS provides rapid COVID-19 and flu testing for symptomatic members of the Fordham community in its offices. According to the university’s guidance from Keown, results of a COVID-19 test can be confirmed with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test through Labcorp and Quest if necessary. Keown shared that all students are encouraged to come to UHS when they are feeling ill, with the healthcare provider determining what kinds of tests are necessary to treat each case. She outlined that when COVID-19 is being assessed, a rapid antigen test will be given and, if the result is negative — while
Featured Sport: Women’s Basketball The women’s basketball team is back in action tonight, as they host Loyola University Chicago tonight. Fordham has gotten off to a slow start in Atlantic 10 play, as its conference record currently stands at 1-6. The Rams also enter the matchup on a four-game losing streak, but have yet to play nearly two-thirds of their league games.
MARYAM BESHARA/THE OBSERVER
Fordham has advised members of its community to take necessary precautions and visit UHS if they are feeling sick, given the uptick in respiratory illnesses in New York City.
symptoms persist — a PCR test may be given to confirm the reading. The CDC outlines the difference between rapid antigen tests and PCR tests. These diagnostic tests differ in what they are able to detect — a PCR detects RNA from the virus while antigen, or rapid, tests detect proteins called antigens from the virus. The CDC also notes that PCR tests have “generally high” test sensitivity, which is confirmed by experts from Yale Medicine who noted that PCR tests are considered to be the most accurate available. In addition to these recommendations, the university’s spring 2024 semester guidelines outlined procedures for vaccination, masking, home testing, close contact notification and isolation. The university, in accordance with guidelines from the CDC, encourages students to receive the most updated dose of the COVID-19
vaccine, which was first administered in September 2023. As of May 15, 2023, the university no longer mandates members of its community to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccines or provide proof of vaccination against the primary series. Prior to this, the university had required community members and guests to Fordham’s campuses to receive the primary vaccination series for COVID-19 and up to the bivalent booster dose. Cases of Respiratory Illness in New York City According to Keown, UHS works closely with physicians at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx in addition to working with physicians and healthcare providers at the DOH. Within its patient care page in relation to its clinical services, St. Barnabas highlights that the Bronx has New York City’s highest
incidence of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in addition to smoking-related lung conditions. Additionally, Keown noted an increase in citywide data regarding rising flu cases that have caused visits to emergency departments in hospitals since November 2023. “NYC DOH reports an increase in cases of COVID-19, due to a SARS-CoV-2 variant that has been circulating in the city over the past couple of months.” Keown shared that UHS has only seen a few cases of COVID19 on campus recently. She added that there are no imminent health threats to the Fordham community. “Prevention is key to decreasing these respiratory illnesses and in promoting positive health behaviors,” she said.
Women’s Basketball Upcoming Schedule The women’s basketball team will continue its conference play tonight at home against Loyola Chicago at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Jan. 27, the Rams will take on the George Washington Colonials, also at home, continuing their A10 play. Following the George Washington matchup, the team will travel to George Mason University on Jan. 31 and to the University of Richmond on Feb. 3.
The team has struggled to put the ball in the basket against its conference rivals. Fordham’s rebounding and defensive statistics nearly mirror their opponents’, yet their scoring metrics are severely lacking. Through their seven A10 games, the Rams are shooting 37.6% from the field and 28.3% from three. If they can begin to connect on their shots, the Rams may prove to be a better squad than their record indicates. It seems like a no-brainer, but the fix may simply be improving the team’s shooting percentages and continuing to play tough defense. There is a lot of time to sort things out for the Rams, as the A10 championship does not begin until March 6. Following tonight’s matchup, which will include a t-shirt giveaway for all attendees, Fordham will face George Washington University on Saturday, Jan. 27, and celebrate PRIDE Day at Rose Hill.
Jan. 24 / 7:00 p.m. vs. Loyola Chicago
Jan. 27 / 2:00 p.m. vs. George Washington
Jan. 31 / 7:00 p.m. @ George Mason
Feb. 3 / 6:00 p.m. @ Richmond
Dance Team The Fordham dance team competed in its first ever competition on Jan. 14. It placed first at the Dance Team Union’s New Jersey regional competition, earning the opportunity to compete in the organization’s National Championship later this year. The Rams won the College Hip Hop Division, finishing with a score of 89.77.
www.fordhamobserver.com
THE OBSERVER
January 24, 2024
Sports & Health
5
What’s Going on With Men’s Basketball?
More than halfway through this season, the Rams have failed to capture the spark that catapulted them to surprising success last year By CHRIS MURRAY Sports & Health Editor
On Jan. 23, 2023, the men’s basketball team owned a 15-4 record following back-to-back Atlantic 10 (A10) wins against La Salle and Duquesne Universities. The Rams had only lost twice at home that season and were well on their way to having one of the most successful runs in the program’s history. This year’s campaign tells a much different story. Fordham has already lost seven times at home this year, and its record lies at a middling 8-10 overall. With under half of the season remaining, this drastic transformation begs the questions: What’s going on with the men’s basketball team and what can fans expect down the stretch? To assess the season thus far, we must begin with a brief overview. After an offseason in which Fordham lost its two leading scorers and a number of key players, it was clear that fans would be seeing substantial changes in the 2023-24 season. As the nonconference schedule rolled on, the coaching staff, led by head coach Keith Urgo, established new rotations and gameplans for the current assortment of players. The Rams ended their nonconference schedule with a 6-7 record. This opening period of the season featured some crucial moments for the developing squad. Fordham suffered a disappointing loss against the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) at home but beat the University of North Texas in a thrilling 60-59 battle at the Barclays Center just days after. The Rams dominated Manhattan College at the Rose Hill Gymnasium, winning the Battle of the Bronx by the largest margin since 1986, 93-61, but were decimated by St. John’s University, 77-55, at Madison Square Garden. These repeated ups and downs suggest that there was little consistency for the Fordham team early on. They lost at home to NJIT, a team at the bottom of the America East Conference, yet they beat North Texas, a top-100 team fighting for first place in the competitive American Athletic Conference, at a neutral site. Through all of these early-season successes and shortcomings, however, the team was setting the table to prepare for the beginning of A10 conference matchups. “We got a lot of young guys that are learning details, learning what
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Head Coach Keith Urgo predicted that Japhet Medor, FCRH ’24 and Fordham’s leading scorer, will return to the court on Jan. 24 after he suffered an ankle injury on Jan. 17.
it takes each and every day, every single possession, and that’s just kind of part of the process,” Urgo remarked after the NJIT loss. “We just gotta continue to get better, stay more connected, and continue to learn through different types of situations.” The Rams are five games into its A10 conference schedule. Their 2-3 record so far suggests that they have continued on the same average trajectory of play, but the reality is more complex. The conference schedule opened with an away game against George Washington University. Fordham emerged victorious with a score of 119-113 in a thrilling affair that required three overtime periods to decide a victor. Four Rams finished with over 18 points, and the exhausting road to victory underlined the team’s resilience. Following this thrilling A10 opener, Fordham dropped a winnable game at home against La Salle University, 81-76. La Salle built up a nine-point lead heading into halftime and successfully fended off an attempted comeback by the home team. Then sitting at 1-1 in conference play, the Rams trekked to western New York to face the St.
Bonaventure University Bonnies. After a highly competitive game, Fordham defeated its top-100 ranked foe, 80-74. An important part of the victory for the team was the return of Joshua Rivera, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’26, who had missed the previous four games due to an injury. The Rams could not stay healthy for long, however. The fourth conference matchup of the season was a home game against Davidson College. In front of a packed Rose Hill Gymnasium, Fordham fought to keep the game close. With the game tied at 15 and 9:11 remaining in the first half, Fordham’s leading scorer Japhet Medor, FCRH ’24, rose for a fastbreak layup and was met by an attempted block that sent him hurtling into the stanchion. He was forced to leave the game with an ankle injury and did not return. Despite a poor shooting performance and the loss of Medor, Fordham kept the game close throughout the second half. With 2:56 remaining, an Elijah Gray, FCRH ’26, three-pointer cut the Davidson lead to three, at 63-60. In the final three minutes, however, the Fordham offense went
Enraptured crowds of Fordham fans have followed the tumultuous basketball season with baited breath.
cold, and using steady free throw shooting and sturdy defense, the Wildcats ultimately emerged with the victory, 79-69. Medor missed the Rams’ most recent game as well, this time against the Loyola University Chicago Ramblers. Playing in front of Fordham fans once again, the Rams lost another close one, 65-61. Medor’s scoring spark was clearly absent, as Fordham was held to its lowest point total since its 22-point loss to St. John’s University on Dec. 16. Despite keeping the game close throughout, the Rams fell to 2-3 in the A10. There are some clear culprits to point to for the position that Fordham finds itself in right now. For one, injuries have plagued its conference schedule, with Rivera missing Fordham’s first two A10 games and Medor missing the majority of the Davidson game and the entire Loyola game. Additionally, Fordham’s free throw percentage has been downright lousy. The Rams sit at second-to-last in the A10 free throw percentage rankings, making only 66.8% of their shots from the charity stripe. Looking at some of Fordham’s recent losses, better free throw shooting
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
could have led to extremely different outcomes. For example, in their five-point loss to La Salle, the Rams made only 13 of their 21 free throw attempts. The home court advantage that Fordham became known for last season has not translated to this year. The Rams are only 4-7 at Rose Hill this season, so Urgo has made repeated pleas for fans to pack the Gymnasium, stressing that the team feeds off of the crowd’s energy. Fans have even taken to social media to coordinate a new iteration of last year’s “Shirtless Herd,” a group of Fordham students that frequently led chants and invigorated the crowd. Fordham fans may have reason for optimism. Despite their shortcomings, the Rams have kept their losses close. The largest margin of defeat in A10 play was only 10 points against Davidson, and even then they trailed by one possession late in the second half. With a few simple fixes, sharper execution, and a healthy roster, brighter horizons may be ahead for the Rams. “We got a lot of young guys that are learning what it takes to win in the Atlantic 10, and every single day, every single night, it’s a battle,” Urgo emphasized after Fordham’s loss to Davidson. “Our guys are starting to understand what it takes, and slowly but surely they’re all getting better.” This year’s season certainly has a different feel than the last, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. As the season has progressed, the team developed and players carved out new roles for themselves. Most importantly, the foundation is being set for the future, with underclassmen such as Gray, Rivera, Will Richardson, FCRH ’26, Jahmere Tripp, FCRH ’27, and Romad Dean, FCRH ’26, establishing themselves as key players in the program’s future. Behind the leadership of Medor, who will hopefully return to action soon, Antrell Charlton, Abdou Tsimbila and Kyle Rose, all FCRH ’24 – who tied the school record of 126 in games played against Loyola Chicago – the Rams are sure to remain competitive down the stretch. Fordham will be back in action tonight when it takes on the University of Rhode Island at 7 p.m.
Students Protest for Palestine Attendees demanded that the Fordham administration condemn Israel’s military campaign in Palestine
By SAM BRACY Staff Writer Clad in beanies, winter coats and keffiyehs, Fordham students across the university’s schools and campuses gathered in the snowy weather in front of the entrance to the Leon Lowenstein Center on 60th Street and Columbus Ave, to protest the war between Israel and Hamas on Jan. 19. Roughly 30 people attended the demonstration, which was organized by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) — the undergraduate group that remains unrecognized by Fordham University as an official club. Students took turns with a bullhorn, delivering speeches and leading chants condemning the high human cost of the Israeli military’s campaign in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, which has led to the loss of over 25,000 lives since Oct. 7. Additionally, the protestors accused the university’s administration of tacitly supporting what they referred to as a genocide in progress.
Addressing the crowd, a firstyear in Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC), who asked to be quoted anonymously for fear of retaliation for their pro-Palestinian beliefs, called on Fordham’s administration to recognize the suffering of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. “Fordham University is committed to the moral development of their students, yet has failed to show an ounce of empathy for the atrocities being committed against the Palestinian people,” the student said. The university does not have a statement in response to the demonstration, Bob Howe, associate vice president for communications, said. Jamie Rodriguez, FCLC ’14, said he chose to join the protest at his alma mater to apply the decolonial ethics he learned at Fordham. “It’s truly living out Fordham’s Jesuit Catholic values,” Rodriguez said. “It’s a full expression of solidarity with people, human beings that are facing a system of oppression
and white supremacy.” After a moment of silence for civilians who have died in the conflict, organizers for the protest decided to disband earlier than anticipated as the temperature outside continued to fall. The protest began at noon and concluded at approximately 1:30 p.m. A spokesperson for SJP, FCLC ’26, who asked to be identified anonymously for fear of retaliation for their pro-Palestinian beliefs, said they felt the protest was a success even though it concluded early. “The fact that people still came out in the cold and the snow made me so happy; I was literally crying there,” the spokesperson said. “If today was like a sunny day, if it was 60 degrees, I wonder how many people would be there.” Echoing the SJP spokesperson’s sentiment, Rodriguez shared that it was touching to see Fordham students show up to protest on Friday despite the wintry weather. “I am very happy as an alumni to see like 30, 40
Following a nearly year-long process, USG grants SJP full club status.
Nov. 19, 2015
“Signifying that we’re here on the first week of classes is to show that we will be here for a long time.” A handful of personnel from the university’s Department of Public Safety observed the protest for its duration, including Robert Dineen, assistant vice president for Public Safety at the Lincoln Center Campus. Dineen noted that Public Safety officers monitored the protest to intervene in the event of conflict and ensure a peaceful demonstration. He added that Public Safety monitors all protests on campus, no matter the cause. On the same day as SJP’s protest at Fordham, a pro-Palestinian protest on Columbia Unviersity’s campus escalated when pro-Israel counterprotesters sprayed speakers at a pro-Palestinian protest with a foul-smelling “skunk spray.” Dineen noted that should a similar incident have occurred at Friday’s protest in front of Lincoln Center, Public Safety officers would have rendered any aid, medical or otherwise;
Key Points From SJP with
A group of Fordham students who sought to raise awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people submit an application to establish an official chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) on Fordham’s campuses. Students File for Official Club Status
people out here in the stone cold,” he said. Some organizers of the protest said they wanted to peacefully protest in an effort to reject the characterization of the pro-Palestinian movement as anti-Semetic or violent by some of its critics. The protest was initially planned for Tuesday, Jan. 16, but was canceled by SJP organizers due to snow — the spokesperson said they feared the worst when an inch of snow was again forecasted for Friday. Despite concerns of low turnout, the spokesperson said SJP leadership decided to not reschedule Friday’s protest because they believed it was crucial to maintain momentum in the first week of the spring semester. “I told the (SJP) board that we will be doing an action the first week of the semester because we told our campus that we were going to and I want them to know that Fordham SJP is actually going to follow on the promises that we make,” the spokesperson said.
SJP Wins USG Vote
Four SJP students, Ahmad Awad, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’17, Sofia Dadap, FCLC ’18, Sapphira Lurie, FCLC ’17, and Julie Norris, FCLC ’19 file a lawsuit to sue Fordham over the decision to reject SJP. SJP Students File Lawsuit Against Fordham
Nov. 17, 2016
April 26, 2017
Oct. 5, 2016 Administrative members express concern with officiating SJP Three representatives from SJP meets with then dean of students, Keith Eldredge, Wenzel, and Kayla Wolf, then the Vice President of Operations for United Student Government (USG). Wenzel and Eldrege express concern that SJP would be a polarizing presence on campus, SJP’s propelling of the boycotts, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement, and affiliation with the national chapter. Wenzel also notes that she requested the opinion of several Jewish faculty members on whether SJP should be sanctioned.
Dec. 22, 2016 Eldredge Overrules USG Vote and Bans SJP On the final day of the fall 2016 semester, Eldredge emails SJP that he overruled the status and “cannot support an organization whose sole purpose is advocating political goals of a specific group, and against a specific country, when these goals clearly conflict with and run contrary to the mission and values of the University.” Stripping USG of its club status is the first time a dean has overruled a USG vote.
investigate the complaint; and notify appropriate university officials as well as the New York Police Department if necessary. According to Dineen, Public Safety officers filmed much of the demonstration in case they needed to refer to them at a later date. Dineen noted that the recordings will be kept “for possible reference in the future,” but he did not specify what that entailed. Some protestors said the filming of the protest resembled a threat to release their identities. A sophomore in the Gabelli School of Business at Lincoln Center, who asked to be quoted anonymously for fear of retaliation for their pro-Palestinian beliefs, said that pro-Palestinian protestors should take steps to prevent their identities from being spread online. “It is what it is, we kind of did sign up for it … in general if you’re at a protest you are going to get photos taken of you,” the student said. “Everyone here went out of their way to protect their identities, which is super important.” Dineen assured that the documentation of the protest is for internal use only and is never to be publicly released. According to an SJP spokesperson, the organization hopes to be a more visible presence on campus this semester through events like fundraisers.
SAM BRACY/THE OBSERVER
Members of the Fordham community congregated in front of the Leon Lowenstein entrance in protest of the university’s response to the Israel-Hamas war.
P’s Yearslong Legal Battle h Fordham SJP stripped of club status.
University President Tania Tetlow stated in a press conference with The Observer and The Ram that the administration will not recognize SJP as a club so long as it remains in association with the national SJP affiliate.
Appellate Court Reverses 2019 Decision Dec. 22, 2020
Tetlow Affirms Eldredge’s Decision in Student Press Conference Nov. 27, 2023
Aug. 5, 2019 Justice Nancy Bannon Annuls Eldredge’s Decision Mandating Fordham Recognize SJP as an Official Club In a major victory for the plaintiffs, Awad, et al. v. Fordham University is the first lawsuit in the country that challenged censorship of students advocating for Palestinian rights.
May 4, 2021 Court Denies SJP’s Appeal New York Court of Appeals deny the students’ motion to appeal, drawing the legal battle to a close.
Opinions Editors Jake Eraca Matthias Lai
Opinions
January 24, 2024 THE OBSERVER
Saving Daylight Saving Time
Daylight saving time should be made permanent to benefit college students’ mental health and study habits during the winter EMILY DAVIS Asst. Copy Editor
It’s that dreadful time of the year again when I return from my classes at 2:15 p.m. and the sun sets less than three hours later. It feels as though the day is over; the darkness in the sky sends signals to my body that it’s time for me to sleep, even though I have not completed half of the tasks I had planned. Setting back the clock is setting back the mood and productivity of students. Instead, legislation should be enacted to make daylight saving permanent in the United States. Since the 1966 Uniform Time Act, the U.S. has consistently shifted the times our society functions twice a year: once in the fall and once in the spring. Originally starting as a way to conserve energy, the time changes advance clocks by one hour during warmer months so darkness falls at a later time. However, at the end of daylight saving time the time change becomes more of a burden than a benefit as the sun sets earlier.
For the past 19 years of my life, I have experienced the brutal consequences of losing an hour of sunlight in the early evening of the first November Sunday. In 2018, the Sunshine Protection Act — a law that would make daylight saving time permanent — was first introduced. It made the most progress in 2022 as the Senate unanimously passed it, but it has made little-to-no movement since, as it was stalled in the House and expired after the last session of Congress. Some people may argue that switching to permanent daylight saving time may throw off our circadian rhythm, but having a time switch twice throughout the year and losing an hour of daylight during the process feels even more detrimental to our sleep and productivity. For the past 19 years of my life, I have experienced the brutal consequences of losing an hour of sunlight in the early
evening of the first November Sunday. While I love the extra hour of sleep I get on the one night a year that clocks fall back, it’s a pleasure that doesn’t last for long, unlike the negative mental health effects the end of daylight saving time induces. As a college student, I have busy days filled with classes, homework, studying, in addition to an internship and my social life. These activities are already difficult to balance, and feeling as though I’m losing an entire hour of my day worsens the situation. I have noticed, mainly over the past year and a half while attending Fordham, that I often feel unproductive and unmotivated when daylight saving time ends. I procrastinate on assignments and fail to fulfill simple chores, not to mention experience a heightened feeling of depression caused by a lack of sunlight.
Many symptoms of SAD can be linked to changes in the environment that are stimulated by the end of daylight saving. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is often associated with changes in the seasons, specifically during fall and winter. The effects of SAD generally begin in early adulthood, the age category most college students fall under. Many symptoms of SAD can be linked to changes in the environment that are stimulated by the end of daylight saving. A reduced amount of sunlight may decrease a person’s serotonin levels, the hormone responsible for maintaining happiness. A decrease in the serotonin hormone is linked to a higher risk of depression, meaning that this deficiency of sunlight is associated with SAD. SAD can also lead to more severe forms of mental illness, such as anxiety or insomnia. Fordham’s Counseling and Psychological Services are available to help students navigate these challenging issues. However, a more effective way to combat these problems would be creating a society that solely functions under daylight
saving time. Furthermore, when the nights start to lengthen and we encounter more hours filled with darkness, our bodies begin to produce more melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep. The additional hours without daylight at night disrupt the body’s normal levels of melatonin, leading to increased tiredness. This excessive desire to sleep early in the evening is a nightmare for college students, a majority of which are chronic night owls, especially as the late-night study sessions of finals season approaches.
In the meantime, it is important for students to take steps to form habits that decrease the negative effects of an earlier sunset. In the meantime, it is important for students to take steps to form habits that decrease the negative effects of an earlier sunset. For instance, it is necessary to maintain a regular sleep schedule. According to extensive research obtained through sleep studies, although you may be tempted to go to bed earlier and sleep longer because of the little daylight, it’s important not to feed into your desires. Instead, go to bed at a reasonable time — between 10 and 11 p.m. — and allow yourself enough sleep, but not too much. Balance is key in this battle against darkness. Additionally, you should increase your time in the sun. This may be difficult for busy college students, but even going outside for a quick 30 minute walk or opening your blinds while doing your homework could help. Sun lamps have also been proven an effective way to regulate your body’s melatonin levels, which helps control your serotonin levels as well, improving the negative side effects that accompany the end of daylight saving time. These solutions are only temporary fixes, however. The only way to truly solve this issue is for the U.S. to come up with a solid plan to enforce permanent daylight saving time. If the sun isn’t awake or working after 4:30 p.m., why should I be?
Observer the
Editor-in-Chief Maryam Beshara
Managing Editor Ana Kevorkian Online Editor Quincy Reyes Creative Director Tara Lentell Layout Editor Giada Evangelista Head Copy Editors Smile Butt Grace Ehle Asst. Copy Editors Emily Davis Leeya Azemoun News Editors Insiya Gandhi Alexa Villatoro Asst. News Editors Stevie Fusco Gabriella Gutierrez Megan Yerrabelli Sports and Health Editor Chris Murray Asst. Sports & Health Editor Aurelien Clavaud Opinions Editors Jake Eraca Matthias Lai Asst. Opinions Editors Avery Grafeld Ana Winston Arts & Culture Editors Aditi Praveen Kariyanahalli Avery Loftis Asst. Arts & Culture Editors Julia Jaramillo Juliana Sharon Features Editors Lola Cravath Madeleine Signore Asst. Features Editors Caroline Sensenig Colby McCaskill Fun & Games Editor Abby Grunzinger Asst. Fun & Games Editors Damian Grove Jasmine White Social Media Editors Eeshita Wade Shelby Williams Asst. Social Media Editor Sofia Strelnikova Multimedia Editors Lauren Bocalan Maria Terzulli Asst. Multimedia Editors Riley Kraus Ava Min Podcast Host Morgan Johnson Podcast Producers Nellie Podokshik Sukriti Varma Editorial Adviser Richard Rosen Visual Adviser Hamidreza Nassiri
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES • No part of The Observer may be reprinted or reproduced without the expressed written consent of The Observer board. • Letters to the Editor should be typed and sent to The Observer, Fordham University, 140 West 62nd Street, Room G32, New York, NY 10023, or emailed to editor@fordhamobserver.com. Length should not exceed 200 words. All letters must be signed and include contact information, official titles and year of graduation (if applicable) for verification. If submitters fail to include this information, the editorial board will do so at its own discretion. • The Observer has the right to withhold any submissions from publication and will not consider more than two letters from the same individual on one topic. The Observer reserves the right to edit all letters and submissions for content, clarity and length. • Opinions articles and commentaries represent the view of their authors. These articles are in no way the views held by the editorial board of The Observer or Fordham University. • The Editorial is the opinion held by a majority of The Observer’s editorial board. The Editorial does not necessarily reflect the views held by Fordham University. • To reach an editor by e-mail, visit www.fordhamobserver.com
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY TARA LENTELL/THE OBSERVER
Daylight saving time is better for students’ mental and physical health — it should be made permanent.
The Observer is published on alternate Wednesdays during the academic year. Printed by Five Star Printing, Flushing, N.Y.
9
Opinions January 24, 2024
www.fordhamobserver.com
THE OBSERVER
I Got Arrested for Protesting, and I Would Do It Again
Becoming an active member in protests, demonstrations and other forms of advocacy not only allows for change but can also be a positive experience in engaging with a community working toward building a better future ACTIVISM from page 1
The Federal Reserve was chosen as the location for the protest to highlight Wall Street’s financing of the fossil fuel industry. According to CNN, oil and gas companies made over $4 trillion — with a “T!” — in 2023 alone, in profits, and U.S. banks provided these companies with an additional $673 billion in resources. I wish I lived in a world where actions such as sit-ins and protests did not need to be taken to address climate change and other urgent issues. Because this is the situation we face though, I didn’t think twice about standing my ground for what I believe in, and I would protest again even though I was handcuffed for it. Coal, oil and gas companies have known since 1968 that their industry would cause “serious worldwide environmental changes.” Their business practices are directly linked to environmental disasters, such as wildfires and floods, that end up killing and displacing individuals, as well as contributing to incredibly harmful CO2 emissions. Instead of making a change, the coal, oil and gas companies doubled down on their production of fossil fuels, and operated campaigns of misinformation to be spread to the public about the origin of climate change. By funding these corporations and allowing new pipeline installations and fossil fuel projects, Wall Street and U.S. banks are complicit in — if not directly responsible for — the environmental devastation that occurs as a result. Historically, climate demonstrations have influenced the U.S.government’s understanding of the climate crisis. The First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit, a four day event in Washington D.C. which took place from Oct. 24-27 in 1991, was organized by minority climate activists who discussed the climate injustices in their communities brought on by actions from the government.
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY CLAIRE SEKA/THE OBSERVER
Students who care about protecting the environment should organize and participate in protests demanding action.
Over three decades later, this summit still has a profound impact on climate justice today. In the climate activism publication Grist, María Paula Rubiano A. wrote that because of this event, “the intersection between race and environmental injustices has been recognized by the federal and state governments.” More recently, environmental organizations displayed how political action can be influenced through protesting and organizing demonstrations. In September 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden announced he would be establishing an American Climate Corps. This came as a result of three years of community organizing, protesting and coalition building by the environmental and political action organization Sunrise Movement.
Sunrise Movement has campaigned and protested relentlessly for the U.S. government to declare a climate emergency, electoral organizing and the instatement of Green New Deals for communities and schools. Sunrise has succeeded in influencing the passing of Green New Deals in Schools in Boulder, Colorado and Washington D.C. school districts. In a system built off the fundamental rule of ‘profit over everything,’ it is necessary to fight operations that lead to exponential profit. It’s easy to feel frustration at overwhelming injustice, but when attending the Federal Reserve Bank protest on Sept. 18, however, all I felt was love — love for fellow activists and love for the cause. Even as an individual attendee, unaffiliated with a specific
Collective action to demand climate justice can be an effective method of bringing about change.
organization, I felt included immediately. My participation and involvement was not only encouraged and fostered, but also necessary to the movement and necessary to the demonstration’s success. We marched together, held beautiful signs created by artist activists, chanted through the streets and locked arms in front of a building that stands as a symbol of capitalism. Protests have received a negative reputation due to concerns regarding safety and the escalation of violence. While there is certainly a possibility of escalation, this is a rare occurrence; data from the U.S. Crisis Monitor showed that nearly 95% of protests nationwide are completely peaceful as of August 2020. This data was compiled following the rise in protests
UNSPLASH
and demonstrations from the Black Lives Matter movement sparked by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At several of the demonstrations that I have attended in the past five years, however, I have seen families with children and people overall intent on ensuring the safety of those that have gathered; “We keep each other safe,” is a sacred rule echoed throughout marches. Occupying the Federal Reserve and eventually getting arrested for doing so allowed protestors to pinpoint a specific problem and draw attention to possible solutions while effectively informing the public with the help of the media. We garnered attention from several major news agencies including NBC New York, as well as countless independent media outlets, all intent on covering the arrests of over 140 climate activists. Sparking social advocacy through demonstrations and inspiring cultural change leads to real changes in policy and regulation. Community engagement and participating in activism, no matter how small the scale may be, can lead to promising change. Protests, demonstrations and walkouts allow engagement within a community and implore people to stand up for what they believe. When people care, change is made. This is a call to Fordham students to organize and mobilize. Only so much can be done internally or through social media. There are communities that need you, your voice and your advocacy. It is far healthier to process the grief of the atrocities of social injustices such as climate change everywhere by standing by one another, calling for change. It is difficult to be reminded daily about the continued decimation of our planet as a direct result of our consumption habits and actions as a society. When you care about something deeply, however, it is hard to feel powerless standing among a group of advocates fighting for change. Joining protests, demonstrations or rallies can be a great exercise in using your voice and engaging with others.
Arts & Culture Editors Aditi Praveen Kariyanahalli Avery Loftis
Arts & Culture
January 24, 2024 THE OBSERVER
‘Carcelén’ Opens in Fordham’s Lipani Gallery
The Venezuelan educator and photographer Joel De Andrade Ledesma captures an intimate portrait of diaspora and community By MADELEINE SIGNORE Features Editor
For Joel De Andrade Ledesma, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences ’13, photography serves as both a medium and a critical tool for social intervention, community work and advocacy. His debut exhibition at Fordham Lincoln Center’s Lipani Gallery, titled “Carcelén,” opened to the public on Jan. 19 and features 18 incisive photographs taken in Ecuador. The Venezuelan photographer portrays his subjects — people and the ad hoc environment in which they create community — with honesty and compassion. His eye is discerning, and his camera, a deftly-wielded Pentax K1000, captures the complex realities of life at a refugee camp. “Carcelén” is the fruit of many years of community work. The artist’s academic, professional and creative backgrounds in social engagement and advocacy for BIPOC groups — including his time as an administrator and organizer of Fordham’s Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program and Center for Community Engaged Learning programming — served as a foundation for the project. In the summer of 2018, after an extended period of dialogue and exchange with community leaders, De Andrade Ledesma embarked on a personal project at a refugee camp adjacent to the Carcelén bus stop in Northern Quito, Ecuador. The camp was populated by Venezuelan migrants, many of whom had traveled by foot to Ecuador hoping to continue further north — some individuals were linked by
their common place of origin, but others made the arduous trip alone. Participation in a cooperative, mutual aid network was De Andrade Ledesma’s primary concern; photography came secondary to authentic engagement with the refugee camp’s inhabitants. The processes of documentation and mutual aid were inextricably linked, according to the artist. “I love to talk to people. I love to be with people. I love to hear stories,” De Andrade Ledesma said. “The process was, like, really being at the camp ... I think the full spectrum of emotion is displayed here because I was able to spend time with (the images’ subjects).” In Quito, De Andrade Ledesma encountered a community characterized by formidable resiliency. The migrants with whom he engaged fostered a fiercely persistent community, in spite of their precarious circumstances. Reciprocity and collectivity, the artist noted, permeated daily life and evidenced themselves in “Carcelén.” “In Spanish, we have this word called ‘convivencia.’ It’s like sharing space together. Conviviality is the word in English,” De Andrade Ledesma said. “So that the cameras and me taking pictures doesn’t become the center of what we’re doing, right? We’re actually sharing stories, we’re actually holding space, we’re actually for no reason at all just gonna help each other and hear each other out about different experiences.” De Andrade Ledesma sought merely to document the refugee community in the spirit of generating critical conversations and promoting visibility; he was fervently opposed to romanticizing
the camp, and while his images are indisputably beautiful, they primarily construct an honest picture of the refugee experience. The images needed to evidence the conviviality and strength of the migrant community. Stephen Apicella-Hitchcock, one of the curators involved in “Carcelén’s” production, noted that the selection of 18 photographs exhibits the range of human emotion and resists homogeneity. “There are pictures that (convey) a sense of promise, hope and joy ... that show that even when one does not have money or is basically migratory, there still could be moments of joy and beauty,” Apicella-Hitchcock said. De Andrade Ledesma echoed this sentiment, noting that the selection of 18 images, chosen painstakingly from a larger collection of over 200 shots, are intended to honor the humanity and tenacity of his subjects. Many of the photographs are portraits — a particularly striking image features a pair of young boys whimsically addressing the camera with their tongues out — but others exclusively capture the camp’s built environment. One such image features a white wedding tent, repurposed or recontextualized in the migratory landscape. “The range of emotion is real and palpable, and even some folks here,” the photographer noted, gesturing to an image of two individuals regarding the camera. “You can see on their face the stress of their circumstances, but (they) still were able to laugh, were able to connect, were still very in a collective mindstate.” The artist found a unique
ANUM ANSARI/THE OBSERVER
Curator Stephen Apicella-Hitchcock highlighted the range of emotions De Andrade Ledesma captured in his series of 18 black-and-white photographs.
resonance with the community represented in “Carcelén”; he, too, emigrated from Venezuela during an insurrection — albeit amid different circumstances — and this commonality proved itself to be an asset in his process. He considers migration a universal experience beyond language: Images convey an atmosphere and humanity that words often cannot. De Andrade Ledesma insisted that the collection paint a holistic picture of everyday life at the camp, which meant including images of humans and the material world in which they occupied space. Makeshift architectural structures, assembled with tarpaulin, rope, textile and found objects, serve as a backdrop for the routine activities of migratory life. The clarity of De Andrade Ledesma’s images emphasizes the makeshift nature of the refugees’ environment and the
community’s efforts to construct a home in a transitory context. Allusions to movement, some subtle and others explicit, underscore the ensemble. “We thought this emphasis that obliquely hints at feet, bipedalism, movement, travel is all useful … in support of a greater narrative about people that are migrants, that are… trying to move from A to Z,” Apicella-Hitchock stated. De Andrade Ledesma hopes that “Carcelén” will inspire conversations at Fordham and in the greater New York City community surrounding migration and diaspora. “Carcelén” is an earnest testament to Venezuelan migrants’ vitality, which remains unwavering even under duress, and their capacity to foster community amidst fluctuant circumstances. “Carcelén” is on display in the Lipani Gallery through Feb. 6.
TV Fans’ Super Bowl: The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards
The 2024 Emmy Awards celebrated fan favorite series and championed diverse voices in the television industry By JUJU JAWORSKI Staff Writer
Whether your niche is film, television, music, or all of the above, entertainment fans can agree upon the excitement of the winter season as a flood of celebrations and honors occur — from the Golden Globes to the Emmys, Grammys and Oscars. On the heels of the Golden Globes, a celebration of both film and television, the Television Academy got its spotlight as the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards aired on Jan. 15. Unlike the Golden Globes, the Emmys solely focus on awards in television, allowing not only actors to be recognized for their work, but directors, writers and creative teams as well. The Emmys — delayed from their original September date due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes — celebrated several wins for fan-favorite series such as “Succession” and “The Bear,” and was ranked as one of the most diverse years in the ceremony’s history. Along with such joyous wins, however, the broadcast also hit record-low viewership, reaching an audience of 4.3 million, a significant drop from the 2022 broadcast’s reach of 5.9 million viewers. The new January date led to an unfortunate drop in viewership as the epilogue to both the Golden Globes and the Critics Choice Awards likely led to an oversaturation of awards for viewers at home. As noted by USA Today, “The last time the Emmys reached more than 10 million viewers was 2018, when it drew in 10.2 million.”
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY TARA LENTELL/THE OBSERVER
Out of all that were nominated, three main shows — “Succession,” “The Bear” and “Beef” — dominated the categories.
While the Emmys had a dip in viewership, the broadcast received critical praise for its organization and the presence of host Anthony Anderson, known for his starring role in “Black-ish,” after a controversial hosting by comedian Jo Koy at this year’s Golden Globes. Anderson, however, is no stranger to controversy, as the actor continues to face numerous sexual assault allegations from women, dating back to 2004. The ceremony honored past television series through cast appearances and the recreation of their iconic sets, such as, “Cheers,” “Martin” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Three shows swept the night away, dominating their respective categories in Drama, Comedy and Limited
or Anthology Series. HBO Max’s “Succession,” FX’s “The Bear” and Netflix’s “Beef” took home not only “Best Series” in their respective genre categories, but also acting, direction and writing accolades for every category in which they were nominated. Notable wins across the three series’ included: “Succession’s”, Kieran Culkin (Lead Actor in a Drama Series) and Sarah Snook (Lead Actress in a Drama Series), “The Bear’s” Jeremy Allen White (Lead Actor in a Comedy Series) and Ayo Edebiri (Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series), and “Beef’s” Steven Yeun (Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie) and Ali Wong (Lead Actress in a Limited Series or movie).
The dominance of these three shows, however, meant that other shows received little-to-no recognition — the sixth and final season of “Breaking Bad” prequel series “Better Call Saul” set an Emmys record of receiving 53 nominations and winning none of them. This led to an upset of the show’s fans on social media, but some are coping with this loss, noting that it ranks as a show that’s “too good for the Emmys.” Despite the major categories of the evening being taken home by only three shows, this ceremony was one of the most diverse celebrations yet, championing people of color in their remarkable performances on television. Two years ago, after the Television
Academy failed to award any major acting trophies to people of color, “#EmmysSoWhite” began to trend on social media. This year, through historic wins by Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”), Edebiri and Wong, diverse voices in the industry were highlighted and honored. After making Emmys history as the second Black woman to win for Comedy Writing in 2022, Brunson took home Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for the first time in over over 40 years, becoming the second Black woman to win the category, after Isabel Sanford for “The Jeffersons” in 1981. Edebiri became the third Black woman to win the Supporting Comedy Actress honor, after Jackée Harry for “227” in 1987 and fellow nominee Sheryl Lee Ralph for “Abbott Elementary” in 2022. The leads from “Beef” — Wong and Steven Yeun — became the first and second Asian American winners in their respective categories — Lead Actress and Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. These historic honors celebrated their outstanding performances and paved the way for generations of actors to come. With the 75th Primetime Emmys at a close, it will be remembered as a night of historic wins, series sweeps and honoring the television that came before through tribute. Although viewership has dwindled, the craft and dedication of the television industry remain alive and well, inspiring young creatives to see themselves up on that stage one day, holding the shimmering gold trophy in their hand.
11
Arts & Culture January 24, 2024
www.fordhamobserver.com
THE OBSERVER
The Essence of a Student-Photographer
Capturing the evolving journey of Paulina Delabra Serrano’s artistry in the heart of New York City By ANA SOFIA PALACIOS GARCIA Contributing Writer
Paulina Delabra Serrano, a student at Fordham College at Lincoln Center ’26 majoring in math and computer science, has acquired some form of campus notoriety among the student body for her price-free headshots and overall knack for photography. After spending years fostering a deep interest in the art, Delabra Serrano began developing a multiplicity of styles in her work upon arriving in New York City. A New York City Adventure New York City is big, and it is comparatively bigger when you are a first-year in college from San Juan Del Rio, Queretaro — or at least that’s been Delabra Serrano’s experience. Growing up in Mexico, she was less exposed to the chaos in the mundane so readily accessible in New York City. Palpable in her images is the sense that her photography has grown with her. Before embarking on a street photography journey, Delabra Serrano began shooting with still subjects and later began to take portraits, ultimately shooting with other Fordham students, cultivating the vibrance and creative allure of the Lincoln Center campus.
The problem as lying not in our perception of our environment, but in the craft of seizing a fleeting moment. The word she uses to describe the changes in her photography: “evolution.” She has evolved from a strict color gradient and a focus on geometry to a more comprehensive approach to colors, seeking to capture the essence of her subjects in each picture. Initially, she also explored videography, but Delabra
Serrano’s focus gradually shifted solely to photography upon relocating to the city. She discovered that photography, driven only by the desire to convey the universal language of emotions, was the truer form of her passion for capturing moments. Delabra Serrano’s photography reflects her development and understanding of the world around her.
“ To me, photography, like numbers, it’s universal. ”
Paulina Delabra Serrano, FCLC ’26
Still, she waited a year to begin sharing her images. First, on Pinterest, and next her very own website. From there she began meeting people with whom she could collaborate, from aspiring models to makeup artists and soon enough, Fordham students began reaching out to her for portraits. All very organic. A Girl and Her Camera Delabra Serrano has always had an interest in cameras themselves. When asked further about what inspired this fixation, she admitted that “it is the buttons.” The camera buttons are appealing to Delabra Serrano for their ability to transform and create. The transformative nature of cameras and their nuanced function have been deeply intriguing for Delabra Serrano ever since she picked up this hobby when she was nine or 10. She described each of the cameras she has owned nostalgically: those gifted, self-bought and lost, listing them in chronological order. For Delabra Serrano, and in true mathematics major fashion, photography is akin to problem solving. She noted the problem as lying not in our perception of our environment, but in the craft of seizing a fleeting moment. To encapsulate
Delabra Serrano takes great care in the minute details of people and their body language when photographing them on the street.
COURTESY OF MARIA CRISTINA MENDOZA INTRIAGO
With her skills and connections in the craft growing, Delabra Serrano has slowly shifted to portrait photography.
an emotive moment and translate that successfully in a picture is what Delabra Serrano finds exhilarating about photography. “To me, photography, like numbers, it’s universal,” Delabra Seranno said. “Sure there’s context important in a picture, but photography can be pretty universal. You can feel sad in any language.” From her first pictures, taken on a disposable “Bratz” themed camera, to her newer portraits, taken on her Sony, Delabra Serrano has been capturing stills of her surroundings since she was young. Her interest in photography predates her access to an environment as rich in expression as New York City. Delabra Serrano began taking photography classes in her native San Juan del Rio, Queretaro. In photographing still life in her instructor’s home at around age 14, she gauged that the setting in which a picture is taken is equally as important as the subject. There’s ingenuity in crafting the mise en scène — the ambience and arrangement — of an apple. Starting as a novice opportunist, Delabra Serrano took advantage of familial events to take pictures and then photographed her surroundings for personal use: primarily for her Instagram grid. “I was yet to recognize photography as an art form,” she recounted. According to Delabra Serrano, her first photographs were more utilitarian in nature, as she had not yet recognized photography as something that she wanted to pursue purely for her enjoyment of the craft, unmarried from an ultimate goal of publication to social media. Upon her choice to delete Instagram, she began discovering self-portraits and their potential for expression through their geometry, light and surroundings, beyond the desire to perform through social media. From her original instruction at the age of 14, Delabra Serrano still holds what she defined as “the holy trinity of photography” near and dear: aperture, ISO and shutter speed. More poetically, she tells me that the Greek origin of the word “photography” informs her technique: Photo and grafos are “Greek for writing with light.” It is clear that Delabra Serrano carries with her a load of technical knowledge regarding lenses and cameras. She is a bonafide history buff — at least when it comes to the camera company Leica and its cult-like following — but she emphasizes that she remains on the periphery of this devoted community. Her
skill, however, has been mostly garnered through experience; “Everyone will tell you this, but I think it’s worth repeating: Go out there and shoot!” Delabra Serrano’s artistic growth in photography has been shaped dialectically with the cameras she uses. Remembering the person who guided her first New-York camera purchase, it is evident that she meticulously weighs the camera’s capabilities and her aspirations before making decisions that almost take her to “financial ruin.” Delabra Serrano’s exploratory approach to photography is also represented in the nature of her pictures. Unlike the condition of most 20-somethings, Delabra Serrano feels no urge to define her photography as only one thing. Instead, she focuses on the experimental aspect inherent in creativity. Her photos have changed with the cameras she has used and what has surrounded her. Simply put, her photography authentically follows her growth as a person. She acknowledges that to define her photographic style is something that “takes time,” which is scarce as a full-time student and young person still finding their way in the world. In her street photography, Delabra Serrano aims to capture the distinct human essence in emotional moments. She cites her series depicting people holding hands, while walking down the street, emphasizing that finding unsuspecting subjects is imperative to convey genuine, nuanced expression. Her profound appreciation for the intricacies within each individual is evident in the multitude of descriptors she uses before ultimately landing on the elusive: “je ne sais quoi” that imbues each person holding hands with a unique narrative.
“ It’s an exercise of empathy. ”
Paulina Delabra Serrano, FCLC ’26
There is an unexplored language in the body that, although most cannot easily translate into meaning, Delabra Serrano seeks to explore and communicate in her pictures. For her, photography goes beyond mere capture; it’s a necessity, a means to actively engage with others in a manner that reflects her authentic self. Recently, Delabra Serrano has slowed down in the publication
of street photography and has shifted gears toward portraits. This was more so unplanned, but an exciting pivot, as she continues to grow in her medium and has been able to connect with an increasing number of people both in the fashion industry, or soonto-be moguls in the Fordham community. In her transition to portrait photography, she strives to maintain her authenticity. Delabra Serrano’s interest lies in her belief that every picture inevitably carries an essence of the portrayed individual, bearing the natural awkwardness often seen in family portraits taken at a local JCPenny, for example. When photographing portraits, she acknowledges the photographer’s responsibility to reveal the beauty within each of her subjects. The relationship between a photographer and the model is to learn from each other, to cohesively work together to create a picture that fulfills both peoples artistic vision. “It’s an exercise of empathy,” she said. Looking Ahead As for the future, Delabra Serrano stressed her status as a student, staunchly asserting herself as an “adult in-progress.” She, however, noted that she does not plan on stopping taking pictures. Although she does not yet describe herself as a capital-A-artist, Delabra Serrano considers her craft a lifelong project. Delabra Serrano is less concerned with establishing herself in “the scene” and more so with the experimental possibilities of photography. “I am going to be a photographer my whole life,” she said. In her photography, it is quite evident how important Delabra Serrano finds the relationship between herself and her subject. Not only in her portrait work, which she continues to exercise as a process of empathy, but also in her street photography. In this sense, Delabra Serrano conveys that photography is a game of close observation. The sophomore’s photographic odyssey unfolds as a testament to the transformative power of the art form, reflecting not only her technical prowess, but also her profound personal and artistic growth. Through her lens, she navigates the intricate landscapes of human emotion and connection, crafting a narrative that transcends mere imagery to encapsulate the essence of her subjects.
Fun & Games Editor Abby Grunzinger
un & ames
January 24, 2024 THE OBSERVER
Crossword: Noble Names
60. * Babylonian king with a famous code 65. Repeated thrice, it’s the title of an ABBA song about how it must be funny in a rich man’s world 66. Lake that’s 75% vowels 67. Wilson of “Zoolander,” “Bottle Rocket” and “Marry Me” 68. Christmas tree topper, for some 69. In volleyball, they come after bumps but before spikes 70. Seven days
Down
BY ABBY GRUNZINGER
Across 1. “Star Wars” actor Driver or Cardinals pitcher Wainwright, for example 5. Tie 9. Something you do at religious services 13. Ke Huy Quan’s gadgetwielding character in “The Goonies” 14. Spiritual glow 15. A noun is generally a person, _____ or thing 16. * Aristotle’s greatest Macedonian student 18. Hall’s counterpart 19. Witnesses 20. Satellite-based navigation system (Abbr.) 21. Grown-up cherub? 25. Me and you, for two 29. “Ghost” actress Demi or
“May December” actress Julianne 30. * Egyptian queen who teamed up with Rome 33. Place to buy things 34. Joints between the legs and the torso 35. Upset 36. Plug 39. Sixth note on the scale (Var.) 42. Acid created when the body breaks down purine nucleotides 43. Frasier Crane’s brother 48. * The last monarch of the House of Tudor 51. Prepare to propose 52. The name of a streetcar, according to Tennessee Williams? 53. Kindly 54. Prefix radio for a married woman 55. Dead 57. Shakespeare’s subject
1. U.S. law that requires ramps for accessibility, among many other things (Abbr.) 2. Abbreviation for the secondary airport in Dallas 3. Had a meal 4. 2015 film starring Tom Hardy: “Mad ___: Fury Road” 5. “Romeo + Juliet” and “Homeland” star Claire 6. Impertinent 7. Greek counterpart of the Roman god Mars 8. What 7-down is the god of 9. Largest component of your blood 10. Pest that we often have to share New York City with 11. Military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft 12. “Sure!” 15. Short-term store opening 17. Taking a snooze 20. Slang for a sudden and complete cessation of all communication 21. Midnights to noons (Abbr.) 22. Alternative to “believe it?’’ 23. Slimy stuff 24. Make a mistake
26. Place to get cash (Abbr.) 27. Group with guns 28. Bummed out 30. Laundry, for example 31. In a crucial moment in “Mean Girls,” this doesn’t exist 32. Long period of time 39. Guided 40. Alcoholic drink that’s sometimes of the pale variety 41. Belonging to a man 44. Letters following a company name 45. “Do the Right Thing” director Spike or “Past Lives” actress Greta 46. Slippery swimmer 47. Cunning 49. “Interstellar” and “Gladiator” composer Hans 40. Ordered series 53. What we call people 55. Not a truth? 56. Radiate 57. Place to slide into? 58. Decay 59. Actress de Armas 60. 2009 film: “___ Just Not That Into You” 61. Use an oar 62. Stunned emotion 63. Buzzing bug 64. Contents of a pen
Maze
Sudoku BY DAMIAN GROVE
BY JASMINE WHITE
Instructions: Each row, column and 3×3 box must contain the numbers 1-9 exactly once.
Instructions: The blue arrow indicates the start to the maze. Trace along the path to find the exit, and make sure to not run into a dead end.
4 5 3
3 7
1 4 8
2
6
END
9 8
6
7 2
8
START
7
3
4 6 7 1
1 3 5
1 8
2 4 9