Volume 95 • Issue 4
FSUgatepost.com
October 9, 2026
Man arraigned after alleged State Street disorderly conduct By Antonio Machado Associate Editor By Avery Slavin News Editor A man was arraigned in Framingham District Court Oct. 7 after alleged disorderly conduct on the sidewalk adjacent to the McCarthy Center. The individual, Jacob Polcari, was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct on State Street by Framingham State University Police officers on Oct. 6, according to the Framingham District Court. Polcari was on the sidewalk outside of the McCarthy Center Tuesday with anti-abortion posters. He and another individual were not on University property, as the sidewalk and State Street are public ways. There will be a pre-trial hearing on Nov. 18. Polcari pleaded not guilty to both of his disorderly conduct charges during his arraignment, according to the Framingham District Court docket. Polcari was released on bail with pre-trial conditions to stay away from the alleged victim and any witnesses, alongside a court-ordered location, according to the Framingham District Court. Polcari, along with another
individual, came to State Street on the day of the arrest holding signs and wearing merchandise from the organization Abolitionists Rising, an anti-abortion, Christian activist group. According to eyewitnesses, the pair were allegedly recording students while advertising their ideologies and began arguing with students who disagreed, which subsequently drew a crowd. The Gatepost’s reporters observed the pair being combative with students as the crowd grew in size throughout the day. Eyewitnesses recalled the pair saying abortion is murder, comparing it to slavery, and encouraging students to find Jesus Christ. Students in the crowd engaged with the pair, including freshman Nat Natarajan, who began peacefully protesting through prayer, dance, and music. “I suggested we play copyrighted music because I didn’t want them to monetize the content because I felt uncomfortable with a lot of students being recorded in a livestream without their consent,” Natarajan said. Natarajan put a speaker in her hat and started doing “some
Antonio Machado / THE GATEPOST Jacob Polcari handcuffed by FSUPD Sgt. Harry Singh on Oct. 6.
See ARRAIGNMENT Page 3
Rams enjoy revamped Homecoming and Family Weekend By Francisco Omar Fernandez Rodriguez Associate Editor On a pair of warm and sunny fall days, Framingham State University held its Homecoming and Family Weekend. Families visited their loved ones, alumni returned to their alma mater, and current students took the time to enjoy the festivities on Oct. 2 and 3. The weekend was packed with many activities. On Friday, there was the Campus Fitness Center’s grand opening, welcome receptions for each of the University’s four colleges, a family game night, a Suit Jacket Posse (SJP) show, and the “Moonlight Breakfast.” On Saturday, there was the
Antonio Machado / THE GATEPOST See HOMECOMING Page 4 Sam the Ram cheers on the Rams at Framingham State’s Homecoming football game on Oct. 3.
Football brings home win against Falcons By Sarah Daponde Editorial Staff
season. “It’s always great playing at Bowditch with a good atmosphere from the fans. I Framingham State’s Homecoming foot- think it was special having families there ball game ended in a 24-12 victory against - it’s always nice playing in front of loved ones,” he added. Fitchburg State Oct. 3. The Rams won the coin toss and deferred This builds upon their undefeated reto the second half. Freshman Brandon Snycord, standing at 2-0 in the conference and der’s kickoff landed at the 60-yard line for 3-0 overall. the Falcons. Sophomore Michael Marcucella said the Fitchburg began their drive, but received Homecoming game meant a lot to the team a false start penalty and was unsuccessful because it was their first home game of the
at reaching the goal. The Rams started strong in their possession with a pass from Marcucella to freshman Xavier Beauchamp. Beauchamp rushed the ball the remaining yards and scored the first touchdown of the game. Junior Ty Kelley kicked a successful extra point, bringing the score to 7-0. The Falcons’ gained 17 yards in their next possession before the ball was turned back over to Framingham. See FOOTBALL Page 11
INSIDE: OPINION 8 • SPORTS 11 • ART & FEATURES 12
News GPI pg. 2 SGA pg. 4
Opinion SCHLESINGER pg. 9 NORRISH pg. 10
Sports CROSS COUNTRY pg. 11 FOOTBALL pg. 11
Arts & Features DIVA TALK pg. 11 BOOK REPORT pg. 14
NEWS
2 | OCTOBER 9, 2026
Gatepost Interview Jared Magno
OUR STAFF Editor-in-Chief Dylan Pichnarcik Associate Editors
Assistant Director of Student Experience and Orientation
Francisco Omar Fernandez Rodriguez
Antonio Machado News Editor Avery Slavin
By Antonio Machado Associate Editor
Opinion Editor Alexis Schlesinger
Sarah Parron Staff Writer
Sports Editor Taylor Kimmell Arts & Features Editor Sarah Daponde Photos & Design Editor Onyx Lovely Asst. Photos & Design Editor Christy Howland Illustrations Editor Tobias Cotton-Selman Copy Editor Cole Johnson Staff Illustrators Grace Doyle Abi Little Marcus Falcão Meghan Petrone Staff Writers Desiree Ambila Jesse Burchill Julien Fernandez Dan Lima Kate Norrish Nathan Piette Izabela Gage Heather Luster Andrea Zereski Louie Ranieri Audrey Rice Cooper Davis Sydney Youde Gracie Wyatt Sarah Parron Staff Photographers Julien Fernandez Rose Hamilton Meg Dame Advisors Desmond McCarthy Sabrina Grammatic Asst. Advisor Elizabeth Banks
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TH E G A T E
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Asst. Advisor of Digital Engagement Ben Watanabe
T TH EGATEPOS
100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu
What is your professional and academic background? I got my bachelor’s degree in education from the University of New England up in Maine. I did educational studies there and did some practicums in student activities and admissions, and then I was an RA, orientation leader, and on student government. So I was kind of the stereotypical student leader who did all of the things all the time. And that led me to pursue my master’s degree at Bowling Green State University in college student personnel, which is basically higher education administration, but it takes a little bit more of a student focus on it. So, I did student developAntonio Machado / THE GATEPOST ment theories and all of that sort Jared Magno smiling at the Moonlight Breakfast on Oct. 3. of stuff. And while I was there, their off-campus trips and all of the people I work with would I worked in residence life as a that stuff. make me love that job. The staff graduate hall director. So, I was What would you say is your here are so amazing. The stuon call. I did conduct, did pro- favorite part of your role? dents are so kind. It really is the gramming, and through my proThe people I get to work and people that make me love FSU gram experience at that school, I interact with, and help and assist and want to continually give back found my real passion for student through this role. Seeing all of to help other students feel conactivities and student events. So the incoming students and their nected and involved and welcome that led me to my first position at smiling faces during Orientation and want to be on campus. Assumption University as their and “Taking Care of Business” student engagement coordinator and just seeing the energy they Do you have any advice for and pub manager, where I ran bring to campus is so fun and exFSU students? the campus pub, and I helped do hilarating, and it fills my profesDon’t be afraid to get a little the hiring process, recruitment, sional cup. Orientation can be so bit outside of your comfort zone, and selection of the orientation tiring, but the energy I get from because that’s where you’re goleaders and the executive team the incoming students just fills ing to grow and where you might there. I worked with a lot of orga- me with joy. I would definitely say find something that you never nizations on their late-night pro- it’s the people. The people I work thought you would enjoy. From gramming. And then, through all with are some of the best people my own experience, I was enof that, I realized that I wanted I’ve ever met. They’re so fun and couraged by my swim captain, to spend more time doing orien- caring and kind and willing to my freshman year, to run for stutation work. I saw this job, which help out when we ask or need it. dent government. And I was like, is a lot of orientation work, which It’s the people, 100%. “I am not a student government really excited me, and then that person. I’m not loud and vocal kind of cuts to me here. What are some hobbies or enough. Like, I’m not a student things you like to do outside of government person.” And she enWhat are some of the re- your career? couraged me to do it anyway, and sponsibilities you have in your I remind myself that I’m not then I loved it, and that led me role? my job. I like to talk to my friends to where I am today. She did the I advise the Framingham State and hang out with them. I like to same thing for me with being an Activities Board, FSAB, and help swim a lot. I will go to the pool orientation leader. Without her them do all their activities plan- and just stare at the black line on trying to push me outside of my ning on the logistical back end the bottom of the pool and forcomfort zone, I wouldn’t be in the - working with a lot of the ven- get about the world for a while. I career that I am in. I would say, dors that they work with. Getting love to listen to music and read, don’t be afraid to step a little bit in contact with all of them. So, so kind of just reminding myself outside of your comfort zone, to that’s the biggest organization I that my job isn’t who I am. It’s a try something new, because you advise. And then, I also oversee part of who I am, but it’s not evmight find a new passion of yours the recruitment and selection of erything. I love to hang out with that you didn’t even know existed the orientation team - from the my friends and FaceTime them before. leads and logistics coordinators and talk on the phone for way too to the orientation leaders them- long, probably. I’m very much an selves. Also, part of that is the extrovert, so whatever I can do “Taking Care of Business” ses- to be in contact with the people sions, so I help organize and lo- I love is what I like to do outside CONNECT WITH gistically plan the sessions that of work. ANTONIO MACHADO happen in June and July. … I also amachado4@student.framingham.edu THE help @oversee theSTclubs and orgaGATEPO What do you love about FSU nizations on campus. So I think beyond your job? CONNECT WITH it’s 12-ish organizations that I The people. I feel like I could SARAH PARRON am the resource person for, help- have any job on this campus and sparron@student.framingham.edu ing them plan their events and do
Police Logs Monday, Oct. 5 4:05 Larceny over $1200 Church Street
@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com
Tuesday, Oct. 6 4:29 Larceny under $1200 Church Street
Wednesday, Oct. 7 5:41 Medical Emergency McCarthy Center
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OCTOBER 9, 2026 | 3
New chairs appointed for Safety and Security Committee at SGA By Avery Slavin News Editor Two senators were appointed as chairs of the Safety and Security Committee during the SGA meeting on Oct. 6. President Shubham Valand began the meeting by swearing in two new senators - Allise McCullough and Nem Gerald. Vice President Nathan Piette explained the first order of business, which was to approve completed edits of History Club’s constitution. Senator Jayden Jefferson motioned to approve it, and it was passed 18-0-1. Piette introduced the new Safety and Security Committee and asked if anyone was interested in running for chair or vice chair. The vice chair candidates were Jefferson, Louie Ranieri, and Jamila Daikha. The chair candidates were Jonathan Sundberg and Vilmarie Santana, who was not in attendance. Ranieri said he’d be a good candidate because he assisted students with mobility issues and special needs when he was in high school, saying he has
“seen things not every person would see as an issue.” Daikha said she came to FSU from a “crazy” high school in California where people were concerned about their safety, so she wants to ensure that Framingham’s campus is secure. Sundberg was voted as the committee’s chair, explaining to the senate that he wanted a bigger leadership role in student government and that it was important to “make these issues aware to whom it may concern.” After a tie-breaker win against Ranieri, Daikha was announced as vice chair. Valand followed up about the fitness center issues discussed in SGA’s previous meeting, saying mirrors for the recently opened fitness center have been ordered, and senators can talk to the athletic department directly about any student concerns. Valand also said the athletic department intends to release a survey form for student feedback in the near future. Senators were encouraged to join student governance by advisor Rachel Spezia. She said students can help faculty and
Gatepost Archives staff make decisions on things time. like policies and curriculum. The meeting concluded with Valand told the senate about Ranieri winning Senator of the the SGA office in McCarthy, but Week. explained - with help from Spe“I was really honored to see zia - that it is a shared space and anything I discussed didn’t go to be mindful about guests and unnoticed,” Ranieri said. what is being left in the office, as there are no cameras on the [ Editor’s Note: Nathan Pifourth floor. ette and Louie Raniere are Staff Spezia said senators should writers for The Gatepost. ] remember it is a University office that is a privilege to access, and it is “not for late-night socials and mischief.” Piette added that students should not be locking the office CONNECT WITH AVERY SLAVIN door for extended periods of aslavin1@student.framingham.edu
Arraignment Continued from Page 1 Hindu prayer type stuff, not exactly actual prayer, but basically, so their message could not be heard,” she said. She alleged the pair claimed she “worshipped gay Hindu demons” in response. In an effort to take attention away from the pair, senior Alexis Schlesinger said she brought out a drum set and began playing on the McCarthy Patio. Schlesinger said, “I started playing and they didn’t leave, so I picked up a cymbal and I walked it over a little closer and started banging it. “I made sure to not present myself as a threat. I’m a musician - I know how loud these things are. … My intention was to make noise,” she added. In a video of the incident posted to the social media platform Fizz, an onlooker speaks to Polcari while Schlesinger’s cymbal is heard in the background. Shortly after, Schlesinger appears playing the instrument behind Polcari and the unidentified individual with him. Polcari then moves toward Schlesinger and appears to reach for her cymbal. She then backs away from Polcari onto
FSUPD officers on State Street on Oct. 6. the brick crosswalk on State Street. The video shows Polcari then moving toward Schlesinger and seeming to continue reaching for her cymbal. As Polcari approaches Schlesinger on the sidewalk, an unidentified individual appears to step between Schlesinger and Polcari. The individual seems to hold Polcari back. The video then shows other onlookers surrounding Polcari and grabbing the signs he
Antonio Machado / THE GATEPOST
is holding. As the situation ap[ Editor’s Note: Alexis pears to escalate, an FSUPD Schlesinger is the Opinion Edofficer stands between Polcari itor of The Gatepost. During and the students and directs the events of Oct. 6, she was the crowd to “clear out.” not acting in any capacity as FSUPD Chief of Police Philip a member of the newspaper’s DeBlasi said, “Officers were on staff. ] scene and took actions they believed were appropriate based CONNECT WITH on the information available at ANTONIO MACHADO the time.” amachado4@student.framingham.edu The investigation is ongoing as The Gatepost was going to CONNECT WITH press. AVERY SLAVIN aslavin1@student.framingham.edu
Weather Saturday, Oct. 10 Sunny with a high near 65.
Monday, Oct. 12 Mostly cloudy with a high near 70.
Sunday, Oct. 11 Partly sunny with a high near 70.
Tuesday, Oct. 13 Mostly sunny with a high near 70.
Wednesday, Oct. 14 Mostly sunny with a high near 60.
Thursday, Oct. 15 Mostly sunny with a high near 60.
FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM
4 | OCTOBER 9, 2026
Homecoming Continued from Page 1
“Walk and Talk” with the Wellness and Prevention Center, a career development panel, the city’s “Framingham Fest” right across Route 9, the University’s “Festival FSU” in and around the McCarthy Center, and several sports games. Rachel Spezia, associate dean of students, said Homecoming and Family Weekend as a whole was planned by a steering committee made up of various departments, such as Athletics, Student Experience, Family Engagement, Alumni, Communications, and Campus Events. The committee also had a student representative, senior English major Dylan Pichnarcik, she added. The committee started planning in the spring, she said. “We all come together and focus on the traditions that we have, but also bring new ideas,” Spezia said. She said there were changes this year to get more student organizations involved. The number of people who went to the Moonlight Breakfast, which was revamped by Meghan Larkin and Chris Addario, tripled, she said. “I feel like we made some really good changes that resulted in more people attending and people being satisfied with the weekend,” Spezia said. She said there were six alumni vendors at Festival FSU. Additionally, there was also a balloon artist and a magician, she added. Eric Gustafson, vice president of university advancement, said over 200 alumni went to Homecoming and Family Weekend, though that is an estimate. He said Homecoming was a University-wide event that involved everyone. Getting students, family, alumni, faculty, and staff together for such an event was a “rare occurrence,” Gustafson said. The Athletic Hall of Fame was a great way to honor athletes of the past, he added. Liz Phillips, the director of alumni relations, said the committee that planned Homecoming tried to make sure that everyone could be included in the festivities. There were many different events so that everyone could find something they enjoyed, she said. She said there was a boost in attendance throughout the weekend. “It was really exciting to see so many familiar faces and some new folks coming back to campus,” Phillips said. The Moonlight Breakfast was Friday night, and it was full of students, their families, and alumni. At the breakfast, there were DJs and music-based BINGO. One of the DJs was senior international business major Nathan Piette. He said he DJs public and private events as a job. “But it’s extra fun when I get to DJ for my friends at school,” Piette said. SGA was asked to help out at the Moonlight Breakfast, he said. Piette is vice president of SGA. “I think we got the best job,” he said. He described the food as very “breakfast for dinner.”
NEWS
SGA Senator and senior finance major Khoa Bùi said the breakfast was one of his favorite events. “We had a lot of administrators as well as members of SGA help out, like staffing the event, playing music, and serving food, just having a great time,” Bùi said. There were also tables for affinity group meet-ups, including veterans and active military, the CIE, legacy families, Hilltop, and The Gatepost. Several members of the administration were involved in running the breakfast, including President Nancy Niemi. Niemi said she always participates in the Moonlight Breakfast and believes it is a good time to celebrate with everyone. “I mean, who can not be happy eating French toast sticks and maple syrup at 10:00 at night?” Niemi asked. She said she’s proud to serve her community. “I love feeding people, making them happy, and working. They’re always surprised when they see us serving them, but I think we should,” Niemi said. She said she was looking forward to the other activities throughout Homecoming and Family Weekend, such as the sports games and the festivals on campus and in the city. Niemi said that Homecoming changes over time. “Different classes of students and their families have different relationships to it. So it’s just a great time to welcome the community back and say, ‘We’re so glad you’re here. Let’s celebrate!’” Niemi said. Vice President for Student Affairs Meg Nowak Borrego said she enjoys the Moonlight Breakfast every year, and it had new attractions this year. “The students and staff added new things. The music, the games, and then we have alumni affinity groups here now,” Nowak Borrego said. She said she likes the fact that Homecoming is combined with Family Weekend. It places both families and alumni on campus and gives students opportunities to interact with them both, she said. “I just love the energy and having all the people on campus this weekend,” Nowak Borrego said. She said she was glad there were activities on both Friday and Saturday, so that families who could only come on one day would still get a fun experience. Nowak Borrego said she hopes students who don’t have visiting family still enjoyed the weekend and “hopefully feel welcome at all the events, and it doesn’t feel like you can’t go because your family’s not here.” Senior English major Marlín Polanco said she was looking forward to enjoying the food and company. “They don’t do this often, and it seems pretty cool. So, you know, I thought it’d be fun to community build and see what’s going on,” Polanco said. Sophomore computer science major Vincent Nacedo said he had a fun time at the Moonlight Breakfast and he enjoyed the muffin he had. Senior finance major Yair Rachmany said he came to the breakfast for the food and the community. “I’m a big fan of the moon,
@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com
and I love breakfast. The combination of the moon and breakfast sounds incredibly good. And I also love free food,” Rachmany said. At a table for The Gatepost was Alex Smith, an alumna from 2008 who majored in communication arts and minored in journalism. She was at The Gatepost for two years after she transferred to Framingham State in 2006, she said. She worked as a graduate assistant for The Gatepost for the 2011-2012 academic year, she said. At the time, she was in graduate school at Emerson College. “So I would come in on Thursday night and help lead copy edit sessions and mentor students and talk to students about different aspects of journalism and communications and media,” Smith said. On Saturday, the University held Festival FSU from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The City of Framingham held Framingham Fest, a separate festival in the Framingham Center, right across Route 9 from campus. The featured transport between Festival FSU and Framingham Fest was the Black & Gold Express Trolley. Phillips said that instead of competing with the city’s Framingham Fest, the committee decided to invite them to be part of Homecoming. “They made us part of their Framingham Fest, which is why we incorporated the trolley this year, to get people to Bowditch, to Maple, to Framingham Fest, and to Salem End and McCarthy,” Phillips said. At Framingham Fest, she saw Sam the Ram compete in the mascot competition, she said. Sam came in second out of the 15 mascots around the city, she added. At Festival FSU, there were several events, including a student organization fair, multiple classroom experiences, a Taste of Culture held by the CIE, a Reset Room held by the Wellness and Prevention Center, and off-campus vendors. Another event was the “DuckQuest.” Pichnarcik said the University holds the “DuckQuest” every year. “We hide a bunch of rubber ducks on the upper part of campus,” Pichnarcik said. Each duck corresponded with a prize, he said. Emma Laurie, the program coordinator for the CIE, said the Taste of Culture had foods from several different countries. In the past, the Taste of Culture events were focused on one culture, she said. “But we decided that we wanted to bring it all together for Homecoming this year, so that students who may otherwise not have visited O’Connor Hall could have seen it here with their families as well,” Laurie said. They had dishes from Brazil, Mexico, Jamaica, Nigeria, Taiwan, Syria, Israel, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and China and Southeast Asia, she said. They also had a table run by Shani Turner, a member of the Indigenous Natick Nipmuc tribe, which encompasses the Framingham area. She said she is an “Indigenous
interpreter or artisan.” Across her table were several of her artifacts, including furs from various animals and her family’s regalia, she said. She said she was lucky to have built a bond with the University. “We had a mural that was created in the library, so I was there and I danced at the mural,” Turner said. Pam Lehmberg, director of Wellness & Prevention, ran the Reset Room, which was a quiet room with calm music, drinks, and small activities. “We wanted a space where people could come and do relaxing activities - a little break from all the excitement around, to do coloring, meet other people, chat over some beverages, some games, breath work, origami, all those different things,” Lehmberg said. This was the first time they held a space like this during Homecoming and Family Weekend, and it appeared to be a success, she said. Students and families sat around the table, coloring and conversing with each other. Senior pre-health major and SEALS member Iz Shields said she and a few other SEALS were working with Lehmberg to host the Reset Room. “We talk to other students who come to the event, share the resources, try to make people feel kind of more comfortable,” Shields said. Jenny Callaghan is an alumna from 2005 with her bachelor’s and 2008 with her master’s, both in elementary education. She teaches in Franklin, and she runs a side business called “Hook and Whiskers,” she said. She was running a table full of crochet animals with her son. She started her business when her husband asked her what she was going to do with all of the crocheted animals and clothes she made, she said. Normally, she crochets animals, but in the winter, she’ll sometimes make winter hats, she said. She’s invited every year by Spezia, she said. This was “my third or fourth year. Sometimes, like last year, we were outside. So yeah, she just invites us as part of Homecoming,” Callaghan said. She and her husband met each other at Framingham State, she added. They were planning on seeing one of the games. At another table was Emerson Harris, an alumna from 2024. She majored in fashion design, and she’s a content creator who goes by “Candymon.” Her work focuses on Japanese pop culture, she said. She works as a vendor at several anime conventions and music events. “My goal is to spread Japanese music culture into the United States,” Harris said. She mostly sells candy bracelets, and she works on the board of an independent Japanese music nonprofit called “Idol Rhapsody,” she said. When she was at FSU, she was very involved in extracurriculars, she said. “I was Anime Club president for two-and-a-half years, and I was also heavily involved in the Gaming Club, and the Film Club, and the Comic Book Club while I was here,” Harris said. See HOMECOMING Page 5
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OCTOBER 9, 2026 | 5
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PHOTOS
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Antonio Machado / THE GATEPOST
Sam the Ram during t he masc ot competi tion at Framing ham Fes t on Oct. 3 .
Rose Hamilton / THE GATEPOST
ing K-9 t t e p Ram e h ming t o c m e Sa m the Ho t a y e ct. 3. O n Rams o game l l a b t foo
Spread by Photos & Design Editor Onyx Lovely
@The Gatepost | FSUgatepost.com
Antonio Machado / THE GATEPOST
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Homecoming Continued from Page 4
Zoe Moore, an alumna from 2014, majored in English, and now works for the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE). She was running a table for DGCE. She said they “wanted to increase our visibility to undergraduate students on campus to talk about our graduate programs if they want to return for grad school.” Part of their table was a “leaves of gratitude” project, where attendees wrote what they were grateful for about their experience at the University, she said. “We’re not quite sure what we want to do with the leaves yet. We might make a tree, or a wreath, or a festive garland in the DGCE office,” Moore said. She encouraged undergraduate students to visit their office in Dwight Hall, room 202, if they’re interested in graduate school, she said. SGA ran a tie-dye table out on the hill up to Crocker and May Hall. Bùi said that at the table, everyone received a piece of cloth and learned how to tie-dye different patterns. “They get to pick from a variety of colors, and they get to learn how to do different patterns of tie dye, and then they can take their piece home afterwards,” Bùi said.
Sabrina Grammatic, program coordinator for the Center for Student Experience and Career Development, said she helped the student organizations with the signups, activities, and being available to assist during the event, she said. Grammatic is also an alumna from 2022 with her bachelor’s and 2023 with her master’s in English, she said. Her favorite part of Homecoming was the Duck Quest and seeing families have a good time, she said. “The vibe has been really good for all of Homecoming, I think. So we’ve really been bringing the atmosphere,” Grammatic said. [ Editor’s Note: Dylan Pichnarcik is Editor-in-Chief, Nathan Piette is a Staff Writer and Sabrina Grammatic is a co-Advisor for The Gatepost. ]
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Dean Patricia Thomas receives Caribbean leadership award By Heather Luster Staff Writer Dean of the College of Business, Patricia Thomas, was recently recognized by the state legislature with the Caribbean Leadership Award. The award was presented as part of the Boston Caribbean-American Association’s annual celebration of “Caribbean heritage and community impact,” which brings together leaders, members of the community, and any allies or people willing to support the strengthening of communities, said Thomas. Thomas said the award “recognizes people who have made some lasting difference in their communities.” According to the Boston Caribbean-American Association’s website, the organization is tasked with featuring “inspiring conversations, meaningful connections, and a celebration of the leaders who continue to create impact across business, government, civic engagement, culture, and community.” This event brings inspirational messages, leadership support, different opportunities throughout the Commonwealth, recognition of Caribbean-American leaders, and most importantly - the celebration of Caribbean heritage. Rep. Jack Lewis (D-7th Middlesex) nominated Thomas for the recognition. He said, “It was an honor to nominate Patricia Thomas, an Ashland resident and Dean of the College of Business at Framingham State University, for the Boston Caribbean American Association’s Annual Caribbean American Breakfast at the State House.”
Lewis said, “I can’t think of a ing of what exactly advocacy is, more deserving person than Pa- and what roles she fits into over tricia for this honor. time, has changed. As a leader at Framingham “As a child growing up, hearState, Patricia has made a real ing the term advocacy, I always impact in higher education, stu- thought this meant being loud dent lives, and the MetroWest - you know, being visible and community while also bringing being at the forefront of every people together across cultures issue that you’re passionate about,” she said. But now, she and communities.” Thomas spoke about how her realizes that it is just about bework focuses not only on large, ing genuine and “speaking up loud contributions, but on the for others who are not in the small, quiet contributions as room, or looking from a different perspective.” well. One way Thomas has put Her work ranges from being hands-on - sorting clothes and this into action is through facpacking up vans - to coordinat- ulty meetings, being in rooms ing scholarships and launching with other administrators, and a foundation that has a goal of always remaining true to the “expanding technology, AI, and voice that is not there or cannot looking at mental wellness,” she be heard. Thomas’ foundation does exadded. Courtesy of Desmond McCarthy Thomas plans to use the actly this. Not only within the spotlight from this recognition confines of the Commonwealth provide. Thomas said it is about to continue to collaborate with of Massachusetts, but on a glob- community and how “community really means family.” This others in the Caribbean commu- al scale. She finds that her advocacy idea is what shaped her in her nity. She said, “Since this recognition has been published on work that is being recognized - upbringing and into her adult social media, I’ve gotten quite a as well as her foundation work life. She added people working tofew people from the Caribbean, - “showcases culture and gives gether makes the group stronspecifically Grenada, who have opportunity.” When this foundation ger because “we are pooling our reached out to ask how they can launched, Thomas said, “They knowledge. We are pooling our collaborate on projects.” Additionally, she said that she were able to donate over 50 lap- resources, you know, for a complans to “utilize this as a way to tops to six primary schools in mon purpose.” Beyond the recognition itself, amplify the work that I am do- Grenada,” where she grew up. President Nancy Niemi said, Thomas’ work highlights that ing with the new foundation.” Advocacy is not just an indi- “It’s clear that Dean Thomas is meaningful change begins with vidual action, but a collective of committed to helping students the recognition of your own voices within a community, col- in her native country, Grena- personal talents and how you laborative projects, and directly da, get learning materials they can utilize them, which she says addressing problems. Thomas need so they can thrive educa- “might be the greatest contribelieves that the most import- tionally. I am very proud of her bution you can make.” Thomas encourages those ant step when getting involved commitment to students, both in advocacy work - for any field - FSU’s and throughout the world. feeling called to be an advocate is to “be yourself, whether that Her actions illustrate that one to “find a group or organization” means in front or behind the person can and does make a dif- and “just listen with intent.” scenes,” and to stay true to your ference.” However, bringing people CONNECT WITH “authentic self rather than try together is not only about the HEATHER LUSTER to fit in.” For Thomas, her understand- tangible goods that one can hluster@student.framingham.edu
FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM
8 | OCTOBER 9, 2026
OPINION THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL
The Daily Sun stands with Jane Doe, and so do we
[ Editor’s Note: This article contains discussions of sexual assault that may be offensive to some readers. ]
torial, “Cornell Won’t, We Will,” alleged the university does not follow the laws regarding Title IX protocols. They also invoked the need to have public access to the deposition issued by Cornell ver the last few weeks, the nation has been swept regarding the investigation into these men, and the university’s up in the tragic story of a former Cornell University findings. student, identified only as Jane Doe. Cornell should release these documents immediately and show The details of this ongoing case are horrific and the world they now stand with Doe and belatedly recognize their troubling. Particularly for individuals in college, mistakes and are ready to take responsibility. they bring to light the larger epidemic of sexual assault on camAccountability does not end with a university issuing discipuses and the importance of supporting victims when they come plinary decisions behind closed doors. When questions arise forward. about a university’s response to alleged sexual assault, students In 2024, seven members of the Chi Phi Tobias Cotton-Selman / THE GATEPOST and the broader community deserve fraternity at Cornell University allegedly answers, especially when some of made the despicable and life-altering decithe individuals are allowed to sion to gang-rape a young woman. stay on campus. Universities A recent report by The Cornell Daily have a solemn duty to protect Sun, the university’s independent student students and release relevant newspaper, said only two of the seven alinformation to the public. leged assaulters were expelled from CorThis is where independent nell, with the others receiving lesser reporting can help the public punishments. The least severe of these understand policies and propunishments was handed down to two cedures. A strong relationship individuals who were issued no-conbetween a university and its tact orders, “educational modules,” student newspaper promotes and “reflection papers.” transparency and advances The Daily Sun was the first orthe public’s ability to reganization to break Doe’s stomain informed. ry, showing the dedication Doe’s story has become widespread student journalists have thanks to the efforts to telling individuals’ stoof The Daily Sun, and ries. consequently, she has Since they initially become the epicenter broke the story, the staff at of the contemporary The Daily Sun has meticulously purdiscussions concernsued avenues of investigation and ing consent and assault. provided additional reporting. There have been several efforts to Their news coverage has been objective and, when appropriate, tity and derail her life. their editorial board has empathetically opined about the situa- expose her idenThe Gatepost Editorial Board admires Doe for her tenacity in tion. We, The Gatepost Editorial Board, stand with Jane Doe, and we the midst of the public scrutiny she has faced, and we commend The Daily Sun for its persistence in telling her story. stand with our colleagues at The Daily Sun. As journalists, it is the duty of every reporter to cover a story The ability to amplify the voices of those afraid or unable to speak for themselves is the calling of journalists - individuals fully. The Daily Sun has upheld this standard in every aspect of who are trained to listen to people with objectivity and fairness. its coverage. It’s clear they have meticulously researched and analyzed the At Cornell, the editors and reporters of The Daily Sun saw injustice. They saw the mistreatment of a victim, and they answered civil suit and related documents regarding the case. We applaud this effort and encourage them to continue researching the events the call for help when Cornell wouldn’t. Not only did they listen to Doe initially, but they also took on of the evening of Doe’s alleged attack and Cornell’s response. While student journalists are still honing their craft, their exthe larger responsibility of continuing to ethically and fully repertise about their community is unmatched. port her story and the impact it has had on their campus. The Daily Sun’s reporting matters not simply because it tells The independence of The Daily Sun has allowed them to be unrestrained in their support for Doe, and we wish to offer as much Doe’s story, but because it asks questions that deserve answers. The staff of The Daily Sun has demonstrated the importance of of the same support as we can. In their reporting, The Daily Sun exposes the morbid and inap- that responsibility through their continued reporting on Doe’s propriate actions taken by their university, and in a recent edi- case. Their work serves as a reminder that student journalists are capable of holding powerful institutions accountable. Above all, Doe deserves to be treated with dignity and respect throughout this process. Her experience should not be reduced to a soundbite. Nor should the public curiosity about her identity overshadow the questions her case has raised. Meaningful accountability requires more than public attention. It requires institutions to examine their decisions, answer legitimate questions, and demonstrate that the concerns of those who come forward are taken seriously. The Gatepost Editorial Board stands with Jane Doe, and we stand with The Cornell Daily Sun. When student journalists take on the responsibility of covering a story, their work reminds us why independent student journalism matters, and why it must be protected.
O
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OPINION
OCTOBER 9, 2026 | 9
DYLAN PICHNARCIK COMMENTARY
FSU, you certainly know how to celebrate
This past weekend, Framingham State celebrated Homecoming and Family Weekend, a yearly tradition that brings together families, friends, and generations of alums who continue to call FSU home. As a senior, this Homecoming Weekend was particularly poignant for me. I reflected not only on my more than three years at FSU, but also on the overall energy of campus and how it has changed over my time. While it’s bittersweet that I will depart FSU this May, Homecoming Weekend was the perfect reminder that I will always have a reason to visit. If you missed Homecoming Weekend, I would describe it simply as eclectic. The excitement of students, families, faculty, and staff was felt throughout the weekend, truly showing that when you show up for FSU, the community shows out. For attendees, Homecoming Weekend looks like a seamless display of everything FSU has to offer. Behind the scenes, it’s a labor of love undertaken by the Homecoming and Family Weekend Planning Committee. The committee brings together countless areas of the University, tasked with putting on a program that is open, accessible, and exciting for our entire community and beyond. Just to name a few divisions, the committee is made up of professional staff members from Student Affairs, Athletics, Family Engagement, Marketing & Communications, Catering, Campus Events, and Facilities, all serving on the committee along with me, the sole student
member. While I’m not an associate director, program coordinator, or associate vice president, I was treated as an equal member of the committee, with the opportunity to present out on tasks I was working on and contribute to subcommittees and various decisions regarding the weekend program. My mission in serving on the committee was simple: ensure the program was accessible and engaging for students. At the end of the experience, thanks to the many professional staff members who contributed, we accomplished just that. Across the board, the committee was dedicated to the shared mission of providing an exciting opportunity for people to celebrate their time at FSU. To have so many offices represented on one committee is not an easy task - especially when you think about how each one represents a different constituency of FSU, and how differently these groups are engaged. Seeing the planning process firsthand gave me a greater appreciation for the work that goes into making FSU feel like a community. Every office brought its own priorities, responsibilities, and perspectives to the table, but the committee had a shared goal of creating a weekend when everyone could come together. This kind of collaboration takes communication, compromise, and a willingness to recognize that every area of the University has something valuable to contribute. In the end, Homecoming Weekend was an excellent opportunity to engage with
the extended FSU community. But most importantly, it served our students. At every corner, there was something offered to students, whether that was a free memento, a quick snack, or a full-course breakfast celebrated in the Dining Commons. If you’ve been a student for more than one year at FSU, chances are you’ve taken part in the annual late-night pilgrimage to the Dining Commons for French toast sticks, eggs, and other breakfast treats. This year was different multiple student organizations, including SGA, The Hilltop Players, and, of course, your weekly independent student newspaper, The Gatepost, were in attendance. The real star of the show was SGA, which filled the Dining Commons with the rhythm and grooves that provided a pulse for the evening. The highenergy members of SGA spent the evening dancing along to hits and even got members of the staff to join in. Seeing students take ownership of a tradition that transcends generations and make it their own made all the difference in engaging students. Their engagement at the Moonlight Breakfast only brought about positivity and a palpable pride in FSU. Student organizations brought their personalities, enthusiasm, and sense of community into the Dining Commons, transforming a familiar tradition into something that felt new. Their participation served as a reminder that students are truly what brings campus to life.
The following day was just as exciting. The Rams triumphed over the Fitchburg State Falcons on a picturesque fall day. Meanwhile, the McCarthy Center was buzzing with activity. FestivalFSU brought vendors to campus, along with plenty of food, which was all free. For those interested in something a little more educational, classroom experiences were offered - it was as if every part of campus was together in one space, showing off the very best of our community. The weekend concluded on a high note with an energetic performance by the AfroCaribbean Dance Team, which opened for the Floor Lords, a breakdancing group. A single weekend simply cannot capture everything that makes our community special. But the same spirit that filled campus last weekend - an energy that brought people together - is always here. That passion should carry into the rest of the academic year. We should not have to wait for Homecoming to feel connected to the people and place that make FSU home. Homecoming may come once a year, but the spirit behind it should never be limited to one weekend - whether you are a first-year student finding your place, a senior preparing to graduate, or an alum returning to campus. Dylan Pichnarcik is the Editorin-Chief of The Gatepost. He is a senior English major. He can be reached at dpichnarcik@ student.framingham.edu
ALEXIS SCHLESINGER COMMENTARY
This public property is your public property. This public property is my public property.
Most of the “outside organizations” coming into your college community spaces don’t truly stand for what they believe in. Or much of anything at all. They do have feelings, and beliefs, but they don’t stand strong for either. As soon as someone disagrees with them or hurts their feelings, they are your mother and your friend just stepped on a crack in the sidewalk. They fold, spineless, and resort to aggression. They turn to insults, slurs, expletives, and in some cases, physical escalation. They are quick to forget themselves and what they stand for, their mission, or the “real” reason they are coming into your community spaces. There is no solid ground on which they stand but what is physically beneath their feet the concrete, upon which their boots rest. In the United States, college campuses - especially public universities - are a popular target for self-proclaimed political organizations. You’ve seen them, whether on your own campus, or another. Small groups of typically 2-4 people. Sometimes, they’ve got a table with pamphlets, papers, pins, or petitions. Some carry
large signs with graphic imagery or provocative language. Many of them carry cameras. If they are on public property, they are well within their rights to be there. They know it, and they will make sure you know it, too. A seemingly popular topic amongst these campus visitors is free speech, and their right to use it. In the past two weeks, three outside organizations have visited Framingham State University. The three groups seemingly acted independently of each other, but all had a common fixation. They all displayed an extreme fascination with free speech, and the protections it has in the United States. Not only are they fascinated by their protection under the First Amendment, but they also become greatly excited in exercising this protection to its full extent. Their behavior is reminiscent of a 7-year-old’s trip to the frozen yogurt shop. How many pieces of candy can I add before mom gets mad at me? How much, until the cup becomes too heavy? They are gluttonously attracted to the weight their
words hold to you. These people, and many more like them, are infiltrating college community spaces. While in these spaces, they are calling students slurs and expletives. They are shouting, yelling, and hurling insults. Those who have found their way onto my campus have told members of my community they should be deported. They have called members of my community demons, homophobic slurs, baby killers - and the list continues. While they are unfortunately - and undeniably - legally within their right to speak to us this way, this language and treatment of our community members is unacceptable. Community members of Framingham State University were assured via email that members of our community should not feel obligated to engage with members of outside organizations visiting campus. We were asked, if we are to engage, that we do so peacefully and respectfully. I wholeheartedly agree that you should not feel obligated to engage with these people, and if you decide to, you should do so peacefully and respectfully. If you feel safe enough, I urge you to engage.
In doing so, it is important that you remember this peaceful and respectful does not have to mean quiet and patient. As students, we are required to follow a student code of conduct. These visitors are not bound to our code of conduct, because they are not enrolled at our University. Framingham State University’s student code of conduct can be found on the Ram Handbook website at ramhandbook.com. If you are a student, I recommend reading your university’s student code of conduct before choosing how you engage with noncommunity members who are disrupting or disturbing your community space. Or anyone, for that matter. It is not a violation of the law, or our student code of conduct to be - for lack of a better word - a pain in the ass. Your public sidewalk is my public sidewalk, too. Alexis Schlesinger is the Opinion Editor of The Gatepost. She is a senior communication arts major. She can be reached at aschlesinger@student. framingham.edu
FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM
OPINION
10 | OCTOBER 9, 2026
KATE NORRISH COMMENTARY
What you need to know for AAC awareness month One of my autistic traits is that I am semi-verbal. That means I can talk sometimes, but not others. While I can talk most of the time, when I can’t, things can get odd. Usually, people don’t know what to do. Like autism itself, verbality exists on a spectrum. Some people think it just means a person can only say a few words at a time. Those people are called low-verbal, and are also on the semi-verbal spectrum. However, the word was also created to mean people who can talk well sometimes. Some people may not be able to speak for days or weeks. Some people cannot speak only once in a while. I can’t speak for a few hours a week, up to a few days a week total. Sometimes I can’t talk when I’m sad, upset, tired, calm, or focused. It is hard to predict. Some semi-verbal people have other speech differences, too. I have a selective stutter and sometimes slur my words. When I can’t speak, people sometimes treat me like I am younger than I am. One time, s o m e o n e
Grace Doyle / THE GATEPOST
congratulated me for eating my vegetables before I got a cookie when I was at a restaurant, and another, someone said I was doing a good job grocery shopping for myself. I was an independent adult when both of these things happened. People also sometimes think I am deaf, and use hand motions to talk to me. While I think some people might find this helpful, it makes it harder for me to understand than if they spoke. Because of that, I have the words “I can hear,” saved in my AAC. AAC stands for Augmented and Alternative Communication. While AAC is a word that means any way to talk other than mouth-words - as the nonverbal community calls it - like drawing, sign language, and writing on paper, a lot of people use the word to mean an electronic device to help people communicate. I use an app on my phone to talk. Some people use an app with a lot of buttons, each with a different word. I prefer to type each word out. It makes me feel as if I have more freedom to say what I want. I use the app “Talk to Speak.” Sadly, not all ways of talking differently work. Facilitated communication is when another person holds a letter board or a person’s hand as they spell out letters. This leads
to “The Ouija Board Effect,” where a person influences what the semi- or nonverbal person is saying without knowing it. A lot of studies, such as one by ASHA, have shown that people who use facilitated communication do not understand the words they tend to use with facilitated communication. The term that I use for when I can’t talk is “nonspeaking period.” Some people use the term “verbal shutdown.” I do not say “verbal shutdown” because I like not talking sometimes, and it does not feel like a “shutdown” to me, but I do not think there is anything wrong with the term “verbal shutdown.” Some people call their nonspeaking periods “going nonverbal.” I used to, but I was told by nonverbal people, who can’t speak at all, that when a semi-verbal person says they are nonverbal, it makes it so people might not know what “nonverbal” really means. While most of the time, I write my Gatepost articles at an eighth grade reading level, because that is what most newswriters say you should do, I have chosen to write this one in plain text. Plain text is a way of writing that is meant to be easy for neurodiverse and other disabled people to understand. I think more people should get used to reading plain text. This is because some disabled people like to be spoken to in this way. They might find it easier to
understand. Keep in mind, this is my first time writing an article with plain text. I may not be good at it yet. The United Nations says communication is a human right. Everyone should have the right to learn to communicate in a way that feels good to them. Some people might not like mouth-speaking, even if they can do it. All kinds of AAC is something everyone is allowed to use, whether it be sign language, electronic AAC, or letter boards they can use on their own. Everyone is able to advocate for themself in some way. Even babies cry when they need something. Some people haven’t found AAC that works for them yet. They might say that they don’t like something by walking away, for example. In a perfect world, everyone would be able to talk with words, but we still need to listen to those who can’t. To me personally, being semi-verbal can be annoying, but it is also nice. It is a serene experience that makes the world feel new.
Kate Norrish is a Staff Writer for The Gatepost. She is a senior English major. She can be reached at knorrish@student. framingham.edu
Campus Conversations “What is your favorite fall activity?”
By Antonio Machado, Associate Editor, and Sarah Parron, Staff Writer
“My favorite fall activity has to either be going apple picking with my family, which I have not done in a while, or putting Halloween decorations up.”
“Probably thrifting with friends.” - Alianah Caceres Santos, freshman
- Nat Natajaran, freshman
“I love playing soccer. It’s a fall sport when I was in high school, and now I’m coaching soccer in the fall.”
“My favorite fall activity would probably be watching Halloween movies.”
- Kaio Pires, junior
- Nicole Sheehan, senior
@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com
“My favorite fall activity now is to go to orchards and go apple picking, but mainly peach picking.” - Wesley Patterson, junior
“Making Halloween cookies.” - Kylie Levine, freshman
OCTOBER 9, 2026 | 11
SPORTS
Cross Country takes home first place at Jim Jellis0n By Taylor Kimmell Sports Editor The Framingham State men’s and women’s cross country teams competed at the Jim Jellison Invitational at Fitchburg State Oct. 3. Junior Vincent Gauthier said the course at Fitchburg is historically tough, with its two laps over a brutal hill, as well as a soft-grounded and, due to the weather, muddy field. Gauthier said every runner suffered equally with the course, but “having had a race under my belt on this course already from my freshman year MASCAC Championship, I had these expectations about the course.” Head Coach Mark Johnson said, “Going into this race, we labeled this course to the team as a ‘true cross country course’. The course itself was made up of rolling hills, thick grass, trails, and several sections of relatively deep, slick mud; so that all added to the challenge for the team.” Both teams placed first in the meet. The women’s team scored 45 points, a solid 11 points ahead of Fitchburg State, which placed second. The men’s team tied for first place, scoring 51 points alongside Mass. Maritime. Senior Kate Buban was the top finisher for the women’s team, placing 3rd overall with a time of 20:52.5 in the 5K. Buban said during the race, she found the downhills and flat stretches to be points of strength. “My mentality is to do my best for the day. I run six days a week, which helps me stay accountable,” she added. Freshman Sydney Youde was next to cross the finish line, coming in less than a minute after Buban at 21:42.1 and scoring 4th place overall. She said this was “definitely one of the tougher courses I’ve run this season. There were a decent amount of smaller, rolling hills throughout the course, which I love. Hills are generally a strength of mine.”
Her performance at the meet earned Youde recognition as MASCAC’s rookie of the week Oct. 6. Youde said she was thrilled to receive the honor. “It really helped remind me to be proud of what I’ve already done. It’s easy to forget how far I’ve already come when I’m focused on future goals, but receiving this award made me take a step back and be proud of myself.” At 22:23.6, junior Grace Avery finished her race, placing 8th overall. Coming in 12th overall was Rams’ freshman Caprial Dibartolomeo, whose finishing time was 23:09.5. In 18th place, and rounding out Framingham’s top five runners, was freshman Abigail Woodbury. Her time was 25:29.3. Senior Justinne Quinanola came in at 26:53.6, earning her a 22nd place finish. The Rams’ final three finishers were senior Norah Russell, who placed 27th overall with a time of 29:36.9, sophomore Ellen Child, who placed 31st with a time of 30:35.4, and sophomore Mia McCluskey, who placed 38th with a time of 32:33.6. Junior Aaron Corlette was the top finisher for the men’s team, placing 4th overall in the 8K with a time of 29:29.5. Corlette said his mindset coming into races is similar to his mindset during practice. “I picture and feel the previous race and try to improve, but most importantly, I treat practice like I’m preparing for a meet. I hold myself to high expectations so I can be a good example to my team and coaches.” Gauthier came in a little over a minute after Corlette at 30:39.8, placing 5th overall. He said, “I knew on Saturday that my main goal was to place well. ... I needed to conserve as much as possible in the first half of the race and to keep time-anxieties completely absent from my thought process. “I think I did that well, and I think the team took this advice of mine to heart, too. We saw a lot of guys able
to pick off even just one more body in the final stretch of the race. We all raced for points, and the result was our 2nd all-time Men’s Cross Country program invitational win in a competitive field. I’m glad to have participated in both,” he added. Freshman Joseph Lawson was the Rams’ next runner to cross the finish line, placing 8th with a time of 31:38.1. FSU’s next finisher was sophomore Jeremy Gale, who came in at 32:51.4 and placed 15th. Rounding out the Rams’ top five was freshman Jameson Miranda at 33:41.6, ranking him 20th overall. Framingham’s final runner was senior Ayden Giombetti, who placed 22nd with a time of 33:52.2. Johnson said, “We have a dedicated group on this team. From senior to freshman, everyone has been showing up day to day. “s we keep pushing to build the Courtesy of Kate Buban program, I hope to see our younger athletes continue putting in the work to better themselves both on the in the energy from both teams after roads, as well as in the classroom, this past weekend’s race at the 1st and ‘trusting the process’,” he added. annual Jim Jellison Invitational. It Buban said as a senior, she is was our second invitational win on feeling “bittersweet about it being both sides in the last 12 years, so I my last season. I’m so glad I’ve had am super proud of the team. It rethe experience running collegiately ally has been a great year across and getting to see all the different the board, so here’s to finishing on a campuses and courses. I wouldn’t strong note!” Youde said, “I am super excited change the experience for anything.” and hopeful for our conference chamThe Rams travel to Westfield State to compete in the James Earley Invi- pionship this year. I am so proud of my teammates and all the work we’ve tational this Saturday, Oct. 10. Gauthier said, “This Saturday we’re put in so far. I think we are going to at Westfield State to race on the fast- do really well at the championships.” Corlette said his main goal is to est XC course in the state: Stanley Park. With a couple of other confer- “finish top 10 in the conference and ence teams we haven’t had a chance continue the streak. … The team goal to really duke it out with yet, I think is to finish top 3 and prove why we we’ll be truly establishing our place- shouldn’t have been ranked 5th at the start of the season.” ment in the MASCAC. “I think we can achieve a top 3 at the MASCAC championship this year: we’ve already beaten one of our main Stats sourced from fsurams.com rivals twice - Fitchburg - and our Sat- and MASCAC.com urday win included a lot of conferCONNECT WITH TAYLOR KIMMELL ence teams,” he added. tkimmell@student.framingham.edu Johnson said, “It was fun taking
bounds near the 20-yard line, which is where Framingham began their next possession. Following an incomplete pass from Marcucella to Kelley, Marcucella was sacked for a loss of 7 yards. Fitchburg took a timeout before Snyder punted the ball in the fourth down. The Falcons received the ball at the 50-yard line and were unable to score before the second quarter ended. At the start of the second half, Fitchburg kicked off to the 14-yard line, and junior Nureini Mohamed returned it 11 yards. Sophomore Ransford Adri and Beauchamp managed to gain some yardage, but a pass from Marcucella in the third down was intercepted by Fitchburg. The Falcons struggled to gain yardage and ended their fourth down with a downed punt. Duclas began the Rams’ possession with a rush of nine yards total, which Fitchburg followed with a timeout. The clock restarted with more yards gained by both Adri and Duclas. On the fourth down with 1 yard
to go, Marcucella made a victorious He said, “We have had high hopes pass to junior Adrian Sarrette for a coming into this season. Seeing that touchdown. Kelley’s kick once again we lost our [NCAA] playoff game last earned an extra point. year by 3 points, we have always kept The score remained 24-0 for the a high standard for ourselves. We are remainder of the third quarter. preparing hard this week and we are The Falcons began a halfhearted looking to go 9-0!” comeback in the fourth quarter with Senior Mathias Fowler said the a touchdown scored on their first Rams are motivated to be even stronpossession. This brought the points ger this season than last, as MASto 24-6. CAC champions The Rams were unable to score “Winning the MASCAC championand the ball landed back in the Fal- ship showed us what we’re capable cons’ control. A completed pass of as a team and raised our expectascored Fitchburg another touchdown tions for this season,” he added. with no extra point. He said forming a good relationThe Falcons were unable to catch ship with quarterback Marcucella up to the Rams in the remainder of helps them create better scoring opthe fourth quarter, and the score re- portunities. mained at 24-12. Marcucella said the team has “high Zemene said there was a special hopes” for the rest of the season. importance to the game as many of “We expect to win every week and we the team’s families and friends were expect to win the conference.” in attendance. The Rams travel to Bridgewa“Homecoming and playing at ter State for their next conference Bowditch meant a lot. We have been matchup Oct. 9. on the road for away games all of Stats sourced from fsurams.com September and finally got a home and MASCAC.com game. We have two away games after that, so we knew we had to get the CONNECT WITH SARAH DAPONDE home crowd going,” Zemene added. sdaponde@student.framingham.edu
Football Continued from Page 1 Sophomore Darren Duclas rushed the ball 12 yards in the first and second downs, yet the Rams were unable to make it to the end zone. Kelley kicked a field goal, securing 3 points for FSU. This brought the score to 10-0, which remained unchanged for the rest of the first quarter. Fitchburg began the second quarter with a failure to gain yardage and a delay-of-game penalty. During their fourth down, the Falcons punted the ball, which was caught by senior Mathias Fowler and returned 6 yards. Both Framingham and Fitchburg passed through their next possessions inconsequentially. With the ball back with the Rams, multiple passes from Marcucella, as well as rushes by Beauchamp, moved Framingham closer to the end zone. A final pass from Marcucella to junior Ezane Zemene secured another touchdown for the Rams. Followed with an extra point by Kelley, the score rose to 17-0. Fitchburg was unable to move down the field and made a punt in the fourth down. The ball landed out of
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ARTS & FEATURES
Mike Flanagan’s ‘Carrie’ By Ollie Mainguy Staff Writer “Carrie,” the infamous first novel by Stephen King, was originally published in 1974. Since its conception, there have been three “successful” movie adaptations. This year, Mike Flanagan has decided to tackle the challenge. Flanagan has previously adapted books into “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” and “The Haunting of Hill House,” both of which can be seen on Netflix. Both shows quickly became household horror classics to watch when the autumn air set in. Flanagan’s adaptation of “Carrie” debuted on Amazon Prime Video on Oct. 7 with eight episodes. This is the first time “Carrie” has ever been conceptualized in the form of a mini-series. The series expands on “Carrie” through a lens of social media - after all, the series is set in the present day. Social media has taken the forefront in this adaptation and I was excited to see that put on the screen. The famous moments that have traumatized people for generations in the novel have been imagined in a new way. Carrie White, played wonderfully by Summer H. Howell, is the main character who the series and novel are
Diana Ross Turns Vegas Upside Down By Louie Ranieri Staff Writer The supremely talented Diana Ross performed three nights at the Encore Theater at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas. At 82, the legend showed up and showed out performing numerous hits spanning from her time with The Supremes all the way to today. With Ross starting her career at only 15 years old, this year marks her 67th year in the music industry and show business. During those 67 years, she has had a hit song where she sang lead at least once every year for 33 consecutive years. Some of these hits include hits from her time with The Supremes such as “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “Come See About Me,” “Back In My Arms Again,” “Love Child,” and “Reflections,” along with others. Her solo hits include “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Reach Out and Touch
so aptly named after. She is a sheltered teenager with no true knowledge of the outside world. Carrie is naive. She has no idea what high school is really like - she doesn’t even know what a tampon is. She is traumatized very early on in the adaptation following a tragic accident at her father’s construction site that leads to his untimely demise. After years of homeschooling, Carrie is forced into public school for the first time in her life. She is forced into the real world for the first time ever and finally realizes what her peers are really like. Carrie begins to understand that not everyone is a good person - she understands that sometimes, people have a motive. “Carrie” through the eyes of Flanagan is something truly unlike anything that has been seen before. Flanagan relies on the new and the present - he relies on the modern bullying tactics seen all over America today. Carrie is made to be the butt of every joke by her main aggressor - Chris Hargensen. Chris Hargensen is featured as the main bully of Carrie and is played wonderfully by the actress Alison Thornton. Thornton’s performance of Hargensen makes you hate her more than I ever thought possible. Hargensen creates an Instagram account under the
name of ‘CarrieRed_’ which features various assaults and humiliating events, but it all starts with Carrie’s humiliation. The infamous scene at the beginning of “Carrie” is shown through a new lens, because this time it is being filmed. Imagine getting your period for the very first time and it shows up on the internet. Well, that’s what happens to Carrie White. Following this tragic moment at the very beginning of the series and novel, Carrie starts to realize things about herself and the world around her. She has to combat bullies at school, her grief-stricken mother at home, and a religious guilt that hangs over her head constantly. Carrie starts to develop telekinetic powers that she is able to use against the evils around her, which ultimately ends with the iconic scene of the pig blood being dropped on her head as she is crowned prom queen. The final culmination of Carrie’s rage emerges in that moment and all of the bullying and trauma she has had to endure comes out in a burst of fire and blood. Overall, this adaptation was wonderfully done. It expanded the story in a new way, allowing audiences to experience “Carrie” in more
(Somebody’s Hand),” “Touch Me in The Morning,” “The Boss,” “I’m Coming Out,” “Upside Down,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Endless Love,” “Take Me Higher,” and many, many others - having one of the most successful music careers in history. She was named The Female Entertainer of The Century by Billboard Magazine in 1976. She will hold that title until 2076. I had the supreme honor of interviewing one of Ms. Ross’ most devoted fans in the world of Diana Ross, DeMarcio Slaughter. DeMarcio attended all three shows with seats in the front row that were dead center, in front of the stage! He is no stranger to attending Ms. Ross’ concerts. DeMarcio stated, “I have been to 311 shows, and numbers 309-311 happened this past weekend.” I asked DeMarcio one of my most anticipated questions: “How would you describe the energy in the room during the opening song?” DeMarcio replied, “Once they heard the opening bars of ‘I’m Coming Out,’ the audience was like a shaken soda can ready to explode.” I then asked, “What was your first thought once she came out on stage?” He quickly replied, “I thought that she consistently looks good. And she’s 82!” I personally have seen Ms. Ross eight times in concert, attending a few with DeMarcio along other fans, and I can say that her beauty truly transcends time. For my next question, I inquired, “What was your favorite outfit Ms. Ross wore during her time in Vegas?”
His response left a beautiful impression of Diana’s graceful aging: “The red ball gown. That’s the same dress from the first time I saw her in 1989 on August 16th. It was at the Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre in Denver.” This response left me in awe - knowing that he still sees the same woman he saw when he was just a kid. All these years later he is still a massive fan who has been there for many of Ms. Ross’s major accomplishments and appearances. And for my last question, I asked him what he would say to Ms. Ross if she were on our call with us. He replied, “I’d say thank you. Thank you for continued inspiration. Thank you.” That response truly resonated with me so much. She is always inspiring and uplifting me every day in different ways. From the lyrics of her songs to the positive mindset she shares, she grounds me, bringing me back to where I am meant and supposed to be. But on a performance note, Diana Ross conveyed so much love and energy through her performances with many positive reviews on social media. She continues to move with tremendous amounts of grace and glamour. Her voice is velvety and smooth, yet powerful - only getting purer with age. Nothing can compare to the ever-lasting legacy of Diana Ross, even at 82. I personally believe that even at her age, nothing compares to the magic of Ms. Ross. Her music has moved me in ways that nothing else has ever. Even her mindset - I watch her old interviews and listen
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than a one-and-a-half hour period. Audiences were able to get to know the characters and their depths better through the expansion of a mini-series rather than a movie. While the series was realistically book accurate, there was one thing that adaptations have never been able to get right: her weight. Carrie White has always been played by a conventionally attractive, fairly skinny actress. Carrie is not supposed to be that way, according to King, and maybe one day, some director will take on the challenge of a book-accurate Carrie, but I guess Flanagan wasn’t up to the task this time.
CONNECT WITH OLLIE MAINGUY
omainguy@student.framingham.edu
to what she has said during recordings of concerts from decades ago. I carry the energy I’ve gained through listening and watching her, turning that energy into light, and using that light to guide my way in times of darkness. I had the privilege of going up on stage with Ms. Ross in March of 2025. She gave me a hug, and as we held each other I whispered “Thank you.” She replied, “Thank you. I love you,” following it with a kiss on the check. And when our hug came to an end, I said to her, “You are my light in my times of darkness.” She held my hand, blew me a kiss, and I walked off the stage. Ms. Ross recently teased upcoming tour dates for 2027. Mind you, she just finished her tour on Oct. 4th. She is definitely not showing any signs of slowing down. I can’t wait to be in the presence of music royalty whenever I see her next! She absolutely conquered Las Vegas. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
CONNECT WITH LOUIE RANIERI
lranieri@student.framingham.edu
ARTS & FEATURES
OCTOBER 9, 2026 | 13
Banned Books Continued from Page 1
According to Zrike, the law establishes “important protections for access to books in public and school libraries while also creating a fair and transparent process for considering challenges to library material.” Their speeches were followed by a question-and-answer session with a panel mostly of professors and students. Garballey introduced himself as chair of the committee of Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development. One of the bills that has been in the committee for a couple of sessions pertains to the process a book goes through to be removed from a library, he said. He does not like how the process currently works. “The idea that anybody off the street or a politically motivated group from out of state can just walk into a school library or a municipal library and challenge intellectual conversation, or challenge a book being on a shelf, I found extremely disturbing,” Garballey said. However, he had to be impartial in the matter as chair of the committee, he said. From a public hearing, the bill received enough support to move forward, he said. The “Freedom to Read” law was passed in July and signed by the governor in August, he added. Garballey said challenges to book selections in libraries are damaging to librarians, who have the academic credentials to decide what books are on the shelves. “These are individuals who are accredited, who are experienced in terms of what goes on the shelf, and we’re going to have someone for ideological reasons come in and try to pull a book off the shelf,” Garballey said. People with unknown credentials who challenge books are mostly acting out of political and ideological motivations, he said. He said 91% of book challenges are from politically motivated out-of-state groups. The new law creates a clear process on how a book is challenged and removed, he said. “The foundation of this bill is grounded on protecting the author and the librarian of those books - to make sure that their judgement is first and foremost in any decision that gets made,” Garballey said. The Mass Freedom to Read Coalition and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) both supported the bill by organizing thousands of people across the state to involve their lawmakers, he said. “This was a civil rights piece of legislation from the very beginning,” Garballey said. When the bill went to the House of Representatives, every Democrat and most of the Republicans voted yes, and only three voted no, he added. When the bill returned to enactment, two of those Republicans changed their minds to a yes vote, he said. As chair of the committee, his plan was to meet with every lawmaker in order to explain why the bill was important, he
Francisco Omar Fernandez Rodriguez / THE GATEPOST Sean Garballey (left) and David Halbert (right) “Speak Boldly, Learn Freely: Say No to Self-Censorship,” in the Forum on Oct. 6.
said. “I met with both Democrats and Republicans, progressives and conservatives, about why I believe that this bill was so important and why it was so important to do it now,” Garballey said. The discomfort some books can cause is something people need to get comfortable with, he added. Several other states have passed similar laws, but Massachusetts’ is more comprehensive, he said. “I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Garballey said. Zrike offered his thanks to the librarians and educators. He said he’s seen their important impacts firsthand. Before becoming Secretary of Education, Zrike was the superintendent of Salem Public Schools, and that’s only the most recent school district he’s led. Educators introduce students to experiences and ideas they may have missed otherwise, he said. “At its heart, the ‘Freedom to Read’ is about something fundamental to our educational system - giving young people the opportunity to learn, explore ideas, ask questions, and ultimately develop the ability to think critically for themselves,” Zrike said. Massachusetts was the first U.S. state to have public education, and now our school system is one of the strongest in the country, he said. Books are crucial to that development, he said. “They can spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and yes - sometimes, and it’s OK make us feel uncomfortable. That’s something we all have to be comfortable with,” Zrike said. Education shouldn’t be about shielding students from ideas we disagree with, but rather to prepare them to face these ideas thoughtfully and distinguish facts from opinions, he said. Not every parent, student, and educator will agree on what books should be in libraries and schools, but that is to be expected, he said. “The question is how we navigate those disagreements,” Zrike said. A transparent process is needed to allow concerns to be heard without ignoring the judgment of educators and
librarians, he said. Educators and librarians should be able to decide if a book goes on the shelf or not “without fear that using their professional judgement and expertise will make them the target of personal or political attacks,” Zrike said. He found it concerning that many librarians and educators, even in Massachusetts, were afraid and anxious because of these issues. He said he could only imagine how people in other parts of the country felt if the fear was already so materialized here. “No professional should feel attacked when they’re doing the job,” Zrike said. When that fear determines what books students are allowed to have access to, they lose out on experiences and opportunities to learn, he said. In terms of the “Freedom to Read” law, Zrike said he likes how it strikes a balance. He wants the voices of community members, especially parents, to be heard without subjecting books to being removed out of fear, he said. “Community members have a voice. Questions can be raised. Concerns can be heard and considered, but through a very thoughtful and deliberate process. It can’t simply be because of political pressure, or the personal beliefs of any one individual,” Zrike said. What is taken into account is educational value and age appropriateness, he said. Books will have to stay on the shelf until the process is finished, he said. Removal would require a vote of the school committee. Educators and librarians are also protected from employment consequences when they select materials with their professional judgment and in good faith, he said. “No one should be losing their job because they’re doing what they have been asked to do,” Zrike said. Literacy is another important component in having the freedom to read, he said. It is the foundation for “nearly every other educational opportunity,” Zrike said. Students who aren’t literate struggle to find good jobs, manage healthcare, and engage in daily life, he said. It is also important for exercising citizens’ voices in democracy, he said.
“Literacy is the foundational element to academic achievement and, more importantly, to opportunity and equity,” Zrike said. He said he wants every Massachusetts student to be able to go into a library and use everything they offer. The panel conversation about book challenges and banning was held shortly after the speeches. There were six panelists: Olivia Santoro, the ACLU’s deputy field director for civic education and mobilization; James Cressey, an education professor; Louis J. Lauer, a curriculum librarian at the Henry Whittemore Library; Stefan Papaioannou, a history professor; Caroline White, an early education student in the class of 2029; and Oak Blum, a family studies student in the class of 2027. Santoro said it isn’t hyperbole to say books save lives. When books are being challenged in schools, it’s usually books that are about or by people of color and LGBTQ+ people, she said. “The ability to see yourself in the curriculum and in the books that you have in school is really important to your understanding of who you are and how you fit into the world,” Santoro said. It’s just as important to see people who are different from you in books, she said. Cressey said as a psychologist and special educator, he believes that diverse literature is a powerful tool in dealing with trauma related to discrimination. White said it is important for students to feel accepted, especially at a young age. “I think books are the window to new opportunities and new perspectives for them to learn,” White said. Lauer said distinguishing self-censoring from just being socially aware is a constant question. It involves checking your gut reaction and comparing it against your own biases, he said. “It’s really important to have that level of self-reflection,” Lauer said. [ Editor’s Note: More information available on thegatepost.com. ] CONNECT WITH FRANCISCO OMAR FERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ
ffernandezrodriguez@student.framingham.edu
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14 | OCTOBER 9, 2026
The Book Report: ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ - L. Frank Baum By Kate Norrish Staff Writer The book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” came out in 1900, and I am an annoying snob about the literary version of this story. I only really like L. Frank Baum’s original works, and yes, that includes the beloved Judy Garland film. Sorry folks, but hear me out. For the maybe three people reading this who don’t know the gist of this book, Dorothy is a spunky and kind little girl who gets picked up by a particularly bizarre tornado and brought to a magical land. She then teams up with a scarecrow, a lion, and a tin woodsman to get home, while they seek human qualities they wish they had. The tone of this book is definitely what I miss the most when watching all the adaptations. In the same way the surrealist-animated series “Over The Garden Wall,” is heavily based on New England gothic folk culture, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is so influenced by life in the rural American Midwest that you’ll be craving corn for a week. Between the small, closeknit town atmosphere of Munchkin Land, and the seemingly endless Midwestern plains that the characters spend much of the book in, I spent moments craving a home in Kansas, and while I have an intimate relationship with rural New England culture, I’ve never even stepped foot in The Midwest before. I particularly enjoy that almost all of the populated locations in Oz show up in
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small clusters, and between them are huge spans of natural landscapes, something which I’ve been told is one of the most notable parts of travelling through the region. The symbolism surrounding color is something I would love to research further within the context of The Midwest, as it is not a film addition that Kansas is mostly colorless, and the silver slippers initially seem like a contrast to the film’s critique of the upper class. Also, this book is dark in a particularly surreal way that makes the moment you were terrified of as a kid in the film seem like standard kid-friendly fun. If the flying monkeys freaked you out, the Tin Woodsman’s backstory, consisting of him accidentally chopping off body parts and replacing them with tin until
This story has also held a place in the queer community for a long time. Some have interpreted the Scarecrow and Tin Woodsman as queer, and there is a plot point in a later book where a boy drinks a potion to turn him into a girl. What many people don’t know is that this book is just the beginning of a series of books further introducing Baum’s surreal world. This is because Baum put in the introduction of his second “Oz” book that he told a young girl who sent him fan mail that if he received a hundred letters from children asking for another “Oz” book, he would write one. Needless to say, that’s exactly what happened. As a result, I’ve found that “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” adaptations that add elements from further books, particularly “Return to Oz” from 1985, to be a bit more my speed. While I’ve only read “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” and its first sequel, “The Marvelous Land of Oz,” I hope to someday finish the entire 14-book series, and I can already confidently say the second book, focused on a young boy born in Oz escaping his evil caregiver, is underrated. At the risk of being the annoying bookworm everyone knows, the film is a classic, but “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” book deserves to be even more iconic.
he has no flesh left, and a scene where wolves are graphically murdered, may make you reconsider your childhood fear tolerance. This serves a pretty major thematic purpose. Baum struggled to support himself through his adult political writings, so he frequently included the ideas that he wanted to portray directly through metaphor. Many consider the close friendship between the Scarecrow and Tin Woodsman to represent solidarity between the agriculture and steel industry, during a period where they were being devalued and underpaid. Personally, I always saw the mistreatment of the flying monkeys to commentate on the lack of autonomy that the CONNECT WITH KATE NORRISH working class often has. knorrish@student.framingham.edu
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ARTS & FEATURES
Puzzles
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