September 30, 2022

Volume 91 • Issue 3

September 30, 2022

FSUgatepost.com

Community gathers for campus clean-up

Emma Lyons / THE GATEPOST

Student and faculty volunteers preparing to participate in the Neighborhood Clean-Up event organized by Campus Sustainability Sept. 29.

Board of Trustees discusses anti-racist training, University restructuring

By Sophia Harris News Editor

By Branden LaCroix Asst. News Editor Board of Trustees Chair Kevin Foley issued an apology at the Board of Trustees meeting Sept. 21 concerning his lack of judgment at the Board of Trustees subcommittee meeting Sept. 13.

At this subcommittee meeting, Foley asked whether the term anti-racism had negative connotations when considering the University’s rebranding.

In his apology, Foley said, “I sincerely express my regrets to all those who are offended by my comment

questioning the use of this term [anti-racism] … Let me affirm to you today … my commitment … to anti-racist initiatives on campus, as well as our support for all diversity, equity and inclusion practices at this university.”

He added the Board of Trustees will hire a consultant to conduct educational anti-racism training within the next 90 days.

At another subcommittee meeting Sept. 14, Trustee Mike Grilli made a comment about Jussie Smollett in connection to the University’s decline in enrollment.

[Editor’s Note: See “Community outraged following comments at Trustee subcommittee meetings” in The Gatepost’s Sept. 23, 2022 issue for more information on the Trustee

SGA pg. 3 subcommittee meetings.]

During the open forum, the community had an opportunity to contribute to the conversation concerning this incident.

Sociology Professor Ben Alberti read a letter on behalf of faculty and WOMEN’S CHOICE pg. 7 staff that emphasized “the gravity of the crisis.”

He said the community is “outraged” not only by the comments made by Foley, but also his response to the incident.

An email sent by Foley to the community on Sept.16 included statements such as “If I expressed myself poorly and offended anyone,” and followed with an apology due to those circumstances.

Alberti said the community was

Opinions

Sports

See BOARD OF TRUSTEES page 4

Workshop and lecture address critical race theory in education

By Ryan O’Connell Arts & Features Editor

By Raena Doty Staff Writer

yssa Palu-ay, dean of the Office of Justice and Transformation at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, hosted a workshop and lecture about critical race theory and equity in education Sept. 27.

Palu-ay, who received her Ph.D. in higher education from UMass Boston, first held a workshop focused on helping faculty better acknowledge

the struggles BIPOC students face in the classroom and how to help combat them.

She began the workshop by sharing her full legal name, how it evolved over her lifetime, as she moved across the country. She asked members of the workshop to share their names as well and the stories they carry with each other.

“Now, more so than ever, our identity matters - as educators, as those of us that are in the classroom,” she said.

Palu-ay said her experiences in academia relate to the critical race theory concept of the narrative and the counter-narrative, and said she has seen it in

News

Adam Levine / THE GATEPOST MEN’S SOCCER pg. 9 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK pg. 10

universities.

She said she has seen students with immigrant backgrounds come to school and have their names shortened by their peers within a few weeks, detaching themselves from their culture.

“I actually did this name story exercise with one of my students that first week and the story that came out was [his name was] Johnston. His Cambodian parents asked the doctor who delivered him to give him an American name,” she said.

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST Palu-ay provided other examples of MAYOR SISITSKY pg. 13 the simplification of non-white

Arts & Features

See CRITICAL RACE THEORY page 12

DRAGON BALL SUPER REVIEW pg. 14

INSIDE: OP/ED 7 • SPORTS 9• ARTS & FEATURES 11

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2 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Editorial Board

Gatepost Interview

Editor-in-Chief Leighah Beausoleil

Bridgette Sheridan

Interim Faculty Union President

Associate Editor Emily Rosenberg

By Naidelly Coelho Staff Writer

News Editor Sophia Harris

What is your educational and career history prior to working at FSU? I went to the University of Wisconsin in Madison for my undergraduate degree and from there, I applied to graduate school at Boston College and was accepted into a bachelor’s to Ph.D. program. So I got my doctorate from Boston College in 2002. I started working at Framingham State in 2006. Prior to coming to Framingham State, I taught at Simmons College, Boston College and at Wheelock College. I had also worked in a position as a research faculty at Simmons College.

Asst. News Editor Branden LaCroix Opinions Editor McKenzie Ward Sports Editor Danielle Achin Arts & Features Editors Emma Lyons Ryan O’Connell

What is your current job at FSU? I am a professor of history. I teach European history, broadly modern European history. But I teach a lot of different courses, everything from revolutionary France to courses that grapple with questions of gender and sexuality.

I teach a course both in an upper-level course and then general education course: the 60s. So I teach a whole range of classes.

Design Editor Maddison Behringer Photos Editor Christy Howland Staff Writers Jackson Clyde Naidelly Coelho Raena Doty Owen Glancy Adrien Gobin Mark Haskell Adam Levine Jack McLaughlin Carly Paul Ryan Schreiber Advisor Desmond McCarthy

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TH E GA T E

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Asst. Advisor Elizabeth Banks

Can you tell me a little bit about your current job as the Faculty Union President?

I have stepped up to be the union president this semester because our president, Kate Caffrey, is on sabbatical this semester. So she’ll be returning in January, but I have stepped up to fill that role for the fall semester, and it’s been very exciting. I have learned a lot. I’ve been busy. We are about to begin negotiations in the spring for a new contract.

So I have been trying to get members prepared for that new bargaining session. I have been trying to help those who are going up for promotion or tenure this year get their materials ready and their committees in place. I have been working with our statewide union on trying to get the word out about the Fair Share Amendment. The Fair Share Amendment in Massachusetts, which is on the ballot in November, which would put a 4% tax on any individual who made over a million dollars … and that money would be earmarked for education and transportation and of course, we are a @T state university higher education HEGAand OST TEPof is an important part that education platform to help alleviate student debt and to better fund public universities.

Courtesy of Bridgette Sheridan Do you think you are where you always wanted to be or do you want to achieve more?

Can I have both as the answer? I am in life where I want it to be, and part of what that means is that I always want to achieve more. Last year, I was on a sabbatical and I started a new research project on the women’s liberation movement of the late 60s into the 1970s. I’m looking at a transatlantic view of that movement and how it came into being. And I spent time this last year in England doing research in libraries and archives looking at papers of the Women’s Liberation Movement. … And I really want to bring this project to fruition, meaning that I have a book in mind that I would like to write. So that’s definitely one thing on my mind. I’m always thinking about teaching and my students. I’m looking at ways to continue to incorporate my own research into the classes that I teach. So there is always more to do.

Do you have any advice for students or in particular, history majors?

You can’t know all the answers. In fact, if you have an open mind, you don’t know the answers. And part of what you’re doing while you’re here is trying to explore all avenues to think about what it is that you want to do with your life, so that would be my recommendation. Of course you need to get a job, but you also need to think about, well, “What is it that I want to do?” And that I think is what college should be about.

Any final thoughts?

I have been here since 2006. My passion has always been the students at Framingham State University. And I am so excited about what Framingham State University students do, and what our university has become. When I go on a walk around the campus, it makes me so happy to see you all here and being part of this community.

CONNECT WITH NAIDELLY COELHO ncoelho3@student.framingham.edu

@

T TH EGATEPOS

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Police Logs Sunday, Sept. 25 17:26 Suspicious Activity Athletic Center Advised

Monday, Sept. 26 15:46 Medical McCarthy Center Services Rendered

Monday, Sept. 26 18:17 State Property Stolen FSU Police Department Report Taken

Thursday, Sept. 29 00:50 Disturbance Larned Hall Advised/Removed

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 | 3

SGA establishes accessibility subcommittee

By Emily Rosenberg Associate Editor SGA established an accessibility subcommittee and discussed parking concerns at its Sept. 27 meeting.

Diversity and Inclusion Officer Erin Gemme said the accessibility “ad-hoc” subcommittee chaired by them will focus on advocating for accessibility rights on and off campus.

One goal of the subcommittee will be to hold an accessibility walk, they said. The walk will take students and administrators around campus to check that all places are up to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and consider what could be improved.

During open forum, Ryan Mikelis, a junior political science major and vice president of the Commuter Student Group, addressed concerns about parking.

Mikelis said a large number of resident students have been parking in commuter-designated lots, making it difficult to find a parking spot in the morning. He said policing has been “ineffective and frankly useless,” noting how he has not seen any cars with resident student parking passes being ticketed by University Police.

He added though University Police is currently understaffed, they should still be managing the parking situation. He suggested University Police add large signs in front of the commuter-designated lots that read “commuter only,” allow commuter students to park in the faculty lots, or hire a parking enforcement officer.

“I can’t express how annoying it is driving half an hour to campus and not being able to find a parking spot, which ultimately makes us [the commuter students] late for classes,” Mikelis said.

Student Trustee McKenzie Ward said she gets to Framingham State at 7 a.m. and around 40-50 cars are already in Maynard Lot. “Most commuters aren’t getting here at 7 a.m.

“It’s not a matter of the number of parking spaces. It’s a matter of resident students not realizing that commuter students are going through an extra hurdle that resident students do not have to face

as a result of not living on campus,” she said.

Sam Houle, SATF treasurer, said as a resident student who relies on the RamTram to transport him from Union Lot, he understands why residents park in the closer lots because sometimes, he waits 30 minutes or longer for the RamTram.

He said in the time he is waiting, he could walk to campus. “But that is not an option for everyone, and it’s certainly not a preferable option if I’m paying for the service.”

Houle added both the University and Student Transportation Center should prioriti e staffing prior to winter when walking becomes even more of a challenge due to the weather.

The Gaming Club requested $1,300 for their “Puzzle Party” event scheduled Nov. 3.

Audrius Sebeda, Gaming Club president, said the funds will be used to hire a company to host “large 2D and 3D puzzles” in the McCarthy Center Forum. The request was approved with no absentions or debate.

Ward discussed the upcoming Oct. 11 Administrators’ Forum. She said unlike prior years, when administrators sat in front of students “like a lecture,” the forum will be set up to look like a “U.” With this set-up, she said she wants to encourage students to feel like they’re on the “same playing field” and not be “intimidated” by administrators.

Ward added she will also be following up with administrators later in the semester about what issues are discussed during the forum and returning to SGA with a report on whether they have been resolved or are starting to be resolved.

In their officer report, Gemme said it was brought to their attention by a couple of their friends that when they walk through the security devices in the library with hearing aids or a cochlear implant, it makes a loud “unbearable” noise.

They said people with hearing aids and cochlear implants can avoid the feedback from the security system by using the handicap entrance.

They said they are working with Millie González, dean of the Hen-

Weather

Leighah Beausoleil/THE GATEPOST Mckenzie Ward and Evelyn Campbell at SGA Sept. 27 meeting. ry Whittemore Library, to place ident affi lkhoury said while a plaque outside the entrance to meeting with President Niemi, he warn people about this issue, but noticed administrators are often right now, there are paper signs on not aware when students are expethe door. riencing issues on campus because In her officer’s report, President students do not inform them.

Dara Barros said Academic Vice He used the example of weights President and Provost Kristen Por- disappearing from the gym. “These ter-Utley will be creating a “Student are issues that students should be Advisory Council.” vocalizing,” he said.

Barros also encouraged students In her advisor report, Sara Galto attend the search committee legos, executive director of Student open forums for the Vice President Experience and Careers and SGA of Diversity, Inclusion, and Com- advisor, said SGA will be transimunity ngagement finalists. tioning advisors sometime during In her officer report, Ward reaf- the academic year. The new advisor firmed her commitment to diversi- will be Leah Mudd, assistant directy and inclusion as student trustee tor of orientation. after the racist comments made at Six students were sworn in as the Board of Trustees subcommit- senators: Ben Boyer, Max Povertee meetings on Sept. 13 and 14. man, Olivia West, Olivia Pepi, Gaby “I will be making sure that diver- Prego, and Ben Hurney. sity and inclusion is a top priority Senator Dillon Riley was awardof mine as student trustee and I will ed Senator of the Month for his be making sure that it’s included in commitment to SGA and involveevery single conversation that we ment around campus. have as a board as well - whether The “U-Rock” award was prethat be the finances of the niver- sented to Ward by Barros for her sity, the academics, or enrollment,” dedication to the Board of Trustshe said. ees.

Ward said she talked to Patricia Whitney, assistant vice president [Editor’s Note: McKenzie Ward of Facilities and Capital Planning, is Opinions Editor for The Gateabout the sidewalk that does not post.] have a curb cut across from West Hall. Whitney has reached out to the city of Framingham about the issue and they are taking the necesCONNECT WITH EMILY ROSENBERG sary steps to add a curb cut. erosenberg@student.framingham.edu In his officer report, ice PresForecast provided by the National Weather Service www.weather.gov

Sunday night Oct. 1 Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. NE wind around 10 mph.

Monday night Oct. 2 Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. N wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday night Oct. 3 Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Light north wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday night Oct. 4 Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Light west wind.

Monday Oct. 2 Sunny, with a high near 58. Wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday Oct. 3 Partly sunny, with a high near 62. NE wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday Oct. 4 Sunny, with a high near 65. N wind around 5 mph.

Thursday Oct. 5 Sunny, with a high near 68. W wind around 5 mph.

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

4 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Board of Trustees Continued from page 1 “deeply hurt” by this response and outlined what he, on behalf of the Framingham State community, would like to see the Board of Trustees do to educate themselves and support faculty, staff, and students who were impacted by the comments.

The first action he would like to see implemented is a session held by the Board of Trustees with students, faculty, and staff to “address this crisis.” Second, he said, ongoing anti-bias and anti-racism training for all board members is needed.

Lastly, he advocated for an increase of BIPOC members on the Board of Trustees.

Raffi Elkhoury, vice president of SGA and class president of 2024, read an email from President F. Javier Cevellos from June 2020 that outlined the University’s commitment to anti-racism.

In his email, Cevallos said, “We ask all members of our community to reflect on the historic racist policies and actions of our country and the bias created by them. With this knowledge, our community will actively work together to ensure the physical and psychological safety and success of our community members of color, especially our black community.”

Dara Barros, SGA president, said the statements made by Chair Foley and Trustee Grilli “brought into question the wisdom of the University’s commitment to anti-racism.”

She added the initial email sent by Foley was not an adequate response.

She said prior to the University’s commitment to anti-racism, she experienced racism on campus only two weeks into her first semester.

She added her experience has been “invalidated” by the comments made by the trustees.

Barros said she still sees and experiences racism at FSU to this day.

She said Foley’s concern about marketing invites prospective students who view the term “anti-racism” negatively.

“If a student does not want to come to FSU because they are against

NEWS

anti-racism, we don’t want them here,” she said.

Barros said, “As a student of color on this campus who represents the whole student body, I don’t feel comfortable with someone making these comments to continue representing me in my pursuit of higher education and to continue governing the University for all the students that I was elected to represent.”

Foley thanked those who spoke, and said, “There’s a lot to learn.”

During the president’s report, Nancy Niemi addressed the events of the prior week.

“We need to refocus on diversity, equity and inclusive practices, knowing that our advances in policy, curriculum practice, and enrollment and admissions mean that we will need to continuously hold ourselves accountable to the ways in which we are called to meet the needs of our Framingham communities, all of them in new ways,” she said.

In her report, Niemi said the reorganization was implemented to “serve our students and community more effectively.”

Niemi said she needed to “highlight the importance of several areas” to effectively support the success of FSU students and create new opportunities for staff and faculty.

She added because of the reorganization, a new division was created as part of Academic Affairs - Academic Enhancement - which will be led by Vice President Lorretta Holloway.

The division of Academic Enhancement was created to ensure students had support in addition to academic affairs and student affairs, becoming the “third pillar of their success,” she said.

Niemi said there are still a few departments, such as Marketing, that have been neither affirmed or reaffirmed to change or stay as they are.

She said there is an ongoing search for a permanent dean of enrollment management, but hopes to hire an interim in the next couple of weeks.

Niemi concluded her report by saying that on Oct. 1, she will be 90 days into her presidency, adding,

nterim hief iversity and nclusion Trustees Sept. 21 meeting.

“I’m only reaffirmed in my decision that this is the place that I most want to be.”

She said she will be writing an assessment on her performance on meeting the goals of the Board of Trustees in the past 90 days that will be available by the end of the month.

During Wardell Powell’s diversity, equity, and inclusion report, he said the Center for Inclusive Excellence will “offer an advance in racial equity through policy review” in a mix of in-person and virtual workshops.

Powell said the Bias Education Response Team will meet monthly and will focus on three priorities: to review/redesign the bias reporting process, to create response protocols, and to support the First Amendment.

During the student trustee report, McKenzie Ward highlighted the Administrators’ Forum that will be held

by SGA for students to address concerns with the administration. It will be held Oct. 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST Academic Vice President and Provost Kristen Porter-Utley and Trustee Finch at the Board of Trustees Sept. 21 meeting.

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST cer Wardell o ell at the oard of Alumni Room.

Ward addressed concerns with students’ mental health and quoted from an independent study conducted by the Lumina Foundation which found 75% of college students have “considered taking a break from college” due to their mental health.

She added a key part to Framingham State’s retention efforts has to be supporting students’ mental health.

Dean of Students Meg Nowak Borrego reported on mental health initiatives.

She said the Counseling Center is fully staffed with four full-time counselors, two part-time counselors, and three master’s of social work interns.

Borrego said the Counseling Center received a $140,000 grant for training and staff development, adding the Counseling Center is also expecting a “large sum of money” from the state.

Trustee Claire Ramsbottom asked if the staff at the Counseling Center is representative of the student body.

Borrego said, “It’s really close” depending on what lens of diversity it would be evaluated on.

She said students who request an appointment at the Counseling Center would have to wait “at worst a week,” but as of now, it takes about 24 to 48 hours to receive an appointment.

Borrego said three vaccination clinics - COVID-19 booster, flu, and monkeypox - will be available for students.

In her reorganization committee report, Ramsbottom said they have been working with the firm Primacy to help develop Framingham State’s brand message.

She said Framingham State has to expand its marketing past undergraduate students to reach students of all degree studies.

Ramsbottom said FSU has strengths to build from as a university that make strong marketing messages, such as “affordability, diversi-

See BOARD OF TRUSTEES page 5

Board of Trustees Continued from page 4 ty, and some very unique programs.”

Holloway added by October, the firm will be testing out brand ideas and by November, will “have real concrete brand ideas.”

In Holloway’s report, she discussed the new Academic Enhancement division. She said these three divisions are like the “three legs of a stool.” They all work together for the mission of not only recruiting and retaining students, but also their families.

She said in order for all students to succeed, the division has to look at the backgrounds of students. She said she recognized some students are not being supported by their families, but might be supported by other people in their lives such as a “neighbor or a pastor or a school guidance counselor or a coach.”

Executive Vice President Dale Hamel provided the University’s financial report. He said the budget that was approved in May for Fiscal Year 2022-23 (FY22-23) had a deficit of about $4 million, but he added, “It was balanced because of use of onetime funds” such as grants from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).

Hamel said the board designated approximately $3 million for FY23, “which was the last remaining piece of HEERF funding available to us.”

Hamel said the University budgeted at a prospective “10-and-a-half percent reduction” in enrollment, but added, “We are probably going to see something closer to 12.

“That has an impact of about $725,000 on college operations and $75,000 on other trust funds that have direct fees associated with enrollment,” he said.

Hamel said one of the more sig-

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dents are “taking two or more online courses.”

To address the budget issues, Hamel said many University departments have made “adjustments,” and the University is offering fewer core courses due to low enrollment this semester.

He added the University has also “accelerated the use of the debt service reserve.” The reserve was originally intended to be distributed over the course of five years, but the “accelerated” reserves will impact FY23 and FY24, with $1.3 million available for the current year, according to Hamel.

He said the reserve funding will be used unless other sources of funding are found.

“We don’t have a lot of levers to pull anymore - we’ve pulled a lot of levers over the last couple of years,” he said. “There’s no way you can be an institution with 40% less students and do everything the same way you did when you had those additional students.”

He said the application for FEMA reimbursements “has gone through” and “we’re just waiting for the money.”

Hamel said a potential source of funding is the Fair Share Act, which will be on the ballot this November.

“If passed, it [The Fair Share Act] would provide additional funding for K-12, higher ed, and transportation.”

He added, “If we don’t lobby for our fair share of the Fair Share of funding if it passes, we’ll be left out, and it does promise to offer significant new funding to higher ed. That would have a huge benefit and address many of our concerns about the out-year deficits.”

Hamel said potential funding from

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST Trustee Nancy Budwig at the Board of Trustees Sept. 21 meeting.

Facilities Operations, will “step into a management role” until a replacement is found.

Eric Gustafson, vice president of Development and Alumni Relations, reported his office ended FY22 with a total of $2.16 million in private donations, and $283,000 has been raised so far for FY23. “So we’re off to a good start,” he said.

Gustafson said the University is now “back” with the Endowment Setup Program through the Commonwealth. He said the University has $555,555 available in “state matching funds,” which the University can claim through June 30, 2023.

“There’s no way you can be an institution with 40% less students and do everything the same way you did when you had those additional students.”

-Dale Hamel Executive Vice President nificantly impacted areas of the University’s budget is in the reduction of student residents.

“The hope was that students having been home for two years would want to come back on campus,” he said.

According to Hamel, during past semesters, about 65% of undergraduate students would be on-campus residents, but said, “They’re only coming back to about a 50% level.

“That’s having a significant impact on the residence hall trust fund, as well as the associated dining trust fund. So, we’re looking at about a $2.3 million deficit before we do anything in terms of Residence Life and about $900,000 on food services,” he said.

Hamel explained one of the main reasons for the decline in residency is that approximately 25% of stu-

the Fair Share Act would affect next year’s budget.

Hamel detailed the $34 million “five-year-plan” for the University’s capital budget, which will provide funding for the Christa McAuliffe Center, the Warren Center, the Dining Center, and Residence Halls.

Hamel detailed the University’s investment fund performance, where investments are down 8.1%. Hamel said, “That sounds bad,” but added the previous year’s investments were up 26.7%.

“That’s actually greater than what we assume average investment return will be, but it’s been a roller coaster ride,” he said.

Hamel said Patricia Whitney, assistant vice president of Facilities and Capital Planning, will be retiring this fall, and Dan Giard, director of

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 | 5

He added, “Any gift made to an endowment fund is eligible” to be matched by the state.

“It’s a great time to set up or help expand the endowment scholarship fund or endowment for any purpose on campus,” he said.

Gustafson said Alumni Relations “had a great summer” with “big events,” including a WooSox game where President Niemi threw out the first pitch.

He added there are “big events coming up this fall,” including Homecoming Weekend and the 50th anniversary of FSU football.

Gustafson said the Danforth Art Museum had a “phenomenal” FY22, with an increase in admissions and a doubling of memberships.

The Museum held its annual ju-

ried exhibition over the summer.

Gustafson said the exhibitions were on hold for several years during the Museum’s transfer to FSU, adding, “It will definitely be coming back next year and every year forward, as well.”

He added revenue from the Museum’s summer programs increased by 34% and registrations increased by 50%.

Gustafson said the Museum will also be launching a “corporate membership program” sometime this year, which could provide extra funding.

The Danforth Art Museum is holding an opening reception for its new exhibits Oct. 22.

History Department Chair Maria Bollettino introduced senior history major Meeghan Bresnahan as the Student-in-the-Spotlight.

Bollettino said, “She has dedicated herself throughout her time in the history program to bring to the fore unrepresented voices, particularly those of women.

“She is a uniquely curious, enthusiastic, moral, empathetic student of history and I just can’t even say enough about her, and that’s just her in the classroom,” she added.

Bresnahan is a Mancuso scholarship recipient, a member of “three honors societies,” was an SI leader for a liberal studies course and worked as a tutor for liberal studies and history, is president of the Hilltop Players, and is a member of the Arts & Ideas Committee.

Bresnahan said, “There are so many people in history who have amazing stories to tell, and it helps you learn not all of the bad things about history, but the good things too.

“Everybody’s story I think should be told and given praise in the world,” she added.

[Editor’s Note: McKenzie Ward is Opinions Editor for The Gatepost.]

CONNECT WITH SOPHIA HARRIS sharris9@student.framingham.edu CONNECT WITH BRANDEN LACROIX blacroix@student.framingham.edu

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6 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

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OP/ED

O P / ED THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL

Students: It’s time to show up!

Last week, four candidates were announced as the finalists for the vice president of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement (DICE).

Therefore, eight open forums have been scheduled for faculty, librarians, and students to learn more about the candidates and share their questions and concerns.

These open forums will then be followed with opportunities to provide feedback that will be taken into consideration in the final stages of the search process.

With the administrative turnover Framingham State has seen in recent years, searches and open forums are nothing new.

Today will mark approximately 395 days since the search for a new vice president of DICE was initially announced by former President F. Javier Cevallos.

In those almost 400 days that the position has largely been vacant, three other major administrative position searches have occurred.

Students had nine opportunities to attend open forums for the candidates of those positions - both in person and online via Zoom.

However, student attendance at those open forums was sparse at best.

When universities such as ours give us the opportunity to have a say, we should take it.

Student organizations and campus events have seen a significant increase in engagement since the COVID-19 pandemic ended.

Students have decided it is once again time to immerse themselves in the Framingham State community.

Let’s keep it going by showing up to these candidate open forums.

These first few weeks of the semester have demonstrated the importance of the vice president of DICE position.

We thank Wardell Powell for his work in the interim role this semester.

Now let’s fill it - permanently.

We have been waiting a long time for the search for a permanent hire to come to fruition.

Today, the first candidate is up and he is already well known to students. Eric Nguyen,

director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence, is in the running to become the next vice president of DICE. The next candidate will be Jennifer “Jaime” Nolan, associate vice president for community, equity, and inclusive excellence at Washington State University, on Oct. 3.

Then, Renee Wells, assistant vice president of education for equity and inclusion at Middlebury College, on Oct. 6.

And finally, Jeffrey K. Coleman, a diversity, equity, and inclusion higher education scholarly practitioner, on Oct. 7.

Each candidate will have their student open forum at 9:30 a.m. followed by the faculty and librarian one at 10:30 a.m. These are available both online via Zoom and in person at the Alumni Room.

This leaves students with four opportunities to get to know a candidate and provide useful feedback to the University from the students’ perspective.

The more open forums students go to, the more informed they can be of who is the right choice for our institution.

We recommend students go to all four to ensure they are familiar with each candidate.

But do not show up unprepared - come with questions.

Ask the candidates about their successes and setbacks in the field, what they would hope to achieve at FSU, and how they would plan to do it.

What do these candidates bring to the table? We have the ability to find out.

We suggest bringing the same set of questions to each candidate to see how the responses vary and identify which align most with the values of our institution.

However, coming to these open forums won’t matter if students do not also fill out the surveys that follow to provide feedback on each of the candidates.

After waiting so long for this position to be filled, we deserve it to be the right person for our community.

Help us make the right decision.

Have an opinion?

Feel free to email it to: gatepost@framingham.edu Opinions should be about 500 words.

Anyone can submit.

We look forward to hearing from you!

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 | 7

Protect a woman’s choice

By McKenzie Ward Opinions Editor Zhina Mahsa Amini was only 22 years old when she was allegedly brutally beaten and murdered by Iranian security forces, according to The Hill. After spending three days in custody of Iran’s morality police, Amini collapsed at the detention center and later died after being transferred to a hospital, according to a United Nations Report.

Amini was detained because she was supposedly not wearing her hijab correctly which violated the strict dress codes enforced on women in public spaces in Iran. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the hijab has been mandatory for both women and girls in Iran over the age of 9 years old, according to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty.

An order implemented by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in July 2022 resulted in a new list of restrictions for women. For example, women are required to wear a headscarf that covers not only their hair but also their shoulders and neck, according to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty.

Since the death of Amini, over 46 cities, towns, and villages in Iran have had protests occuring within them while more than 1,200 people were arrested for their involvement in the protests, according to NPR. Women have cut their hair publicly and have burned their hijabs to show their support of the protest.

As of Sept. 29, 83 people have been killed by Iranian security forces, according to Reuters.

While it is too early to decide whether these anti-government protests will bring true change to Iran, what can be said about this situation is that Amini is not the first to be a victim of the oppressive Iranian government.

In 2018, prominent human rights attorney, Nasrin Sotoudeh was sentenced to 38 years in prison as a result of her legally representing women’s rights activists, including women prosecuted for removing their mandatory headscarf, according to Front Line Defenders.

In 2019, Monireh Arabshahi and Yasaman Ariani were arrested after being caught on video passing out flowers on a metro in Iran while not wearing hijabs, according to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.

These women are just a few who have been oppressed by the Iranian government.

Since the start of the protests, on social media I have seen an increase of Islamophobic comments and calls for bans on the hijab.

But the problem is not with the hijabs. The problem in Iran is that women are not free.

In 2019, a discriminatory law, Quebec’s Laicity Act was passed in Quebec, Canada. This ban prohibits some civil servants, including teachers, police officers, and government prosecutors, from wearing religious symbols at work within the province, which includes the hijab, according to CBC News.

In 2010, France became the first European country to introduce a law that prohibited the wearing of face-covering burqa in public areas, such as parks, public transport, and open streets, on a nation-wide level, according to SBS News.

But neither attitude about the hijab or any other religious garment is correct.

At the end of the day, a woman should have the choice to wear any religious garment.

No other opinion should matter.

Not the government.

Not strangers.

Not anyone.

Both bans and mandates limit the freedom of women and treat women as if they have no sense of bodily autonomy.

Worldwide, women are consistently victims of persecution by government agencies on a woman’s freedom to choose.

In 2022, women in the United States are fighting for their reproductive rights.

In 2022, Muslim women in India are fighting for their right to wear a hijab.

In 2022, women in Iran are fighting to remove the hijab mandate.

However, at the end of the day, these women are all fighting for the same thing.

The right to have a choice.

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8 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

OP/ED

Campus Conversations What do you think your pet dreams about?

By Maddison Behringer, Editorial Staff and Ryan Schreiber, Staff Writer

“I have a pet bird and I would say he dreams about going outside and eating food that he likes.”

-Caetlin Johnson, senior

“If I had a pet, OK… probably just traveling like just going anywhere.”

“He probably dreams about just sleeping and playing outside in the sun.”

“I think he dreams of getting outside.”

-Robert Perruzzi, sophomore

-Spencer Pearson, sophomore

-Jade Martinez, sophomore

“Honestly, I think my pet would dream about what it is like as a human, like being able to walk on two feet and being able to eat human food - all the things that we do that they don’t.”

“My cat is really chubby so I think he just dreams about getting like a bunch of food all the time … and then Appa, my other cat, probably dreams about chasing animals around everywhere.”

-Elijah Caldwell, freshman

-Erin Lambert, sophomore

“I think my pet dreams about eating 24/7 and taking lots of naps.”

-Julisa Pena, senior

“Food because my dog is chunky.”

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

-Josh Gillen, freshman

SPORTS

SP O RTS

ramingham takes four set thriller from Westfield State

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 | 9

S men’s soccer outlasts Springfield College Pride in 2-1 match

By Danielle Achin Sports Editor

By Adam Levine Staff Writer

The ramingham State volleyball team traveled to Westfield State to compete in their first conference game of the season where they claimed the 3-1 victory against the Owls Sept. 2 .

The game started off with great intensity with both teams tallying points on the board, keeping the score close within a -point margin.

The Owls managed to tie the score 18-18 and eventually took the lead 2 -19.

The ams uickly took back control of the game tying the score 22-22 followed by back-to-back-to-back points, ultimately taking the frame 2 -22.

Beginning the second set, the ams took the early 2-1 lead. The Owls answered with aggressive plays resulting in both teams trading off the leading score for the majority of the set.

With S once again holding the lead 1 -1 , the Owls called for a needed timeout. eturning to the court, Westfield immediately tacked on five points to the board taking the lead 19-1 . With both teams determined not to lose the close scoring set, they continued to trade off adding points to the board.

Despite the ams’ efforts, Westfield finally took the set 2 -2 and tied the game 1-1.

The game only intensified leading into the third set with ramingham running off with the 1 -3 lead. The Owls’ score slowly crept up on the board but still trailed 18-9 against S .

Westfield managed to put 21 points on the board before the ams took the set 2 -21, taking the 2-1 lead.

The Owls remained steadfast, never losing stamina and started the fourth set taking the 6-1 lead.

The scoring advantage didn’t last long and the ams uickly tied the set 1212 before taking the lead 1 -16.

Moments later, the Owls took back the lead 22-21. lthough Westfield was prepared to take the set and tie the game, S tied the score once more 23-23.

In the last seconds of the frame, the ams managed to hold off the Owls from adding any more points to the board and took the 2 -23 victory for the set and 3-1 win for the game.

Despite the team consisting of a majority of underclassmen, junior right side and middle hitter Sarah Sullivan was more than pleased with her teams’ performance on the court.

She commented, “We had to throw freshmen and transfers into new roles for the team to succeed. Overall I think they have all held their own really well. veryone is still learning and gaining a better understanding of their roles. I think after the Suffolk and Westfield game, everyone is on the same page of what it takes to win and be a great team.”

Junior defensive specialist mily laherty also acknowledged the team being so new to each other and expressed how much they have grown closer throughout the season.

She said, “Sometimes you have to start from the ground up, but we’re making incredible progress every day and I’m very proud of my team for all that they do to make that happen “We had two very big wins this week against Suffolk and Westfield and I know these wins are coming from all of our hard work and I can’t see where the season takes us,” she added.

The ams will continue to face off in the conference hosting their next game against Mass Maritime College Sept. 28, followed by S hosting another conference game against MC Sept. 3 .

The ramingham State ams defended their home field against the Springfield College Pride, claiming the victory 2-1, Sept. 23.

Springfield dominated possession and were able to take 11 corner kicks and record 26 shots. The ams had ero corner kicks and only recorded 12 shots. ams’ sophomore defender achlan organ reflected on the match, stating that Springfield, “might’ve outplayed us,” but the team “rallied together, had each others’ backs and fought hard.”

The Pride began by displaying their offensive strength and took two shots within the first four minutes of the match. ams’ senior goalkeeper Jake Hartshorn saved both of them.

The ams seemed to catch a break in the sixth minute when one of Springfield’s players received a yellow card. ams’ graduate student midfielder Bryce ardi i saw an opportunity at the Pride’s net with a free kick 1 minutes into the match. fter the missed free kick, another one of Springfield’s players received a yellow card.

The Pride were controlling the match by maintaining possession of the ball.

Between the 28 and 32 minute markers, the ams made three substitutions and the Pride made another four as well.

The fresh legs proved beneficial for the ams. The ams marched dominantly down to Springfield’s net. ams’ freshman forward Gustav Henningsen fought through the Pride’s defenders and crossed the ball over to midfield. ams’ Bryce ardi i was there to receive Hemmingsen’s pass and was able to hit it past Springfield’s goalkeeper for the first goal of the night.

Just a minute after Bryce ardi i’s goal, Hemmingsen found himself with another chance to score. fter a foul was called against Springfield, Hemmingsen got set to take a penalty kick.

Hemmingsen discussed his mindset before his penalty kick. He said, “When I ran up, I was just thinking about trying to get it in the back of the net.”

His penalty kick was initially saved by Springifeld’s Clayton nibbs, but he immediately got his rebound and was able to score the ams’ second goal of the night.

Both Bryce adri i and Hemmingsen took another shot at Springfield’s net, but Springfield’s goalkeeper saved them both.

The first half ended and the ams had a 2- lead against the Pride.

Springfield started out the half on the attack, but Hartshorn continued his stellar performance in the net and was complemented by the ams’ strong defense.

The Pride’s advances halted when another one of their players received a yellow card.

Springfield kept possession of the ball for the majority of the next 1 minutes, but were held to just one shot on the ams’ net. It was blocked and the ams kept their 2-point lead.

In the 9th minute of the match, ams’ senior midfielder Jared ardi i was called for a foul and received a yellow card. ifteen minutes later, S ’s freshman midfielder Diego Pinto received a yellow card. Springfield was able to capitali e as Jack osenberg marched down the field and scored an unassisted goal.

The ams led the Pride 2-1 with 1 minutes left of the match.

Despite their relentless aggression, the Pride were not able to score again.

The ams held their lead and defeated Springfield with a final score of 2-1.

The ams look toward their M SC C matchup against the Salem State ikings Oct. 1.This will be the ams third home game in a row and they hope to beat the ikings and remain undefeated in the M SC C this season.

Gatepost Archives FSU volleyball team standing in limeup before their game against Westfield State.

FRAMINGHAM STATE WESTFIELD STATE

3 1 CONNECT WITH DANIELLE ACHIN dachin@student.framingham.edu

Adam Levine / THE GATEPOST FSU soccer player passing to his teammate in their game against Springfield College.

FRAMINGHAM STATE SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE

2 1 CONNECT WITH ADAM LEVINE alevine5@student.framingham.edu

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

SPORTS

10 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Players of the Week

Courtesy of FSURams.com

1st Player of the Week: Anna Szymanski S ymanski earns player of the week after averaging 19 kills and 12 digs in a 3- week for the ams. Her best game of the week came against Westfield State, closing the game with 23 kills and 2 digs in a 3-1 M SC C victory.

Courtesy of FSURams.com

2nd Player of the Week: Bryce Nardizzi ardi i tallied a goal and an assist in a 1-1 week for the ams. The highlights of his week came against Bridgewater State when he scored the first goal in the ams 3- win and added an assist in the -1 setback to Middlebury College.

Courtesy of FSURams.com

3rd Player of the Week: Devaun Ford ord finished the week with 126 yards rushing on 2 carries, and a tackle for his team. The highlight of his week came against Westfield State where he averaged his longest interception return of 3 yards against the Owls. @TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

ARTS & FEATURES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 | 11

ARTS & FEATURES

Henry Whittemore Library helps students celebrate Climate Preparedness Week

By Emma Lyons Arts & Features Editor

The Henry Whittemore Library hosted a viewing of a virtual panel held by Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW), followed by an open discussion connecting the panel to Framingham State Sept. 27.

The panel focused on discussing the rising sea levels as a result of climate change, and how this would affect Boston. The discussion afterwards focused on reflecting and connecting the panel to FSU and how students could help in efforts to combat climate change.

The speakers included Barbara Moran, an environmental reporter for WBUR, Phil Giffee, executive director of the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), Baylor Fox-Kemper, a professor at Brown University, Courtney Humphries, a science researcher and journalist, and Paul Kirshen, a professor at UMass Boston.

Fox-Kemper began the discussion, talking about rising sea levels on a global level.

He explained the main two factors that cause sea level rise: the oceans expanding and water added to the ocean. Global warming connects to both, because as the temperature of the oceans becomes hotter they expand, and the rise in heat causes frozen water to melt into the ocean.

“Over the past century or so, we’ve

seen pretty even contributions from the warming of the oceans giving about half the sea level rise we’ve seen. And the addition, primarily from the mountain-top glaciers, that’s sort of the other half,” he said.

Fox-Kemper said that going into the next century, researchers expect the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica to start melting more rapidly, which will cause an acceleration in sea level rise.

“That’s really serious for Boston,” he said.

Fox-Kemper displayed a photo of how Boston would look after 3 meters of sea level rise. He explained that the image was a depiction of worse conditions than what could occur within this century, but that it was still good to acknowledge it because sea levels will continue to rise after this century.

“We really have no choice but to [adapt] because this is what’s going to come in the next decades to centuries,” he said.

The discussion was turned over to Kirshen, who focused on sea level rise specific to Boston. He explained there are several local and regional factors causing the sea level rise in Boston to occur faster than in other parts of the country.

He said because of these factors, the sea level in Boston by 2050 would be a foot higher than it is right now.

“If we can choose a lower emission path moving forward - if we get to net zero emissions by 2050 - we might

only have 2 feet of sea level rise by the end of the century. But, if we keep on the path we are going, we may have 4 and a half feet or more of sea level rise by the end of the century,” he said.

He said that it is important to reduce emissions, as it will be easier to deal with 2 feet of sea level rise, rather than 4.

Sea level rise will also cause additional flooding because of high tide along the shore, he said. This could also affect the sewer system if flooding causes the drainage systems throughout the city not to work properly, he said.

Humphries took over the discussion, explaining how Boston had a history of filling in marshes and low-lying land.

She drew a correlation between the land that was filled and built over and the flood models of how rising sea levels could affect the city, saying that those charts show an “outline almost of the original land” of Boston.

She said that the city is now able to learn from that decision and can now see the importance of coastal wetlands.

She talked about the future of Boston, and how the structure of the city needs to be more adaptable. “We need to think about how we make decisions for the future,” she said.

Giffee turned the conversation to a “hyper-local” level and focused on the future of East Boston.

He explained how the Neighbor-

hood of Affordable Housing (NOAH) works to educate all of its residents on the current issues within climate change. They host several events about climate change to keep people informed, and work to make it accessible by holding events entirely in Spanish so Spanish-speakers can stay informed.

“Part of our role is to bring in great experts like Paul [Kirshen] and others participating in this event to make it diverse and bring the issues to the table,” Giffee said.

He displayed a slideshow talking more in depth about the specific preparations NOAH has regarding climate change as a whole.

After a few additional questions, the Zoom panel ended and the library staff held a short discussion about the panel and how it could connect to Framingham State.

Larry Stoodt, chair of Framingham Sustainability Committee, talked about the importance of young people being involved in efforts and bringing up these issues of climate change to local legislatures in order for change to occur.

“We really need to develop the communication skills amongst ourselves so that people actually know how to get involved,” Stoodt said.

CONNECT WITH EMMA LYONS

elyons3@student.framingham.edu

Emma Lyons / THE GATEPOST Megan Mayer explaining routes for the Neighborhood Clean Up to Danielle Bond Sept. 29

Emma Lyons / THE GATEPOST (Left) Sam Houle, David Choi, and Haley Hadge picking up litter Sept. 29.

Emma Lyons / THE GATEPOST Volunteers helping to pick up litter during the Neighborhood Clean Up Sept. 29.

Emma Lyons / THE GATEPOST Volunteers gathering supplies to participate in the Neighborhood Clean Up Sept. 29.

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY'S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

12 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

ARTS & FEATURES

Critical race theory Continued from page 1 students’ names, and said she even allowed her own name to be misprounced for a time until she entered graduate school. She said the community and sense of belonging brought on by having her peers correctly say her name was necessary to her.

She added while she finally felt this connection as an adult, she encouraged attendees of the workshop to help students by establishing these connections earlier. She said they should think about “how much more” students feel, and how these interactions can encourage educators to learn more about people’s names and stories. “[It] feels like a seemingly small gesture, but it can be really big,” she said.

Palu-ay gave a definition of critical race theory to the workshop, for anyone uninformed, or those unaware of how it particularly affects students and educators. She said it was about “how systems of oppression, policies, practices are happening in the education system.

“Our BIPOC students so desperately want to be heard in school … to express themselves,” she said. Palu-ay added it was important for BIPOC students to have someone to relate to in school environments.

“This was many years ago at MassArt, and a student walked into the auditorium, he looked around the auditorium and walked directly to the admissions office, and he said, ‘I can’t do this.’ He was a Latino student, saw a sea of white faces, and he didn’t see anyone he could relate to. He was just totally overwhelmed.”

Palu-ay said even though the admissions director brought several faculty of color in to talk to him to share their experiences and spoke to him about a mentoring program, she never saw that student again.

She asked, “What are the explicit and implicit messages we send our students at large events like orientation, or even daily encounters like in the hallway, or classrooms, or anywhere on campus?”

Palu-ay facilitated small group discussions for the rest of the workshop, encouraging educators to think about the first time they felt seen in their identity.

The following lecture, open to all staff and students, took place in the Dwight Performing Arts Center at 6:30 p.m. Palu-ay talked more specifically about her experiences being in art school and how a history of racism impacted her and other students of color.

She described an experience she had in first grade when she was 6 years old. Her class was assigned a project that involved taking home dolls to care for them. Rather than leave her empty handed, her teacher gave her the only doll that looked anything like her - a dark-haired, light-skinned doll, wearing an Indigenous American

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

parka.

“I came home unfazed until I saw the look on my mom’s face, an immigrant from the Philippines, which is made up of over 7,000-plus tropical islands. Looking back on it now, the underlying message that it sent to me is, ‘I don’t see you and what I do see doesn’t matter. Rather than trying to understand you, I’m going to put you in a category that I do understand,’” Palu-ay said.

These reductions of identity are common throughout education, and

stunted mentally by their “barbaric” societies.

These historical examples of racism were built into the foundations of many parts of academia and they echo in curriculum today, she said.

Palu-ay shared experiences with students who “had to contort their names, ideas, and in the case of art school, expression to fit in.”

She provided examples of modern racism in curriculum. For example, the types of “great artwork” professors teach are by European artists -

Ryan O’Connell / THE GATEPOST Lyssa Palu-ay answering audience questions after her lecture in the Dwight Performing Arts Center Sept 27.

“Our BIPOC students so desperately want to be heard in school … to express themselves.”

- Lyssa Palu-ay Dean of the Office of Justice and Transformation at Massachusetts College of Art and Design

they cause tangible harm to students of color, including and perhaps especially in art schools, Palu-ay said.

She added racism is not new and educational institutions are in and of themselves racist. She used examples of racist caricatures of people of color being compared to animals.

Palu-ay also discussed recapitulation theory - the theory that humanity goes through a linear progression of least to most developed, and that people in “barbaric” civilizations are

comparatively few works by people of color make it to art schools.

Historical context is often stripped away from the way these pieces are taught, which degrades their meaning, she said. Palu-ay gave the example of teaching about Frida Kahlo’s art without mentioning her Mexican heritage.

Students of color who represent their culture or heritage in their artwork may be graded unfairly for doing so if it doesn’t appeal to the western

ideal of what makes “good” art, further distancing these students from their peers, teachers, and the institutions of art and academia, she said.

The identity of students of color “is funneling through and interacting with the Eurocentric curriculum and pedagogy,” Palu-ay said.

At an art school she referred to using the pseudonym, Institute of Contemporary Art and Design, Palu-ay described some of the conditions of Eurocentrism that make the space hostile to students of color.

“The findings from the experiences of [students of color] in this department were an unwelcoming environment in studio courses, faculty were out of touch, identity was on the margins, yet the liberal arts offered space,” she said.

The student body of the Institute of Contemporary Art and Design is 25% BIPOC. However, the staff is only 1%, she said.

Palu-ay gave several suggestions for how to make more inclusive environments in academia and in the classroom.

The first steps toward making spaces more inclusive are gestures both big and small. School administrations need to both spearhead and support policy and curriculum change, she said.

However, on an interpersonal level, small things go a long way. She said asking someone where their name comes from and how to pronounce it correctly is a great way to start for both students and teachers, because like herself, so many students of color have names that matter - names that have been ignored or forgotten.

The goal is to find “ways that we can see our full humanity and dignity in everyone” - a privilege that isn’t given to so many people of color, she said.

As educators and students work to build a better school, the task will be difficult. Critical race theory gives a framework for understanding why academic institutions are racist, and how this racism presents itself in everyday life, she said.

Unpacking the history of racism and remodeling the school into a positive, collaborative, anti-racist environment will take time and effort on behalf of students, staff, and administrators, she said.

“Identity is not neutral, and I think now more than ever, we need to realize how we can understand that and build a capacity to have our classrooms and the spaces and the culture and the way we move with each other, mindful of those things,” Palu-ay said.

CONNECT WITH RYAN O’CONNELL

roconnell1@student.framingham.edu

CONNECT WITH RAENA DOTY

rdoty@student.framingham.edu

ARTS & FEATURES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 | 13

Mayor Sisitsky take students down his career path

By Leighah Beausoleil Editor-in-Chief

On the grassy steps of FSU’s amphitheater, students and faculty sat and listened to the story of Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky’s political journey.

Under the day’s sunny blue sky, Sisitsky offered students advice on ways to get involved in local government while emphasizing its importance.

After receiving a master’s degree in planning, Sisitsky said he began his career proofreading contracts for an environmental science company in Pennsylvania.

When attending the American Planning Association national conference in Philadelphia, the planning director for Medford mentioned an opening for an assistant planning director position.

Not happy with his job at the time or the location, Sisitsky said he applied for the job and got it.

He added he worked in Medford for 10 years and along the way, the planning director retired, making Sisitsky the youngest planning director in Massachusetts.

“The politics got kind of messy and I was told by certain city councilors that they would like to see me gone and at the same time, I was lucky to get a job offered by the town of Natick,” he said.

Initially, Sisitsky said he worked as the planning director for Natick until he took over as the director of the Department of Public Works up until his retirement approximately 13 years ago.

During this time, he said he was the president of his children’s elementary school parent teacher organization and worked to get the city to install a sidewalk at the back of the school.

After being sent in every direction

by the city and getting no results, Sisitsky said, “I finally figured out that the way to get things done is to get involved in your local government.”

On his first try, he said he was elected to the town meeting of Framingham. However, he was one of approximately 200 people serving in this role.

“It’s very hard to get a role in town meetings, especially as a newcomer, and what I soon learned is that to get anything done, you have to follow the money,” he added. “Whoever has control of the money, controls power.

That’s how you get things done. So I got involved in the budget-making of the town meeting, and eventually, the moderator appointed me to the Finance Committee.”

Sisitsky said he then decided to run for the Board of Selectmen and was elected.

“I met a lot of people, especially people who work for the community,” he said. “And I just worked my way up and people knew who I was: I was a good guy. I didn’t have an agenda - just wanted what was best for the community.”

Following his time on the Board, Sisitsky said he ran for Framingham’s first city council when it was changed from a town to a city.

He said the decision to make the change to the city was “controversial,” adding he is “still fighting those battles” with some people who are unhappy with the outcome.

Sisitsky admitted he did not enjoy his time on the council because of the mayor, and said he and six other councilors decided not to run for re-election.

“I took the next two years off, and it got so bad that people were trying to figure out who they would want to see as the next mayor and came to me, but I couldn’t do it until my wife said,

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST Students listening to Mayor Sisitsky’s lecture Sept. 28.

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky speaking about his career Sept 28.

‘Yes,’” he said. city, Sisitsky responded.

Sisitsky added this is an “importHe explained how some people beant lesson” because “you have to have lieve the town meeting is “the purest that support, and it’s worked out fan- form of democracy.” tastic for me.”

He said, “It’s very, very cumberAfter he won, Sisitsky said be- some - very time consuming - because coming mayor may have been easier you only have a few town meetings for him than most people due to his each year. knowledge of the city and the network “At a certain point, when a comhe has built throughout his career. munity gets very large, it becomes He emphasized the importance very hard to operate a government,” of building relationships and using Sistsky said. those connections.

He added this is especially true for “You have to have a good relation- a community with a budget of $360 ship with everyone, especially the city million and a town meeting made up council,” he added. of volunteers with full-time jobs and “That was one of the problems the “none of them read the background previous mayor had,” Sisitsky alleged. information.

“She did not have a good relationship “It’s all based on emotion,” he said. with the council.

It “just isn’t effective. It’s hard to get “Everything is about relation- important things done.” ships,” Sisitsky added.

Sisitsky said people realized a difSince coming into office in January, ferent form of government would be he said he has been looking for “com- better and took the necessary steps to petent people” to hire on his staff. make it happen, adding it was a close “It’s important who you hire be- vote. cause if you don’t hire the right peoAnother student asked if the mayple, if you hire friends of a friend, or if or had any advice for political science you hire someone you knew from past majors who want to get involved in experience, you’re not always going the field. to get the right person for the job,” he Sisitsky said his office is working said. on developing an internship program “The mayor can’t do it all by him- that he would like Framingham State self,” Sisitsky added. “He needs, or students to participate in. she needs, a good backup staff to help He added, to enter into local govwith all these things.” ernment, “You have to get involved Following his introductory re- and you have to learn what the ismarks, the floor was opened up to sues are - what people are interested questions from the audience. in - and meet people and show that One student shared a safety con- you have a role to play and you have cern they had of cars speeding up and something to offer.” down State Street, and asked if it were Sisitsky said, “It takes time to work possible for the city to install speed your way in and if you work at it, peobumps. ple realize that you’re a good person, Sisitsky said he was unaware of this you have a lot to offer, and they’ll give concern and will “be happy to pursue you a chance.” it.”

The student also asked why people [Editor’s Note: Emily Rosenberg were not happy with the decision to is an Associate Editor for The Gatebecome a city and what the benefits of post.] being a city are.

This was Framingham’s third or CONNECT WITH LEIGHAH BEAUSOLEIL fourth time attempting to become a lbeausoleil@student.framingham.edu

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ARTS & FEATURES

‘Dragon Ball Super: Superhero’ is a lacking adventure

By Owen Glancy Staff Writer “Dragon Ball Super: Superhero” is the latest film in the “Dragon Ball” franchise, being the 21st major film release since the release of the first “Dragon Ball” film in 1986.

This film follows the story of Goku’s son Gohan and his mentor Piccolo as they attempt to stop the return of the villainous Red Ribbon Army.

The film is very different from almost everything the series has done prior. 3D animation is used instead of the franchise’s iconic 2D animation style. The near omission of the main protagonist Goku and his rival Vegeta makes for a fresh experience that more than delivers on its promise of excitement.

Beautiful visuals fill the film, even if the beginning transition from 2D to 3D can feel a bit jarring. The fight scenes have never been better choreographed, with a greater focus on techniques and tactics than on raw power deciding the winner. Of these fights, the final brawl against Cell Max feels especially well realized and engaging.

The Z warriors fighting against an opponent so much larger than them is a novel concept and one that is perfectly executed, even if the fight’s conclusion does feel underwhelming, with Gohan ending the fight seconds after achieving a new transformation.

Despite the excellent visuals and fights being what draws viewers in, the characters are what will keep them there. Goku is a beloved character for sure, but shifting the focus to his son is a decision for the best.

Seeing Gohan and Piccolo’s differing opinions on how their godly strength should be used is a breath of fresh air in a franchise that was beginning to stagnate.

Some of the decisions made by both Gohan and Piccolo feel bafflingly stupid or mystifying. Piccolo’s decision to “fake kidnap” Gohan’s daughter Pan to unlock his hidden potential feels especially mean-spirited and against his years of character development.

Gohan, on the other hand, pulls new power-ups seemingly out of nowhere and his refusal to fight in the beginning feels cartoonish, leaving him in this strange space between gag character and serious fighter.

The new characters introduced in the film are far more consistent than our protagonists, yet are far simpler.

Magenta and his lackeys have memorable designs, but forgettable character traits. Doctor Hedo and his Gamma units are where the film’s original characters find their stride.

Doctor Hedo’s conflict between wanting to create a superhero and his innate naivete leads him to become a villain with good intentions that the

audience can’t help but feel for. Gammas 1 and 2 are fun new additions to the franchise’s ongoing obsession with androids, with each unit having their own distinct personality.

Their designs do feel rather generic compared to the rest of the film’s heroes and villains, but their personalities and character arcs that sees them become allies by the end of the film puts them above the rest.

The final threat of the film is Cell Max, an android built using the blueprints of one of the franchise’s most iconic and beloved villains. While getting to see Cell again seems like a guaranteed home run for both longtime fans and newcomers alike, the film somewhat falls short.

Cell Max uses Semi-Perfect Cell’s design instead of his distinct Perfect Cell design and his personality is non-existent. He is simply a raging monster that feels like an excuse for the film to throw a bit more fan-service in an already fan-service packed film.

While the fight against him is visually excellent, the Gamma fights end up feeling more compelling due to the great character moments and more engaging dialogue among our heroes.

“Dragon Ball Super: Superhero” isn’t as redundant as the title would suggest, offering a new visual style and fresh character focus that both old and new fans of the series would

appreciate. The banter among these characters and the fights they engage in are excellent, but the lackluster final villain and the inconsistent writing do drag the film down.

Despite these issues, the film is enjoyable from start to finish and will no doubt become a beloved addition to one of the world’s most popular anime franchises.

Rating: C+

Fun fights and characters, but inconsistent writing

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