HAMLINE UNIVERSITY | ST. PAUL, MN | 11.18.20 | VOL. 131 | NO. 9 | HAMLINEORACLE.COM
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. the piper way Hamline’s Statement of Civility has been published. Anika Besst Senior Reporter abesst01@hamline.edu
PHOTO| EMILY LALL, ORACLE Hamline’s Statement of Civility was created with the intention of giving the Hamline community tools for having difficult discussions, with the purpose of educating one another over everything else.
After months of drafting and feedback, Hamline University’s first Statement of Civility has been published. On Oct. 2, 2020 Hamline shared the statement. It is intended to be a set of suggested guidelines on how the Hamline community should speak and treat one another when having difficult conversations and engaging in disagreement. “I think more than anything, it is a call to action as well as a purpose around communication,” said associate vice president for inclusive excellence David Everett. “How do we lay the foundation for challenging conversations in a way that allows those conversations to be constructive versus combative?” The drafting of this statement began through the Community Conversations that took place during the 2019-2020 school year that started after a video of a Hamline sports team was posted online featuring students singing a racial slur. President Fayneese Miller and Hamline, as an institution, have always been interested in basing things off education rather than cancel culture. With that in mind, Everett and Director of Communications Jeff Papas began brainstorming a sort of code or statement to allow for difficult conversations to be had effectively.
“We were wondering how we could, as a community, how we could carry the premise and the engagement from the Community Conversations outside of the Community Conversations,” Everett said. The process of drafting was done by Everett, Papas and David Schultz, a distinguished university professor in the political science and legal studies departments. They went through drafting, wordsmithing and rephrasing. Once it was at a point of satisfaction, it was shared with the Hamline community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and board members. “We pretty much went back to the task of incorporating all those suggestions in a way that we felt did not compromise the initial purpose and motivation behind the statement but also reflected all of the input and suggestions and ideas that have been generated,” Everett said. Part of the drafting process consisted of surveying other private and public institutions nationally to view their civility statements. Institutions with statements similar include Purdue University, Penn State University, University of Chicago and Northwestern University (IL). The publishing of Hamline’s own has gained attention both locally and nationally from institutions and organizations.
see CIVILITY page 2
Gear up for this winter by visiting the free store on campus. Visit page 5 to see how students are keeping warm while reducing and reusing.
Hamline Theatre presented their online performance for the semester, “Discoveries 2020.” See page 7.
PHOTO | ANTONIO RISSO, ORACLE
2 News
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020
CIVILITY (continued from front)
EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION Editor-in-Chief Carmen Danz Managing Editor Sabrina Merritt News Editor Molly Landaeta Business Manager Elizabeth Lowe Ad Manager Julien Halabi Design Editor Melanie Hopkins Social Media Director Ella Smith
As the nation just experienced yet another milestone in this notably eventful year, the election was not a specific reason for the drafting of this statement, though it is recognized we live in a highly polarized society currently. “I don't necessarily think the election was in mind when it came to crafting it. I think more than anything, in a much broader sense, society at large was kind of where we were going with this. Like, how can we create a space where challenging conversations can be had and held without folks feeling as though values are being minimized or opinions are being discounted or identities
are being disrespected,” Everett said. “Obviously we can all own the fact that we are living in a really polarized time and so what can we do to bridge or connect some of that polarization in a way that allows folks to stay engaged and stay feeling as though they belong in our community and are valued by our community.” In a couple of situations, the statement has already been utilized. When the George Floyd Scholarship was gaining some disrespectful criticism on social media, the Civility Statement was mentioned. Something Papas calls, “a good place to use it.” The three who drafted it have hopes for what this statement could lead to both on campus and long term. “I would love it if this is a conversation about this code that the board of trustees would have. About what it means to them,” Schultz said. “In my
mind… [it is] my vision that maybe during orientation or during FYSem we have students talk about this and say what is this policy, what do these words mean to you?” So far, they are satisfied with the statement, what has come from it and what can come from it in the future. “How do we think about other statements or other policies that we can craft and draft that can be just as inviting and inclusive?” Everett said. With that, they all recognize that this is a great start, but still is only that: a start. “I don't view it as a one time adopt it, pass it, put it on a bookshelf somewhere and let it die. I think it hopefully becomes part of an ongoing conversation for people to think about what do those rules mean,” Schultz said. “Maybe we can set a tone here that then becomes a tone for us past the university.”
Web Editor Drew Mares Opinion Editor Mien Le Sports Editor Levi Jones A&E Editor Olivia Koski Variety Editor Andrea Lindner Copy Editors Emily Fladung, Eliza Hagstrom, Lydia Meier, Calvin MacFarland Junior News Editor Audra Grigus Illustrator Leo Coughenour Senior Reporters Kelly Holm, Anika Besst, Robin Doyscher Reporters Nicole Ronchetti, SJ Welch, Maria Lewis, Sarah Sawyer, Ethan Hermann, Jilly Wortman, Leslie Perez, Jack Fischer, Cathryn Salis, Z Martinez, Leslie Perez, AJ Washinton, Lyla Lee Senior Columnist Emily Brown, Will Nelson
Source: hamline.edu/covid-19/dashboard/
GRAPHIC | LEO COUGHENOUR, ORACLE
Final results 2020 Presidential Election
Columnists Hafsa Ahmed, Andrew P Weston Senior Photographers Melanie Hopkins, Antonio Risso Photographers Lauren Thompson, Emily Lall, Cait Quinn, Aidan Stromdahl, Dasiyah Franklin-Carter, Ali Kimball Distributor Robin Doyscher Advisers David Hudson, Trevor Maine
POLICIES
The Oracle has been published by Hamline students since 1888. The paper is funded through a student fee lev ied by the university’s Student Media Board. We are a public forum. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty or staff. We do not discriminate in employment. Our mission To cover news, t rends, events a nd enter ta i n ment releva nt to Ha m l i ne undergraduate students. We strive to make our coverage accurately reflect the diverse communities that comprise the student population. Corrections The Oracle welcomes cor rect ions of quotational and factual errors. Please send such commentary to: oracle@hamline.edu and place “Correction” in the subject line. Direct advertising inquiries to oracle@hamline.edu. The Oracle accepts most print and insert requests. 1536 Hewitt Ave. MB 107 St. Paul, MN 55104 oracle@hamline.edu
GRAPHIC | SOUCE 270TOWIN Results updated Nov. 15 at 11:00 am.
News 3
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMEBER 18, 2020
Acknowledging land and history
PHOTO | ANTONIO RISSO, ORACLE After Hamline established itself on the land once belonging to Dakota and Ojibwe people almost a century and a half ago, HUSC has created a new resolution to acknowledge the history of the land, who it once belonged to and the treaties broken by the government that allowed for the land to be forcefully taken from Native people.
HUSC is working to remember the history of Hamline and its place on Indigenous land. Nicole Ronchetti News Reporter nrochetti01@hamline.edu Hamline has occupied its current location in St. Paul since 1880, but the history of the land prior to that has never been officially acknowledged. This is set to change with the introduction of a resolution to the Hamline Undergraduate Student Congress (HUSC) that would recognize both the history of the land and the Indigenous people who once lived on it. The resolution is a formal land acknowledgment following the guidelines set by the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council that brings focus to the broken treaties with the Dakota and Ojibwe tribes, which led to much of their land being forcefully ceded to the government of the United States. It also pledges to help counter historical and contemporary injustices faced by Indigenous communities. For many Hamline students, this is an important step forward in acknowledging the university they attend and respecting those who were there even before its creation. “We forget about the past, and I feel like the land acknowledgment takes a step to recognize the people
who were here,” said Emily McKenzie, a sophomore and president of Hamline Indigenous People’s Society (HIPS). “Everyone forgets who was here first.” The resolution also comes during Native American Heritage Month, which is dedicated to Indigenous heritage, culture and history. This resolution follows the lead of a number of other universities in Minnesota that have created similar acknowledgments in the past few years, including the main campus of the University of Minnesota. “I’m glad it’s being done. It should have been done a while ago,” said Myrka Zambrano, a sophomore and the treasurer of HIPS. "We need to do a better job at remembering the people who were here first.” In addition to the formal recognition, the resolution encourages verbal acknowledgments at the start of events and the beginning of each semester. The resolution also suggests the creation of a page on Hamline’s website devoted to acknowledging the land and providing resources and information about Native history and culture. This is one of the main goals of HIPS, which encourages students of all backgrounds to learn about and engage with Indigenous communities and their histories. “Our history, the land that we’re on, that’s important to recognize,” Zambrano said. “People were here and they were displaced.” Zambrano and other members of HIPS hope
that the land acknowledgment is just the beginning of Hamline doing more to include and celebrate Indigenous students. They are also wondering whether more tangible actions might also be taken to support native communities. “I think Hamline should do a better job at reaching out to schools that have a majority population of Indigenous people, and trying to promote the diversity of Indigenous people in our community,” Zambrano said. In the meantime, Zambrano calls the HUSC resolution a “step in the right direction,” and an important part of acknowledging the painful history of Native people that is too often overlooked. For her, it is also a way to say something equally important about their present: “Indigenous people are here.”
The HUSC resolution was voted on 11/17, and an update on its status can be found online at hamlineoracle.com.
4 Variety
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020
Happy social distancing holidays Have a holly jolly quarantine. Plans for holidays amidst a pandemic for Hamline students.
Hayden Hayes Reporter hhayes01@hamline.edu As the holiday approaches, students are forced to address what has been on everyone’s minds for ages now: COVID-19. The holidays are usually a time of bustling crowds, long-distance travel, and inevitable touching. How is this going to transfer over with new socially-distant mindsets? How are the plans differing from 2019 and how are college kids getting ready for their trip back home? What are Hamline students doing as the tidings approach for a possibly not-so-merry time? Sophomore student-athlete and RA, Lucius Negrillo, shared, “I am just going to be taking it easy. [Spending the holidays] mainly with family, like usual, but probably less extended family”. In response to how the pandemic has disrupted plans, Negrillo talked about how he has become acclimated to social distancing practices. “My girlfriend’s father tested positive a few days ago so chances of seeing her when I go back are very low now. Her mother and brother are also
showing symptoms now. But before that, not really [any disruptions],” Negrillo said. Negrillo went on to state that his girlfriend is getting tested this week and she isn’t showing any symptoms, which should serve as a reminder to everyone to get tested when they can. Cases are on the rise, especially on campus and students must work together to keep everyone safe and well. Other students shared stories similar to Negrillo’s. First-year Tjessa Arrandondo shares, “I am just going to be extra careful. My older relatives can’t join in this year, which is sad, and we won’t be able to do our usual traditions, but I think my immediate family will still find a way to enjoy our time together, even if we are meeting in a smaller setting.” A n o t h e r f i r s t - ye a r, Ha n n a h Olenchek, supports these statements. “I’m very COVID aware, especially with some recent events, so my family will all just be staying home and to ourselves, but that’s all we really need.” First-years, sophomores, juniors, seniors and even professors are all going through the same thing right now. An inability to do a natural human thing such as being together can really take a toll on not only one’s mental health, but the surrounding communities too. It’s important to
remember that it is for the benefit of those we love, that we stay distanced and keep fighting off the pandemic one step at a time. Though the holidays may look and feel a little different this year, make sure you still find a way to tell your loved ones you are grateful for them and even from a distance, you’re there for them. Here are a few tips from Hamline’s emergency preparedness team on how to prepare for your departure: 1, Try your best to quarantine 14 days before Thanksgiving so that you and your family can meet safely. It takes about that much time for symptoms to appear, so keep an eye on yourself and those around you. 2. ISOLATE when feeling ill or even
just under the weather. Symptoms occur differently in each individual, so don’t take anything for granted. Check-in and always play it safe. 3. Wear a mask. It seems like routine by now, but try to be extra careful and make mindful distance choices. For example, instead of eating in a restaurant, maybe get it to go. Turn it into an at a home picnic or dinner date. It would be just as fun without as much risk for contamination. 4. Be aware. It is easy to get “lost in the sauce.” To just keep stirring through your everyday tasks, but this is a time to slow down and be aware of all the things around you. Doing this will not only help keep you safe but your community too.
ILLUSTRATIONS | LEO COUGHERNOUR, ORACLE
Admission Office amidst a pandemic How Hamline’s Undergraduate Admission Office continues to work in the midst of a pandemic. Leslie Perez Reporter lfarreraperez01@hamline.edu Hamline was forced to make numerous changes once COVID-19 hit the world. An essential resource on campus is the Undergraduate Admission Office, which has had to face several challenges this school year. Because of the pandemic, the admission office cannot run as it usually would. Sophomore Julie Mesita is a student employee at the admission office who is facing the challenges these new restrictions bring. “We’re doing a few different things. “As far as tours go, we are just using the regular Hamline mask policy and then we’re giving tours as we usually would. We are also trying to make sure that we only have one family in the office at a time. So we have like a really, really strict kind of schedule.” Families of prospective students
PHOTO | EMILY LALL, ORACLE Like many offices on campus, the Undergraduate Admission Office has had to shift how they operate. Tours and events for prospective students have seen many changes. must park and then call the admission can you wait in your car until 9:15 and office. After being asked questions at 9:15 you can come in’ and then the about health and safety, they are next family’s out and in.” cleared and are permitted to come Not having an accurate inside. They will then leave for a tour representation of what the student or meet with a counselor. body looks like is also a major obstacle. Mesita said juggling the strict time Classes have been hybrid or online, constraints has been difficult: “If with more and more classes moving to people aren’t on time and things, it gets a completely online format. a little bit tricky because one family “When parents and kids are coming literally leaves and the next comes in. If in touring, a lot of the time I get the anybody calls early, it’s been like, ‘hey, question, ‘Where are all the students?’
and it’s like, we have students. I promise, but that’s been another kind of difficult thing: not being able to showcase student life when there’s not a lot of hustle and bustle,” Mesita said. Instead of having larger scale events in person, like every other year, the admission office found a way to host them online. “As far as our larger scale admission events, those have been moved to online. We did like a virtual tour a few weeks ago, and we’ve done virtual panels over the summer and things like that,” Mesita said. Another huge change that has been made is that testing is now optional. In addition, the overnight program has been suspended. However, admission started a series of online calls to replace the overnight program for the time being. During the summer, students got to participate in online Piper Talks, trivia nights and games. Despite all the sudden changes, the admission office has still been making tours, events and everything in between happen in a safe way. “I would say I’m definitely very impressed with how quickly and seamlessly everything has switched and especially in admission to like, this modality,” Mesita said.
Variety 5
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020
The free store is here for winter needs
With winter just around the corner, warm clothes, jackets and gear are crucial. The free store in Drew Science Center is here to offer a helping hand. Kathryn Robinson Reporter krobinson12@hamline.edu
Minnesota winters are brutal. The snow, ice and frigid temperatures create a landscape of bleak and freezing conditions. Snow pants, gloves, hats, scarves, jackets and boots are a necessity during a Minnesotan winter, but all of that gear can get pricey. Luckily, the free store in Drew Science Center is here to help students. It is difficult to gauge when the weather will turn and when to buy all of the necessary winter gear. Firstyear student Kate Kelley is a native Minnesotan. However, in terms of having winter gear, she isn’t sure if she has everything she needs. “It’s one of those things that I won’t know I need it until it’s too late,” Kelley said. Out of state students from warmer climates likely do not have everything they need for the winter. Kelley expressed her concern for students coming from warmer climates. “I think they have some gear, what they think is good gear for Minnesota. If they’ll actually be okay when the weather turns, we’ll see.” First-year student Tjessa Arradondo shares similar concerns for out of state students. “I know that there are probably people that have come from warmer places that might be looking
for winter clothes,” Arradondo said. Sophomore Marcella Meneguzzi, originally from California, loved her first Minnesota winter but did not have all she needed to stay warm. “I should have brought gloves because I didn’t anticipate having my hands freeze just by walking across campus,” Meneguzzi said. “I was mostly surprised at how cold it could really get.” Although many students are not aware of the resources Hamline provides, in instances when you are caught off guard by the cold or need a dress or suit for an interview, the free store located in Drew Science Center is here to help students with clothing and other items whenever they need it. Karl Hahn, a GreenCorp member currently serving at Hamline, has been helping students with the free store. “The free store was pioneered by students,” Hahn said. Similar to a thrift store, students are welcome to come in and find clothing items. There is no cost to purchase any items and the free store has the gear necessary to endure hard winters. “Students set out bins where other students could donate used clothing and other used products. Things that would otherwise go in the trash,” Hahn said. “There are definitely coats and there are a ton of shoes.” The free store is still working to advertise themselves, but they mostly post through Hamline’s sustainability instagram account @ hamlinesustainablity. While there have been some challenges because of COVID-19, stopping in and seeing what they offer is encouraged. You do not need to have a dire need for clothing either, all students from any financial backgrounds are welcome to stop in and have a look.
PHOTO | CAIT QUINN, ORACLE If students do not have time to make an appointment, they can grab free items off the bulletin board outside DSC 117.
PHOTO | CAIT QUINN, ORACLE Interested in visiting the free store? Here is all the info needed to make an appointment or donate items.
PHOTO | CAIT QUINN, ORACLE In addition to winter clothing, students can find undergarments, shoes, utensils and dorm essentials as well as so much more.
6 A&E
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020
Theatre plans to act
Austere Van’s Hamline Theatre residency for the spring semester promises to add opportunities for prospective actors. Robin Doyscher Senior reporter sdoyscher01@hamline.edu Hamline welcomes the talented actor, director and choreographer, Austene Van, as the next guest for the theatre program’s annual residency. She will be leading three weeks of virtual training, which will conclude in a set of performances. Van is best known as a member of the Penumbra Theatre Company (set to change their name eventually)–most notably for her involvement in their productions of “Detroit ‘67”, “Spunk”, “Amen Corner”, “Blue, Ain’t Misbehavin’”, “Dinah Was”, “Blues for an Alabama Sky” and “Seven Guitars.” Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, Professor Jeff Turner, recently sent out information on how to get involved in this program. Auditions will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, with callbacks taking place on Nov. 18. Rehearsals will begin on Jan. 25, 2021 and will continue until performances the week of Feb. 12. “For the audition process, Van asks students to select and perform a piece of text, such as a poem, monologue, news article or any original piece of writing that best reflects their response
What has been cooking with orgs
to the state of our nation in 2020,” wrote Turner in an email sent to theatre department students. “Auditions should be no longer than two minutes. Each prospective student will sign up for a five minute slot on Nov. 17 in which they will perform their piece as well as chat with the director. Callbacks will take place the following evening.” Turner further elaborated on Van’s credentials. “Actor, director and choreographer, Austene Van is one of the most commanding theatre artists in the Twin Cities. She has worked with such companies as Penumbra Theatre, Guthrie Theatre, Park Square Theatre, Pillsbury House Theatre, The Yellow Tree Theatre, Ten Thousand Things Theatre, Mixed Blood, Theater Latte Da, History Theatre and the Children’s Theatre Company. Additionally, Ms. Van has performed nationally at the McCarter Theatre, San Diego Repertory Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Cleveland Playhouse and Milwaukee Repertory Theatre,” Turner wrote. Van–also the Artistic Director of the New Dawn Theatre Companyrecently premiered “A Breath For George”, a series of songs, monologues and performances honoring the life and death of George Floyd, a victim of police brutality. For more information on how to audition for the upcoming residency, inquiries can be sent to Turner at jturner@hamline.edu.
Be in the know when it snows!
The Food Resource Center (FRC) has partnered up with Fusion and Hamline’s Indigenous People’s Society (HIPS) and other student organizations to bring some staple recipes to every student’s repertoire. Sarah Sawyer Reporter ssawyer04@hamline.edu All manner of goods for cooking and baking sit on the FRC shelves: flour, dried beans, oil, butter, sugar and more. In fact, there are four different types of flour to choose from. There has also been a recent expansion of culturally appropriate foods being offered in the center. “I would love to see students use more of our dried beans! It’s an underutilized resource,” said FRC worker and sophomore Kayden Rinzel. Not all students are the best in the kitchen, or some simply want to expand their recipe list, which is why the FRC and the Feed Your Brain Campaign (FYB) partnered with student organizations to present cooking lessons online. “It’s a no-risk situation and there are lots of benefits to experimenting with what we have,” Rinzel said. The first cooking event to take place was with Fusion, a student organization focused on providing a community for transracial adoptees and multiracial students, as well as creating dialogues on race and other intersecting
identities. For their cooking event, they made a rigatoni pasta dish. “We are all able to have those discussions,” said President of Fusion and senior Grace Ryan. “Fusion is open to literally anyone who wants to join.” On Friday, Nov. 13, HIPS partnered with the FRC and the FYB campaign to teach students how to make fry bread over Instagram Live. The ingredients needed were flour, sugar, two yeast packets, some salt, oil, dry milk, butter and water. The history of fry bread was explained in context with the oppression of Indigenous populations. In 1864, the Navajo were forced by the U.S. government to relocate, making it impossible to rely on their traditional food systems. The government provided them with only basic ingredients for cooking and so the Navajo created fry bread on their long journey. Some view fry bread as a food of oppression while others view it as a beautiful symbol of Indigenous resilience. HIPS President and sophomore Emily Mckenzie, along with Treasurer and sophomore Myrka Zambrano, spoke about how well the event went. Mckenzie mentioned that HIPS is planning on creating a recipe book for students. Zambrano noted how easy the collaboration was and that the university was very willing to help. Make sure to check out the instagram pages for the organizations mentioned to see updates on future events: FRC at @hufoodaccess, FYB at @feedyourbrainhu, Fusion at @ hu.fusion and HIPS at @hu_hips.
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The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMEBER 18, 2020
(Play)ing online The Hamline Theatre presents “2020 Discoveries,” an online production starring four student-led pieces. Each piece tells a story and shares different reactions to change. The production can be viewed online for free.
HU RADIO
Listen at: hamline.edu/radio
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18 Sick Sad World Amanda 5 p.m. Going Nowhere Alanna & Anika 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, NOV. 19 Lights Out Ian 7 p.m.
Lyla Lee Reporter llee23@hamline.edu Adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hamline theatre student-led production “2020 Discoveries”. There are a total of four pieces: “Father’s Kitchen,” “Living By Myself,” “Fifty Million Lives” and “Sonder.” In addition there was a dance showcase, “Small Dances in Found Spaces,” and the Dance Ensemble’s performance “In Transition.” All the performances respond to the question: How do we respond to moments of change? Through these stories and choreographies, audiences can experience the challenges that people face when dramatic change occurs. Although the COVID-19 pandemic inspired the production, not all the performances are centered around the virus. Each piece conveys a variety of raw and authentic experiences that everyone can relate to. But while audience members see the struggles represented on screen, what might go over their heads are the struggles the virus presents behind the scenes. Coby Aloi, junior and director of “Father’s Kitchen,” discussed the obstacles he faced during the production of his piece. “If I had people in the space I’d have to mask them and do social distancing,
A&E 7
FRIDAY, NOV. 20 Universe-City Harrison 3 p.m.
SUNDAY, NOV. 22 PHOTO | AIDAN STROMDAHL, ORACLE Junior Taylor Krassas performs in “Sonder”, a company-created digital video that explores the multifaceted dynamics of human isolation during a global pandemic. Krassas roams through her home in isolation, looking for anything to occupy her time. and that would be difficult to figure out, especially with a semester where I’m already doing a lot,” Aloi said. “So I decided to do a one-man show, but even when doing a one-man show there was a lot of stuff that I wasn’t anticipating because of COVID.” What’s more, Senior Lecturer in the Theatre and Dance Department, Professor Kaori Kenmotsu, mentions how the performing arts as a whole have been suffering because of the pandemic and she hopes more people pay attention to it. “I would ask both art makers as well as audiences to support the performing arts as much as they can. I think the pandemic has decimated the performing arts in many respects and we have to persevere and hopefully realize that there’s a value in the performing arts. I just hope that people don’t give up on the performing
PHOTO | AIDAN STROMDAHL, ORACLE The performance “Living with Myself” is an expression of what it feels like to live with anxiety while in isolation, as we all endure the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s uncertainties. This visual, emotional piece features photos, props and sound effects only to convey the various depths of feelings and uncertainty we individually feel.
arts,” Kenmotsu said. Aside from all the obstacles the cast and crew faced, Bridget Benson, junior and director of “Living by Myself,” mentioned how the cast incorporated COVID-19 guidelines in the play and used it to their advantage. “MJ Luna designed masks that resembled the stimulus that we’re trying to create. We also had clear, very tall, plexiglass barriers placed all over the stage and they were used as markers so the actors could move around them. They could also be face to face with each other without spreading any kind of germs,” Benson said. Students and faculty members were faced with many challenges during the production, but they are excited to share their stories with the rest of the world. “I’m hoping that folks are pondering the craft and pondering the work; that they’re appreciating the energy, effort, and creativity that went into the project,” said Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, Professor Jeff Turner. “I hope that what we’ve created can allow folks to continue to ponder the historical moment, the issues the pandemic has raised, and the challenges that we’ve faced as Americans over the past couple of months.” Most of the performances premiered on Nov. 14, but some remaining dance performances will be uploaded on Nov. 21. To support the department, the production will be available at tinyurl. com/hutheatre2020 until Dec. 31. The full show can also be watched anytime on the Hamline Theatre YouTube channel: Hamline University Theatre.
No shows scheduled
MONDAY, NOV. 23 Unapologetic Jack 8 p.m.
TUESDAY, NOV. 24 Hamline Jazz Night Peter 10 p.m.
STAFF PICK OF THE WEEK TOPIC: PBS KIDS SHOW Will Nelson
Senior Columnist
Zaboomafoo “Despite it’s heavily westernized image of zoology, it taught me a lot about animals and I’m thankful for that. I especially liked the vivid, LSDlike claymation sequences.”
8 Opinion
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020
Snowflake, inspiration, minority and exhausted and were afraid that their rights and safety might be taken away. When we expressed our fears, we were laughed at, mocked and called snowflakes. At that time, I just thought these were just mean jokes made to make the other side laugh at us. But over the years, I’ve discovered that these are calculated tactics of gaslighting and used to undermine the problems at hand. They would call us snowflakes to turn the tables back on us. Emily Brown Senior Columnist ebrown15@hamline.edu
The ‘inspirational disabled girl’ wants a nap. I haven ’ t gotten a full night of sleep since Amy Cohen Barret got elected. I have knots in my shoulders and my two favorite coping mechanisms are just adding more stress. I wanted to, and planned to, cram NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) words the first week in November, but I ended up staring at a red and blue map until my eyes hurt and switching back and forth between unhealthy mood swings; from fear, to hope, to anger and going back and forth every two hours while also trying to concentrate enough to get some homework done. But I was too afraid to speak my mind for the fear of the backlash I may or may not have gotten. When Trump got elected in 2016, I–along with a lot of people–went into panic mode. Many of these people had an array of identities
“When we expressed our fears, we were laughed at, mocked and called snowflakes.” During the time of the election, I saw many people post memes saying “Whoever wins, we should all love and accept each other” and “Just because we disagree, it doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.” We can disagree on what the best way to solve the climate crisis, what tax money should be used for and how to change our education system but we can not disagree on human rights. Women have the right to their own bodies, BIPOC people need to be protected
and, oh yeah, we are in a global pandemic with 250,000 dead in America alone. I’m a disabled queer college student with PTSD. My life is great, but it is hard. I have been dealing with ableism for seventeen years. Why would I want to spend my time and energy on someone who doesn’t believe in my human rights? One argument is to fight hate with love and acceptance. Another argument is that if we should stay friends with these people, and that maybe we can educate them and change their minds. People with minority statuses do not exist to educate oppressors. We just want to enjoy our lives and go about our business. We are exhausted and most of us want to watch Netflix and take a nap. I can still remember being called inspirational when I was a child by adults. What was I doing that was inspirational at the age of seven? All I was doing was watching TV and eating snacks. I loved it when I was a child but, looking back, it was a bit unsettling. Why were you looking at a seven-year-old girl in a pink helmet with a walker for inspiration? The question answers itself. I am more than an inspiration or a teaching tool. I am a human being and an exhausted woman. I have a countdown on my phone until the inauguration. I have my favorite show on repeat. I treasure any hours of sleep. I’m sick of fighting for the rights I should already have.
Speakout What do you think about Hamline’s COVID plan shifting to Level 3?
Raina Meyer Sophomore “I’m glad that Hamline is making students aware of COVID on campus, but I’m really disappointed in the irresponsible actions of students, especially over Halloween. Hamline was doing pretty well, but students decided to be selfish right as rates of COVID started skyrocketing in Minnesota, and now we’ll have kids going home, possibly exposing their families too. It’s been really disheartening, and I thought that we, as a student body, were better than this.”
Annan Gari Junior
“I am worried about my health and the health of my friends. However, although I am scared by what Hamline being in a third level means - the more cases, I am more confident and feel safe because of the safety measures the school is taking. Like, the dining hall becomes all to-go boxes and has people quarantine if they feel like they have symptoms. There’s also a more strict mask policy. I honestly feel like we made it through a better part of the semester so it’s safe Hamline is doing a real good job in adjusting to this pandemic.”
We want to hear from you. Letters must include submitter’s full name and graduation year (when applicable), be submitted electronically at least three days before publication and must not exceed 700 words. The Oracle does not edit Letters to the Editor, but reserves the right to withhold publication of letters. The content of the Opinion section does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff. E-mail submissions to: oracle@hamline.edu With questions, contact: Drew Science 106
Kat McCullum Senior “It’s nice to know that Hamline is so aware of the numbers and making changes, although a lot of that comes from self-conscious students who report. Overall I think it was a good idea to change the level.”
Opinion 9
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020
Don’t worry about the purity of your rice
Will Nelson Senior Columnist wnelson08@hamline.edu
The Rice Purity Test and why it might be toxic. “Caution: This is not a bucket list. Completion of all items on this list will likely result in death.” The smug little blurb at the top of the page is so cheeky they may as well have added a smirking face emoji. The Rice Purity Test: a denizen of late-night conversations in dorm lounges, unpleasantly long car rides and locker rooms around the country. For those of you who may not know, the Rice Purity Test is an online quiz composed of one hundred very personal yes or no questions about a person’s sexual history, criminal record and experiences with drug and alcohol consumption. Though
it originated at Houston’s Rice University, it has become increasingly popular all over the country, especially during quarantine. “Purity Tests” are actually a fairly old idea, having appeared as early as 1935 at Columbia University, but as their popularity exploded in the mid-80s, the Rice Purity Test became the most familiar. The idea is that a person’s score will give others an idea of their level of innocence, or purity. The results are calculated by tallying up all the questions answered with a checked box for a total out of one hundred; high scores representing high purity, and low scores the opposite. That means questions like “Have you ever held hands romantically?” have the same weight in determining someone’s “purity” as “Have you ever used methamphetamine?” Right away, it’s easy to see some pretty major flaws in the test’s accuracy, but I’m not here to critique its methodology. The Rice Purity Test isn’t a very serious thing for most people. It’s generally taken with friends who laugh about it and joke, but it might have more gravity than we think and it certainly represents a much larger problem: peer pressure. One moment, while I step up onto my eighth-grade health teacher soapbox.
The connotation of the word “pure” is generally a good one, but when placed in the context of a college campus – especially among men – it’s not necessarily a label that’s sought after. Nobody wants to seem innocent or inexperienced. Maybe it comes from our crippling fear of the passage of time or the desperation to have as many experiences as we can before we’re thrown into the unknowability of the afterlife. When this mixes with the slurry of toxic masculinity that still courses through many of our veins, the effect intensifies. There’s such a drive for men to seem experienced that guys lying about having sex has become a staple gag in sitcoms. Regardless, the result is that low scores on the Rice Purity Test are cool. People might feign embarrassment or breathless disbelief – “Oh, my God. No! It’s so low, you guys!” – but there’s always a twinge of pride in knowing that you’ve done more naughty things than someone else, to the point where it becomes a competition. That’s where that good ol’ fashioned peer pressure comes in. As my own eighth-grade health teacher taught me, peer pressure is rarely directed at you by your peers, it stems from an environment in which the drive to impress your peers is stronger than your judgment. Despite the blurb at the top of the page, some part of you is
always going to want to treat the test like a bucket list to feel that twinge of pride. That’s a problem. Not only because one of the questions is “Have you ever engaged in beastiality?” but because it perpetuates an image of a respected college student as someone who is well versed in the use of substances, sexually active and with a criminal record. Before you call me a bootlicker, let me say that there is absolutely nothing wrong with any level of consensual sexual activity or responsible use of substances, but there’s also nothing wrong with their absence, and no one should ever feel pressured into either. According to the website, the Rice Purity Test is an “opportunity for O-week [orientation week] groups to bond, and for students to track the maturation of their experiences throughout college.” I think that really sums up what’s so problematic about this test. Even if it’s taken as a joke most of the time, it’s creating this ludicrous notion of maturity – a notion that you may not even realize you buy into. I understand that people probably aren’t going to stop taking purity tests, but I would encourage you all to be cognizant of how you interpret your results. 99 or 2, you are still valid.
Safe access to a prayer room
Hafsa Ahmed Columnist hadmed10@hamline.edu
An insight into how the prayer has been dealing with the pandemic and its past.
S i n c e s o m a n y resources have become limited with hamline entering shift plan level 3, and the state record of hospitalization reaching an all time high as cases of the virus continue to rise with no indication of slowing down, I wanted to check in on a resource that was essential to most people’s faith or practices: the prayer room. As a muslim student, i was interested in what was going on with the prayer room on our campus located on the thirdfloor of anderson and ongoing conditions that students with religious practices that need space. my first encounter with the room itself was a bit rough since i found it locked and had to pray in the wesley center offices instead. The prayer room in well-
spring center can be used as a meditation space and is not only secluded to one religious practice. it can still be accessed through the public safety office throughout the day until 10 pm. for safety reasons that include social distancing rules, only one person is permitted to the prayer room at a time and it is recommended that we bring our own prayer mat, but there will be ones at the office if we don’t have any at the moment. There were events that were held pre-pandemic that gathered diverse religious meetings and gatherings where scholars were attending. since the pandemic, most events have transitioned to online-based or have been canceled. most of the gather-
ings were done at the gathering center in sorin hall that was established since the bush center wasn’t an ideal place for mindful practices that required no distractions. “Before hamline entered level 3, maybe i would have given you a different answer… i would have said, ‘yes, there is hope [of opening the gathering center]’ but still individuals can check into the prayer room,”said nur mood, assistant director of social justice programs and strategic rel. So, if there is a place where you want to practice praying or meditation, check out the public safety office to gain access to the prayer room.
10 Sports
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020
On track for the future Parlin is an exercise science major who graduated from Hamline back in May. She is now working as a personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach. She believes Hamline Track and Field helped to get her where she is. Jilly Wortman Reporter jwortman01@hamline.edu Beth Parlin,a Hamline student-athlete alumna of 2020, is now working as a personal trainer which directly correlates to her major of exercise science. Parlin has known that exercise science was something that she wanted to pursue since she was a sophomore in high school. “I was inspired by my own female strength and conditioning coach and wanted to be able to inspire athletes just like she did for me because a great coach can make so much difference in an athlete’s development,” said Parlin. Parlin was a hurdler for Hamline’s track and field where she prepared for life after school in ways she couldn’t have thought of. “Track and all of the coaches taught me how to communicate really well. For example, when I had a conflict with practice or meeting times with track, as soon as I knew of the conflict, I notified my coaches and we found a solution right away,” said Parlin. She now sees this in her current job with clients and coworkers struggling to communicate during hectic times. Since graduating from Hamline, Parlin has been busy working as a personal trainer at LA Fitness, a Performance Coach at a private gym called N1 Motion and also part-time at Bloomington Kennedy High School where she is a strength and conditioning coach for the female athletes and teams. “Another thing that Hamline athletics prepared me for is knowing time management. Since all of us athletes had to manage practices, classes, weights, jobs, homework and social life, I was very equipped when it came to managing my different coaching jobs as well as being able to have time to myself and also get my own workouts in throughout the week,” Parlin said. What does a typical day look like for Parlin? She starts out coaching early morning group classes at the private gym, or some days she has morning clients for personal training until about noon. Around this time is when she gets her personal lift and workout in, and then mid-afternoon she goes to coach at Bloomington Kennedy. However, some days she is not at Kennedy on those days that she coaches afternoon classes at N1. Parlin’s days alternate between the two gyms. Some evenings she will do more personal training for people who are busy during the day. “Personal training is a very flexible job which I really like because it allows me to set my personal training schedule around my other coaching jobs that stay on a set schedule. I always hated the thought of a 9-5 desk job because I can’t stand sitting around and having a real set schedule of when I need to be at work, so I really enjoy being able to have a really flexible job” Parlin said. COVID-19 affects everything these days and Beth’s job is no different. “Things have changed in the field of strength and conditioning because things are not as handson as they used to be,” said Parlin. “What is tough is doing partner drills since you can’t be as close to each other as you need, or as you would like to be, as well as the fact that you really have to plan out if you have enough equipment for each workout since we can’t share anything anymore.”
PHOTOS | COURTESY OF HAMLINE ATHLETICS ABOVE: Beth Parlin ran the 4x200 relay. In 2020 her relay team took third in the MIAC Championships. This performance earned her a spot on the 2020 AllConference Honorable Mention team. While in the championship, Parlin also ran in the 4x400 relay and the 60m hurdles. BELOW: Parlin took first at the Meet of Hearts hosted by Carleton. Parlin’s best time at Hamline was at the St. Olaf Invitational with a time of 9.32.
Sports 11
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020
Peach baskets 125 years later The 125 anniversary of the first intercollegiate basketball game gives Hamline the opportunity to boast the fact that they both hosted and lost this historic national event.
Cathryn Salis Reporter csalis01@hamline.edu The creation of the game of basketball is credited to Dr. James A. Naismith, a professor at the University of Kansas from 1898 to 1942. Naismith created the original version of the game in 1891 with two peach baskets on either side of a gym and nine players on each team. From this first attempt came the original thirteen rules that Hamline University and Minnesota State School of Agriculture, now a part of the University of Minnesota, followed in their contest. The first-ever intercollegiate basketball game was played at Hamline University in the old Hall of Science, which is now the Blue Garden, on Feb. 9, 1895. Minnesota A&M earned the first-ever victory and Hamline’s claim to fame is the first team to ever lose an intercollegiate basketball game. The score was 9-3, Minnesota A&M. While there are other colleges that claim to have played the first basketball game, most had opponents from nearby YMCA programs. Hamline and Minnesota A&M were both universities, making the contest truly the first intercollegiate game of basketball. In a historically preserved recording of Naismith on the radio show “We the People,” he talked about the process of creating the game we know so well today. He spent a blizzarding winter trying it out with boys from what is now Springfield College. “They kept nagging me to let them play again, so I made up some more rules. The most important one was that there should be no running with the ball,” Naismith said. While the original thirteen rules have been altered since to create a more competitive and complex game, that one remains. Running with the ball is called “traveling” in modern basketball. The current basketball program is very proud to carry this history while representing Hamline on the court, and every recruit that tours and visits the team gets to learn the story. “Our story tradition goes way back – obviously. The first intercollegiate game ever, so...we talk about it with our guys all the time that the legacy that they carry on just by wearing the jersey is pretty special,” said men’s basketball head coach Jim Hayes. Basketball was not a male-only sport for long. Only a year after Naismith introduced the game in December of 1891, women’s teams were introduced to intramural sports on college campuses and schools nationwide. Modern-day men’s and women’s basketball still have different rules. The most prominent being no play above the rim in women’s games. The courts are slightly different sizes and the women’s ball is a little smaller. Women’s basketball also did not have a pro-team until 1997, compared to the men’s pro-National Basketball League beginning in 1898. “It’s gone from a way to be active to a real
competitive sport for the amount of time and amount of practice that goes into it,” said women’s basketball head coach Alex Focke. “I’m sure people that aren’t in it would be really surprised by the amount of time and effort that goes into a season.” The love for basketball spread across the U.S. quickly after it was created. “Ten years later, basketball was being played all over the country, and in 1936 I saw it played for the first time at the Olympic games,” Naismith said. This anniversary, falling on the year where the occurrence of the 2020-21 basketball season is still unknown, is an opportunity to reflect on the long and successful history of Hamline basketball. Starting with the first humbling defeat and earning the title of the host of the first college basketball game ever is no small brag. “I don’t think the general student population knows a lot about that history, but it’s a pretty cool piece of history to be a part of,” Hayes said. While the rules today don’t involve peach baskets and eighteen players, basketball is a traditional sport Hamline intends to carry on.
PHOTO | COURTESY OF HAMLINE ATHLETICS Top: The women’s basketball season last year saw the team fight their way into the playoffs for the first time since 2013. The team finished with the best record they have had in a decade.
PHOTO | COURTESY OF ARCHIVES MIDDLE: Hamline’s long history has seen them play against many different teams, including Augsburg who Hamline played in this 1966 game.
PHOTO | COURTESY OF ARCHIVES BOTTOM: Vern Mikkelsen continued his basketball career after Hamline by playing professionally for the Minneapolis Lakers. He has since been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame
12 Resource
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020