HAMLINE UNIVERSITY | ST. PAUL, MN | 3.2.22 | VOL. 133 | NO. 12 | HAMLINEORACLE.COM
HUSC Election: formal debate recap Fire in the Midway A two-alarm fire caused a disturbance throughout the community after breaking out just blocks south of Hamline’s campus on Sunday, February 20 with no reported injuries. Jack Fischer Senior Reporter jfischer12@hamline.edu Jacob ‘Coby’ Aloi Mutlimedia Editor jaloi01@hamline.edu
GRAPHIC | LEO COUGHENOUR AND LYDIA MEIER, ORACLE
The official debate for presidential candidates rounds out the HUSC election season. Students will receive a ballot in their Hamline email inboxes on Monday, February 28. Lydia Meier Senior Reporter lmeier05@hamline.edu The HUSC campaign season is coming to a close with elections from Monday, February 28 to Wednesday, March 2. It concludes after a February 17 informal debate for official presidential candidates and a February 23 formal debate. Current HUSC first-year representative Tawny Plenty Horse moderated the formal debate in Sundin Music Hall, where official candidates were asked a series of questions on their plans, policies and opinions. Approximately 25 students and HUSC representatives attended the debate, while more students watched a livestream from HUSC’s Instagram (@yourvoicehusc). There are two official campaigns for the HUSC presidency, and both were present at the debate. Sophomore Maddie Swanson and junior Emily
Hamline’s retention numbers on page 3. Facebook @TheOracle
Hilderbrand are running together for internal and external presidents respectively. Swanson and Hilderbrand are both current HUSC executive board members and are running to improve Hamline’s impact on students. Sophomore Skyler Rush is running for internal president, alongside sophomore and external presidency candidate Spencer Olson, on a platform of listening to students. HUSC executive board members and juniors Lisette Guzman and Lindsey Rajala are also running for the presidency, but did not appear at the debate. Guzman and Rajala are running as write-in candidates as they did not announce their campaign until after the official deadline passed, and per HUSC bylaws, cannot appear at debates or on the ballot. Their campaign has been focused around representation, concrete action and off-campus experience. Students can find more of their specific action plans on their Instagram, @lizlin4president. Guzman and Rajala’s platform shares similarities with their opponents, namely on the topics of accessibility, increased community engagement from HUSC and transparency with the student body, which are also important topics for both the Olson/ Rush and Swanson/Hilderbrand campaigns. When asked for comment, the Guzman/Rajala
see HUSC DEBATE page 4
For a review of the movie “CODA” see page 5. Instagram
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A fire broke out in a multi-level retail space just two and a half blocks south of Hamline’s Anderson Center at 678 Snelling. The building is next door to Sole Cafe and Bella Beauty Salon, and across Snelling from Vape Pro’s and Kim’s Asian Market. The blaze and subsequent smoke shocked the local neighborhood including Hamline students. “There [was] a fire down on Snelling, I wanted to go and get some pictures to make sure it was documented,” Junior Nolan Sherburne said. The building went ablaze around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 20. Hamline University Senior Will Deery was walking on Snelling when he saw the commotion. “We were on our way back from dinner, and I looked in front of us and there were a bunch of cop cars, and then a fire truck pulled in from behind us, and now we are just trying to see if our community is ok,” Deery said. The space has been empty since it’s former tenant Dan’s Fan City departed the Midway. According to Ramsey County records, the space was acquired In January of 2021 by African Economic Development Solution for $300,000. AEDS also known as Little Africa Plaza LLC., hadn’t reopened the
see FIRE page 2
PHOTO | JACOB “COBY” ALOI, ORACLE Emergency services were called in response to a fire near campus on February 20.
“Florida’s furtherment of anti-queer legislation,” see page 7. Twitter
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2 News
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022
EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION Editor-in-Chief Andrea Lindner Managing Editor Elizabeth Lowe News Editor Anika Besst Business Manager Julien Halabi Design Editor Sena Ross Social Media Director Abby Edwards Multimedia Editor Jacob “Coby” Aloi Web Editor Aidan Stromdahl Opinion Editor Robin Doyscher Sports Editor Cathryn Salis A&E Editor Ollie Koski Variety Editor Eliza Hagstrom Illustrators Abdirahman Ali, Leo Coughenour Senior Reporters Jack Fischer, Lydia Meier, Kathryn Robinson, Jilly Wortman Reporters Cole Brennan, Eden Fahy, Ethan Hermann, Ma Shwe, Kayla Tester, Charlie Thompson Senior Columnist Emily Brown, Will Nelson Columnists Dean Young, Alex Sirek Senior Photographers Aidan Stromdahl
MIDWAY FIRE
(continued from front)
the building or done many renovations since its acquisition, nor have they responded to requests for comment from the Oracle on the future of the space. There was some speculation on Facebook that there were apartments above the retail space, however that claim was
unfounded and the second story of the building is an office type mezzanine. There is also no indication that any unhoused people were living in the mezzanine, and the Saint Paul Fire Department reported there were no deaths or injuries from the incident. The fire was classified as a “two-alarm” fire, meaning that after Saint Paul Fire Department arrived on the scene and determined that they needed more resources to tamp down the situation, they called for more units and trucks to respond. Generally a single-dwelling unit is classified as a one-alarm fire, as the situation deteriorates, or the flames get bigger and worse more alarms are issued and hence the amount of resources needed increases.
Photographers Chetha Ny, Rachel Peterson, Nathan Steeves Distributor Robin Doyscher Adviser Trevor Maine
POLICIES
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students since 1888. The paper is funded through a student fee levied 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, trends, events and entertainment relevant to Hamline undergraduate students. We strive to make our coverage accurately reflect the diverse communities that comprise the student population. Corrections The Oracle welcomes corrections 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 hamlineoracle.com
PHOTO | JACOB “COBY” ALOI, ORACLE The Saint Paul Firefighters worked quickly to control the fire that happened in a vacant building at 678 Snelling.
News 3
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022
Retention rates: are students abandoning ship? Hamline administrators and former students share their perspectives on retention and the new census data, which reports that 10.7% of first-years left the university after the fall 2021 semester.
Lydia Meier Senior Reporter lmeier05@hamline.edu The Oracle has reported on this spring’s fresh wave of faculty and staff departures, and new census data indicates that students are leaving as well, more now than in years prior. Administrators do see the current retention numbers as good considering the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hamline student body has been slowly but steadily declining since 2014, according to the Hamline Office of Institutional Effectiveness’ website. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated what those in higher education refer to as the demographic cliff: a projected, steep drop in college applicants in the mid 2020s. Partially due to the pandemic, 73.3% of fall 2019 first-years returned to Hamline in the fall of 2020, and 71% of fall 2020 first-years returned to Hamline in the fall of 2021. In the fall of 2019, there were 2,045 undergraduate students at Hamline, which dropped to 1,925 in the fall of 2020. By the fall of 2021, the Hamline student body numbered 1,795. Now, the spring 2022 semester has summoned even fewer students back to Hamline, new census data reports. Area heads provided a report to faculty members that claimed Hamline currently has 1,304 undergraduate students. The census data also reports that 89.3% of this year’s first-years returned to Hamline for their second semester, the Office of Institutional Effectiveness reports. Lucy Bowman, Jaden Halabi and Harper Jenny all entered Hamline in the fall of 2019, and are three of the many students who eventually transferred out. In interviews with the Oracle, all three mention the pandemic as part of their reasons for transferring, with both Halabi and Jenny citing Hamline’s own response as part of their issue. Jenny, who transferred t o t h e Un i v e r s i t y o f Minnesota after the spring of 2020, mentions the pandemic as their final straw. “The pandemic hit and I felt concern before spring break that felt like it wasn’t answered. Hamline bases itself on the concept of taking the lead but were the last ones to act in response to the pandemic. It was awful leaving my things at the dorm, going home for spring break, and then having to travel all the way back to get my things from their lack of communication,” Jenny said. Halabi was also displeased with Hamline’s response to the pandemic. Although he met great people at Hamline and loved his classes, he left Hamline after the fall 2020 semester. Halabi’s main reason was Hamline’s tuition increase between the spring and fall of 2020, which the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov) reports as a 5.5% increase. “I wasn’t getting the education that I wanted through Zoom and the tuition increase was a real deal breaker. I want to make it clear that I loved Hamline, but I’m not going to go into more debt for an education that I wasn’t
happy with,” Halabi said. He now studies public health at the University of Minnesota. Hamline administrators are working on strategies to increase retention, with some being encouraged about this year’s numbers. Lisa Nordeen, who is Hamline’s Assistant Dean for Academic Success and Retention, feels that students have been unnerved by the past two years of hybrid education, but sees the new retention numbers positively. “What I have seen this year is that despite the fact that we have had a pandemic that’s ongoing, and the challenges that have gone along with that, our numbers are actually pretty okay,” they said. As a member of the Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) staff, Nordeen is involved in many ongoing strategies for student success and retention. “What we’re working with in CASA here is to help students reengage,” they said. “When you create that student-centered environment, it’s just better for everybody.” Part of CASA’s role is to meet with students to provide advising and academic support. From the feedback they received from students, CASA feels that many are overwhelmed with balancing responsibilities and managing their mental health. Additionally, Nordeen is on the Early Alerts Committee, which brings representatives from across campus to create a support network for students who have alerts of concern submitted by faculty. They also mentioned a strategic enrollment management plan that’s in front of the Board of Trustees. While Nordeen can’t talk specifics until it’s voted on, they said the plan includes consistent assessment of programs. They encourage students who are struggling to ask for help. “CASA is here to support students,” Nordeen said, adding that departments and programs all across campus want to engage with concerned students. Other administrators echo the sentiment, including Interim Provost Andy Rundquist and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Marcela Kostihova. “We’re all interested in working in concert to provide holistic support,” Kostihova said. While Nordeen works with staff across the university, Kostihova is addressing retention and student success rates with faculty, but she is not concerned with the retention numbers. “I look, of course, at
retention numbers, but I like to think less of the concept of retention, and more of the concept of student success,” she said. “The ultimate goal is to get the four-year completion rate to be as high as possible.” Currently, the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov) has Hamline’s four-year completion rate at 55%. “There’s a lot of work that’s already happening organically in our classrooms,” Kostihova said, and mentioned the Expedited Program Review as a way that the CLA is aligning programs with what students want and need, as well as the CLA’s ongoing work to create onramps and offramps for students who want to change their major. To keep her finger on the pulse of student opinion, Kostihova reads every teaching evaluation that is submitted at the end of a semester, as do department chairs and relevant committees. She also reviews every university COVID-19 survey and meets periodically with HUSC. Another important feedback tool comes in the form of a brief survey for students who withdraw from Hamline University. Although Nordeen and Kostihova both note that many students don’t fill this out, those who do primarily mention financial difficulties, personal well-being and family responsibilities, many relating back to COVID-19. Many students who have transferred out of Hamline in the last two years have done so because of the pandemic, and Nordeen sees the current rates positively because of these unprecedented circumstances. Although Halabi, Jenny and Bowman all mention COVID-19 as one of their reasons for transferring, none of the three singularly attribute their decision to the pandemic. “I probably would’ve stayed [at Hamline] if there were more opportunities in my field,” Jenny said. Initially, Jenny enjoyed the Hamline benefits of small class sizes and living on campus, however, they noted that eventually the small campus and programs felt limiting to them. “If I’m spending twice as much on tuition compared to the University of Minnesota to attend Hamline, you would think that there would be twice as many opportunities there,” Jenny remarked. Bowman also left because Hamline didn’t have the major she was looking for. “Ultimately, being at a small school was not for me,” she said. Regardless of the possible many causes, retention remains a topic Hamline administrators continue to find concrete solutions for.
PHOTO | LYDIA MEIER, ORACLE A hallway in Giddens Learning Center (GLC) where students often study and meet remains more empty than usual in recent semesters since moving to hybrid and online modalities.
4 News
HUSC DEBATE (continued from front)
campaign said, “The way we want to accomplish our goals is ultimately different… As a pair we both share 6+ internship experiences. We’ve been placed in real life moments of conflict, pressure and have been taught how to be adequate leaders among our peers. Together, we’ve had numerous occasions overcoming obstacles with a level head, an open mind and innovative solutions. Our perspective is broader than Hamline alone and we want to bring in that outside experience to conquer these ongoing issues that have yet [to] be resolved with only Hamline-based perspectives.” At the debate, Hilderbrand and Swanson emphasized their goals of cultivating a relationship with the Multicultural Alliance student organizations, increasing composting initiatives on campus, creating a diverse HUSC executive board and communicating clearly and consistently with students. They also highlighted their previous experience at Hamline and on HUSC, as well as their campaign topics: environmental impact, social justice, community engagement and transparency, which students can read about on their Instagram, @emilyandmaddieforhusc. As for Olson/Rush, a common theme from their campaign has focused on the idea of “leadership that listens,” as their Instagram @s_and_s_for_prez states. Throughout the campaign, Rush and Olson have also emphasized their outsider perspective, as neither have served on HUSC. They have chosen to share very few action plans, preferring to shape their presidency by listening to students. However, one plan they mentioned during the debate was offering free or reduced parking to students with night classes. “You have to listen to your students and everything else will fall into place,” Olson said in his opening statement. Both campaigns had different solutions to certain issues. Rush feels that commuter students don’t feel a bond to each other and suggested events for these students as a possible solution.
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022 Hilderbrand, on the other hand, focused on adding onto current HUSC initiatives, like the food and basic needs representative position that will be on the ballot this election, as well as the in-progress resolution for free parking from the current HUSC commuter representative. They also mentioned funding for bus passes and revising the academic calendar to give students more chances to visit their families. When asked about addressing inaccessibility on campus, Swanson said that if elected, she would talk to facilities about making sure door buttons are in working order and work on creating an accessibility audit. Both campaigns expressed interest in readdressing the West Hall ramp project and Rush proposed paying students to assist disabled classmates. Throughout the debate, a dozen viewers on the livestream expressed opinions on the candidates’ answers, while spectators in person remained impartial, clapping for opening and closing statements. One of the questions for candidates was about how to create a safe environment for students in the wake of campus incidents surrounding Title IX. Swanson said she would like to collaborate with the Dean of Students to continue educating students on the Title IX process, as HUSC did during the fall 2021 semester, while Hilderbrand stated that it all starts with being a person students feel safe around. Olson stated that he is “deadly serious” about victim advocacy, and in his opinion, Step UP! trainings should be mandatory for all students. At one point during the debate, multiple students in the livestream raised concerns about Olson’s conduct history. The Oracle was unable to confirm or refute these statements from students as of press time. Olson was unable to provide comment to the Oracle due to scheduling. There is no HUSC rule which would bar students with conduct histories from running for or serving on the executive board. “All candidates completed the filing that made them eligible to be on the ballot, and we do not have the ability to oversee an overview of conduct violations, so it’s not my place to comment on any potential violations,” said current HUSC External President Raina Meyer. Although all three campaigns have some similar values and policy proposals, the choice for voters will likely come down to how candidates plan to execute their ideas.
GRAPHIC | SENA ROSS, ORACLE
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022
A&E 5
Review: A picture of voice The 2021 coming-of-age film “CODA” is a story that contains both well-known and underrepresented narratives. Directed by Sian Heder, the film has received three Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Ollie Koski A&E Editor okoski01@hamline.edu “CODA,” hints at two of its central plotlines in its name, the experiences of a child of deaf adults and music. The film might be considered an underdog among it’s fellow Oscar nominees for Best Picture, first gaining notoriety at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. The film is also nominated for Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay) by Sian Heder—based on the 2014 French film “La Famille Bélier.” Ruby Rossi, played by Emilia Jones, serves as the film’s protagonist. Ruby is the only hearing member of her family of four, and because of her fluency in ASL, she often serves as an interpreter for her deaf family members who work in the fishing business. The story focuses on her arc as she navigates working with her family, attending high school and pursuing her interest in music. While Jones studied sign language to prepare for her role, the rest of the Rossi family is played by deaf actors. Marlee Matlin plays Ruby’s mother, Jackie, and Daniel Durant plays her brother, Leo. Troy Kotsur has earned himself an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, for his portrayal of the father, Frank. Aside from positive feedback for featuring cast members who are deaf themselves, the film has received praise for challenging stereotypes often faced by the deaf community. The Rossi family opposes any preconceived ideas that they might lack independence and success due to their disability. While the film arguably has an end goal to make the audience feel good, there are plenty of scenes depicting struggle, often showing how the world can respond cruelly to people with disabilities. Refreshingly, the deaf characters of the film are not portrayed as objects of pity, ultimately showing resilience in response to the discrimination they face. Ruby has a talent for singing, which leads to the central tension of the film— her family is shown struggling to relate to her love of music. This is an additional element tied to the conflict of Ruby potentially leaving behind the family business to attend college. The film’s overarching plot does not contain many surprises, following the typical formula for its genre—a teenager struggling with young love, bullying and developing independence. The film is most engaging when it focuses on the development of Ruby’s relationship with her family. Each member of the Rossi family undergoes emotional growth that successfully tugs on the viewers heartstrings, only possible with the excellent performances from its cast. While the film’s reception has been largely positive, it is important to note there have been mixed reactions regarding the quality of representation. A main criticism is the film’s choice to center the hearing character of the cast, at times showing Ruby’s family as dependent on her interpretation skills, which might be seen as undermining their competence. Others have claimed the theme of music is unnecessary and inaccurate in its possible interpretation that those who are deaf can’t appreciate music. The film is certainly worth a watch and is an enjoyable experience, although it is always valuable to consider media through a critical lens. The highlights of the film are its stellar performances, colorful coastal setting and pleasant soundtrack. The cinematography and editing is standard, with most attention going to the writing of characters and plot. “CODA” is an important milestone for bringing representation of the deaf community to film. Still, it is essential that perspectives of deaf community members are prioritized and that their own stories continue to be promoted. The 94th Academy Awards will take place on March 27. Keep an eye out as the Oracle plans to do more coverage of the Oscar nominations prior to the ceremony.
SOURCE | IMDB
GRAPHIC | JACOB ‘COBY’ ALOI, ORACLE
6 Opinion
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022
Staff Editorial: Sexual Misconduct on Campus Sexual violence and misconduct have continuously been issues on Hamline’s campus and in our society for decades. As incidents are being more regularly recognized, they are progressively on the minds of students.These topics are taboo, be that because of the sentiment that nothing will change or that it ruins people’s lives when an issue of this nature is connected to them. That does not excuse a thing.The idea that these stories can ruin the lives of the perpetrators ignores the fact that it already has ruined the lives of the survivors. Since its founding by Tarana Burke in 2006, the “Me Too” movement gained national momentum through a series of high profile US court cases and sexual assult allegations against notable celebrities, pundits, CEOs, and politicians. The statement “Me Too”
implies that survivors are not alone in their experiences, and acts as a way to empower and encourage survivors to come forward with their stories. It has acted as a way to appease the justice system and ensure that this issue was given the attention it deserved and that abusers would not go unnoticed. By saying “Me Too,” one offers their anonymity for their story. Systems stay in place and people stick to its rhythm until something is acted upon. Right now we need an external force to break these continuous patterns of reports, recognition and then dismissal of the “taboo” topic. Doing so will create a safer environment for those who have experienced sexual violence and further encourage others to recognize the validation of all experiences. The Oracle condemns all forms of
sexual assult and violence. We stand with and believe survivors. The Oracle is a platform for student voice and we hope that when the community is in crisis, we can amplify the call for help. Signed, The Editorial Staff Andrea Lindner Editor-In-Chief
Cathryn Salis Sports Editor
Elizabeth Lowe Managing Editor
Jacob “Coby” Aloi Multimedia Editor
Anika Besst News Editor
Ollie Koski A&E Editor
Robin Doyscher Opinion Editor
Eliza Hagstrom Variety Editor
GRAPHIC | LEO COUGHENOUR, THE ORACLE
The Complexity of Identity
Elizabeth Lowe Managing Editor elowe03@hamline.edu
It cannot be described by just one word, and is ever changing. TW: Mentions of racism, sexism, harassment March is Women’s History Month and it brings attention to the accomplishments of women of various identities. In the
past, the majority of women featured in museums were caucasian, with some mentions of women of color, such as Harriet Tubman. But as the world progresses, we hear about Phillis Wheatly, whose poetry was heavily questioned by white men, or about the story of Malala Yousafzai, an advocate for education. Identifying as a woman comes with its challenges, but to be a woman of color is to have your voice silenced even more. Before continuing, it is important to mention that I am white-passing, and I cannot ever fully understand others’ experiences. With that said, as a queer biracial woman, I have seen my peers be excluded because of the color of their skin or their culture. If you’re not cisgendered and white, you might not be included in celebrations of queer pride. If you’re queer, your family and friends could alienate you. Living with a marginalized identity that determines how you’re treated overall is vexing and brings those who experience it closer. But personally, in terms of my skin color and cultural experience, I’ve been disregarded in both ways. I live
knowing that if an officer pulls me over, I’m quite safe because of my caucasian appearance, while my friends of color have to worry more about being harmed. I can’t walk around in the dark safely but I can walk around in a department store with only a glance from security. It’s utterly disgusting how it works. As for my upbringing, I had it ingrained in my head that one day I would have to settle down with a cis man and birth and raise children. That concept is in the past. We are more than just “baby-’making machines”. Instead of consistently profiting off of and trying to control our bodies, they should focus on recognizing us as the humans we are. These thought processes women face may be what drives the upcoming generations to fight back, and that gives me hope. Clothing, drinks, activities, etc. are inherently gendered by societal opinion, but some experiences are not. Invalidating people who have breasts and/or vaginas and their bodily functions is repulsive. As sexualized as these organs are, they are a natural part of our functions and
should be respected as such. To be a woman is to grow up learning how to stay safe and not bring up conflict. Having these organs means you’ll be warned to “cover-up” and ignore those who call out demeaning phrases. And to know that fighting back for rights and respect is to risk being seen as someone who is rebelling. To do so safely, there’s strength in numbers, but even then it takes time and energy to get your voice heard. Resistance will always exist, and that’s why this month is significant. Women have made progress, but we have more to overcome. And as Serena Williams once said, “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on”. Together, we can persist.
Opinion 7
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022
Florida’s Furtherment of Anti-Queer Legislation
Alex Sirek Columnist asirek01@hamline.edu
With Florida’s recent advancement of HB1557 questions surrounding the safety of queer children in public schools are beginning to pop up. TW: Mentions of suicidal ideations and homophobia In a 69-47 vote, Florida’s widely criticized, “don’t say gay” bill has passed the house and advanced to the state senate. Titled the “Parental Rights in Education bill,” HB 1557 would ban the discussion of gender identity and sexuality in elementary schools. Joe Harding, the Republican representative who proposed the bill, claims that the ban of education surrounding gender identity and sexuality creates “appropriate
boundaries” and “empowers parents.” By masquerading blatant queerphobia as parental empowerment, republican lawmakers gave the illusion that this bill is protecting Florida’s youth from LGBTQIA+ identities. However, the implication that queer identities are an aspect of life that children must be protected from is unsettling, to say the least. The “Don’t Say Gay bill” would greatly jeopardize the safety and security of students and parents. If passed, existing protections for LGBTQIA+ children and parents would be undermined. This bill could also intimidate teachers out of providing a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment for their students. This could also greatly increase levels of bullying and harassment that LGBTQIA+ students are already subjected to. By treating LGBTQIA+ identities as unspeakable, the existing stigma surrounding queerness is perpetuated. Earlier this week, Harding withdrew an amendment that would force school administrators to inform parents of a student’s sexual orientation within six weeks of learning if they were not heterosexual. For a lawmaker who supposedly cares so much about boundaries, this formerly-proposed amendment majorly oversteps them. This amendment was not withdrawn due to a change of heart. In fact, Harding seemed to stand by it, stating that “the exaggeration and misrepresentation in reporting about the amendment was a distraction; all the amendment did was create procedures around how, when,
and how long information was withheld from parents so that there was a clear process and kids knew what to expect.” He then went on to say, “Nothing in the amendment was about outing a student. Rather than battle misinformation related to the amendment, I decided to focus on the primary bill that empowers parents to be engaged in their children’s lives.” The attempt at policing childhood crushes in order to enforce a bill so utterly entrenched in heteronormativity is absolutely disturbing. While the amendment has now been withdrawn, its proposal in and of itself speaks volumes about the true intent of this bill. As mentioned earlier, even without legislation barring the discussion of gender identity and sexuality, LGBTQIA+ children are at a heightened risk of bullying. Disturbingly, high rates of self-harm and suicidal ideation among queer children have also been widely documented. Amit Paley, CEO of the LGBTQIA+ youth suicide prevention group, the Trevor Project, said, “When lawmakers treat LGBTQ topics as taboo and brand our community as unfit for the classroom, it only adds to the existing stigma and discrimination, which puts LGBTQ young people at greater risk for bullying, depression, and suicide.” At the moment it is unclear whether or not Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, would sign the bill if given the opportunity. However, in early February he signaled his support for the proposal, stating, “We’ve seen instances of students being told by different folks in school, ‘oh, don’t worry, don’t pick your gender
yet, do all this other stuff.’ They won’t tell the parents about these discussions that are happening. That is entirely inappropriate.” At the time of this bill’s proposal, 15 other bills are under consideration in eight states that would limit how LGBTQIA+ identities are discussed in classroom settings. In the first two months of 2022 alone, more than 170 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been filed, at least 92 of which target trans people directly. This already greatly surpasses last year’s total of 139. This proposed legislation directly endangers children. HB 1557 places elementary-aged children in republican lawmakers’ line of fire for no reason whatsoever. With the jarring up-tick in anti-queer legislation, I cannot help but fear for the queer youth of America. A recent survey by the Trevor Project found that 42% of LGBTQIA+ youth seriously contemplated suicide in the past year. This number jumps to 50% for transgender and gender-diverse youth. However, LGBTQIA+ youth who learn about gender-identity issues at school are 23% less likely to attempt suicide. Forcible silence will cause unimaginable damage to the lives of the queer children of America, many of whom are unable to feel safe at home or in the classroom. While Republican lawmakers tout HB 1557 as a means of establishing parental rights, it does not appear that they have considered how this bill interferes with the rights of queer children.
Please stop making World War III content
Eliza Hagstrom Variety Editor ehagstrom01@hamline.edu
My mindless scrolling through TikTok has been overrun by people making jokes about getting drafted or bombed. With Putin forcing the Russian military to invade Ukraine, jokes about avoiding the draft and anxieties about America
getting bombed started appearing on my for you page. But what also appeared, less frequently, unfortunately, were Ukrainians posting about their loved ones leaving to fight and the bomb shelters that they are hiding out in. A post by user @eliza_shik about this topic says more than anything I could write from the safety of Minnesota. I am writing from a safe room, knowing that my friends and family are safe, I do not need to fear bombings. People in Ukraine do not have these luxuries. It shows her crying as the words “my family is hiding in [the] subway and basements from the bombs. Some friends are not responding anymore. Some friends are holding the front…” are shown. The World War three jokes are not funny when people are dying, fearing for the lives of their friends and family. The contrast between people posting about how their friends and family in Ukrainian cities have stopped responding and the videos of Americans throwing away birth control to avoid the draft is honestly upsetting and disgusting. These Americans have no idea what is
PHOTO | VOX, CELESTINO ARCE, NURPHOTO VIA GETTY IMAGES happening and are just getting a laugh out of it. They are uneducated, insensitive and self-centered. This is not about us. The stories from Ukraine that I have seen show incredible bravery from the everyday Ukrainian people. As well as highlighting the unique culture and people that makeup Ukraine.
Snake island had 13 soldiers stationed on it when a Russian warship gave these men the option to surrender. Instead (and this can be heard from audio released online) they said “Russian warship, go f*** yourself” in Ukrainian or Russian. An old woman walked up to armed Russian soldiers and asked if they were Russian before demanding that they get off her land. She then offered these men sunflower seeds, the national flower of Ukraine and said, “Take these seeds and put them in your pockets so at least sunflowers will grow when you all lie down here”. These stories about the Ukrainian peoples’ bravery and strength are the things that I want to see on my for you page, not uneducated Americans posting about getting drafted.
8 Sports
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022
Three strikes, you are out
With three games under their belt, Piper baseball is back and they are already excited for the potential that this team has in store. Jilly Wortman Senior Reporter jwortman01@hamline.edu Hey batter batter, baseball is back. Warm weather and baseball go hand in hand and the Hamline baseball team is ready to get back to the bases. The weekend of February 19 was the start to the Pipers 2022 season. The team traveled to Omaha, Nebraska for the weekend and played three games against Buena Vista University. “While we were excited to open our season in Omaha last weekend we weren’t pleased with the results. On Saturday, we had 2 separate leads that got away from us and we didn’t play up to our expectations on Sunday. We made mistakes that a very good Buena Vista team took advantage of,” head baseball coach Jim Weyandt said. The team lost all three of their games during the season opener but there is hope and high expectations for the rest of the season to come. “It wasn’t the start we were looking for but I like the group of guys that we got and were going to figure it out for the rest of the year,” senior Avery Nelson said. With the season just starting,some even feel that the rocky start was a good way to start things out “The guys are working very hard this week at practice to keep improving,” said Weyandt. Nelson also feels this start was a blessing in disguise. “Our focus is better this week, we know that we’re not where we need to be and we know what we need to
work on. This weekend was kind of a punch in the face but we’re going to bounce back,” Nelson said. The past few years had a bumpy history for the team. They haven’t had a winning season — a season with more wins than losses — in a while. “We’ve got a lot more experience coming back this year and we have a group of guys who have worked really hard and have put in the preparation to set ourselves up for a good season,” Nelson said. In 2019, they ended their conference season with a record of 8–12. In 2020, they played nine non-conference games before their season was canceled due to the pandemic and in 2021 their conference record was 6–15. “We are feeling really good, like probably the best we’ve ever felt. After the weekend the morale took a little bit of a dip, but I still think it’s a lot better than where we were two years ago,” senior Hayden Ring said. Right now the Pipers are working
PHOTOS | RACHEL PETERSON, ORACLE ABOVE: Coach Price working with the infielders. LEFT: Sophomore Eli Erickson waits for directions. RIGHT: Junior Hayden Ring enjoying the moment before a pitch. up to their return to Arizona. After three years the boys will be back in the desert for a long week of competition. The team feels good about the heat that they’ll face while away. “We feel more prepared, like the losses were more in our control this time around, like before it was like we were going to lose and that’s just how it was going to be,” Ring said. The team has high hopes for bases loaded, home runs and team wins. The season is long and there is an expectation to accomplish greatness.
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022
Sports 9
Looking forward to lacrosse season Hamline’s women’s lacrosse team is looking to continue being a powerhouse in the Midwest Women’s Lacrosse Conference (MWLC) in their upcoming 2022 season. Cathryn Salis Sports Editor csalis01@hamline.edu As of 2016, the women’s lacrosse team at Hamline has been recognized by the NCAA as a DIII competition rather than a club sport, and the players are not planning letting this recognition go to waste. The 22 athletes compose one of the most consistently successful teams on Hamline’s roster. Head Coach Karen Heggernes has been with Hamline’s lacrosse team for seven years and has never not pushed her athletes to the next level of play. “We have the goal to represent Hamline University as the Midwest Wo m e n ’s L a c ro s s e C o n f e re n c e Champions for the 5th time in a row. We also have some big non-conference games that will increase our strength of schedule while also help us prepare for the next level in post season play,” Heggernes said in an email interview. The lacrosse team joined the MWLC in 2017 and has made it to the championships every year. In the 2021 season, Hamline stands were packed to watch the women defeat Northwestern for the MWLC title at home. “Our team’s goal this season is to go to the NCAA tournament and continue our streak of heading to the next level. We always want to continue to play our best game with every opportunity we have open to us,” sophomore attack Emma Moe said in an email interview. Often called “America’s first sport”, lacrosse has a long history in Minnesota, but the recent increase of teams competing in the MWLC and NCAA has helped to honor this history and keep the sport alive. Competition is not the only benefit of playing for Hamline’s lacrosse team. Being a part of a community like the Pipers have on the field has longlasting benefits. “We learn a ton of life skills of working as a team
towards a goal. What sacrifice it takes to achieve your goals. Balance of health, academics, athletics, work and a social life. Creating lifelong memories and meaningful relationships. Learning what supporting others entails while also balancing personal well-being. Conflict management and working together with many different personalities. The list goes on and on,” Heggernes said. Athletics also give players the opportunity to be very involved in the Hamline community. Moe is reaping the benefits of having played on the team for a year already. “Last year, I was a freshman on the team, and I played attack. I served on an ‘appreciation committee’ chair with my teammate Tara DeLeo to help prepare the team on game days, such as writing motivating notes and creating our Game Day hair ties. At the end of the season, I was awarded “Freshman Player of the Year” and was voted on SAAC last year by the team, which now I serve as a lacrosse representative and student activities chair,” Moe said. The pressure is building as the Pipers are looking into their 2022 season, but the team feels prepared and ready to take on any competition that comes their way. “We have been preparing for this spring season all year. In the fall, we did captain’s practices, full team practices, 6 am weight room lifting, and played a couple of games with nearby teams such as Northwestern, Augsburg, and RiverFalls,” Moe said. The Pipers fell in their first game against UW-Eau Claire on February 26 but are hoping to see a shift in the momentum on Wednesday in their first home game against Northwestern.
PHOTOS | COLE BRENNAN, ORACLE The Pipers debrief during their season opener against UW Eau-Claire on February 26.
GRAPHIC | COURTESY OF RACHEL PIERCE Hamline Athletics is hosting a number of focus groups to promote inclusion in the athletics community. “[T]his programming also stems from mentorship from David Everett in Inclusive Excellence. The program is in its beginning stages, and hopefully becomes something that continues!” said Pierce in an email. No sign-up is required and all sessions are open to all Hamline students.
Variety 10
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022
Books that changed our lives A collection of books and stories that have shaped and created who we are today. Eliza Hagstrom Variety Editor ehagstrom01@hamline.edu Kathryn Robinson Senior Reporter krobinson12@hamline.edu THE STORIES THAT shaped us into who we are, the meaning behind them. These are the lessons and characters that we carry with us every day. It’s Kind of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini: On the surface, this book follows the story of Craig, an ambitious and highachieving student who drives himself past his breaking point and one day gets checked into a mental hospital after a suicidal episode. It follows his journey with his mental health and the people he meets while in the hospital. It is both humorous and deeply sad. I was in middle school when I read this book and my angsty, anxious self was drawn to the different characters and felt understood immediately. As I have grown, however, this book has grown with me and I connect to it on a much deeper level. Craig wasn’t a stereotypical “disturbed” teen that many books and movies love to portray. He was high achieving, smart, and successful. I felt less alone because I knew that people like me and Craig could also struggle. Now, as a college student, I have helped myself and my loved ones to understand that there is no certain look or characteristic you need to ask for help or to struggle. We are all on our own journey, and like Craig, we all have the strength to make it through whatever struggles we may face.
SOURCE | GOODREADS The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley: This book follows the lives of six strangers as they all write in a green notebook left in a neighborhood cafe. The point of the project is to share your true self in it, and the parts that others do not see. Once you write in it, you leave it somewhere else for someone else to find. The notebook connects six strangers. This is such a feel-good book that explores topics like grief, motherhood, social disconnects, etc. We all share our best lives on social media, and now because of the pandemic, we have all been disconnected for so long. This book reminds me to be my authentic self, and it does such a good job of normalizing such common struggles. Even though I am not one myself, the brutal and raw life of the mother in this story normalizes such common experiences in motherhood that are often pushed to the side. Always choose yourself and your happiness, and this book always reminds me of that.
SOURCE | GOODREADS The Selection Series by Kiera Cass: I have been made fun of for loving this series more times than I can count, but I will never back down. The Selection Series is basically the bachelor but for royalty. One prince courts 35 aspiring young women for the chance of a lifetime to become a queen. It sounds super cheesy but I promise it is deeper than that. It’s full of love, adventure, romance, and a monarchy. I quite literally could not think of anything better. This is my go-to feel-good series. When life gets scary, and dark, like it has been for the past two years, we are all entitled to some sort of vice, and this is mine. I love these books because they are truly well written and I get swept up in them every time. Whenever I need a break from reality, this always gives me that. I highly recommend it.
SOURCE | AMAZON
Variety 11
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022
Which Type of Bread You Are According to Your Zodiac Sign Delivered by your local Oracle Elizabeth Lowe Managing Editor elowe03@hamline.edu Leo Coughenour Illustrator lcoughenour01@hamline.edu
SOURCE | MAGGIESTIEFVATER.COM The Raven Cycle Series by Maggie Stiefvater: Accurately describing the plot of any Maggie Stiefvater is impossible because there are so many things happening. It is roughly about private schoolboys, a girl from a magical family whose power is amplifying the power of those around her and a lost Welsh king in Virginia. I was in a book club throughout middle and high school, and it was a rite of passage to read and then fall in love with this series. The writing is beautiful and full of as much magic as is in the story that it tells. Anyone that likes fantasy should read this series! The Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling: I hate the author, but the story and characters that she created quite literally made me who I am. The comfort that I find in both the movies and the books is something that I am forever thankful for, there is not a time when I do not remember being able to recite the lines of the first movie by heart.
Pisces (2/19-3/20) - Pita Bread You are a simple being with an urge for creativity. While others may argue for the top, you are content with planning out your next gathering and thinking up new ways to craft. Aries (3/21-4/19) - Italian Bread Like French bread, you are a safe option at all times. But amongst you wonderful folk, are different seasonings of personalities with my favorite being your spontaneity. Taurus (4/20-5/20) - White Bread You are always straight to the point, and a go-to for all those stubborn folks. One would argue you’re hard to ignore. Some people might go as far to say you can be a tad toxic but you’d just say you have an addictive personality. Gemini (5/21-6/20) - Flat Bread This bread can be output in a variety of ways, always being useful and open minded to experiences. Cancer (6/21-7/22) - Whole Wheat Bread A healthy choice of a friend. Although you may be a bit nutty at times, you are dedicated to the well being of those you’re close to. Leo (7/23-8/22) - Cornbread Corn is a strange add on to a grain, but you make it work. You work well with others – especially those privy to eating tomato soup. Perhaps you are not the go-to on this horoscope, but you stand your ground as a staple to any friend group. Virgo (8/23-9/22) - French Bread With every critique you strive to be better. Your close friends and relatives know they can trust you in any situation. Mhmm you and toast would get along.
SOURCE | BRITANNICA Turtles All The Way Down by John Green: This is a book that I felt very accurately depicts how anxiety can affect a person. I love John Green and this is his best book, by far. This book is like a blanket that can keep me warm. Aza Holmes felt super relatable to me and helped me get over my anxiety and fear of driving. I was terrified of driving, but reading this book helped me realize that I am able to do it and get over the anxiety and nerves that I have.
Libra (9/23-10/22) - Banana Bread Bananas, bread and sometimes chocolate chips. You are known for your sweet nature. Out of this list, you’re probably close to the top with how unique you are. As an amazing mediator, I’d recommend checking in on Toast and Sourdough. Scorpio (10/23-11/21) - Toast You are the mom friend, and people trust you’ll be there always. However, people see you just as that, and your hatred grows slowly. Where is your support? Maybe you knead Sourdough to help you expand your horizons? Sagittarius (11/22-12/21) - Everything Bread You will risk it all for those you have a mutual bond with. They deal with all your chaotic flavors after all. Capricorn (12/22-1/19) - Multigrain Bread You scare me with how rich you are in spirit and in your dreams. You are the person everyone else aspires to be like. However, you are also quite intimidating and only socialize with those who can keep up with such a lifestyle. Aquarius (1/20-2/18) - Sourdough Bread We read of this obsession during quarantine and then it just disappeared afterwards - just like you and ghosting. You aren’t the best with communication, but you sure do spice up relationships with your quirks and quips.
SOURCE | WALL STREET JOURNAL
ILLUSTRATION | LEO COUGHENOUR, ORACLE
Puzzle 12
The Oracle | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
GRAPHIC | LEO COUGHENOUR, THE ORACLE