The Hawks' Herald | Sept. 7, 2020 by Hawks' Herald

www.rwuhawksherald.com Vol. 33, Issue 4 FREE

Black Lives Matter protest demands change on campus

Rachel Dvareckas / The Hawks’ Herald Protestors marched together from the Field House to the front of the library and demanded change from the university’s administrators and faculty.

Rachel Dvareckas Managing Editor Chants of “Black Lives Matter” and “no change, no peace” could be heard throughout campus in a two-hour long peaceful protest held on Sept. 16. Students, faculty and staff members, including President Miaoulis and other administrators, gathered together in a socially distanced group of more than 80 members of the RWU community. The group marched from the front of the Field House to the D’Angelo Commons, where a microphone and speaker were set up on the steps of the library. Students held signs with various messages, like “BLM” and “end racism” to express their support for the protest. Junior Melissa Calvo Vides organized the event, in collaboration with members of the Barbershop Club, Black Living Learning Community (LLC) and Africana Student Coalition. “When I say Black Lives Matter, I mean my life,” Calvo Vides said before the crowd. Calvo Vides urged crowd members to speak and students were given the opportunity to share their own stories and experiences. Around 15 students spoke to the group, delivering powerful speeches that touched on racism, police encounters and growing up in the Black community.

Common themes of injustice were brought up as well as the benefits and relationships gained from the Black LLC on campus. Demands were made for the school to establish equity for all students on campus. Students thanked faculty and staff who showed up but asked them to do something about the racial divide found on campus and push for change. They also demanded the university expand its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion division to properly meet the needs of the students. Students also want to expand the safe spaces for students of color outside of the Intercultural Center, Multicultural Student Union (MSU) and the Black LLC. “We are stronger together,” said student speaker Carlos Ferman, repeating a phrase used multiple times throughout the protest. A candle-lighting ceremony followed the speaking portion of the event, to honor and mourn Black lives. Crowd members were given candles which they held for a moment of silence. Calvo Vides listed names of Black people who have been killed by police or others in America, such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. As the protest neared its end, the group marched back to the Field House chanting “Black Lives Matter,” with Calvo Vides saying this event will not be the last. “Change is not a one-time thing,” Calvo Vides said. Rachel Dvareckas / The Hawks’ Herald Students held signs with Black Lives

Matter messages as they chanted “Black Lives Matter” and “no change, no peace.”

SECTION EDITOR

Isabella Gentile igentile470@g.rwu.edu

NEWS

DESIGNER

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

September 17, 2020

University announces new yearlong series “Hidden Truths: Stories of Race and Place” addresses marginalized local stories

Isabella Gentile Editor-in-Chief Last week, the university announced a new yearlong series that will delve into often untold stories about the history of the town of Bristol and surrounding areas. “Hidden Truths: Stories of Race and Place” will consist of faculty-led discussions through the fall and spring semesters regarding topics like slave trade in Rhode Island, racial disparities in public health, immigration history and policy and anti-Black racism in America. On Sept. 16, Honors Program Director and Associate Professor of Anthropology Jeremy Campbell presented the first lecture of the series, entitled “Decolonizing Sowams: Resisting the Erasure of Indigenous Lives in the East Bay of Rhode Island.” To date, Campbell and 35 of his students have been working on an oral history project with members of the Pokanoket

community, working alongside tribe members to tell the stories of what the Pokanoket have been forced to endure over time as inhabitants of Bristol. His lecture explored this deep history. “We’re trying to bring these vital and urgent stories out of our classes but also do so in a very careful and thoughtful way where we build solidarity and build networks of community,” Campbell said. The series stems partly from an effort to bring content from RWU’s classes out into the broader public sphere. Campbell said there has also been a more recent effort to hold white faculty to account to do racial and social justice work on campus, and not have the task fall disproportionately on faculty of color. “We can’t as white faculty go to the sidelines while the university says we’re committed to this and let’s cue a faculty of color who will tell us why this is all important,” Campbell said. “No. It’s

important because it’s important and if it’s important, then it’s important to the entire community, and we need to demonstrate and model that.” Campbell said sharing these stories can lead to different ways of community making, ways to honor history and acknowledge present struggle. The series can also engage the campus community on broader structures that have led to the problems of today. “We’re living it now so that means it started somewhere,” Campbell said. “It offers us the clues whereby we can start to create different types of structures and different sorts of communities.” In the past, the university has received criticism of being performative when it comes to social justice work. Campbell acknowledged that criticism and said there have been steps in the right direction, such as creating the position of chief diversity officer, but said there is more work to be done when it comes to the allocation of resources on

campus. “I appreciate that criticism and I must say that I share it,” Campbell said.” I think that a lot of things that the university has done in the recent past having to do with diversity and inclusion have perhaps been steps in the right direction but have been maybe modest and ultimately performative in nature.” Campbell thinks it is especially important for people in dominant faculty positions, such as those who hold tenure at the university, to remain involved in meaningful work and said it is overall important to show what being anti-racist can mean. “Faculty, students, staff, we all have a role to play,” Campbell said. “It’s very important to put your money where your mouth is if you’re saying yes I’m for diversity or I am anti-racist, to show what that looks like.”

Four-time mask violation marks first housing suspension for new protocol violation Cooperation levels generally high but RAs have seen issues with first-year class

Isabella Gentile Editor-in-Chief Though cooperation levels for new safety protocols appear to be high, issues with non-compliance have been present on campus. According to Vice President for Student Life John King, a first-year student was recently banned from university housing following a fourth violation of the mask-wearing policy. In the Student Senate meeting Monday night, resident assistants (RAs) in underclassmen residence halls shared concerns about the behavior of first-year class members. Jeraldyn Ramirez, president of the Multicultural Student Union and RA in Maple Hall, interacts with first-year students every day. She said the policies for mask-wearing and room capacities have become a source of difficulty and she suggested emphasizing that if students continue poor behavior, they will be sent home. “It’s a constant uphill battle with that, because they feel like there’s no consequences, ultimately because they just are getting warnings from everyone else on campus,” Ramirez said. Director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Diana Proto said every situation of protocol violation is different and there is no set amount of repeated violations that trigger a

suspension from the university or from housing. King said he has made it clear to his staff that he believes anyone who violates protocol more than three times should be sent home. “It’s been quite clear in my messaging, which I understand not everybody reads, because it hasn’t been the cheeriest of notes that I’ve been sending,” King said. “It’s been pretty clear our expectations and that we would send people home without a refund. Unfortunately, it will mean that we send more students home before people believe that that’s actually what’s going to happen.” King said feedback from RAs regarding non-compliance led to the backboards of the basketball court on North Campus being removed and that he has threatened the same action on the court at Cedar Hall. Allie DeFabritiis, public relations chair for Student Senate and RA in Cedar Hall, noticed issues with firstyear students originally, saying they didn’t really seem to understand what they would be missing if they were sent home. However, after actions like the removal of the backboards, she said she always sees people with masks on when she walks by the Cedar basketball court now. “I think that students at least at first didn’t know what they were going to be missing and now that they’re sort of

getting comfortable and realizing how great this place is, that they will sort of start to comply more,” DeFabritiis said. Looking to the future, King is worried about people rationalizing not fully complying with protocol as the university touts how well it is doing in terms of testing numbers.

He agreed with student senators that more emphasis on consequences must be done. “Whatever we can do collectively to drill that message down that we’re not out of this,” King said. “We need to have some more action steps and consequences.”

THE GAVEL

Your source for Student Senate news Hey Hawks! This week, President Miaoulis and Vice President for Student Life John King attended the Student Senate meeting. President Miaoulis spoke to us and gathered input, as he will with other student groups, regarding the search for a new Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and the roles they will hold on campus. King provided updates on COVID-19 and the good work people on campus have been doing with social distancing and wearing masks. King also said construction will begin soon on the university’s new disc golf course. On Wednesday, Sept. 16, there will be a Senate and ICC election information session at 7 p.m. The Zoom link can be found on Hawk Link. As always, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @RWU_Senate and try to attend our weekly meetings on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. You can find the Zoom link on our Hawk Link page by clicking on our weekly meeting event. The Zoom link will be available as the location.

SECTION EDITOR

Isabella Gentile igentile470@g.rwu.edu

DESIGNER

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

OPINIONS September 17, 2020

Our lives are slowly turning into an article from The Onion How President Trump has spoken so much with such little substance

Emily Dvareckas Photo Editor 2020 has been one of the most bizarre years and it isn’t even over yet. Unfortunately, one of the most insane aspects of this year and truly the past four years has been Donald Trump. As the years go on, the things that come out of his mouth become increasingly moronic and mindblowing. At this point, I really don’t know if I’m reading an article from satirical media site The Onion or an article from The New York Times. I don’t even think this is a political bias that I have against Trump. I am not actively going out and looking for more reasons to be disappointed in our country’s leadership, they just fall into my lap. He has openly said he’s attracted to Ivanka Trump, a.k.a. his daughter and

yet, that isn’t even the most bizarre thing he’s said. On TikTok, Sarah Cooper has become a sensation for her Donald Trump impersonations. She does so little in the short videos but it is enough to make viewers laugh and share the videos. In one of her videos, she barely even moves, she just sits at a table and lip-syncs to audio of Donald Trump speaking. Thinking about someone doing that with any other president is unheard of because it would be boring and there wouldn’t be anything special about it. But since it’s Donald Trump’s words, it is humorous in that it doesn’t make sense, and seeing an average American citizen saying what our president is saying is a reminder of who exactly we the American people elected into office. Trump speaks as if he is writing an essay and ran out of material to put in it but hasn’t reached the word count. He is the real-life version of Kronk

My Life as a Statue

from “The Emperor’s New Groove.” Remember the poison for Kuzco? The poison chosen to kill Kuzco? Kuzsco’s poison? In Trump’s version of this scene, Kuzco’s poison is replaced with “Well I do think there’s blame, yes, I think there is blame on both sides. You look at, you look at both sides. I think there is blame on both sides.” Not even seeing what this quote is in regards to shows how little substance there is. When realizing he said these words in response to the violence that occurred at a 2017 white supremacist rally, it becomes even more mindboggling. I truly do not understand how this man has stayed in power for the length of time he has. His words hold so little meaning. Some of what he says is just lies and he continues to get away with it. He has verbally attacked different groups that call America home, from immigrants to Black Lives Matter protestors. He

speaks hateful words toward the same people he is supposed to represent. He destroyed the trust that has built up since the founding of our nation and caused irreparable damage. Usually his attacks are verbal, but those words feel like sticks and stones chipping away at the embodiment of the American people. I have a message for anyone still on the fence about voting and anyone who became discouraged at the thought of voting once Bernie dropped out of the race. Please remember that exercising your right to vote is important. You may hate Trump and dislike Joe Biden but these are the two options we have. Not voting this November is about the same as voting for Trump. Personally, I’m joining the group of people that will have to settle for Biden. Please vote this November.

My dearest hawks,

I have heard you all are beginning to test for the virus twice a week now, which is great. Personally, I haven’t been able to get over to the fieldhouse for my biweekly tests since my feet are not made for walking. Don’t worry, I won’t spread my germs to you. You all should be proud of how well the beginning of this semester has gone. I’ve heard other schools have not been as successful in their endeavors this semester. So, keep up the great work and keep up your masks. If it isn’t covering your nose, it isn’t protecting you or others. I have seen a lot of people walk past me since I was built. I’ve seen the different fashion fads that go in and out throughout the years. It is a true testament to your individuality and has always been one of my favorite things to see with each group of students that come through the campus. This year may feel different but from my point of view, it remains the same just with different aspects. The masks I see may cover your facial features but they also tell a story. From the blue hospital-style masks to plain black masks, to bright patterns, to your favorite sports team, the masks all carry your own individuality. From someone who is permanently affixed on top of the rock overlooking the D’Angelo Commons, I can see your lives moving forward. Even if you feel like the life you knew six months ago is far away, just know that I see it differently. I see progress. Sometimes you just need to stand back from your everyday life, stand still and revel in the success that you create every day. Time will always move forward. Take control and lead your life in the way you want because you’ll never be able to move backward.

Emily Dvareckas / The Hawks’ Herald The Roger Williams statue is keeping his mask on tight without spaces under his chin or around his cheeks.

SECTION EDITOR

Rachel Dvareckas rdvareckas244@g.rwu.edu

FEATURES

DESIGNER

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

September 17, 2020

Utilizing the tutoring center without leaving your room Emily Dvareckas Photo Editor Most students are accustomed to walking up the library stairs to the second floor and heading right for the tutoring center. This semester, the tutoring center remains a free resource for students to use but tutoring will be done through online format. After logging into Bridges, there is a new site that has been added to each student’s account labeled “RWU Online Tutoring FA 20.” From there, students are able to select which subject they would like tutoring in and there are links to the tutors. Clicking on a tutor’s name during their designated time block will allow students to work one on one with someone. On the Bridges site, there are tabs for math, science and foreign language

tutors. Tutors in these sections have been given document cameras that give the ability for students to experience the same form of tutoring that was once offered in the library. “The experience is exactly the same as in-person tutoring without the inconvenience of having to travel to the Math Center,” said Rick Fullerton, math center coordinator. “I would advise students not to delay visiting the virtual Math Center. The sooner students get the help they need, the better off they will be in the long run.” For the science center, the changes seen are similar to those of the math center. Students remain able to get the tutoring assistance they need from their dorms or even their homes. New aspects of the science tutoring center include the ability to offer online group study sessions for CHEM 191 and BIO 103, also known as ChemX and BioX.

Essential tips on how to juggle school life and a social life

Gabriella Boretti Herald Reporter

Do you ever wonder how to juggle all of your schoolwork and hang out with your friends at the same time? Do you ever want to go out but have to study for an exam the next day? These questions are everyday thoughts for most college students. Here are some tips on how to juggle school all while gaining the social side of the college experience. Tip #1: Buy a planner, or as some call it, a lifesaver! Planners allow you to organize your work weeks in advance. Having a planner also sets an agenda of things you know you need to get done within the day, that way you can study during the morning and still hang out with friends at night. Tip #2: Set goals. Having goals in life is super important in general. If you reach your goals within the week, you will feel organized and successful, allowing your mood to elevate when you’re not doing schoolwork. When you have goals in the back of your mind, you also feel accountable, which makes you more likely to accomplish your goals. Some goals to consider include getting assignments done, studying or going to bed early because you have an 8 a.m. class the next day. Sophomore Colby Ibootson said he always tries to do his homework right after class. “I also always try and study a little bit each day before a quiz or a big test,”

Ibootson said. “I grind during the week so that the weekend can be mine to do what I want and to be able to hang out with my friends.” Tip #3: Go to class and pay attention. We all know Zoom university is an applicable saying this year but with that being said it is still important to show up every single day. Aside from that, you are paying for the class that is teaching you about your future profession and will one day help you start a career. Class time also allows for questions on anything that needs to be cleared up and extra help on assignments. Tip #4: Take a break. This one is very important. Do not jam all of your studying and homework into one day, for 10 hours. If you do, take breaks in between tasks. It is important to let your brain cool down. Have a snack, get a drink, watch some TikToks and then go back to your paper. Doing this also allows for great proofreads and edits. Tip #5: Gather a support system. Having a support system is so crucial during college. Knowing you have family and friends behind you makes you want to do well but also lets you know it’s okay to have setbacks. Call them and vent, cry with them and get excited with them. Having people with you every step of the way makes you want to be even better then you were the day before.

Students are able to go on Zoom and work with their fellow classmates without being in the same room. This resource is a great way for students in these classes to remain up to date in the course and receive assistance in concepts they may have trouble grasping. The writing center remains a tool for students but is found in a different

spot than services for the other centers. Students are able to access help from writing tutors by going to https://rwu. edu/go/email-writinghelp. This site allows students to send in their papers to be reviewed by a writing tutor in an email form. Junior writing tutor Katherine Haskell said the switchover has been a positive one.

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Quick and easy recipe ideas for college students

Amy Martin Herald Reporter

Learning to cook is an essential skill you’ll probably want in your life. But what if you haven’t cooked much before and don’t know where to start? What if, when you did try to cook, you almost started a fire? Well, the following recipes come from Christine Nelson’s book “Recipes Every College Student Should Know,” which has various quick and easy recipes you can start with. From making quick breakfasts to desserts, there are plenty of ideas to try out. You can also search up these recipe ideas online, but it’s nice to have a little book where it’s all in one place. Egg Sandwich If you have to be somewhere early in the morning but don’t want to be hungry until your lunch break, try making an egg sandwich. It’s a good option for when you’re in a hurry, and it can even be ready in five minutes with the use of a microwave and toaster/ toaster oven. 1. Spray cooking spray into a microwavable cup and then crack one egg into it. 2. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and ground black pepper. 3. With a fork, beat the egg until it’s thoroughly mixed. 4. Microwave the egg on high power for one minute, or until the egg looks dry. 5. Toast the two slices of bread on either the light or medium setting. 6. When ready, layer the egg with a slice of cheese and a slice of ham between the pieces of toast. You can also add anything else that you think would add flavor. 7. Enjoy! Hummus and Veggie Wraps While we go through our classes during the day, we look forward to our lunch breaks. A nice healthy option is a hummus and veggie wrap that is easy to pack into your bag and can be prepared beforehand.

1. With a knife, slice the top and bottom of a green bell pepper. Cut out the seeds and discard them before slicing the rest of the pepper into strips. 2. Slice ½ onion into strips. 3. Slice one cup of mushrooms into four to six slices each. 4. On two tortillas, spread half of the hummus on one side and on the other side, arrange the peppers, onions and mushrooms. 5. Fold the tortillas closed. 6. You can either eat them right away or put them in plastic wrap to save for later! Chicken Ramen We’ve all had a classic packaged ramen dinner, but you can expand past that and make your own ramen that is much healthier and yummier. Hopefully, you’re willing to throw in more materials and time than the regular three minutes and chicken powder. 1. Spray a medium frying pan with cooking spray. 2. Cook a one pound sliced chicken breast in the pan over medium heat for six minutes before flipping it and cooking the other side for another six minutes. When it’s ready, turn off the heat and let it sit. 3. Boil three cups of broth, one cup shredded carrots, three green sliced onions, one teaspoon salt, one teaspoon pepper, ⅓ cup raisins, and ¼ cup sliced almonds in a medium saucepan. 4. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the broth. 5. Put broth on a lower heat setting to simmer. 6. Boil four quarts of water in a large saucepan. 7. Add eight ounces of rice noodles to the large saucepan, stirring occasionally until tender (typically two to four minutes). 8. Drain the water from the noodles before adding and stirring the noodles into the broth. 9. Enjoy!

SECTION EDITOR

Megan Julian mjulian020@g.rwu.edu

SECTION MANAGER

Kristen Dansereau kdansereau387@g.rwu.edu

SPORTS

DESIGNER

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

September 17, 2020

Uncertainty adds to intrigue for NFL season

Andrew Hart Sports Reporter

The return of professional sports to television screens and social media feeds have given people a sense of normalcy during uncharted times. The NFL kicked off its season on Sept. 10, regaining its hold of Americans’ attention on autumn Sunday afternoons. The Chiefs trounced the Texans, still celebrating last year’s Super Bowl victory. Still, one could not help but notice that Arrowhead Stadium, typically one of the most intimidating venues in the league, was filled to just 22% capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions. The unpredictability of whether or not the NFL will be able to run a successful season without a bubble combined with the wide open race for the Lombardi Trophy are fusing to make this season one of the most intriguing in recent memory. Many teams have seen significant changes to their rosters, turning some teams into contenders overnight. Most notably, Tampa Bay acquired Tom

Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Leonard Fournette to add to an offense stacked with All League receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. “It’s a tough one, but I’m going to have to go with the Chiefs,” said junior Nick Zwerle. “They have the best player in the league debatably in Pat Mahomes with great chemistry, experience, young talent and a great coach in Andy Reid.” Mahomes, fresh off a Super Bowl MVP, inked a 10-year contract with the Chiefs during the offseason worth $503 million — this is the largest contract in North American sports history. “They’re the team to beat if you’re the Seahawks, 49ers, Ravens, you know?” Zwerle said. The Chiefs sit at heavy favorites to repeat as Super Bowl champions with 9-2 odds, while the Ravens trail closely behind at 5-1, with reigning league MVP Lamar Jackson at the helm of the offense. As for the Buccaneers, it seems to be Super Bowl or bust with the addition of championship pedigree in Brady and Gronkowski.

“It’s championship or bust. Brady is a winner,” Zwerle said. “Brady should get them into the playoffs.” If all goes well for the Bucs, fans could witness the first time a team has played a Super Bowl in its home stadium, as the big game is scheduled to take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay this February. The question of how many people will be able to attend is still up in the air. According to NBC Sports, only two of 30 venues in the NFL allowed spectators during week one. Decisions regarding capacity are based on guidelines put in place by state health officials. Some teams have decided to close stadiums to spectators despite small gatherings being allowed. However, the situation is very fluid, and teams like the Saints, Bengals and Broncos have announced they plan to have fans in their stadiums as the season progresses. Certainly, this season is going to be a season like no other. So buckle up, settle down and get the popcorn ready.

First week of practices complete Coaches reflect on COVID-19 restrictions for teams

Megan Julian Sports Editor Athletes and coaches have begun to feel a little bit of normalcy this past week with practices returning for fall sports. According to Athletic Director Kiki Jacobs, the department is allowing teams to practice up to four days per week for a maximum of two hours a day. Masks are to be worn for all practices and teams are divided into pods of 10 or fewer people for the first two weeks of practice. “After two weeks, if things are going well, we will increase the size of the pods to 20,” Jacobs said. “Practice equipment may not be shared outside of the pods. All equipment must be cleaned and sanitized at the beginning and end of each practice.” Jacobs said they are keeping it safe right now by not allowing scrimmages and encouraging physical distancing as much as possible. Athletes and coaches are also required to get their temperatures taken every day before the teams go out to practice. Jacobs said coaches and athletes have been very understanding of the new regulations.

“I know it is hard. None of us like wearing a mask all day, but it is just a fact of life right now. The better we do with this, the better the campus will do as a whole. Most understand this,” Jacobs said. Cross Country Coach Sean Livingston said it is very challenging for everyone but his team understands. “We’re all in this together. They know it wouldn’t take much to have this whole thing fall apart and have the team not be able to practice if the number of positive cases go up,” Livingston said. The cross country team is currently practicing in pods of 10 or less. They are wearing masks at all times on campus. When the runners are off campus, they need to be 15 feet apart if running without a mask on. The team does face some challenges when abiding by the protocol. “Running nine or 10 miles in the heat with a mask on is not ideal and that being ‘together’ but still separate from their teammates on the long runs can be difficult,” Livingston said. On the soccer field, men’s head coach, James Greenslit said he acknowledges wearing a mask while playing soccer

is not the most comfortable thing for players but he said the players have been diligent about wearing their masks throughout all of practice. “There has been no push back,” Greenslit said. “They have come to understand the importance of wearing masks even when it is uncomfortable on the soccer field.” As for women’s soccer, players also understand the protocol completely, according to Head Coach Timothy Moody. He believes the most challenging thing for his team is missing out on the opportunities that occur in a regular season. “The freshmen don’t know any different, but the returners would be thinking about the home games we are missing,” Coach Moody said. “All the team bonding activities we aren’t allowed to engage in as a large group that takes place at the beginning of the semester. It is difficult to get to know each other when you cannot spend any quality time with them in person.” The volleyball team has also been following the regulations put in place. Head Coach Danielle Soubliere said the most challenging thing for her

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Meet the freshmen:

Niall Shea

Kristen Dansereau Sports Manager

Niall Shea of Portsmouth, Rhode Island is a freshman on RWU’s men’s soccer team this year. Besides the competitive nature of the soccer team, Shea came to RWU for the competitiveness of the Engineering and Business programs. “I decided to join the soccer team after one of the assistant coaches reached out to me after seeing a few of my high school games,” Shea said. “From there, I met with the coaches a few times and was eventually recruited.” Shea described his freshman year as an athlete as different and said it gave him a weird feeling. “However, I actually see it as an advantage because now the freshmen have the whole fall to showcase their abilities and grow as players, instead of only having those couple of weeks of preseason that we normally would have had,” Shea said. Regardless of the unusual circumstances, being a student athlete during the transition into college has greatly benefited him. Shea summed up his team as a brotherhood, which gave him an immediate group that he felt comfortable reaching out to and hanging out with. Shea said the other freshmen have become his core group. He is looking forward to continuing to get to know them better. “Over the summer, I was running and working out regularly and also playing a lot of soccer with friends from high school and people from the area,” Shea said. “I have continued to run and work out regularly on most days that we have off from practice, and this fall is definitely a great opportunity to improve fitness even more.” Overall, Shea is happy with his decision to come to RWU and play on the team. “Between the guys and the coaches on the team, to the campus and community, it has truly been a great experience,” Shea said. “If I could go back in time, there is no doubt that I would make the choice to come here again.” Like other students, he is looking forward to the times that undoubtedly lie ahead, filled with “normal situations” and less restricted socialization.

SECTION EDITOR

Isabella Gentile igentile470@g.rwu.edu

EDITOR’S DESK

DESIGNER

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

September 17, 2020

EDITORIAL: Take some time for yourself during difficult times It has been a rough year, to say the least. Every time we go to bed, it seems that we wake up with news to make it worse. There seems to be a downfall in the sanity of our country and frankly, the world. There are constantly news stories covering tragedies and there doesn’t seem to be an end. Listening and reading as more people die, more forests burn and more people get assaulted just for the way they look is damaging to our mental states. We are in such a crucial time in our lives, we are just entering college, leaving college, entering the real world, becoming adults and that real-world we are constantly being told is coming looks a lot like a pile of garbage. Therein lies the problem, the world is constantly spewing out the bad news that adds to the pile of garbage that we can’t

really see an end in sight. This is where we need to take a step back, take a breath and realize what we need to focus on. There are so many issues in our world that we can’t possibly advocate for all of them at once. It is damaging to our mental health and to our spirits. The world needs change but it cannot be changed all at once, unfortunately. Take a step back, see where you can reasonably make a change and go headfirst into that. Speak up for what you believe in, be passionate and you can be a force of good for yourself and someone else. There are so many good things in the world that have been overlooked and buried under the bad. No matter how small you feel in a world filled with billions of people, you will always have the power to change the world.

THE HAWKS’ HERALD The student newspaper of Roger Williams University

DISCLAIMER

THE HAWKS’ HERALD is a student publication. The views, statements, opinions, depictions, and/or representations (expressions) contained herein are solely those of THE HAWKS’ HERALD and do not, and are not, meant to represent or be attributed to the expressions of Roger Williams University, any trustee, officer, agent, employee, student, or representative of Roger Williams University, and either are such expressions authorized, accepted, or condoned by the university. THE HAWKS’ HERALD is dedicated to providing news to the university in a fair and accurate manner.

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REPORTERS

SPORTS MANAGER

Rachel Dvareckas rdvareckas244@g.rwu.edu

Isabella Gentile igentile470@g.rwu.edu

Janine Weisman jweisman@g.rwu.edu

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CORRECTIONS

Emily Dvareckas edvareckas213@g.rwu.edu

Emma Bartlett ebartlett122@g.rwu.edu

BUSINESS MANAGER Adam Zerman azerman020@g.rwu.edu

PHOTOGRAPHERS Rachel Dvareckas Emily Dvareckas

In the Aug. 27 issue, a chart on new restrictions said the number of students allowed in classrooms was limited to 15. This limit only applies to personal or group social gatherings, not formally approved events or teaching instruction. The Hawks’ Herald · Suite 212, Campus Recreation Center · 1 Old Ferry Road · Bristol, R.I. 02809

Kayla Ivan kivan850@g.rwu.edu

Gabriella Boretti Amy Martin Andrew Hart Veronica Rodriguez

Adrianne Harris aharris@g.rwu.edu

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

Megan Julian mjulian020@g.rwu.edu

Kristen Dansereau kdansereau387@g.rwu.edu

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Emma Bartlett Kayla Ivan ebartlett122@g.rwu.edu kivan850@g.rwu.edu

ARTS & CULTURE

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

September 17, 2020

Reality TV shows to check out right now Kayla Ivan Arts & Culture Manager In a socially distanced time, it is important to find fun activities to do. If you are a fan of entertainment, reality TV shows can be both interesting and captivating to watch. Here are a few to check out right now. “Big Brother: All-Stars” Take a look inside the Big Brother house, featuring houseguests living in one place without any connection to the outside world. Watch as these players compete to win the $500,000 grand prize awarded to the last player living inside of the house. After 22 seasons of this intense social experiment, the series has brought in a house full of returning players for its second All-Stars season. Jump into the season now on CBS All Access since the season is in full swing. Through intricate moves from week to week and alliances forming and crumbling, who will strategically make their way to the end of the game? “The Amazing Race” If you are a fan of travel and competition, this CBS show is one to watch. A new season will be coming this fall as a new set of pairs embark on the journey of a lifetime to win the $1 million grand prize after beating the other pairs in the competition. Each season follows 11 paired individuals in their travels around the world as they work together to eliminate their competition.

“The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” If you are a fan of love and romance, these popular series are both entertaining and captivating. The bachelor or bachelorette is the featured single of the respective season who must meet and eliminate prospective love interests from a pool of individuals vying for their love in the end. The

nature of the show elicits drama and shocking decisions. The new season of “The Bachelorette” is set to premiere on Oct. 13. Don’t miss out on the hit show that brings people looking for love together! “Love It or List It” HGTV is a great channel to check out for reality shows. Watch as cohosts Hilary Farr and David Visentin

work with clients who want to improve their homes while also searching the market for a new place. This show is fun to watch whether you like seeing interior designers at work or realtors scanning through listings in order to find clients the perfect place to call home. The competitive nature of the show between the co-hosts makes it a must-watch.

Courtesy of Hulu Watching reality shows can be a good way to spend free time while you relax and take a break from daily tasks. You can access various reality shows through a Hulu subscription.

Latest “Mulan” movie is the talk of the town Between new adaptations and political controversy, “Mulan” is making national headlines

Emma Bartlett Arts & Culture Editor Let’s get down to business and talk about Disney’s new, live adaptation of “Mulan.” The feature film was drastically modified from the original 1998 animated version and has left fans unsure of how to feel. While the costume design, fight scenes and landscape shots were intriguing, the movie mostly fell flat in all other aspects. For starters, the film focused most of its attention on developing Mulan’s character, enough so that the audience didn’t get a sense of other characters’ backgrounds or personalities. Basically, all secondary characters

seemed to blend together and not stand out individually. It was also hard to like the new movie if you loved the original. Mushu, the beloved, backtalking dragon, didn’t make the cut for the live film and singing was a no go. Although the audience heard the melody of “Reflection” and “I’ll Make a Man Out of You,” the desire to hear the main character belt out a song was never fulfilled. The new “Mulan” movie is definitely more serious than the original, which had light-hearted comedy spread throughout. However, the new film did have new, interesting plot twists. Movie directors incorporated a witch named Xian Lang who used her chi (warrior spirit) for evil but ultimately had a change of heart and sacrificed herself

to save Mulan. Lang’s redemption sent a powerful message that anyone could turn against the evil that defined their lives. Aside from the contents of the movie, “Mulan” has also received negative attention since its release. In the end credits of the film, Disney thanked eight Chinese government agencies located in Xinjiang for letting them use landscape shots from the Xinjiang region of China. This area of China has been accused of violating human rights since Uighur Muslims have been detained in internment camps nearby. Because of this aspect, activists on social media began the #BoycottMulan campaign. The unexpected obstacle for Disney has left them searching for a response to the public.

Before the movie was released, controversy arose when Liu Yifei, the actress who plays Mulan, spoke out in support of Hong Kong police who were accused of using excessive violence against protesters. Since then, prodemocratic Chinese have decided to boycott the film because of the actress’ statement. China is Disney’s second largest viewer, so if the film isn’t a hit in China, it could be detrimental for sales. Depending on how much you like Disney movies, you may or may not want to watch “Mulan.” The movie is expensive and costs $30 on Disney Plus. However, it is fun to compare the differences between the new movie and the original animated film.

8 “An Evening with Mrs. Parker” debuts HOT HITS: new theatre talent

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Emma Bartlett Kayla Ivan ebartlett122@g.rwu.edu kivan850@g.rwu.edu

Emma Bartlett Arts & Culture Editor

The RWU Theatre Department presented its debut show “An Evening with Mrs. Parker” on Sept. 11 and 12. The performance retold the story of Dorothy Parker’s life through her poetry and narrative work. Parker was a famous writer, humorist, critic and human rights defender who rose to fame for her literary talent. The show’s audience gathered a sense of who Mrs. Parker was when she was alive through the good and bad times she wrote about. “An Evening with Mrs. Parker” ran differently from past debut shows. Though it was held inside the Barn, only 13 seats were available for audience members and reservations had to be made for the seats beforehand. Each of the four actors and actresses sat in individual chairs and stood when it was their time to recite a piece of Parker’s writing. The poetry and other written works of Mrs. Parker helped develop the story of her life, its impact and her legacy. Parkers’ poems consisted of romance followed by heartbreak and how she

ARTS & CULTURE

Bailee Maston bmaston760@g.rwu.edu

had a tempestuous relationship with men throughout her life. Her work also expressed the fragility of her mental health when it came to her experience with depression. While there was little movement around the stage, the cast made up for it with voice inflections and facial expressions. The actors did a great job of not letting their masks affect the projection of their voices and articulation. The actors involved were Teal Kim, Marisa Cestone, Devyn Siegl and Brian Martinez.

September 17, 2020

Chill sounds to relax and listen to Veronica Rodriguez Herald Reporter

“The actors did a great job of not letting their masks affect the projection of their voices and articulation.” Overall, the show was short but to the point. It showed the talent of a young woman who gained fame throughout her life with her creative work. Parkers’ whit shines throughout the play and as the show voiced in the ending, “No matter where she is, her words stay with us.”

Poet Gabriela Garcia Medina to speak in online event

Kayla Ivan Arts & Culture Manager

Are you looking for something fun to do with your friends this weekend and tired of watching Netflix series on repeat? Poet Gabriela Garcia Medina will be performing for students online on Saturday, Sept. 19. Along with being a poet, Medina is a spoken word artist. Her content regards a range of topics including social injustice and identity. She uses humor to express her thoughts and stories. Medina has traveled throughout the country to over 800 colleges to perform her award-winning spoken word art. She has opened up for musical artists such as the Black Eyed Peas and Pitbull, and some of her poems have been

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used in Dove, Coca Cola and Toyota commercials. Medina has also been in the press for her work, including The Huffington Post and The Daily Beacon. Medina’s performance for RWU will be full of her talents in spoken word art along with her poetic use of words. Writers and non-writers alike will be entertained by her storytelling. The event is sure to be a wonderful experience. You won’t want to miss out on her event, which is to be hosted by Student Programs, Leadership and Orientation (SPLO) and the Multicultural Student Union (MSU). The registration link for the virtual event can be found on Hawk Link and Corq. If you are interested in learning more about Medina before the performance, check out her website here: gabrielagarciamedina.com.

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