The Maroon Sept. 22, 2023 Issue

BOMBINO

Nigerien guitarist spreads message of peace through 'Desert Blues'

100 Years of

See page 8

“I would have loved to be a teacher” Students voice difficulties in Loyola’s teacher education program

By Ava Acharya writeremail@loyno.edu @writer_twitter

Despite good intentions and comprehensive coursework, Loyola’s teacher education program has left students wanting more.

Students within the program feel that its small size and lack of flexibility has denied them the support necessary to be truly successful.

One such student is Rose LaBay, who has worked toward becoming an education professional for the past two years.

However, when this goal fell apart, LaBay was left without a clear professional direction.

The time and energy LaBay spent in this program was ultimately lost when she was unable to pass her teacher certification exam, which was a result of what she claims were failures within Loyola’s teacher education program.

LaBay, now entering her senior year at Loyola, had to shift focus and solely pursue an English degree because, she said, Loyola lacks the resources she needed to complete her teaching certification.

“I would have loved to be a teacher,” LaBay said. “But this has kind of turned me off from it in a sense. It’s so many hoops to jump through, and no one wanted to even help me with it.”

Difficulty in program completion According to the program’s director, Glenda Hembree, students take the Praxis II teacher certification exam as juniors and then enter a student teaching position as seniors, where they gradually learn to teach a class independently through a mentorship program.

However, LaBay found her biggest obstacle in passing this initial exam.

She said her professors did not inform her of the exam date until a couple months before she would be required to take it. She added that she was not initially informed there would be a deadline to submit score results, which made retaking the exam difficult.

Loyola does not offer specific courses to prepare students for the exam, she Tuareg artist Bombino performs on acoustic guitar at The Broadside on Sept. 15, 2023. The band is on their Peace and Love tour, which is traveling through the U.S. and Europe.

Anna Hummel/The Maroon

See TEACH, page 6

Issue 6 • Vol. 101 • Loyola University • New Orleans • Since 1923 • Sept. 22, 2023

COMICS

Sept. 22, 2023 THE MAROON

7

Taylor Falgout/The Maroon

Sofia Johnson/The Maroon

STAFF

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NEWS

Sept 22, 2023 THE MAROON

3

SGA confirms budget for 2023-24 year pend for the year. This increased $200$400 from last year, depending on the position.

According to Diamond Dixon, director of finance, cabinet members' stipend increased $200 from last year in order to meet the work study hourly wages of $10 per hour.

“We work approximately 24 weeks for 10 hours a week,” Dixon wrote in the budget.

The homecoming chair received $200 more this year compared to last, evening out to $1,000 for the year.

The homecoming chair makes less than other cabinet members due to the position holder only working from October to December of the fall semester, according to Dixon.

The total cabinet member compensation will be $15,400 this year.

The senator at large will earn $2,000 in compensation this year. This is the first year this position has been paid, according to the budget.

The total compensation for SGA members this year equals out to $42,950.

Last year, it totaled to $28,987.

Tanesha Taylor/The Maroon

By Kloe Witt kgwitt@my.loyno.edu

Loyola’s Student Government Association released their budget for the 2023-24 academic year, cutting funding in some areas and increasing in others.

Every year, SGA receives a certain amount of funding from Loyola in order to perform their duty of serving the Loyola community. This year, their total budget is $129,800, a decrease of almost $6000.

On Wednesday, Sept. 13 in a senate meeting, the 2023 budget was proposed and passed through a vote by members.

SGA members compensation Each year, a portion of the SGA funding goes toward payment of their cabinet members, along with the senator at large.

This year, SGA President Makayla Hawkins, received $6,270 to pay for housing and meal plan and a $1,750 sti-

pend. This stipend was $230 more than last year.

The total president compensation will be $8,000 this academic year.

Vice President Sydney Randall received $5,917 to pay for her housing and meal plan with a stipend of $1,633, which was an increase of $133 from last year.

The total vice president compensation will be $7,550 this year.

Each cabinet position, besides homecoming chair, will receive a $2,400 sti-

By Lizzy Hadley ehadley@my.loyno.edu

Executive initiatives are initiatives the president and vice president carry out.

“We want these initiatives to be beneficial for the students so we provide information as well as tangible items like handouts and food,” Dixon wrote.

This year, this funding stayed the same as the last two years with $2,000.

The University Programming Board received a $1,000 increase for a total of $36,000.

UPB is in charge of funding university programming, such as Wolfpack Wednesday or Sneaux in December.

January Term is an optional twoweek learning experience for Loyola students looking to earn more credits or travel abroad without leaving for an entire semester.

Each of these courses are worth the three-credit hours of most semester-long courses, but they are more fastpaced due to being condensed into a two-week timeframe.

There are six available J-Term studyabroad programs this year to travel to London, Sicily, India, Spain, Costa Rica, and Thailand. These programs will offer different credits to fulfill necessary courses in students’ Loyola Core, including writing about literature, philosophy II, religious studies, or special topics in international business, depending on the program.

Philosophy instructor and Catholic Studies Director of Faith Formation Joshua Hinchie, S.J., will be teaching “In the Footsteps of Ignatius” as a religious studies requirement.

Hinchie said this is a faculty-led study abroad course in Spain, in which students and faculty will be walking 150 miles of the Camino Ignaciano, the pilgrimage route St. Ignatius of Loyola traveled as he discovered his calling from God. “My hope is that by experiencing firsthand the steps of Ignatius's spiritual journey, students will be helped in their own spiritual journey,” Hinchie said.

See SGA, page 6

See J-TERM, page 13

SGA Initiatives

n

Two-week long courses help students gain credit

Loyolans win big in LaunchU competition Loyola advocates against death penalty

By Kloe Witt

kgwitt@my.loyno.edu @kloewitt22

By Mark Michel mamichel@my.loyno.edu The Jesuit Social Research Institute at Loyola, in association with the Catholic Mobilizing Network, organized a week of events to promote advocacy for death penalty abolition, in honor of death penalty awareness week A series of events were held both at the main campus and the law school, featuring a variety of speakers and educational programs dedicated to the idea that the death penalty has no place in modern society.

Kicking the week off on Sept. 7, there was a showing of the film “Dead Man Walking,” a movie based on the book of the same name by Sister Helen Prejean, one of the nation’s leading advocates against the death penalty.

The following Tuesday, after the movie’s showing, Prejean came to speak to students at a faith, work, and ethics luncheon, and at the Catholic Studies dinner.

“Can a family who is grieving and has lost someone to violence, actually be healed by sitting in a front row and watching as the state kills the one who killed their loved one, they witness this act of violence, and that’s supposed to heal them,” Prejean said, while speaking to the attendees at the Catholic Studies dinner.

See PENALTY, page 13

Loyola graduate students and alumni had the chance to win $5,000 to $10,000 in the second annual LaunchU entrepreneurship competition.

Eight teams of an original 49 applicants pitched their ideas at the final competition to a panel of judges and were scored on a rubric. Four of the finalists were selected as winners, two teams earning $10,000 and the other two winning $5,000 to help start up their idea on Sept. 7, 2023.

Assistant Director for the Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development, Sam McCabe was happy with this year's competition and their improvement throughout the entire LaunchU pitch process.

“I don’t think it could’ve gone any better. I was blown away by the work these teams have done, even between the first and final round of pitches,” McCabe said.

Applicants applied during the spring 2023 semester. Of the 49 who applied this spring, 20 were selected to move on to a two-week bootcamp in May, where 19 speakers and over 30 mentors spoke and worked with the teams to prepare them for the first pitches in August.

Only 15 teams made it to the August pitch competition. Of those, the final eight teams were chosen.

McCabe said this year, a wide variety of applicants applied among the Loyola community, bringing a diverse pool of ideas.

“We had alumni from as early as the late 80’s to folks who just graduated in the spring. We had some faculty and staff,” McCabe said. “We just had a wide diversity of alumni, faculty, staff, and students and it really just was a great group of people we got to work with this year.”

This variety in teams and ideas from Loyola is something McCabe said the Center for Entrepreneurship is proud to show off to the world.

“We get to work with this really diverse group of members of the Loyola community and show off to New Orleans and beyond the exciting entrepreneurs we have on campus,” he said.

The two $10,000 winning recipients were Marcel's, a company of cocktail syrups made from a family recipe, and Dependent Care, a platform that simplifies and modernizes Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account to make childcare more affordable for parents.

HandOffur, an app that makes the Tulane Classifieds on Facebook safer and reachable through a student email, and Newrospace, a supplement to relieve menopause symptoms, were the two $5,000 winners.

Aubin Duchier, a spring 2022 Loyola graduate and owner of HandOffur, said the environment created within LaunchU’s competition, especially with the students, was something he adored.

“It’s so great,” Duchier said. “They created this kind of community and you have all those students that want that looking up to you.”

What LaunchU does for students is something Duchier finds admirable,

Graduate student Adele Coleman pitching her idea at the LaunchU finals on Sept. 7, 2023. LaunchU awarded 4 teams $5,000 to $10,000 to start up their business idea. Jake Hufnagel/The Maroon

especially after feeling as though there weren’t as many resources for entrepreneurs during his time at Loyola.

“What they’re trying to create is like there’s no fear to say ‘I want to be an entrepreneur,’” Duchier said.

Although Duchier said the $5,000 was only a portion of what he needs to fully get his idea of a more sustainable Tulane Classifieds app, the experience of the competition made it worth continuing to pursue the app.

“It helps a lot to get started. It’s the validation that this is an actual need and solution that we have to push and make things happen,” Duchier said.

Although the LaunchU competition

is only for graduates, the Center for Entrepreneurship hosts several smaller competitions for current students, including the Side Hustle fair in the spring where students can present their side hustle for a chance to win scholarship money.

With this year's competition wrapped up, the center is now working to prepare for these competitions and applicants for next year's LaunchU competition, which will also open in the spring.

“We are constantly trying to provide as many resources as we can for our students,” McCabe said. “We’re excited to be able to help our Loyola entrepreneurs anyway that we can.”

PUZZLES

4

Sept. 22, 2023 THE MAROON

Across 1. Mascara site 5. Pointed ends where two curves meet 10. Apple cousin 14. It’s all around you 15. Playwright Chekhov 16. Daughter of the evil queen in Descendants 17. Young beef 18. Male arabic name for good 19. 20th century art style that challenges social norms in confusing manners 20. Fiery felony 22. Common abbreviation for “please” in text messages 23. Famous street in french quarter known for its shopping scene 24. Left to personal choice 27. Minty Cuban cocktail 31. Finger friction sound 32. Type of aircraft 35. Commonly known as Candytuft 36. Movie by spike Joinz on AI love 37. Solar Energy Industries Assoc.

Abbr.

38. Canada’s largest city 40. Resident or inhabitant 42. Group of identical cells or organisms derived from some kind of asexual reproduction 43. 33rd president’s initials 45. Genus of ladybugs 46. “If only ___ listened!”

47. Biblical ark 48. Large seahole 49. Edge of a billiard table 51. Humanities majors are often taking classes in this building 54. Pre-Gmail 55. Food poisoning bacteria 60. Pungent smell 61. Japanese word for struggle or to act violently 63. Uttered at the end of prayer 64. Alumni of this university include Karl Marx and Friedrich Nietzsche 65. Mathematical relationship 66. Jenny, the “Swedish Nightingale” 67. Oxford bottom 68. Big name in chicken nuggets 69. “_____ bitsy spider” Nursery rhyme Down 1. Cool magma 2. Violinist Leopold

3. Short-Run Agg. Supply Curve abbr.

4. Beyonce’s famous song released in 2008 5. Grumpy ___ 6. Not fit 7. Tres chic 8. Snow White’s apple 9. Swiss national bank abbr.

10. “Put the ____ to the metal!”

11. Dear ___ Hansen play 12. Elton John-Tim Rice musical 13. ____ Housewives of ….

21. “ ___ __ any hurry” 23. Colloquial slang for lying 25. Logical fallacy of believing that temporal succession implies a causal relation 26. They’re swimming in the ocean because they are so awesome 27. Senator McConnell that often freezes up 28. Silver coin of France in the Middle Ages

29. New England Patriots’ inside linebacker coach Mayo 30. Element FE on the periodic table 32. Portable gelatin 33. Refrain from the children's song "Old MacDonald" 34. Actor Killam in River Wild (2023) 37. Coal mining waste 39. A bay in western Japan 41. Romantic Zoom meeting 44. Anatomical location of uvulas 47. L-O-V-E singer __ King Cole 49. Capital of Switzerland 50. River in Mexico 51. Within bubble tea 52. Strong smell 53. Bon__ 56. West coast state, for short 57. Redact 58. Focusing glass 59. “___ 500” 61. Museum exhibits 62. One billion years

For weekly puzzle answers, download The Loyola Maroon Mobile App Apple Store Crosswords by Max Schweikarth & Kira Phillips

Google Play

Sept. 22, 2023 THE MAROON

WORLDVIEW

5

Efforts continue to appease Doubles-to-Dorms

By Eloise Pickering ewpicker@my.loyno.edu

“Stop Doubles to Dorms” is a lobbying slogan that has gained popularity throughout Uptown New Orleans, as houses built for families are being converted to accommodate large amounts of college students.

Junior Ana Colón has lived in a double-to-dorm house since May, with her two roommates. The house is divided into three units. Colón’s unit has less than her peers that live in a double-todorm home. Still, she has concerns.

“I don't love the idea that we live kind of up in the attic because it used to be one whole house.” Colón said.

One of the most pressing concerns among neighbors who live near doubleto-dorm houses is the parking. These houses do not have the proper parking spaces to accommodate the amount of people in the house, despite zoning regulations put in place, according to New Orleans’ District A Councilman Joseph Giarrusso.

To combat this issue, Giarrusso passed an ordinance, in which development companies must create parking spaces for each bathroom built in a house. However, developers have been finding loopholes within the regulations to continue the practice of cramming as many rooms into one house as possible.

“Developers found another … loophole, where they put a toilet in one closed off room, and then the sink in another closed off room, and then like a freestanding bathtub in the third room,” said Claire Byun, the communications and land use director for District A. At the end of September, Giarrusso will be putting another ordinance to vote in the hopes of answering the residents' grievances, and closing the loopholes that developers have created.

“This is an attempt to stifle what is a cottage industry of taking residential homes, and then converting, not only in

the sense of the figurative, but also the literal homes so only college kids can, or want to, live in them,” Giarrusso said.

Uptown residents take issue not only with the parking congestion but also with the lack of housing for families, and the culture that large amounts of college students bring into neighborhoods.

Rafe Rabalais, a New Orleans home-owner, said that having more people means more noise, late nights, trash, and partying.

In an effort to relieve pressure on local neighborhoods and housing in the area, Tulane is constructing a new series of residential halls called The Villages.

The first of five on-campus residences, River and Lake, opened just prior to the start of the fall semester, providing nearly 700 beds.

“We respect and highly value the importance and uniqueness of every New Orleans neighborhood,” said Michael Strecker, Tulane’s Assistant Vice President for news and media relations.

The construction of The Villages further provides space for juniors to live on-campus, as well as freshman and sophomores, with a total of 700 additional beds for students, according to Tulane’s website and news.

“By increasing our on-campus housing, it may be less desirable for developers to create doubles-to-dorms, which would improve the quality of life for neighbors,” Strecker said.

Similar to Tulane, Loyola has a new residential hall under construction.

While not geared towards aiding the residential stress of doubles-to-dorms issues, the addition of new dorm beds is a response to student concerns regarding affordability and availability of off-campus housing.

“Loyola is building a new residence hall to address student feedback, both in terms of the availability of on-campus housing and the preference for apartment-style living,” said residential life director Chris Rice.

Yard sign for the Doubles-to-Dorms lobbying group, Sept. 12, 2023. The group has been calling for government action in preventing doubles homes from being converted into student housing. Sophia Renzi/The Maroon.

Homeowners face rising insurance rates as climate change makes wildfires, storms more common

By Ken Sweet Associated Press

A growing number of Americans are finding it difficult to afford insurance on their homes, a problem only expected to worsen because insurers and lawmakers have underestimated the impact of climate change, a new report says.

A report from First Street Foundation released Wednesday says states such as California, Florida and Louisiana, which are prone to wildfires and damaging storms and flooding, are likely to see the most dramatic increases in premiums. First Street estimates, factoring climate models into the financial risk of properties in its report, that roughly 39 million properties — roughly a quarter of all homes in the country — are being underpriced for the climate risk to insure those properties.

"Some places may be impacted very minimally, but other places could see massive increases in insurance premiums in the coming years," said Jeremy Porter, head of climate implications at First Street and a co-author of the report.

First Street, a New York-based non-profit, has been a to-go researcher on the financial implications of climate change for years. Their research is used

by Fannie Mae, Bank of America, the Treasury Department and others for understanding the potential risks to properties.

There are several signs that climate change is taking its toll on the insurance industry. The U.S. homeowner's insur-

ance industry has had three straight years of underwriting losses, according to credit rating agency AM Best. Losses for the first half of 2023 totaled $24.5 billion, which is roughly what was lost in all of 2022. "(Climate change) is a problem that is already here," said Todd Bevington, a managing director at the insurance broker VIU by HUB. In his 30 years of doing insurance, he said "I've never seen the market turn this quickly or significantly."

There are likely to be more insurance market failures in the future, Porter said, as more insurers simply refuse to underwrite policies in certain communities or go property by property. Comparisons to the National Flood Insurance Program, which is now $22.5 billion in debt, have become common.

Even the backstop programs are buckling under tremendous losses. Louisiana's insurer of last resort, Citizens, raised its rates for 2023 by 63.1% statewide to cover higher costs.

This summer, reinsurance companies such as Swiss Re and Munich Re raised their property catastrophe reinsurance premiums in the U.S. by an average of 20% to 50%. Reinsurance brokerage firm Guy Carpenter & Co. said it was the highest increase for reinsurance rates since the year after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.

"It's a global problem. Virtually every geography is seeing a repricing of risk," said Lara Mowery, global head of distribution at Guy Carpenter, in an interview.

Reinsurers step in to help cover losses

resulting from a catastrophe, so regular insurance companies do not take on all of the risk. In one example of a typical reinsurance contract, a $20 million contract could require the insurance company to cover the first $10 million in claims and the reinsurer to pick up the other $10 million.

Mowery added that many reinsurance firms now have resources dedicated to studying the impact of climate change on how to price catastrophes.

There have been other factors impacting the insurance industry as well.

Inflation has made the cost of repairing

homes pricier and home prices remain near record levels. A labor shortage means getting damaged homes repaired may take longer, requiring insurers to pay for temporary housing for policyholders longer.

In short, an industry whose business model is calculating risk based on what happened in the past is increasingly unable to do so.

"You can no longer rely on 100 years of wildfire data to price risk when the unprecedented has happened," Mowery said.

While the intensity of wildfires, floods

and storms can vary from year to year, the trend lines in these models point to more wildfire activity as well as more intense storms, all likely to result in more catastrophic amounts of damage that insurance companies will have to cover.

Factoring in climate models and acres estimated to be burned, First Street estimates that by 2050, roughly 34,000 homes will burn down because of wildfires every year. That's roughly the equivalent of losing the city of Asheland, N.C., every year.

A cottage belonging to the Ellison family teeters over a canal, alongside the remnants of the family's destroyed business, Ed's Baithouse and Marina, in Horseshoe Beach, Fla., Aug. 31, 2023, one day after the passage of Hurricane Idalia. Americans nationwide face hefty increases in their homeowner’s insurance premiums in the coming years, a report by the First Street Foundation said on Wednesday, Sept. 20, as climate change intensifies floods, wildfires and storms in ways insurance companies are simply unable to keep up with. AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

NEWS

6

Sept. 22, 2023 THE MAROON

TEACH: Students dissatisfied with Loyola's education program Continued from page 1

gram were sent to complete their student teaching at Morris Jeff Community Loyola does not offer specific cours- School, a K-12 charter school with multies to prepare students for the exam, she ple campuses in New Orleans. said.

Cormier said before being assigned to LaBay said she was repeatedly told by Morris Jeff, she and other students were Hembree that she shouldn’t worry about told to compile a list of potential schools the exam because she was attempting at which they would want to teach. certification in a supposedly easier area However, she questioned if this list of focus. made any impact on her actual assignLaBay chose to retake the exam but ment, as all students were sent to the was concerned that she would not re- same location. ceive her results until after the necessary Hembree said there are many schools deadline to qualify for student teaching. in the area available for student teaching, When LaBay voiced these concerns to but Cormier felt that assignments were Hembree, she said she was told to “be dictated by convenience rather than best positive.” individual fit.

According to Hembree, the classAccording to Hembree, Morris Jeff is es which students take junior year are well suited to the needs of student teachtaught with this exam in mind, and the ing. She said Loyola has one alumni from department has test practice books avail- the teaching program who currently able. works there.

Ultimately, LaBay chose to leave the Additionally, Morris Jeff is roughly a teacher education program because she 20-minute drive from Loyola’s campus. would have to complete another year at Cormier said this raised another issue, Loyola in order to graduate with her cer- as she now had to provide her own transtification, which wasn’t feasible financial- portation. ly for her.

“I had to hurry up and get a car this She also added that the combined summer, which was a lot of money,” cost of practice exams, as well as tak- Cormier said. ing and retaking the exam, cost almost History senior Savannah Charette $300. Hembree said that, although the said she has also had difficulty traveling department does not directly fund ex- to Morris Jeff in order to complete her ams, Loyola’s student government has a residency for the teacher education prostipend available for students who apply. gram at Loyola. Charette said that while Ayana Cormier, a senior English writ- she is able to use public transportation, ing major, is currently working on her the commute requires her to take two student teaching residency. Cormier said buses, which takes roughly an hour and she feels there is a faila half. ure in communicatCharette added “[The program] does ing the requirements that, originally, she necessary to begin what it has to do.” would wake up at student teaching, 5:45 in the morning which include back- — Savannah Charette in order to make it to ground checks, the Education student school on time. But, certification exam, she has since decided and direct contact to sacrifice punctualiwith the schools at which they are teach- ty for the sake of a better commute. ing.

Charette said that traveling to and Cormier also said she had difficulty from Morris Jeff is a tedious, but doable, finding an appropriate way to study for adjustment to her schedule. the exam.

“I’ve gotten used to it for the most part, “There was a lot of stress, not only with it’s just still really, really annoying,” Chame,” Cormier said. rette said.

Charette added that, early in the resMentorship and student teaching idency process, Loyola seemed more flexible in finding teaching locations that Comier said coordinating and plan- accommodated student’s locations. But, ning student teaching opportunities was this was before the program reached a essentially up to students, and Loyola partnership agreement with Morris Jeff. faculty seemed uninvolved outside of ofLoyola also holds a partnership with ficiating location assignments. the Holy Name of Jesus school, located All four current seniors in the pro- next to Loyola’s campus along Calhoun

Senior Rose Labay sits in the peace quad. Labay is one of several students who feel unsupported by Loyola's education program.

Anna Hummel/The Maroon

St.

Hembree said student transportation needs are taken into account when determining the location of their student teaching residency. But, all current seniors said they were comfortable providing their own transportation, she added.

Cormier added that, although she is thankful for mentorship opportunities that Loyola offers, she does not feel that much effort was put into finding a mentor which shared her background. Cormier said she has had two mentors so far, neither of which share her race or gender.

While Cormier has been able to learn from and connect to her mentor, she still said it was not an entirely natural process.

“I thought, this is such a weird person that is going to take me a while to get comfortable with,” Cormier said. “It's confusing how they thought that us two would match well together.”

Charette also had difficulty with her mentor, but said this was not the fault of Loyola’s program. Her original mentor quit unexpectedly, and without notifying Loyola of the change. Charette ended up working with another mentor, who she said she essentially found independently of Loyola.

Charette’s new mentor was approved

by Loyola, but she found him through working at Morris Jeff.

Potential for growth Despite these issues, both LaBay and Cormier made note of the quality of the classes they have taken, particularly those taught by teacher education professor Julia Miller.

However, Cormier said that she felt Loyola does not provide the necessary support for the teacher education program due to its small size.

According to Hembree, the program was eliminated as a result of decreased enrollment following Hurricane Katrina.

It was only recently revised in 2013. Currently, the department has only two professors, Hembree and Miller.

Cormier said the program’s size is a mixed bag, as on one hand it can be incredibly beneficial to have a close-knit group committed to educating future generations.

But, on the other hand, the program lacks resources to be as powerful as it could be.

She added that students are supported “to the best of the teacher's abilities,” and that this is shown by the material taught in courses.

Charette said the educational system in place in New Orleans is also to blame for a lack of cohesion in the program.

She said it can be difficult to effectively communicate due to the charter school

system.

“It was a nightmare to even try to get in a classroom to do observation,” Charette said. “Either you wouldn’t get a response or they would be like, here's these mountains of paperwork to get done.”

She added that Hembree and Miller also faced similar difficulty getting in contact with schools. But, Charette said, that these difficulties do not reflect the quality of coursework taught within the program.

“I feel like [the program] does what it basically has to do,” Charette said.

She further said that the program is successful in educating on base teaching theory, but classroom experience is more difficult to achieve since it only really starts with senior year residency and student teaching.

“One of the things that is critical, especially in the design of the program that we have, is communication,” Hembree said. “We don’t know if there is a comment or issue, or needs or questions that you have, if you don’t communicate.”

Additionally, Jay McGrath, a student in the program, is chartering a Future Educators club with the program’s support to increase communication within the program.

Hembree added that both herself and Miller do what they can to address student concerns.

SGA: Annual budget receives decrease from past years Continued from page 3 Dixon wrote that this was increased due to inflation.

Homecoming initiatives were increased from $8,000 last year to $9,000.

Dixon wrote last year, homecoming costs approximately $18,000. This year, the budget for initiatives increased to allow for more homecoming events and for the homecoming committee to plan ahead and purchase more, according to Dixon.

Equity & Inclusion Initiatives have continuously decreased funding for the past four years. In the 2020-21 school year, these initiatives received $5,000 in funding. The next year, funding decreased to $3,000, then to $2,500. This year, these initiatives received $1,500.

According to Dixon, this decrease was due to the Equity and Inclusion officer, Stephanie Oblena, requesting a lower budget.

“The Director of Equity and Inclusion

has determined that she can fulfill her initiatives with a smaller budget. Some of her tentative initiatives are a salsa dance class and a drag show,” Dixon wrote.

Previously, Court of Review initiatives were responsible for funding Iggy’s Cupboard, however, the cupboard received a grant that has allowed SGA to spend funding for Iggy’s and Court of Review in other areas. $1,000 of SGA funding will go to Iggy’s cupboard. Court of Review initiatives will receive $700, which will go towards other needs.

Dixon wrote that they are planning to use this money to table for Iggy’s cupboard, a voter registration drive, and revisions of student organization bylaws.

First Year Council, a branch of SGA which allows freshman or first-year students to become involved in the organization, received a $100 increase from previous years, totaling to $1,600 for this year.

This was increased to help retention

for SGA, according to Dixon.

Last year, Senate initiatives did not exceed $4,000 for the year when $4,500 was allocated. This led to a decrease in this funding to $3,700.

Finance initiatives increased from $300 to $500 this semester to compensate for more social media initiatives.

Dixon wrote that the in-person events receive less attention, leading SGA to focus more on social media. Through this, they plan to do quizzes with themes where winners will have a chance to receive Wolfbucks.

Communication efforts received $3,000, the same amount it was given last year. Dixon wrote that this was for a new camera and to help fund the merchandise drop later this year.

“The goal this year is to increase the visibility of SGA among the students.

Better photography will benefit both the visibility to the students and increase the portfolio of the students working on the communication committee,” Dixon

wrote.

The Grace of Ignatius Award received funding again after not having it last year, however, the award was cut in half from what it was in 2021, the last time it was funded. Now, the award is $2,500, split between two students.

The Pursuit of Excellence Textbook Scholarship, for the first time, has its own funding of $1,500.

SGA initiatives totals out to be $63,000, an $800 decrease from last year.

SGA Allocations Allocations request funding decreased by $4,000 this year, leaving $28,000 available for request.

Dixon wrote that this decrease was to put “more line items to use” and specifically pointed out the Social Justice Grant.

“This will help increase more initiatives towards Social Justice, which goes in accordance with our Jesuit value of [being] with and for others,” Dixon wrote.

However, the Social Justice Grant was cut in half from last year, making only $2,500 available.

This was due to only $2,887.86 being used in previous years when $5,000 was available, according to Dixon.

The Richard Frank Research Grant, a grant which helps fund students research, also no longer has its own budget like previous years. Instead, SGA has decided to add this grant to the allocations request funding.

This means students can still apply for this grant, but funding will be pulled from allocations. This was due to only two students applying last year.

Club sports also received a $1,650 cut this year, making only $3,350 available for the year.

Dixon wrote that this was due to their funding through the Campus Recreation budget.

SGA’s total allocations totaled to $33,850, a decrease from last year’s budget of $43,000.

Sept. 22, 2023

THE MAROON

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8

LIFE & TIMES

Sept. 22, 2023 THE MAROON

9

BOMBINO : ""The Sultan of Shred" Film • Arts • Food • Music • Leisure • Nightlife

Nigerien guitarist spreads message of hope and peace through 'Desert Blues'

After an encore, bassist Youba Dia expresses gratitude to the crowd. “Louisiana is like a second home to us,” Dia said. “But it’s so hot… and so far,” he joked. Sophia Maxim/The Maroon

Bombino dances on stage at The Broadside on Sept. 15, 2023. The band is on their Peace and Love tour, which is traveling through the U.S. and Europe. Sophia Maxim/The Maroon

Patrick Hamilton pthamilt@my.loyno.edu @patthamilton

The Broadside music venue was the scene of a sensational concert by one of the greatest living guitarists, the Nigerien (not Nigerian) Omara Moctar, better known as Bombino. On a memorable Saturday evening, Sept. 16, the city’s music scene came alive as Bombino and his band graced the stage, drawing a crowd that stretched out the venue’s doors. The Broadside itself, a newcomer since 2020, is rapidly growing into a local favorite, sitting just across the street from the historic Broad Theatre. The Maroon got an exclusive interview with Bombino and his band during their one-night stop in New Orleans – at the beginning of their two-month tour across the globe.

Bombino, born in Niger and belonging to the Tuareg ethnic group, is widely regarded as one of the world's most talented guitarists. The Tuareg people, known for their nomadic pastoralist lifestyle in the challenging Saharan and Sahelian deserts and mountains of West Africa, are often recognized by their iconic blue indigo dyed clothing and their storied

reputation as formidable warriors. Often romanticized, the Tuareg people live and move freely through a desert that is divided among more than twelve countries, and feel at home in a place that is often misunderstood and thought of as lifeless.

Political events of the last several decades, and now the past few months, have highlighted the poverty and violence in this Saharan land, which many see as a barrier, and the Tuaregs see as backroads connecting communities. Bombino's life journey has been remarkable. He evolved from a rebellious young child who skipped school, and was at the throes of political instability that caused his family to often move, to become an internationally acclaimed artist, due to his passion for the guitar.

His music, often described as a captivating fusion of traditional Berber rhythms, rock and roll, and blues, known as Tishoumaren or Desert Blues, serves as a powerful call for both peace and the preservation of Tuareg culture. Bombino has since earned taglines like “The World’s Best Guitarist” and "The Sultan of Shred," for his unparalleled ability to seamlessly meld sound and soul, solidifying his status as an icon in the world of music. Roll-

ing Stone has described his innovations through mutual friends in Niger. Upon all around him, reminiscent of the daily arrival, venue management appeared rhythms of life in Niger. as “Tuareggae.”

Bombino’s band was quick to get up The Broadside was transformed from somewhat dubious and uncoopera(Left to right) Bassist Youba Dia, drummer Corey Wilhelm, lead guitarist and singer Bombino, and rhythm guitarist Kawisan Mohamed perform together on stage at The Broadside on Sept. 15, 2023. Sophia Maxim/The Maroon an old scrap yard only a few years ago. tive, but Bombino’s gracious demeanor and offer away their chairs as our staff arThe stage sits outside and looks out into prevailed. He personally ushered the rived, typical of their cultural hospitality, discussed his efforts to promote educa- ditions to the United States, from where an open lot of Adirondack chairs and fine Maroon staff backstage, giving a behind- choosing instead to sit on the floor.

In our interview, Bombino elaborated tion and the valuable lessons he believes we've come - and that's very important to gravel. The concert was opened by an the-scenes glimpse into the world of this on the importance of preserving the cul- younger generations can glean from pre- me. With music, we always hope to 'push innovative French-speaking Louisiana desert marvel. further,’” he said.

An hour before he took the stage, ture of the nomadic people of the Sahara. serving their heritage. band, Louis Michot, with whom BombiThrough music, Bombino and his band “When we get up on stage to perform no has recorded in the past. The Nige- Bombino exuded an air of tranquility as Much like his own music, Tuareg culture aim to bridge cultural divides, ensuring in our traditional clothing, that is to preriens took the stage a little after 9 p.m. to he layed back on a plastic mat to take a emphasizes a strong sense of identity a diverse array of concertgoers, from old nap, despite the bustling chaos unfolding and pride in their rich history. Bombino serve our heritage, that's to show our tra- that the vibrant tapestry of Tuareg heritage continues to thrive. He hippies to young enthusiasts firmly believes that through alike, all converging to witness education, individuals can Bombino’s virtuosity. build a stronger connection The band is composed of to their roots and ultimately Bombino, Mauritanian Youba foster a deeper appreciation Dia on bass guitar, fellow Nifor their cultural legacy. "Edgerien Kawisan Mohamed on ucation is the foundation, funrhythm guitar and vocals, and damental to everything,” he Corey Wilhelm from Vermont remarked. on drums. They have played According to Bombino, edtogether for many years and do ucation transcends the connot rehearse, instead following fines of traditional schooling; one another through the reperit's a process of immersing toire. Bombino opened the set oneself in the unfamiliar and with melodic and soft acousexpanding one's horizons. tic songs, with his band in the He underscored that true background, focusing the ateducation encompasses not tention of the large audience. only formal learning but also Then, in a beautiful shock, the journey of self-discovery, Corey Wilhelm moved from where individuals gain wisthe traditional African hand dom and understanding that drums to his full drum kit and goes beyond their origins. kicked off a rollicking jam.

“Education is to expose Dia punctuated in between yourself to the unfamiliar, bethe tunes with commentary yond where you're from - it's in somewhat imaginative Ennot just going to school, it's Rhythm guitarist Kawisan Mohamed performs at The Broadside on Sept. 15, 2023. The band is on their Peace and Love tour, which is glish, receiving cheers and there getting out and really traveling through the U.S. and Europe. Anna Humel/The Maroon laughter as his bandmates within yourself that you are Bombino said that while Tuareg music education within his community. His artists while remaining true to the style of beamed. The band plays in educated, as such,” Bombino in the US has been progressively gaining commitment to the well-being of his peo- his homeland, striking that harmonious traditional clothing, to convey, said. they said, a reminder to the recognition, it is essential to clarify the ple mirrors the same passion he brings to balance, and ensuring that people keep Bombino went on to em- intent and message behind his music as his distinctive musical beats. As a result listening to their music and messages. world of where this music origphasize the pressing issue a medium of self-expression and cultural he has been compared to legendary guiinates and its often-forgotten Ultimately, New Orleans attracts these of the Tuareg people being representation. cultural roots. The show was a tarists like Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santa- high quality – if less-than-mega-comdispersed across numerous smash, and received two roarHe said that through music, even if in- na, for being both a remarkable artist and mercial artists because it appreciates art, countries, including Libya, Al- dividuals don't share a common language, activist for his community’s welfare. ing encores, with a large crowd authenticity, and quality, and embraces geria, Niger, Mali, and Burkina remaining after to buy albums, For Bombino and many artists who the unusual and intriguing. Our city bentheir hearts can connect, resonating with Faso. He underscored that the emotions and sentiments embedded are working to preserve their culture, they efits from rich contributions of artists like talk, and take pictures with the his band's music serves as a in the melodies. For Bombino, the unify- must balance a creative tension between Bombino who contribute to our quality of friendly band. powerful tool for preserving ing force of music transcends linguistic preserving heritage and tradition, and life, and strengthen the endless struggle to The Maroon received their sense of self and their boundaries, fostering a deep and shared innovating it. For instance this genre of preserve – and simultaneously create – an exclusive interview with cultural identity amidst this understanding among all who lend their “Desert Blue”' has only been around since our own rich cultural tapestry.

Bombino and the band memdispersion. bers, starting before the show ears to the harmonious sounds he creates. the 1980s. Bombino said they must mainWhen asked about his and continuing after. We beEditor's Note: This interview was conBombino’s influence extends far be- tain the delicate equilibrium between hopes for people's reactions yond his musical prowess; he is also a tradition and innovation, emphasizing ducted in French and translated into Engan with the good fortune of Bombino performs on electric guitar at The Broadside on Sept. 15, 2023. The band is on their Peace and Love tour, which is traveling through the U.S. and to his music on this tour, dedicated advocate for equal rights and their objective to continue evolving as glish for the benefit of the reader. making contact with Bombino Europe. Anna Hummel/The Maroon

REVIEWS

10

Sept. 22, 2023 THE MAROON

"Bottoms": "Superbad" for queer femcels

Graphic by Taylor Falgout/The Maroon

By Mia Oliva mfoliva@my.loyno.edu

Following the success of her debut feature “Shiva Baby,” writer and director Emma Seligman blesses the masses once more with her sophomore queer comedy, “Bottoms.”

Best friends PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri) are the token lesbian losers at Rockbridge Falls High.

The duo decides the time has come to put their involuntary celibacy to rest while discussing their crushes on popular cheerleaders Isabel (Havana Rose Liu) and Brittany (Kaia Gerber).

Unintentionally, the pair concocts a

plan to pursue their crushes in the name of self-defense by starting a fight club with the help of their fellow queer friend Hazel (Ruby Cruz).

First and foremost, there’s no denying that “Bottoms” draws inspiration from multiple fan-favorite films, such as Greg Mottola’s “Superbad,” Olivia Wilde’s “Booksmart,” and of course, David Fincher’s “Fight Club.” However, what is cinema if not the implementation of innovation?

It’s been a while since a recently released comedy left me satisfied.

While most can come to the unanimous agreement that comedy is the most difficult genre to achieve, I’d argue that

all it really takes is authentic writing and acting. Ultimately, comedy is subjective, so what might be humorous to one is humorless to another. While I can see how there were moments in “Bottoms” that were derivative and trope-tailoring, its compelling components made it a worthwhile watch.

Sennott and Edebiri are truly a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to deliver ludicrous lines and excel comedic timing in such an effortless manner makes “Bottoms” the hit it’s been. On the other hand, some performances were lackluster, such as Gerber’s Brittany. I think it’s safe to say that Gerber should stick to modeling,

for I fear she cannot act even if her life depended on it. Then again, she’s the daughter of famed supermodel Cindy Crawford, so exceptions are bound to be made for nepotism in Hollywood.

Several factors made “Bottoms” palatable and laughable. For instance, a prevalence of satirical callouts to unrealistic standards set by high school films, such as class time being worth no more than a single minute of screentime (the bell rings and PJ makes a comment about class just starting). Additionally, “Bottoms” manages to make discourse that could easily become distasteful rather comedic. In particular, I couldn’t help but chuckle during a scene where

Mr. G (Marshawn Lynch), the girls’ teacher and club supervisor, projects his personal marital problems onto his class by writing on the board; “Feminism and why every US president has been a man”.

All in all, “Bottoms” was a sight for sore eyes in the sense that it's rejuvenating to see a queer comedy with femboy jocks, Gen-Z witticisms, and preposterous violence. I can say without reservation that “Bottoms” has become a favorite comedy of mine, along with the cultclassic “Superbad.”

“Bottoms” is now playing in theaters.

Rating: 9/10

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REVIEWS

Sept. 22, 2023 THE MAROON

11

"Unreal Unearth": A divine journey through life and love

By June Fernandez jaferna3@loyno.edu

Since 2013, Irish singer-songwriter Andrew “Hozier” John Hozier-Byrne has graced the music world with his complex, entrancing music. Known for adding elements of folk and blues to an already soulful indie-rock sound, Hozier continues to evolve as both an artist and a performer. Over the last decade, his songs have told stories of loss, hope, love, and other human experiences. His latest record, "Unreal Unearth", is no exception to this pattern. However, it succeeds in being a beautiful and refreshing experience that proves Hozier’s growth and passion as a musician.

Released on August 18th, 2023, "Unreal Unearth" is best described as a sort of musical voyage, one that traverses the pain and pleasure of human existence.

With the album’s major inspirations being Dante Allegheri’s “Inferno” and Flann O’Brien’s “The Third Policeman”, this analysis is much more fitting than it initially sounds. Hozier tells his story through thoughtful lyricism, near-impeccable instrumentation, and the tracklist itself.

Take, for instance, the opening track and its subsequent companion: “De Selby (Part 1)” and “De Selby (Part 2)”.

While these songs are certainly enjoyable on their own, it is the connection between them that strengthens the im-

pression they leave. Beginning with soft vocals and a calming acoustic guitar, "De Selby (Part 1)" saw Hozier discussing the encroaching darkness that inevitably comes with loneliness, with love often being sought as a solution to solitude.

These themes are cemented by Hozier’s Irish singing at the end of the song. The emptiness in Hozier’s voice during this part of the song evokes a strong feeling of being lost in the dark and trying as hard as you can to find the light.

“De Selby (Part 1)” is a prelude to the dark journey that Hozier is about to embark on. Fitting to the track’s lyrics and themes, the following song completes this overture; adding drums, synthesizers, and exchanging the acoustic guitar for a groovy and aggressive electric counterpart, “De Selby (Part 2)” represents a brave step into the unknown.

Hozier elevates his voice, singing about the fervor he feels for his new lover and professing his desire to face adversity with them. This track takes that feeling of being lost in the dark and adds excitement and curiosity to it. Hozier’s proclamation is that lovers inevitably become one person as they share passions, desires, and the darkness around them.

These two tracks are an excellent opener to “Unreal Unearth”, and they only become better when they are listened to one after the other.

Hozier maintains this feeling throughout the entirety of the album, and he

does so in an unique and clever fashion.

The more somber tracks like “I, Carrion (Icarian)” and “Son of Nyx” give listeners time to rest and reflect before Hozier hits hard with heavier tracks such as “Who We Are” and “All Things End”. “Eat Your Young” in particular is a fun and suggestive pop track that draws upon the circles of Hell from Inferno to convey the hunger that is present alongside desire, whether that be for a person or for money and power. While this order of songs does cause there to be some sudden shifts in tone, the contrast doesn’t take away from the album’s imagery of a journey and, ultimately, a relationship.

While “De Selby” Parts one and two are certainly the most impressive tracks on the album in terms of how they are used to convey Hozier’s vision, the album ends on a fantastic and arguably more memorable note with “First Light”.

This ode celebrates the artist’s return to the light after traveling through the darkness, both with and without his lover; his voice sounds bittersweet, as if he is both grateful and disappointed that he finally found peace after a long period of sorrow. The slow buildup of instruments and the realizations expressed through Hozier’s verses culminate in a brilliant chorus that evokes a simple but profound message: The sooner you embrace the truth of the past and the uncertainty of the future, the sooner you’ll find happiness.

Courtesy of Rubyworks Records

“Unreal Unearth” is Hozier’s most powerful record yet, and it is a testament to his evolution as a musician and storyteller. Exploring the complexity of relationships and desires, this album also touches on the struggles that simply come with being human. While some may say that Hozier relies too much on his inspirations to convey his message, the passion he evokes through his songwriting is undeniable. Whether

you’re entering a new relationship, going through a breakup, embarking on your own journey of self discovery, or simply looking for some good music to listen to, this album is bound to resonate with you.

“Unreal Unearth” is now available on all streaming platforms.

Rating: 9/10

12

THE MAROON

Sept. 22, 2023

THE WORKS

Sept. 22, 2023 THE MAROON

13

Submit to maroon@loyno.edu to be featured

Your Fingertips By: Anonymous

No two people have the same fingerprints But I indeed am relieved that I get to live with yours All over my body For the rest of my life While you use your time To chase moths and butterflies I think of how you wasted mine Trying my best to avoid your lying Gently I grab your hand And I press it against mine Just to feel that your fingerprints

Untitled Malu Sanchez

J-TERM: Student weighs in on January term courses Continued from page 3 According to Hinchie, J-Term courses abroad often provide a more affordable study abroad option than semester-long programs. He added that students get a more intense, immersive experience in one particular topic than they would if they were taking five different courses at once during a semester.

Hinchie previously taught a full term course on St. Ignatius, but believes the course will be more beneficial now as an abroad J-Term.

“It was fine, but the trouble is, St. Ignatius' ideals and spirituality aren't meant to be taught in a classroom; they're meant to be lived,” he said.

History junior Andrea Norwood took Asian pop music and global culture online in January 2023.

Norwood said they really enjoyed the J-Term course they took due to their interest in the subject, even though it only counted as an extra elective for them instead of part of their core.

Abroad courses mostly fulfill the Loyola core, unlike other J-Term courses, which fulfill elective or major-required courses. This year, new classes will be available, such as beer brewing, a class previously only offered in the summer.

The variety in courses was something Norwood noted as a plus with J-Term offerings.

“The fact that the classes are very short and specific can allow students to really dive deep into topics that interest them,” Norwood said.

One drawback Norwood said they had with their course was the Zoom meetings.

Some J-Terms do not spend the en-

tire allotted time in a Zoom meeting, but theirs did. That means that they were in class from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday for two weeks.

“It didn’t end up bothering me too much, but I definitely see how that can become a problem for some people,” Norwood said.

They added that even after four hours in class, they still had to spend an hour or more working on the homework for the next day, making the course a time commitment.

“Be aware of the amount of time you may have to spend in class and decide if that is a learning environment that works for you. Sometimes it’s impossible to be picky, but make sure you are able to dedicate a significant chunk of your day to just learning about the topic of the class,” Norwood said Norwood also noted that the fastpaced class was challenging and could be for other students as well.

“The fast-paced nature of the class might also be difficult in a more academically rigorous class — the final exam definitely sneaks up on you,” Norwood said.

Price was another issue Norwood faced with the J-Term courses.

J-Term courses have a rate of $740 per credit hour, with most courses filling 3 credit hours, totaling $2,220 per course.

The only free J-Term courses Loyola offers are in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and these classes are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Norwood said that while J-Term courses are beneficial, due to the cost, Norwood only recommends them for students who need to earn credits quickly to graduate.

Sr. Helen Prejean speaks about her activism journey at Catholic Studies event on Sept. 12. The department hosted a culmination of events to raise awareness against the death penalty. Anna Hummel/The Maroon

PENALTY: Prejean speaks out against death penalty Continued from page 3 Following Prejean’s talks, Shareef Cousin, who served years on death row following a false murder conviction, came to speak to two Catholicism classes, and on a panel with law school professors Andrea Armstrong and Samantha Kennedy.

Kennedy is the executive director of the Promise of Justice Initiative, an organization committed to helping create positive change for people in the criminal legal system.

“For us, at Promise of Justice Initiative

along with all the others who are fighting gious rate of reversals and isn’t reliable for people on death row, we believe this in terms of its prosecution and we have is a critical issue beinnocent people on cause the death pendeath row,” Kennedy alty harms everyone “The Death Penalty is said. in the system,” Kenne- a barbaric act and it’s Kennedy believes dy said.

Louisiana is one of During the pan- unreliable and we need the states most affectel, Armstrong men- to change.” ed by the issue of the tioned that 80% of death penalty, and its death penalty deci- — Samantha Kennedy abolition is an urgent sions in Louisiana Law professor need. have been reversed.

“The Death Penalty “There is no one that wins, and Louisi- is a barbaric act and it’s unreliable and we ana has shown itself to have a really egre- need to change,” Kennedy said.

EDITORIAL

14

Sept. 22, 2023 THE MAROON

HOWLS & GROWLS HOWL to Hot Pocket spoons GROWL to that one thumbtack HOWL to Hawaiian pizza GROWL to the line at Subway HOWL to future educators GROWL to slamming your finger in a door HOWL to Blue Cypress Books GROWL to stalkers HOWL to Smoothie King Athena Marks/The Maroon

Loyola needs to better prepare future educators We stand at a time in our history when education is continuously targeted and teachers are being stripped of the ability to properly educate students. The teacher education program at Loyola is actively failing to ensure that students understand the program and adequately prepare them for graduation and for teaching as a career.

The right-wing media and political machines have been targeting teachers for the better part of ten years, blaming them for a whole host of fantastical issues that Republicans conjure up as scare tactics. They blame teachers and the school system for being “woke” when they choose to teach the truth of America’s history. They ban AP courses for mentioning gender expression and gender identity when every serious and honest psychologist says that gender is a spectrum. Through a slew of homophobic, transphobic, racist, and revisionist laws, the Republican Party has sought to squeeze out any facts present in the school system, which they falsely accuse of being wrong or “indoctrination” effectively revising history to suit their own agenda.

Here in Louisiana, with the upcoming gubernatorial election, the leading candidate Jeff Landry has taken an offensive stance against teachers who believe that we should teach the truth in schools.

Spewing racist, sexist, homophobic,

and transphobic rhetoric into the echo chamber of the Louisiana Republicans, Landry has made clear that if he wins the election this November he will make a crusade against honest education his highest priority.

Teachers continuously face issue after issue, including underpay, lack of respect for their profession, lack of tangible or monetary support for school and school supplies from state and local governments, and as mentioned before the massive right wing misinformation campaign and their labeling of teachers as villains and honest education as villainy.

Teachers need support more than ever, and students who strive to be educators of future generations need support from their institutions more than ever. Yet, Loyola is failing to support its students enrolled in the teacher education program.

Through failed communication, properly preparing students for required programs and exams, and failing to provide diverse schools for these future educators to fulfill their teacher residency requirements. Students within this program have also taken notice of the flaws within course offerings, and the way it is organized because of its size. But Loyola, as a Jesuit institution, needs to hold itself to a higher standard in regards to providing for students involved in the teacher

education program. It is unacceptable that a school founded, funded, and run by the Jesuits is failing its student teachers in so many ways.

In the centuries long Jesuit history, one of the greatest positive effects they’ve had is the world-class education they provide at hundreds of secondary schools and collegiate institutions across dozens of countries and six continents. One of the main tenets of their educational philosophy is Cura Personalis - care for the whole person. It is through this that Jesuit education strives to not just prepare students to be the best in the world, but that students are prepared to be the best for the world. It is through this philosophy centered around creating well-rounded, compassionate, and intelligent people who strive to make a difference in the world, that Jesuit education has stood at such a high bar for as long as it has.

Becoming a teacher is a noble pursuit, and is a profession that is one of the most tangible ways to make a difference in the world. Loyola needs to do more to fulfill its mission in regards to educating its student teachers, in the courses and opportunities they provide. Loyola needs to ensure that they’re student teachers are prepared to not only be the best in the world, but the best for the world.

We're still waiting...

Quote of the week

Seriously.

"The death penalty is a barbaric act and it's unreliable and we need to change it"

Write a letter to the editor letter@loyno.edu

- Samantha Kennedy, law school professor on the death penalty

EDITORIAL BOARD Patrick Hamilton

Editor-in-Chief

Maleigh Crespo

Managing Editor

Addison Laird

Managing Editor

Ayana Thomas

Diversity, Equity, and

Daniela Martínez

Maroon Broadcast

for Print for Digital Inclusion Officer Executive Producer Maria DiFelice

Maroon Broadcast Operation Manager

Sophia Maxim

Design Chief

Anna Hummel

Photo Editor

Kloe Witt Melody Newsome

News Editor Breaking News Editor

Natalia Silva

Life & Times Editor

Jacob L'Hommedieu Worldview Editor Sofía Johnson

Comics Editor

Athena Marks

Chief Visual Artist

Mark Michel

Opinion and Editorial Editor

Mia Oliva

Reviews Editor

Taylor Falgout

Senior Staff Photographer

Ava Acharya Ecoi Lewis

Senior Staff Writer Content Editor

Heather Rabassa

Copy Editor

Chris Maldonado

Chief Executive Assistant

EDITORIAL POLICY The editorial on this page represents the majority opinions of The Maroon’s editorial board and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Loyola University.

Letters and columns reflect the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of The Maroon’s editorial board.

The Maroon does not represent the opinion of administration, staff and/or faculty members of Loyola.

Letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and style. Please limit submissions to 400 words.

Submissions are due no later than 4 p.m. the Sunday before publication.

Please send all submissions — The Maroon, 6363 St. Charles Ave., Box 64, New Orleans, LA 70118.

Email us your letters — letter@ loyno.edu.

Submissions may also be made online at www. loyolamaroon.com.

OPINION

Sept. 22, 2023 THE MAROON

15

We should all dress like cartoon characters like secondhand stores or ethical clothing brands. However, these solutions don't address the root of the problem: mindless overconsumption of clothing.

As long as consumers are continuously updating their wardrobe with amgallag@my.loyno.edu clothes they don't really need, the fashion industry will be wasteful and exploitative. Dressing like a cartoon character is an easy way to decrease demand for Dressing like a cartoon character is clothing and break the habit of buying wearing the same outfit, or a variation without thinking. of the same outfit, every day. Before Another benefit of dressing like a fashion content moved online, clothing cartoon character is to be immediatestyles were popular ly recognizable to for years before they anyone you meet. If "Dressing like a carwere replaced by I have to ask 'What's something new. toon character is an your name?” “Where As many brands are you from?” turned to social me- easy way to decrease “What's your major?” dia marketing, trend demand for clothing to one more person cycles accelerated, and break the habit of my head will explode replacing each othand I’ll die. er faster and faster. buying without thinkNone of us are Many retailers took ing. " remembering the advantage of this by answers anyways. selling cheap and Cartoon character poorly made clothing online. outfits make introductions much easier Manufacturing clothing is both prof- because you remember them and initable and labor-intensive, so clothing stantly have something to talk about. companies use unethical labor practicOne recognizable character on cames to pump out as many garments as pus is “Suit Kid”, aka the freshman stupossible. Those garments are shipped dent Guiry Borodkin. He can be seen long distances and discarded after a few wearing a full suit and carrying a large months, making fashion one of the most economics textbook to the OR, classes, polluting industries. and even the gym.

There are many ways to buy clothing The reason behind his outfit choice without supporting these companies, is to show his personal values of consisABIGAIL GALLAGHER History freshman

Grace Knight/ The Maroon

tency to everyone he meets. “I wear suits because I have a particular standard of dress. Wearing similar outfits, and traditionally formal outfits is indicative of

particular behavior patterns, namely that you are not subject to constant emotional swings, or very varying outlooks,” he said.

Whether you want to be ethically conscious, more recognizable, or show your personal values, dressing like a cartoon character is worthwhile.

Loyola needs more ensemble options for hobby musicians SADIE MEADE English freshman smmeade@my.loyno.edu

Athena Marks/ The Maroon

Throughout my entire middle and high school experience, I was heavily involved with the band program. In my single high school town, the performing arts were the strongest thing we had.

All of my friends, for the over seven years I was in school, were in the music program. We were the quintessential “band kids.”

Aside from the social aspect, it was also creatively fulfilling. I won’t claim to be the world’s best trumpet player. I won’t even claim to be my high school's best trumpet player. However, I was having fun.

I qualified for the all-district band every year, which was a prestigious ensemble for the top student musicians in the district. I was section leader for two years. Finding myself through my instrument and through the music was a beautiful experience.

As a writing major, my writing is heavily influenced by the classical pieces I played then, and the ways it felt to make this music. When I’m told to remember the happiest moments of my life, I always say marching band 2018 and indoor percussion 2023.

Very few people will understand the true bliss of almost flawlessly creating beautiful music with the people you love.

The essay that got me into this college

was about my experience in a music program – even my dorm is decorated with pictures of me and my band friends.

When I committed to Loyola, I was excited for the music our city is known for to be immersed in the school. I knew that New Orleans’ history was steeped in music, and that Loyola has an excellent music school. However, I am just a hobby musician.

I am not planning on going into music in my future career; I just enjoy it.

Not to mention, majoring or minoring in music would be far too expensive.

After receiving my class schedule, I spent several days on a back and forth email chain trying to join an ensemble.

The answer I got was clear: if you aren’t majoring or minoring in music, you cannot be in a Loyola performing ensemble.

I was crushed.

This was my only extracurricular, and it was virtually all I knew. At the risk of sounding pathetic, I will admit this was my only plan to make friends. Yes, I could join the Tulane marching band, but that would be far too time-consuming and physically demanding. I still need time to complete my homework and take care of myself as a Type 1 Diabetic.

The further I get into my first semester, the more I feel something is missing.

There’s a hole in my schedule, a gap in my life. It seems that Loyola has no options for people like me, who want to remain in music, but are not too serious about it. I know I am not the only student with this problem. At most other colleges, students of any major may join musical ensembles, and I believe that Loyola needs to follow in their footsteps.

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THE MAROON

Sept. 22, 2023