The Maroon Sept. 27, 2024 Issue

For a greater Loyola | Loyola University New Orleans Since 1923 | Sept. 27, 2024 | Issue 5 | loyolamaroon.com

Finding God in the

UNEXPECTED

By Violet Bucaro vabucaro@my.loyno.edu

Associate Director of Ministry and Resident Minister Ken Webber envisions an invitation to “find God in all things” within the chapel of St. Ignatius and Gayle and Tom Benson Jesuit Center.

Art installations and construction of the chapel are still in progress, but the intention is to have a minimalistic space for visitors to peacefully and spiritually reflect, according to Weber.

The chapel is a place for students to acknowledge their own central source of energy and to live within that center, Weber said.

Statues, ordered from Europe, are hand-made and intentionally designed for the space to reflect a relatable connection for students.

Additional statues and art pieces are currently being made.

“The statuary has been selected

to reflect the student population in its youth, curiosity, and desire for wholeness,” Weber said.

The statue of Mother Mary by Italian sculpture artist Bruno Walpoth is placed in an off-shoot room by herself. Her right palm is offered forward, her feet are crossed, and her left hand lays on top of her rounded belly.

The intention was to depict her as a young pregnant woman who is in contemplation about her, often interpreted as “unplanned,” pregnancy. This representation is intended to relate to unexpected events in the lives of students, according to Weber.

“What we experience as troubling oftentimes can be God leading us through a frightening situation to an outcome that brings us closer to God, just as Mary's divine pregnancy has,” he said, “Many events in the lives of students are unplanned. Like Mary's, our invitation is to find God in all things, in all situations.”

See UNEXPECTED, p.4

Protesters leave two student ambassadors unemployed

p.4

Arrested student protestors found not guilty p.4

Sophia Maxim/ The Maroon

The Maroon Sept. 27, 2024

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PUZZLES BACROSS 1. “Make me lose my breath, make me ____” song by Tyla 6. The world’s largest lake; The Caspian __ 9. Say this after seeing a cute puppy 11. Noble 12. Largest species in of dolphins 13. Our lovely Loyno government association abbr.

14. The Latin word for “flower in bloom” 16. Carpool Lanes abbr.

17. “__ Revoir” 18. A ligature used to represent a diphthong in some Latin words 19. Word after Clue #49 Down 21. The theatrical version of Stardom 26. A pledge 27. Alcoholic “Iced tea” 30. Exclamation of annoyance 31. 1999 Belgian post-metal band from Kortrijk 32. Feminine Irish name for “broken-hearted” 35. Where China, Mongolia, and 40. Ali___ 43. Lisa Vanderpump and Bethenny Frankel are these famous…

46. Old Testament verses 47. Stink 48. Uno… 50. Harmonized Tariff Sheriff abbr.

51. Years, abbr.

52. King George the __ of Britain 53. Grow or cut milk teeth 56. Alcoholics Anonymous 57. No Longer in School abbr.

58. Gooner activity 59. Indigenous people of Brazil 62. A famous investment bank in Lower Manhattan abbr.

63. What you ditch after Down 45-Across 19 64. “Muy ___”

STAFF LIST Editorial Board

Contributors

CONTACT US

Editor in Chief Sophia Maxim Executive Editor Matthew Richards Managing Editor Eloise Pickering News Director Violet Bucaro Deputy Campus News Editor Mabel Regalado-Hernandez Deputy Local News Editor Emma Iseman Deputy Worldview Editor Ecoi Lewis Deputy Election Editor Mark Michel Life & Times Editor Isabella Castillo Assistant Life & Times Editor Micaela Hood Opinion Editor Aaron Covin Reviews Editor Zach Cesarini The Wolf Editor Elinor Upham

Writers: Pharrell Every, Alexandra Martinez Ramos, Carmen Tonry, Samantha Guillotte, Myles McWilliams, Dominique Campbell, Ruby Neider, Lonniesha Carroll, Maggie Lewis, , Chris Maldonado, Gavin Crehan, Janssen Van De Yacht, Chiara Faircloth, Sydney Piglia, Natalie Thomas, Alexandria Partin, Anna Therapondos, Eleanor Boucher-Ferry, Kaitlyn Gress, William Shepard, James Wyrtzen, Deja Magee, Alana Thompson, Volodymyr Lukianenko, Mary Ella Hastings, Lucy Cromwell, Alyria Pierre, Lily Bordelon, Valentina Russel, Macee Fielding, Maryelle Vasquez, Elise Beck, Adriana Escobar, Christopher Pouncy

Main Office - (504) 865 - 3535 Business Office - (504) 865 - 3536 Adviser’s Office - (504) 865 - 3295 Correspondence - maroon@loyno.edu Letters to the Editor - letter@loyno.edu Advertising - ads@loyno.edu Website - www.loyolamaroon.com Twitter - @loyola_maroon Facebook - The Maroon Instagram - @loyola_maroon Our office is in the Communications/ Music Complex, Room 328.

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DOWN 1. ___ffle House 2. Capital of Georgia 3. An idea in your mind 4. Poetic “always” 5. Run Length Encoding, abbr.

6. ___ Lanka

7. Presidential el___ion 8. Call these people when you have a flat tire 9. That was a long time ___!

10. Across 1 in motion 12. Largest body of water 13. Healer or witchdoctor 15. Russia is not apart of this international organization 19. Someone throws a punch at you, avoid it by doing this 20. Item for rowing a boat 21. Student loan, abbr.

22. Typed in game chat after a winning round 23. European Interactive Advertising Association, abbr.

24. Manual of mental disorders 25. “___ Miss!”

28. Not rated on cd covers 29. Variety of rose 32. Department of State Health Services, abbr.

33. Environmental Input Output Analysis, abbr.

34. “You imprinted on my _______?” says Bella from Twilight 36. Initials of Argentina 37. Bacterial infection that is life-threatening 38. Trade Adjustment Assistance, abbr.

39. Thickening of tissue of the spinal cord 40. Indian dish made with highly seasoned rice and meat 41. Not good but not bad 42. Who make honey 44. Canadian actor ____ Rogan 45. County in England 48. ____-Across 19 ditch 49. Painting materials 53. Main protagonist of How I Met Your Mother 54. Tokyo name before 55. Self 60. Program for advanced studies in highschool 61. United Nations, abbr.

Crossword by Max Schweikarth and Kira Phillips

NEWS

The Maroon Sept. 27, 2024

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CAMPUS

Campus faith leaders excited for new chapel

By Dominique Campbell ddcampbe@my.loyno.edu The Chapel of St. Ignatius and the Gayle and Tom Benson Jesuit Center is expected to bring a deeper sense of spirituality for the Loyola community.

Robbie Eleazer, lead architect on the chapel project, said planning for the chapel began before his two children were born. “[The chapel] provides a spiritual anchor in the heart of the campus that will connect the diverse community together,” Eleazer said.

Theology professor Thomas Ryan said he believes the chapel will be a nice complement to the “lovely and more ornate Holy Name of Jesus Church on campus.”

Ryan also said the new chapel will allow for a more intimate setting for worship. When the chapel is completed, he said, it will offer more time for quiet prayer and meditation.

Student Nicole Bittner said she appreciates that the chapel stands out on campus.

“I like the fact that the chapel is separate from all the other buildings,” Bittner said. “It is easier to spot, and it shows students there is a community on campus and that they are happy you are here.”

Michael Chandler, Twomey student leader for the Canizaro Center for Catholic Studies, said he’s glad there’s a dedicated worship space for Catholic students on campus.

Dr. Mark Mossa said he had mixed feelings about the chapel, in particular its utility for confessions.

“I’m very excited about having the chapel, because we've been waiting a long time for it,” Mossa said. “However, as a priest, I can see that there are some things that could have been better thought out from a Church perspective.”

He said, for example, the space designated for confessions is not well suited for confessions. Hearing confessions have been and continue to be held elsewhere. But, overall, he is pleased and hopes people will temper their negative judgments until all the pieces are in place.

Despite some concerns, Mossa said he believes the chapel was a necessary addition to campus.

“Loyola has needed a dedicated

Catholic chapel for a long time,” Mossa said. “It is an important statement of our Catholic identity, and its central location makes it a place that Loyola students can appreciate and enjoy every day and for years to come.”

Eleazer described the purpose of each room in the chapel: “The centerpiece of the Chapel is the Sanctuary – it provides a dedicated home to the Chapel community for use in daily and weekend mass.

Complementing the Sanctuary, students will find the Community Gathering Space which can be flexibly used for lectures, events, and interfaith events.

The Multipurpose Room provides an

Construction worker stands next to satue Mother Mary in the new chapel. Violet Bucaro/The Maroon

intimate space for meeting, working, and quiet reflection.

The Prayer Room offers a space for students to come and enjoy a space designed for individual reflection and interfaith uses.

Lastly, we are very proud of the quality of the art and furnishings in the Chapel which we hope will support students through inspiration and beauty,” Eleazer said.

Eleazer said the architecture was “inspired by the cave that St. Ignatius meditated in during his transformative time at Manresa – the Chapel is constructed

of interlocking circular rooms that evoke that sublime, natural, and introspective time of St. Ignatius,” he said. “The circular intersecting rooms create distinctive thresholds linking each space, a reference to the ‘vesica piscis’ symbol and the fundamental interface between the spiritual and physical worlds.”

Eleazer said he thinks the new chapel benefits the student body and student ministry. He said the chapel will gain some new features that elevate the worship experience.

“I hope the new chapel provides inspiring and practical spaces for students

that feel like a welcoming addition to the campus,” Eleazer said. “We included a gradient of spaces that range from individual reflection, intimate meetings, medium sized community gatherings, and large scale worship.”

Upon its completion, students and faculty alike are looking forward to a new and complete worship space on campus to worship and fellowship together.

Women’s resource center sheds light on domestic violence, gender inequality New leader steps in to run center and carry out its mission

By Phoebe Swetish prswetis@my.loyno.edu

Negina Khalili, new director of the women’s resource center speaks at meet and greet event.

Sophia Renzi/The Maroon

Negina Khalili, director of the women’s resource center, aims to bring gender equality both to campus and to the broader public. Khalili’s passion lies in connecting women globally through gender empowerment, and advocacy, she said, which she has strived to execute since filling the position in August.

“Our students and our community should know what is going on in other parts of the world,” Khalili said. “This can

help everyone [connect] and have ideas about freedom and education.”

She said she has sourced feminist panelists from outside the New Orleans area to speak to the Loyola student body to bring about a larger awareness of gender inequality. If students are aware of feminist issues beyond their own environment, they are more likely to become involved on a larger scale, she said.

“We should talk about any issues relating to human rights,” Khalili said.

Along with addressing global issues, Khalili said she intends to cultivate a healthy relationship between faculty and students. As the new director of women’s resources, she said she hopes for Loyola to have an approachable outlet where students seeking help may find resources.

She said increasing student interactions with the resource center will help maintain a healthy stream of communication. In order to bring awareness to campus and increase student engagement, Khalili has several events planned ahead this semester for anyone interested to attend.

Panelists will discuss topics or work pertaining to women’s rights at monthly “Feminist Fridays.” The first panel will be held Sept. 27.

Khalili aims to bring attention to mental and physical abuse through the lens of domestic violence. She said she hopes openly discussing these situations will urge those who are struggling to seek assistance.

In October, the women’s resource center will recognize survivors of domestic violence through a series of

events. On October 4th, those interested can plan to meet in Miller Hall from 3:30 pm-6:00 pm to hear a select group of panelists speak about this topic. Khalili encourages speakers who are willing to speak about their personal encounters with domestic violence in order to bring proper awareness to the issue. The most significant event organized by the women’s resource center will be held on Oct. 22. “Take Back the Night” will honor those who have endured domestic violence of any kind. From 5 pm-7 pm, speakers from Loyola, UNO, Tulane, and Southern University will gather on campus for this occasion.

“No one is free unless everyone is free,” Khalili said.

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The Maroon Sep. 27, 2024

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The Maroon Sep. 27, 2024

NEWS NEWS

Members of NABJ Loyno. Photo courtesy of Gregory Lee

Loyola NABJ responds to presidential NABJ interviews Loyola NABJ responds to presidential NABJ interviews

Members of NABJ Loyno. Photo courtesy of Gregory Lee

By Alana Frank

public attention in comparison to Vice President Kamala Harris’s September interview in Philadelphia.

After Trump’s “Black jobs” comment in his debate with President Biden, some suspect he agreed to the interview to “clean up” his comment that may public attention in comparison to have Vice upset potential Black voters.

On the President Kamala Harris’ s September other hand, Harris, who identifies as interview in Philadelphia.

Black and Indian, opens jobs” up more about After Trump’ s “Black comment herhisidentity and President talks about howsome that in debate with Biden, shouldn’theaffect anyone’ s decision in resuspect agreed to the interview to gards toup” where they cast their “clean his comment that vote. may have However, in most Harris’sOn recent upset potential Blackofvoters. the interviews, the identifies debate on other hand, including Harris, who as Sept.10, has opens redirected questions Black andshe Indian, up more about that identity journalists Trump’ raher andhave talksabout about how sthat cial comments instead put focus on shouldn’t affect to anyone’ s decision in reher plan for America. hervote. interview gards to where they castIntheir with NABJ, Harris saysofthat shes underHowever, in most Harris’ recent stands the power of the the platform the deinterviews, including debate on bate gaveshe her. has redirected questions Sept.10, you have kind of microthat“When journalists havethat about Trump’ s raphone in front oftoyou, you really oughton to cial comments instead put focus understand much In your have her plan forhow America. herwords interview meaning, ” Harris with NABJ, Harrissaid. says that she underIn the NABJ interview, Harris answers stands the power of the platform the dea lot of major bate gave her. questions that many Black voters have about elec“When you havethe thatupcoming kind of microtion. in front of you, you really ought to phone NABJ Journalist Garren Keith Gaynor understand how much your words have asked Harris her response to some Black meaning, ” Harris said. men former president Trump.

Inendorsing the NABJ interview, Harris answers a lot of major questions that many Black voters have about the upcoming election.

NABJ Journalist Garren Keith Gaynor asked Harris herfrom response to some Black location, away private university men endorsing president Trump. property.

SWATformer arrested protesters who

Harris answered by stating that she is working hard to earn the vote of everyone, not just black men.

“I have often been asked this question in a way where I have had to respond by first saying that I think it is very important to not operateby from the assumption Harris answered stating that she is that black men are just in anybody’ working hard to earn the vote of every-s pocket, one, not” she justsaid. black“Black men. men are like any other voting group, gotquestion to earn “I have often been you’ve asked this their vote, so I’m working earn the in a way where I have had toto respond by vote,saying not assuming I have I am first that I think it it is because very importblack. ant to” not operate from the assumption thatare shejust wants people tos thatHarris blacksaid men in anybody’ recognize policy and pocket,” shethat said.her “Black men areher like perany spective understand what they do other voting group, you’ve got must to earn to recognize of communities their vote, sothe I’mneeds working to earn the and that intendsI have to beitabecause presidentI am for vote, not she assuming every ”American. black.

In Harris’ with NABJ, Harris saidinterview that she wants peopleshe to addressed that Blackher voters and said to recognize policy and hernotperassume Black voters will formust her bespective understand whatvote they do cause she is Black. to recognize the needs of communities Jones, sophomore and memandAlyssa that she intends to be a president for ber of American.

Loyola NABJ, responded by saying every thatIn you shouldn’t assume Harris’ interview with that NABJ,Black she people will Black vote for Vice President addressed voters and said Harris not to just because is Black.

Jones assume Blackshe voters will vote forsaid her she beis voting the candidate whose values cause shefor is Black. align with Jones, her. sophomore and memAlyssa voting for responded Kamala because of ber“Iofam Loyola NABJ, by saying her views her morals andthat whatBlack conthat you and shouldn’t assume nects towill me,vote ” Jones people for said.

Vice President Harris just because she is Black. Jones said she is voting for the candidate whose values align with her.

“I am voting for Kamala because of her and22, herthat morals and what sity views on April resulted in 200conarnects me,”have Jonesbeen said. several universirests. to There

Loyola and Tulane students arrested at the pro-Palestine encampment were found not guilty in criminal court.

Loyola students and two Tulane

By Five Alana Frank students were among 14 people arrestanfrankl@my.loyno.edu ed during the protests on Tulane’s front lawn in May. students were arrested charged Loyola andThe Tulane students with trespassing at at themisdemeanor pro-Palestine and encampment were the New Criminal found notOrleans guilty in criminalDistrict court. Court.

At theLoyola encampment, poFive studentsNew and Orleans two Tulane lice askedwere protesters to 14 move to a neutral students among people arrested during the protests on Tulane’s front lawn in May. The students were charged with misdemeanor and trespassing at the New Orleans Criminal District Court.

At the encampment, New Orleans police asked protesters to move to a neutral

remained on Tulane’s property.

Five Loyola students arrested on trespassing charges also faced conduct charges from Loyola University. In a letter, Tulane said ituniversity took dislocation, awayUniversity from private ciplinary SWAT action arrested against seven students property. protesters who involved in protest and disbanded remained onthe Tulane’ s property.

Tulane Five SDS. Loyola students arrested on These protests were of many natrespassing charges alsotwo faced conduct tionwide from protests happening on college charges Loyola University.

In a campuses. as thesaid pro-Palestine letter, TulaneSuch University it took disprotest ataction George Washington Univerciplinary against seven students involved in the protest and disbanded Tulane SDS. These protests were two of many nationwide protests happening on college campuses. Such as the pro-Palestine protest at George Washington Univer-

ties, like Loyola and Tulane University, that have penalized students because of their involvement during the protests and the events that took place during and on afterward. sity April 22, that resulted in 200 arTheThere not-guilty verdict was universireached, rests. have been several and this one of many nationties, like verdict Loyola is and Tulane University, wide casespenalized resultingstudents from encampthat have because ments, the status during of thesethe students is of theirbut involvement protests still inthe question. the decision lies in and events Now, that took place during the hands of the universities. and afterward.

The not-guilty verdict was reached, and this verdict is one of many nationwide cases resulting from encampments, but the status of these students is still in question. Now, the decision lies in the hands of the universities.

“Every seat and every place in the chapel suggests being included in the community and embraced by each other and the Holy Spirit.” he said.

He said the circle suggests continual movement, symbolizing the nature of life.“Every The spherical is not in a perseat andelement every place the fect circle, for it isbeing an oval-like shape in chapel suggests included in the order to illustrate life’s unevenness and community and embraced by each othimperfection. er and the Holy Spirit.” he said.

He said the circle suggests continual movement, symbolizing the nature of life. The spherical element is not a perfect circle, for it is an oval-like shape in

“We are always moving, always changing, and the circle acknowledges, embraces, and celebrates our movement, hopefully always toward fuller life in God.” The chapel was made to be a place for students to meditate relax inalways a spir“We are always and moving, itual environment, he said.

In Loyola's changing, and the circle acknowledges, Catholic, Jesuit worldview, our the movecloser embraces, and celebrates peoplehopefully can get to a peaceful ment, always towardcenter fuller the life in God.” The chapel was made to be a place for students to meditate and relax in a spiritual environment, he said. In Loyola's

closer they are to god, he said.

“When we are more at peace in ourselves, our community is more at peace.”

Students may request to reserve the chapel for an event or meeting that inContinued from p.1 cludes a spiritual or faith component by emailing ilchapel@loyno.edu. closer they are to god, he said. Until construction complete, chapelinisourun“Wheniswe are morethe at peace available scheduled selves, ourin-between community is more atevents. peace.”

Students may request to reserve the chapel for an event or meeting that includes a spiritual or faith component by emailing ilchapel@loyno.edu. Until construction is complete, the chapel is un-

anfrank@my.loyno.edu

Simon Bunkers (left) and Juleea Bertholot (right) stand outside of Thomas Hall on Sep. 25, 2024. Eloise Pickering/The Maroon

Student ambassadors dismissed Protests leave following protest participation two student Student ambassadors dismissed ambassadors following protest participation unemployed

summer semester as a Student Ambassador, giving tours and working the front desk before they were called into AssisSimon Bunkers (left) and Juleea Bertholottant (right) stand of outside of Thomas on Director Campus Visits &Hall Events, Sep.Paula 25, 2024.

Eloise Pickering/The Maroon Atchley’ s office.

“She said that shethe really valued me as publicly bad-mouth university.

By Lily Bordelon an employee and that I was reallythey're good “I can understand where lmbordel@my.loyno.edu at givingfrom. toursI and was really at coming don'tI think it's angood unreajob,” policy Berthelot “However, my sonable that said. as a tour guide, you Last week, the Office of Admissions my in the bad protest made to shouldn't be talking about the itunilet their second student ambassador go participation could no longer have me on versity.she I understand, but you should be following pro-Palestine protests on the where ” the truth,”the ableteam. to tell Berthelot said. claim they violated handbook pol- the publicly bad-mouth university.

By Lilythat Bordelon The former ambassadors they Berthelot expressed feeling confused icy. Both former ambassadors said the “I can understand wheresaid they're lmbordel@my.loyno.edu believe the trouble stems from a policy as to why theyIwere their process was unjustifiable. coming from. don'tfired thinkfollowing it's an unreastudent ambassadors cannot Student pro-Palestine led to that participation inthat theasencampment.

AcAmbassadors Loyola sonable policy a tour guide,pubyou Last week, the Office protests of are Admissions bad-mouth the university.

Loyola fewer student ambascording tobeBerthelot, theabout Officethe of uniAdstudents who two work within the Office of licly shouldn't talking bad let theirhaving second student ambassador go “I can understand where they're sadors.

Thepro-Palestine students contend theyonwere missions kept track ofbut which ambassaAdmissions, giving tours to prospective I understand, you should be following protests the versity. coming from.

I don't think it's an unreaforced out.

The university says they redors had the highest retention rates of students and families, as well as working claim that they violated handbook pol- able to tell the truth,” Berthelot said. policy that as afeeling tour guide, you signed.

The one that’ s clearsaid is they given tours. the front desk in thing Thomas Hall.

Berthelot expressed confused icy.

Both former ambassadors the sonable bereally talking bad about the their unino longer work for Loyola.

“I had good success rate, like Simon Bunkers, a sophomore and shouldn't as to why athey were fired following process was unjustifiable. versity.

I understand, but you should be Student Ambassadors are Loyola students that in hadthetours with me were criminology and sociology double ma- participation encampment.

AcStudent Ambassadors are Loyola tell truth, Berthelot said. students who work the Office mosttolikely going to”come the school, jor, resigned thewithin Student cording tothe Berthelot, the to Office of Ad-” students whofrom work within theAmbassaOffice of of able Berthelot said theyofwere confused as Admissions, tours to Berthelot said. dor program giving on Sept.

19, the day after he missions kept track which ambassaAdmissions, giving tours to prospective prospective why were in retention troubletofollowing students and families, as working Based on happened Berthelparticipated the march toas university dors hadthey thewhat highest rates of students and in families, as well well as working to participation encampment. the in Hall. ot, Bunkers to the resign before his President Xavier Cole’s home. given tours. opted in the front front desk desk in Thomas Thomas Hall. Bunkers their to Berthelot, the Office of Simon Bunkers, aa sophomore meeting. said he believes resignation and was “I had a really good success rate, like Simon Bunkers,the sophomore and According of we which ambascriminology and sociology double “It's either you quit or fire you, so forced. Bunkers emailmaex- Admissions students thatkept hadtrack tours with me were criminology and received sociologyan double mahadgo theout highest retention rates of” jor, resigned the you either with your plaining thatfrom he broke policy. Ambassamost likely going to come totail thebetween school, jor, resigned from the Student Student Ambassa- sadors tours. dor program on Sept.

19, day he your legs or you go out with no tail at all,” didn't what policy broke, Berthelot said. dor“They program onsay Sept.

19, the the dayIafter after he” given “I had said, aonreally success rate, like participated in march to “andgood I wanted to my Bunkers explained. said that I Bunkers Based what happened tokeep Berthelparticipated in the the “Then marchthey to university university thatopted had tours withbefore me were President Xavier Cole’ ss home. tail.”Bunkers need to come in for a meeting. ot, to resign his President Xavier Cole’ home.” Bunkers Bunkers students likely going toBunkers come tobelieves the school, said he resignation was Like Berthelot, his” Berthelot,the a third year sociolmeeting. saidJuleea he believes believes the resignation was most said.you quitwas forced. received an email exforced resignation unreasonable ogy andBunkers psychology double “It's either or we fire you, so forced.

Bunkers received anmajor email and ex- Berthelot on happened to between Berthelplaining that policy. unjustified conflict Loyola’s former of Loyola’ youBased either gowhat outinwith yourwith tail plainingpresident that he he broke broke policy.s chapter of and Bunkers opted toheresign his” “They say II broke, social justice values, said.nobefore Students for a Democratic Society, was”” ot, your legs or you go out with tail at all, “They didn't didn't say what what policy policy broke, Bunkers “Then they “They said, very much us to advocate fired on explained.

July 29th after Bunkers “and I want wanted keep my Bunkers explained.

“Thenparticipating they said said that thatinII meeting.

“It's you quit we black fire you, so need to aa meeting.

Norman C. Francis, theorfirst gradthe encampment Tulane’””s campus tail. ” either need to come come in in for foron meeting. either go outin with tail Juleea Berthelot, aa third year socioluate of Berthelot, Loyola, ouryour tours, ” between Bunkers back in early May, where ar- you Like Bunkers believes his Juleea Berthelot, thirdthey yearwere sociolorthese you go out with noknown tail at all, ogy and said. legs “And people were for” rested. forced resignation was unreasonable ogy and psychology psychology double double major major and and your said.

I wanted to keep mys former president Loyola’ of protesting and“And standing forwith what's right.

“I thought I wasof of sin the clear, and unjustified in conflict Loyola’ former president ofkind Loyola’ s chapter chapter of” Bunkers ” can Students aa Democratic said How we as a university Berthelot said, referencingSociety, the nearly social justice values, he said.oppress stuStudents for for Democratic Society, was tail.

Like Berthelot, Bunkers believes what they fired onbetween July after particwho do much the exact same thing?” threewere month gap the arrest un“They very want us to advocate fired on July 29th after29th participating in dents describes as histo forced resignation ipating in the encampment on Bunkers a first statement from til their termination.

Norman C. pointed Francis, the black gradthe encampment on Tulane’ s Tulane’ campuss he unreasonable and tours, unjustified in campus back May, in early May, where JSRI to his point.

Berthelot worked throughout the uate ofprove Loyola, in our ” Bunkers back in early where they werethey ar- was with Loyola’ valwere arrested.

“The JSRI put outsasocial statement about summer semester as a Student Ambas- conflict said.

“And these people werejustice known for rested.

“I II was kind of like he thesaid. whole issue withforPalestine and sador, giving tours working theclear, front”” ues, protesting and standing what's right.

“I thought thought wasand kind of in in the the clear, “They much want usgenocide. to advocate Berthelot Israel andvery they're this is So desk beforesaid, theyreferencing were called the into nearly Assis- How can we as a like university oppress stuBerthelot said, referencing the nearly C.do Francis, the first black gradthree month between the unif the Jesuit Research Institute is saying tant Director of Campus & Events, dents who the exact same thing?” three month gap gap betweenVisits the arrest arrest un- Norman uate our ” Bunkers til their termination. thatBunkers itofis,Loyola, why areinwe something Paula s office. pointed tosaying a tours, statement from til theirAtchley’ termination. said.

“And these people were known for The university and the Office of Addifferent?”

“She said that she really valued me as Berthelot worked throughout the JSRI to prove his point. and standing for what's right. missions disputes interpretaBoth JSRI students have stated thatabout they an employee and Berthelot’ that wassreally good protesting “The put out a statement summer semester as aIStudent Ambascan we as issue a university oppress stution of giving thetours way their employment ended. werethe notwhole specifically givenPalestine what policy at giving andand I was reallythe good at How like with and sador, tours working front dents who do the exact same thing?”

“I can confirm that two of our ambasthey violated when asked why they were my job, ” Berthelot said.

“However, my Israel and they're like this is genocide.

So desk before they were called into AssisBoth students haveInstitute stated that they sadors that you may be referring toitdid fired. participation inCampus the protest to if the Jesuit Research is saying tant Director of Visitsmade & Events, specifically given policy submit their voluntary resignations to were student waswe fired duewhat to protests. whereAtchley’ she could no longer have me on that“No itnot is, why are saying something Paula s office. violated. us.

Any statement may claimme they However, I did accept their resignations,” the“She team. ” that shethat different?” said really valued as they “No student washave firedstated due tothat protests. were fired would be incorrect andgood un- Atchley said after being contacted for former ambassadors said they Both students they an The employee and that I was really did accept their true, ” Director ofand Undergraduate Admiscomment. believe they were dismissed based onata However, were not Ispecifically givenresignations, what policy” at giving tours I was really good stated, concurring with thewere insions, Harvey Werner, said.“However, policy that student ambassadors cannot they violated when asked why they my job, ” Berthelot said. my Atchley formation provided by Werner.

Berthelot worked throughout the participation in the protest made it to fired.

“No student was fired due to protests. where she could no longer have me on However, I did accept their resignations,” the team.”

Loyola NABJ responds to presidential NABJ interviews The National Association of Black Journalists individually interviewed

By Alana Frank presidential candidates Donald Trump anfrank@my.loyno.edu and Kamala Harris leading up to the election. to public LoyolaThese NABJ interviews responds toled presidential discourse, with criticism of Trump’s misNABJ interviews leading statements about Harris’ racial The National Association of Black identity.

Journalists individually interviewed Gregory Lee, former Donald NABJ national presidential candidates Trump president andHarris chapter faculty and Kamala leading up advisor to the of the chapter, thisled response to election.

These offered interviews to public both Trump's and Harris’ indiscourse, withinterview criticism of Trump’ s smisterview. statements about Harris’ racial leading “Being a part of the NABJ, they invite identity. theGregory presidential every elecLee, candidates former NABJ national tion year to answer questions espresident and chapter facultyfrom advisor teemed journalists to address issues that of the chapter, offered this response to aren’tTrump's commonly asked as well as generboth interview and Harris’ s inal questions,” Lee said. terview.

The organization uses thethey interview “Being a part of the NABJ, invite to get involved incandidates the electionevery conversathe presidential election, year especially as it pertains to the Black tion to answer questions from escommunity and reaching Black voters, teemed journalists to address issues that he said.

Lee said he believes both aren’t commonly asked as well as events generwere a testament to that and brought a al questions, ” Lee said. lot The of attention to NABJ’ s organization. organization uses the interview Trump’ s Julyininterview in Chicago at to get involved the election conversathe National NABJ received tion, especially as itConvention pertains to the Black community and reaching Black voters, he said. Lee said he believes both events were a testament to that and brought a lot of attention to NABJ’s organization. s July interview in Chicago at ByTrump’ Alana Frank the National NABJ Convention received anfrankl@my.loyno.edu

Arrested student protesters found not guilty Arrested student protesters found not guilty

Chapel helps students find spiritual center Chapel helps students find spiritual center

Continued from p.1

NEWS

The Maroon Sept. 27, 2024

5

LOCAL & WORLDVIEW

Business owners and students express frustration with construction

By Daniela Martínez dcmartin@my.loyno.edu

Students, business owners, and residents in the Uptown area are frustrated and tired of having to change their schedules to avoid construction.

Chris Lawson, the owner of Liberty Barbers on Maple Street, said he’s noticed a change in revenue because of nearby construction.

According to Lawson, the construction also led to constant debris in the area, nails in his tires, limited time to get lunch during his break, and feeling like

he is “trapped in a loop” trying to find a way out of detours.

“It has impacted traffic and parking, causing a lot of customers to be late for appointments because of the challenges navigating around the area,” Lawson said. “One person being late impacts my entire day.”

According to the Roadwork NOLA website, around 41 areas across the city are under construction. Some projects began in 2020, while others are more recent. In Uptown, around 45 roads are under construction for different reasons.

Many students are tired of the dis-

ruption around campus and near their homes. Some have adjusted to the disruptions by leaving extra early, asking for rides from other people, or parking farther away from campus to make sure they make it to class on time.

“I have been frustrated about the construction,” said senior Alana Thompson.

“It gets aggravating when I am making sure that I leave early to try to account for potential traffic, but it doesn't seem to make any difference.’

Before the construction Thompson’s commute usually took 20 minutes, but has turned into an hour of waiting in traf-

fic, taking different routes to avoid construction, and struggling to find parking near school.

Local business owners have also experienced their fair share of frustration.

Leah Vidrine, owner of Uptown Charm, a beauty studio on Maple Street, reported similar challenges.

“We have been established for over a decade, so our returning clients are still coming in, but they are really unhappy about having to park blocks away and arriving frustrated and not in a calm state that we would prefer as this is time for themselves to enjoy,” Vidrine said.

Construction on the corner of Maple and Adams street. Sept. 3, 2024.

Daniela Martinez/The Maroon

Vidrine said she has resorted to social media to update clients and make sure they know what routes to take and where to park.

Like other civilians, Vidrine is frustrated by the lack of communication about construction interference.

“We have only been notified, about half the time, that the water will be off for one to four hours. Thankfully, we can do most of our services without water and use bottled or filtered water when needed,” Vidrine said.

Residents suggested different forms of communications from the city might ease their struggle. These included a mobile map of construction, a map of detours, a master schedule, and post signs.

AI offers educational opportunities Environmental protests spread across Europe

By Eleanor Boucher-Ferry eabouche@my.loyno.edu

In 1950, English computer scientist Alan Turing raised the question, “Can machines think?” His question launched the idea of artificial intelligence.

Turing created the “Turing Test,” which tested a computers’ ability to copy human responses as a measure of their intelligence. In the test, a human “interrogator” tried to differentiate responses between a computer and a human.

Soon after Turing released his test, Dartmouth College ran a summer workshop exploring the idea of thinking machines, where Dartmouth professor John McCarthy coined the term “artificial intelligence.”.

The development and use of artificial intelligence have grown quickly in subsequent years, bringing both excitement and worry. The term “AI anxiety” ties together the feelings of worry, anxiety, and uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence.

Expanding AI use has posed ethical questions in academic settings. At Loyola, the academic integrity policy states, “AI should only be used with permission of an instructor as it pertains to the specific teaching pedagogy of a course. In all cases, the use of AI should be disclosed and acknowledged.”

Michael Ferry, associate provost at Spring Hill College, said there is growing uncertainty regarding the authenticity of student work because of AI usage.

“It’s increasingly obvious that artificial intelligence is going to be part of the world that students enter post-graduation,” Ferry said. “We want to make sure that students are prepared to take advantage of AI as a tool in the appropriate settings, but we also want to make sure that students are doing their coursework and that they are learning to write and to develop their ideas, rather than being dependent on AI.”

"It’s increasingly obvious that artificial intelligence is going to be part of the world that students enter post-graduation."

Michael Ferry, Spring Hill College associate provost Plagiarism detection tools help teachers differentiate original student work from AI. However, these tools aren’t foolproof.

A 2023 study on AI tools found that GPT detectors commonly mistake non-English work as AI. The study concluded that AI detection tools can only detect AI with 28% accuracy.

Some scholars believe AI can enhance creativity. A 2024 study wrote that students can broaden their ideas using generative AI. The study used qualitative

and quantitative data and found that ChatGPT “enhanced divergent thinking, increasing the diversity of ideas. AI also provided more detailed and informative answers, aiding students in the elaboration process.”

While AI produces some distinct ideas, it pulls from existing knowledge and data. Early this year, ChatGPT beat the Turing Test. In a recent study, researchers had 500 participants speak with four respondents: one human respondent, AI program ELIZA, GPT-3.5, and GPT-4. Fifty-four percent of participants believed that GPT-4 was human.

AI presents new personalized learning opportunities. For example, AI can identify student mistakes, allowing teachers to cater their classes to fit individual student needs.

While concerns over academic honesty remain, some educators have embraced AI as a collaborative tool that could transform education. and GPT-4. Fifty-four percent of participants believed that GPT-4 was human.

AI presents new personalized learning opportunities. For example, AI can identify student mistakes, allowing teachers to cater their classes to fit individual student needs.

While concerns over academic honesty remain, some educators have embraced AI as a collaborative tool that could transform education.

By Sydney Piglia snpiglia@my.loyno.edu

For the past year, environmental protest has sparked controversy across Europe.

A recent crackdown on environmental protest in the UK has led to a five year prison sentence for protest organizer Roger Hallam who works for Stop Oil, an organization best known for its direct action and public-eye drawing tactics.

From throwing tomato soup on Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and gluing themselves to the frame of John Constable’s “The Hay Wain” Stop Oil has gained attention across the globe. Though, recent arrests has sparked a debate over freedom of assembly and freedom of speech.

Plant ecologist and Loyola professor Paul Barnes said what we’re seeing play out right now can get worse, with the amount of human emissions contributing to the warming of the planet.

He said the more we can limit warming the better, but there's no indication that lowering carbon emissions to zero will be happening any time soon.

Barnes acknowledged that it is extremely frustrating when the public sees predictions about where we're going on the one hand and on the other hand there's no indication that any action is actually happening. Though, he said, that

is not entirely true with some actions being taken to repair damages to the planet such as positive trends in renewable energy use.

“As a scientist I get frustrated too,” said Barnes.

On the topic of environmental protests Barnes said that protests have been going on for 60 years and the message has not changed.

Barnes said those unaware of climate change are living under a rock. Barnes acknowledged that activism plays an important role in reversing climate change.

What he wants to see is more climate action groups.

People will not change their behavior and consumption powers for something that will happen in the future Barnes says.

Loyola professor of Environmental Communications and Director of the Loyola Center for Environmental Communication Bob Thomas sees the climate change issue as a matter of science and public policy. He says no country should try to limit peaceful demonstrations, and he hopes America won’t follow this European trend.

Both he and Barnes stress the importance of voting and voter education in making sure that those elected work on environmental policy instead of arresting environmental protestors.

6

LIFE & TIMES

Children at the event gathered around stands to look at art.

Musician Sari Jordan was one of the local artists at the event.

Within the gallery, viewers were able to connect with the art intimately.

A couple embrace as one of the organizers lead a prayer for the people of Palestine.

A henna artist delicately placing her design on one of the attendees hands.

A couple purchasing an engraved cutting board from one of the Palestinian vendors.

Photos by Isabella Castillo Toro

Art as Resistance

Community comes together for Palestine

By Victoria Marino vgmarino@my.loyno.edu

Through prayers, music, and spoken word, people showed support for the people of Palestine at “The New Orleans Palestinian Resistance Fair: A Celebration of Mass Movements, Popular Struggles and the Cultures that Created Them” which took place on the evening of Sunday, September 22 at Art Conscious Gallery and Zeitgeist Theatre in St. Claude.

The fair featured live music from local bands, vendors from local artists, local food stands, speakers, film screenings, and sign up sheets for workshops. The space offered a vibrant and communal atmosphere. Families gathered while

their children danced to the music, couples persued different tables, and several circles of local communities came together to support a global cause.

This event was put on by @nola. artists4palestine; when looking for volunteers via Instagram, they proudly noted that “as culture workers, our art is our weapon!” The purpose of this event was to use the hope and community that art creates as a form of resistance, according to the initiative.

Lana Murad, a young Palestinian artist and a member of the Palestinian Youth Movement helped organize the event. The idea for this event emerged last October, according to Murad. It was worked by volunteers after solidifying ideas early this year. The event’s execution

was a collaborative effort between different art circles according to Murad, who used her heritage from Palestine’s West Bank to impulse her work.

Murad said she knew this event needed to be a crossover between curation and personal lived experience.

She collaborated with a curator who reached out to her.

“She actually has experience in curating,” Murad said. “We tag teamed it. She filled in where I wasn’t too experienced, and I filled in the cultural norms, and what this means, if this is appropriate, the theme, stuff like that. I am an artist. I’m Palestinian, so I brought in more of a Palestinian perspective on things.”

To Murad, local ways of contributing to a global pro-Palestine cause came from taking inspiration.

“I hold inspiration from what other people are doing, and what I wanted to represent from New Orleans because all of these [artists] are from here,” Murad said. “They’re local. They have such a strong community that’s so proPalestinian.”

In terms of continuing to grow these spaces and communities, she mentioned feelings of fatigue and burnout. She admitted that although people in her community are still very active, “everybody’s kind of stretched thin.”

“We’re almost a year into the genocide,” Murad said. “Everyone that has been an activist since the beginning

is still using a lot of their efforts.”

Burnout is common within active members of the community, according to Murad.

“A lot of my family members are pretty active, and they’ve experienced burnout,” Murad said. “You have to meet people were they’re at.”

The perseverance is strong in terms of both community and artistry turnout, she said.

“We’re reaching more people, and seeing more people that I haven’t seen before,” Murad said. “I’m noticing how big the community is growing.”

“It’s amazing to see how much humanity people have and how willing people are to want to help, so I think that’s beautiful,” Murad said.

The Maroon Sept. 27, 2024 7

"Life With Oscar" brings dark comedy to Marquette

WEEKEND HOWL

By Heidi Herrera-Wanke

Longue Vue Botanical Garden

Places to visit Antenna Antenna is a non-profit and multi-cultural institution that provides support to cultural bearers that specialize in visual arts, printed book art, and performance art. Antenna hosts exhibitions, workshops, and residency spaces.

writeremail@my.loyno.edu

Comedian Nick Cohen performed his comedy show in Marquette Theatre on Tuesday evening. During his piece, titled "Life With Oscar", Cohen embraced the story of a rollercoaster that takes you on a dark comedic confessional ride through Hollywood.

Established in the early 1920's Longue Vue gives you a taste of 20th century architecture through eight acres of colorful gardens. Longue Vue hosts yoga classes, taichi classes, and free family Sundays

Food to eat Pêche Seafood Grill A contemporary home to fresh seafood, Pêche resides on 800 Magazine street.

This restaurant revolves around offering vibrancy through unique mocktails and revamping classic dishes.

Booze to drink Nick Cohen performs his one man show, "Life With Oscar."

Ecology Beer Providing craft beer to the anyone who steps into their green space, Eocology Beer's mission revolves around celebration of community. Hop on over to Ecology Beer for a taste of one of their 11 craft beers, or one of their beer slushies.

Events to attend Club 90's Chapel Roan Night September 28 @House of Blues. Doors and music, 9:00 PM. 18 Cohen played over 30 different characters in his show.

Masquerade at The Rabbit Hole September 26 @The Rabbit Hole.Doors 10:00 PM. 21+

Funk Fresh Out The Oven September 28 @The Rabbit Hole Doors 6:00 PM. 21+

International Arts Fest September 26-October 1 @Louis Armstrong Park

Photos by Heidi Herrera-Wanke

8

REVIEWS

The Maroon Sept. 27, 2024

FLACKO FOREVER

A look back at his debut album "LIVE.LOVE.A$AP"

Courtesy of Polo Grounds RCA

By Wesly Gabriel wagabrie@my.loyno.edu

Harlem-born rapper A$AP Rocky used fashion and music to escape from the harsh realities of his upbringing.

As a child, his family moved between homeless shelters, he lost his brother to a shooting, and his father went to jail for drug dealing. Despite all this, Rocky said in a 2012 interview, these difficulties made him who he is.

As a music producer and hip-hop fan, I naturally got excited when A$AP Rocky announced he would be dropping his first mixtape on streaming platforms. I’ve been combing through his discography for years ever since hearing “F*****

Problems” on the radio. When he dropped Testing, I was a sophomore in high school. This was the first time I sat waiting for Rocky to drop an album and where my appreciation grew for him as an artist. As I began listening to his older albums, his style imprinted on me drastically and I quickly became a huge fan. You can hear the evolution of his artistry throughout all his music, and as someone who believes in artistic diversity, I was impressed. His song “F***** Problems” featuring 2 Chainz, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar was his first Billboard Hot 100 hit and peaked at No. 8 in 2012. Rocky is preparing to release his latest album “Don't Be Dumb,” and recently dropped three singles ahead of

"A postcard from outlaw country "

By James Wyrtzen jawyrtze@my.loyno.edu

While I waited for the doors to open at The Fillmore, and a guy walks up to several people around me and asks if they’d be willing to give an interview about what they love about country music. Most decline, but the prompt makes me wonder what I love about country music. Lonesome slide guitar, engaging storytelling, and distinct, stylized showmanship come to mind.

Country music is difficult to pull off without paying homage to legends who came before, and Mr. Charley Crockett seems like he could be one of the genre's forefathers.

The already-packed crowd kicked into high gear when Early James put his capo on his fourth fret and began picking out one of his higher-tempo songs, “Mama Can Be My Valentine”. Shuffling feet and hands waved as James yearningly crooned out to the audience. The set culminated in a new song coming out later in September, the release of which

I anticipate as it was one of the band's better songs. Around 9:15, Early James left the stage and Charley Crockett’s crew began taking covers off of equipment and setting up a stage reminiscent of a late 60s country bandstand.

The lights went down and Crockett’s band walked on stage to “Il Texicano”, the theme of a 60s spaghetti western.

The band was outfitted in a uniform of black dress shirts and red pants. All the instruments were white, and they instantly kicked in the descending blues organ intro of “$10 Cowboy”, the title track and lead single of his album that came out this past April.

Crockett danced across the stage and peered out to the mid-level of the audience. The microphone sat on the tip of his chin as he crooned out the lines of “Visions of Dallas”, the title track of his most recent release. Most of the first hour of Crockett’s set was encompassed by cuts off “Visions of Dallas” and “$10 Cowboy”. As the set went on, his deeper catalog reigned supreme.

“Run Horse Run”, off of 2020’s

its release.

With Rocky about to drop, I thought it'd be a good time to go back to his first mixtape: “Live.Love.A$AP,” released when he was 23 years old. This album has an amateur charm that pairs well with the creative decisions in each track. It’s a psychedelic experience, covering topics like drugs, women, and a euphoric lifestyle. It stands out from Rocky’s other albums with the distinct boom-bap/trap vibes throughout. This is a more personal project, with lots of tracks having features from people close to Rocky’s circle. Clams Casino was the bulk producer in this project, shaping it with his unique style of production. I scavenged through an old Reddit page where Clams answered questions from fans about his career and production.

He uses a lot of samples as well as the manipulation of sounds to create trippy instrumentals.

Among the features on Live.Love.

A$AP are ScHoolboy Q and members of the A$AP Mob: Nast and Twelvyy.

With ScHoolboy Q still fairly new to the hip-hop game at the time and later becoming one of Top Dawg’s best rappers, the song “Brand New Guy" is a special moment in history with the two rising artists. The A$AP Mob track “Trilla” is a fun song where the Mob talks about getting money and being “trilla,” which is slang for keeping it real. The song “Acid Drip” is about craving drugs and describes a drug dealer/womanizer character who hangs on the corner of a street selling acid and lean. “Leaf” is a more personal record where Rocky shouts out his kin and expresses being exhausted from the struggle, resorting “Welcome To Hard Times”, was the band’s 6th song of the evening, and arguably the highlight. The country outfit started into the up-tempo country shuffle with slide guitar swells, drums booming with train beats, and quick strums of acoustic guitar. “Can’t stop until my work is done/ Run horse, run horse run.” Crockett often shouted the hook to cheers from the audience as he galloped across the stage, evoking images of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and other great country showmen.

Crockett traded his acoustic guitar for a butterscotch Fender telecaster and strummed on some of the more rocking tracks in his catalog. “I’m Just A Clown”, off of his 2022 breakthrough effort, “The Man From Waco”, was a standout of the evening. The song combines quasidisco drums and soulful guitar stabs, culminating in a dramatic trumpet solo. The steel guitar is epochal to most country music, but Crockett combines the lap steel with New Orleansinfluenced trumpet and organ playing, enabling him to achieve a unique sound.

As the evening progressed, Crockett made sure to let the audience know how appreciative he was to be playing for them, as he spent his formative years between San Benito, Texas, and visiting his uncle who lived in the French Quarter. He cut his teeth in the industry busking on street corners all

to drugs for a sense of relief. “Keep it G” and “Wassup” have a slower tempo and make you feel like you're chilling with the homies and partaking in ritualistic herb activities. Then you have “Peso,” a more upbeat vibe with a nostalgic sample, where Rocky flaunts his robust rapping techniques. This paired with the reverbed-out boom-bap drums gave Rocky a unique style; mixing old and new flavors of hip-hop. He is no stranger to using pitched-down vocals like a chopped and screwed record. It created a new appeal for trap and boombap fans and shows that A$AP Rocky is one of the most unique rappers of the 2010s. Peso was one of the lead singles off the album and is largely responsible for Rocky’s fame.

Live.Love.A$AP was the blueprint for what has now evolved into a special type of artist. Rocky has translated his signature Pretty Boy Flacko aura into many other forms of hip-hop. He developed his style to fit different genres and branch out from his signature cloud rap routes. Tyler the Creator’s “Who Dat Boy” is a wildly different kind of sound, but is one of Rocky’s best features. We can't forget his wildly popular song Sundress, where he steps into the indie genre with the instrumental while still managing to put a verse down. Live.

Love.A$AP started a domino effect that gave birth to many other projects and stayed one of the most relevant projects out of the 2010’s.

Since releasing Testing in 2018, A$AP Rocky’s gone through a lot. In 2019 after he was released from jail in Sweden for assault, he dropped a single titled “Babushka Boi” accompanied by

James Wyrtzen/The Maroon

around town, and Charlie Mills Jr. often accompanied him on trumpet. Crockett brought Mills out for “Trinity River”, a bluesy track ripe with opportunity for improvisation. Mills stayed on stage for the remainder of the set, often adding tasteful trumpet lines and bringing some New Orleans sound.

While some try and categorize Crockett’s music as country, he believes something completely different. In banter with the audience, Crockett divulged that “When they first wrote me up in Austin, Texas, they called me a genre chameleon. But standing right

a wacky music video. He did not release any new music for a while after, but in 2022 was featured in three songs as well as releasing his own single “DMB (Das My B****).” DMB was about his soulmate and now wife Rhianna, who in the time since “Testing” was busy creating a family with Rocky. With that being said, it makes me think about what we can expect from “Don’t Be Dumb”.

In his recent interviews, Rocky seems confident it’s his best album to date. He revealed that a song with Fatman Scoop, Slick Rick, Flava Flav, Morrissey, and Busta Rhymes would be on the project. His recently released singles “Highjack” and “Tailor Swif” are two electric concert-ready tracks with catchy hooks and fast rhythms. Rocky's most recent single is a rainy-day vibe produced by Alchemist and featuring J-Cole. It’s speculated that other legends like Pharrell, Metro Boomin, Tyler, the Creator, and Mike Dean all have a part in this project. This brings me back to what I said about artistic diversity. It seems that Rocky is taking more leaps forward by working with producers he has yet to collaborate with. At the same time, he’s creating full circle moments by including artists he’s worked with in the past and ones that have influenced him as a child. On paper, it sounds like we are about to hear Rocky’s most ambitious album to date. The album was initially slated for release on August, 30th 2024.

However, due to sample clearance issues and leaks, he decided to push it back to the fall. There's no new release date yet, but we can expect nothing less than greatness from our friend A$AP Rocky.

here, where I got it all together, this right here ain’t nothing but the blues.” On these lines, he broke into a T. Bone Burnett cover. Crockett’s cover selection was particularly extraordinary, as he played songs from artists such as Link Wray, T. Bone Walker, James Hand, Vincent Neil Emerson, and Tanya Tucker. Most of these artists seem obscure, but within the pantheon of Crockett’s artistry, they make perfect sense to emulate.

Crockett wrapped up the evening with an encore of Tanya Tucker’s “Jamestown Ferry” and another “$10 Cowboy” track, “America”. On the concluding notes of the last song of the evening, he offered these words to the audience, “Thank y’all, I’m Charley Crockett. That’s Charley with an -ey like Charley Pride and Crockett with two t’s like Davy.” He set his guitar on a stand and walked into the arms of his wife, who was waiting side stage.

Crockett’s act borders on novelty while still maintaining an uncommon authenticity. To most, it may seem hokey that the Valley native waltzes around the stage with one of the tallest cowboy hats around. However, to purists of American music, Crockett should represent a breath of fresh air. I stepped out into the thick humidity of nighttime New Orleans and automatically was desperate to send my outlaw postcard to the next person who could see Charley Crockett.

SPORTS

The Maroon Sept. 27, 2024

9

Loyola's first decathlete in 12 years can do it all

By Maleigh Crespo macrespo@my.loyno.edu

Biology freshman Nicholas Martin’s athletic journey began in high school, where he played eight different sports: football, baseball, basketball, swim, tennis, cross country, and track and field.

Of them all, it was track and field that earned him an invitation to join the Wolf Pack as the first decathlete on the team in 12 years.

A decathlete is a track and field competitor who competes in 10 different events: the 100 meters, 400 meters, 1500 meters, 110 meter hurdles, long jump, high jump, pole vault, discus throw, javelin throw, and shotput.

Before coming to Loyola, Martin said he didn’t know what a decathlete was, despite being signed as one. In high school, Martin said, unbeknownst to him, his coach had him compete in several different track and field events each summer, gradually increasing the number of events he did. Martin showed success in eight different events, including the javelin throw and the triple jump — his highest performing events.

“I’ve always been an athlete that's willing to try anything,” he said.

It was this eagerness that caught the attention of track and field assistant coach, Ron Holden, who recruited Martin for the position after he’d already been accepted to Loyola.

“I called him up and started chatting with him, and he did a diverse set of

events that you don't normally mix together, so I thought he’d have a very good chance as a decathlete,” Holden said.

Although Martin is a natural athlete, he said he grew up in a musical family, so he started singing and playing several different instruments at an early age.

From the start, he said he had a passion for artistry and performance. When he found sports, he saw it as another art form and another opportunity to express himself.

“I've always been an athlete that's willing to try anything.”

Nicholas Martin Biology freshman, Track and field athlete “When I look at track and field, when I look at the people that compete within the sport, I see them as artists expressing their art,” Martin said.

As for himself, he describes his ability to push forward as an athlete as a switch that flips.

“Whenever I get to practice, no matter how much pain I'm in, how sore I am, as soon as I hit the court, all the pain goes away,” he said. “Everything just switches.

There’s no pain. There’s nothing. It’s just clarity.”

Even with all of the hard work that comes with being a student athlete, Martin said he is able to maintain balance in his life by operating on a tight schedule, which allows him to “handle business.”

Martin said all of the sports he played in high school, along with his involvement in student leadership, helped him build the stamina to be a college athlete and pursue a degree in the medical field.

“It’s allowing me to take ownership of opportunities that come to me,” he said.

Along with sports and music, Martin also has a passion for medicine. Upon graduation, he wants to pursue a career in physical therapy or psychiatry.

“Because I do love athletics so much, and I know competing won't last forever,” he said. “[My] body's gonna give out eventually, so I know that with my competitiveness, I'm not gonna wanna give up sports like that. So with my deep desire for medicine, I want to be able to help athletes.”

Martin said he was an athletic training intern in high school, where he was able to wrap and assist athletes with minor sports injuries. With his own knowledge of sports, Martin said he was better able to help them and offer advice that he would use himself.

While Martin’s journey at Loyola has just begun, he knows that he doesn’t want to limit himself.

“I can do anything,” he said. “I can do everything.”

Biology freshman Nicholas Martin sits in the Residential Quad. Martin honed his skills during meets all through his high school career. Maleigh Crespo/The Maroon

Upcoming matches and games Men's & Women's Tennis

Men's & Women's Swimming

Men's & Women's Tennis

Friday, Sep. 27 | New Orleans, La.

Friday, Sep. 27 | Pensacola, Fla

Saturday, Sep. 28 | New Orleans, La.

ITA Gulf Regionals @ City Park Tennis Center

vs. University of West Florida and Thomas University (Ga.)

ITA Gulf Regional @ City Park Tennis Center

Volleyball Saturday, Sep. 28 | The Den vs. William Carey University at 11 a.m. vs. Louisiana Christian University at 3 p.m.

Men's & Women's Cross Country Saturday, Sep. 28 | Thibodeaux, La. @ Nicholls State Invitational

New women's futbol club seeks to leave legacy on campus Wolf Pack Recap

By Anna Therapondos atherapo@my.loyno.edu

In recent history, Loyola has lacked a women’s futbol team. This semester, however, a few students have decided to take it upon themselves to create an additional space for female athletics.

Sophia Santos is the president of the women’s futbol team at Loyola. She, along with two other students, Luciana Marziano and Darlenis Vargas, first decided to create a team when they were approached by Hector Garcia, cofounder of the men’s futbol club.

According to Santos, Garcia was very interested in creating a women’s team, and encouraged the women to take initiative and form the team themselves.

“Futbol is for everyone to enjoy and I firmly believe that Loyola is the best place to have a Women’s Futbol team,” Garcia said.

Luciana Marziano, one of the students who were approached by Garcia, has had a passion for soccer as long as she can remember.

“I grew up in Spain, where soccer is most developed,” Marziano said. “So my memories from a very young age are sitting at the table with my dad and his friends and watching soccer games, or breaking my school shoes because I was in the playgrounds playing soccer.”

“I want this project to be able to be carried out for centuries.”

Darlenis Vargas Criminology sophomore and club cofounder The students were given the option to operate under Loyola FC, the men’s futbol team, or to form their own team.

Flying under the men’s team would mean having a separate team under the official name of Loyola FC. But the women didn’t want to do this, so they opted to form their own team.

“As a collective, we chose to pursue our passion for soccer and strive for an

environment where the women have their own space,” Santos commented.

“It's important to shine a light on women's sports and female athletics.”

While still being established, the team is growing. The girls have currently recruited 16 players and are looking to recruit more as tryouts continue and they plan to start conditioning this season.

Garcia expresses his excitement for this new team on Loyola’s campus.

“It means the world to me. Futbol is a universal sport and having that startup on campus is a big joy for me. I’ve always wanted to have both a men’s and women’s team and to see the club coming together is just wonderful,” Garcia said.

As tryouts continue, the team is open to young women with little experience, as well as those who have established skill with the sport.

“My main goal is to be able to have fun and show that the girls do it too,” Marziano said.

The women are also enjoying being leaders and breaking new ground, and they are utilizing past experiences to

create the women’s futbol club. The girls have long had a love for soccer, and they are looking forward to seeing their passion and hardwork materialized in this new project.

“I have always loved being a part of new beginnings,” Vargas said. “I was a founder and creator of my middle school soccer team, so this is not my first time creating and founding a new team.”

As president, Santos is responsible for looking for field space and finding a coach, so they can begin as soon as possible. Most importantly, she is responsible for signing her team up for a league, so they can start playing competitively. The team plans to start playing in a league next semester after dedicating this semester to training.

“I want this project to be able to be carried out for centuries,” Vargas said.

Volleyball Saturday, Sep. 21 vs. University of Moblie (Ala.) L, 3 sets to zero

Men's Golf @ Dunning Invitational 12th out of 14

Esports Tuesday, Sep. 24 vs. Florida Tech University (Overwatch 2) W, 3 games to 1

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The Maroon Sept. 27, 2024

EDITORIAL & OPINION

The Maroon Sept. 27, 2024 11

Daryl Audrey Casas/ The Maroon

A warning for free expression Penn State University abruptly removed its student-run newspaper, The Daily Collegian, from newsstands across campus, citing a violation of its advertising policy. The ads in question were innocuous by most standards: one promoted a Kamala Harris rally, and the other encouraged voter registration. Yet the university's decision, made swiftly and without warning, raises troubling questions about free speech, the autonomy of student media, and the creeping influence of administrative authority over platforms designed for student expression.

But the implications are far more significant. When a public university, ostensibly committed to fostering a robust environment for debate, unilaterally de-

cides to pull its student newspaper from circulation, it sends a clear message: the boundaries of acceptable expression are not up to the students but the administration. This is a question of whether institutions of higher learning will uphold their duty to nurture free expression, even when that expression may be politically charged or controversial.

Student newspapers like The Daily Collegian exist to report on campus life and to hold institutions accountable.

They are a vital component of any academic ecosystem, ensuring transparency, surfacing uncomfortable truths, and amplifying the voices of students who might otherwise go unheard. These papers are, in many ways, the heart of student expression. To remove them from

campus without proper justification undermines the very principles that universities claim to uphold.

What is especially concerning about Penn State’s decision is the lack of due process. The removal of The Daily Collegian came without warning and with no opportunity for the newspaper’s staff to address or even understand the specific nature of the alleged violation. This lack of transparency only deepens the sense of unease. If a university can simply sweep a student publication off newsstands for running ads that touch on political activity—ads, it should be noted, that are entirely consistent with the democratic engagement many universities encourage—what message does this send to students? It tells them that their

platforms, their voices, and their work can be shut down without recourse. It suggests that their autonomy is contingent upon the approval of administrators rather than being a protected right.

This issue speaks to a broader tension within higher education today, not just at Penn State. Universities are increasingly caught between their commitment to fostering open dialogue and their desire to avoid controversy. In this balance, many institutions have taken steps that prioritize administrative control over student freedom, which is deeply troubling. Higher education should be a place where students are encouraged to ask hard questions, report difficult truths, and hold power to account. When universities themselves become the ar-

biters of what speech is permissible, they erode the intellectual freedoms they are meant to champion.

In an era where the free press is under attack from authoritarian regimes, corporate influence, and social media disinformation, it is all the more important that universities—supposedly bastions of knowledge, inquiry, and freedom—stand firmly on the side of free expression. To do otherwise is to betray their core mission and the students they serve. The removal of The Daily Collegian is a warning signal. If universities begin to treat student media as something that can be controlled and censored, the future of free inquiry on campus becomes increasingly fragile.

ple but love your neighbor as you love yourself. I am the Lord.” I know it doesn’t seem like the most logical solution to forgive someone who has hurt us, but in the grand scheme of things, as a human, you have more energy to forgive than to get back at those who you want revenge from. It’s something that we all struggle with, even I do. I would start with just going up to that person and just saying

“I forgive you.” If they’ve done something wrong towards you, and you either want revenge or don’t know how to process it just take a deep breath and be the bigger person. Merely saying “I forgive you” to someone is a stepping stone to being a calm and graceful person, and it even makes God happy to see it. Remember that He loves you so much even when we don’t deserve it!!

GUEST SERMON: CHRIST COLUMN Trenton Watts Music freshman

Forgiveness What exactly is forgiveness? Forgiveness is the deliberate decision to abort feelings of hate or resentment to a person who has harmed you and guess what? Jesus was and is the master of forgiveness. When the Pharisees questioned Him or when people hurled in-

sults at them, He didn’t hurl insults back, He forgave them for their sins to show how graceful He is and the way of the Father. Now, I understand as humans we find it incredibly complicated to forgive those who have harmed us verbally or physically, but trust God when He says to love our enemies and in Leviticus 19:18.

He says “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your peo-