Spring26_Issue4_complete

For a greater Loyola | Vol. 105 | Issue 4 | Loyola University New Orleans | Since 1923 | Feb. 6, 2026 | loyolamaroon.com

Loyola charges student for promoting outside group

“They have no evidence that I did this.”

— Senior Juleea Berthelot Pro-Palestine protesters begin marching down St. Charles Avenue on Sep. 18, 2024.

This rally and march was to continue to call for university disclosure of funds

By Eloise Pickering ewpicker@my.loyno.edu

Juleea Berthelot speaks to reporters at the Tulane encampment in April, 2024. Isabelle Castillo/The Maroon

Loyola senior Juleea Berthelot has been given conduct charges pertaining to promoting a non-chartered student organization, Liberate and Unite New Orleans Students for a Democratic Society, charges they believe are targeted.

On Thursday, Jan. 29, Berthelot was given three charges after students were asked to stop giving out flyers in the Peace Quad. These flyers were promoting a new members meeting for Liberate and Unite New Orleans Students for a Democratic Society. The charges were: promotion of a non-recognized student organization, posting and advertising, and social media use.

Berthelot is a member of LUNOSDS, however they are not the chair of the organization.

“They have, like, no evidence that I did this,” Berthelot said. “You can’t put that all on me.”

According to Berthelot, they feel targeted due to past tensions between the University and LUNOSDS, an organization that grew out of Loyola Students for a Democratic Society. Loyola SDS was a chartered organization before its members decided to deregister in the fall of 2024.

“I was so angry, but now I’m just like, do you have nothing better to do?”

Berthelot said. “Their obsession with SDS … and now me, they think that there’s just, if they take down one person, then all of SDS will go but that’s just not how it works.”

Loyola’s Student Organization Handbook states that students are “prohibited from joining and promoting non-registered student organizations. Students are also prohibited from promoting the goals, purposes, identity, programs, or activities of suspended organizations or organizations who are not chartered.”

The Maroon asked Alicia Bourque,

Loyola’s vice president of student affairs, about the distinction made between promoting purposes/goals as an organization versus a student promoting those same ideals as an individual, to which Bourque directed back to the Student Organization Handbook.

The Maroon asked Assistant Vice President of the Department of Student Life and Ministry Dale O’Neill the same question, to which she did not respond.

Vice President of Marketing and Communications Aariel Charbonnet was also asked the same question, to which she did not respond.

The Maroon asked Director of Student Conduct Dallas Flint for clarification on how non-recognized student organizations function under the Student Organization Handbook and Student Code of Conduct in relation to recognized and chartered organizations.

Flint declined to comment.

“At this time, I’m not able to participate in an interview or provide comments for this article,” she said. “We plan to communicate directly with students regarding policies and expectations related to recognized and non-recognized organizations through our own institutional channels.”

Berthelot will have a hearing with the Student Justice Board in the coming weeks where they will be given their sanctions. Berthelot can appeal to the Faculty Student Appeals Board if they choose.

CAMPUS

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The Maroon Feb. 6, 2026

SEA's greenhouse event prepares for Earth Day

ByLily Bordelon nrparrel@my.loyno.ed

Students prepared for Loyola’s Earth Week by planting nearly 60 plants for the free plant giveaway during Earth Day’s sustainability fair. They did this during a volunteering event at the greenhouse on Jan. 29.

According to Students for Environmental Action President Katie Buc, a senior double majoring in political science and environmental Studies, the group planted nearly 60 plants for the free giveaway during Earth Day’s sustainability fair in April.

Buc was very pleased with the turnout for the volunteer event.

“It is really hard to get students to turn

out to volunteering events because they are juggling school, work, other clubs, and just trying to enjoy their college experiences,” she said. “So overall, I was really excited that we were able to get people excited to volunteer in the greenhouse.”

Buc explained that SEA aims to promote student interest in awareness in nature and the environment through volunteering events and social events.

The next event happening will be a Mardi Gras upcycling event at the end of February to upcycle beads into arts and crafts. Additionally, the next chain of volunteer events will be held in March and April at Greenlight NOLA and Recirculating Farm.

Two students upcycle plastic bottles to use as hanging planters for future plants. Lily Bordelon/The Maroon

Mark Tobler assigns students to different volunteer activities durimg the SEA greenhouse volunteer event. Lily Bordelon/The Maroon

100 Years of Black History: How students are celebrating

Student reads about prominent black women displayed for Black History Month. Lily Bordelon/The Maroon

By Pharrell Every pjevery@my.loyno.edu

This year, Black History Month turns 100 years old. Student organizations such as Theater for the Culture, Student Government Association, and University Programming Board plan to mark the centennial with a variety of events.

It began as Negro History Week in 1926 before becoming federally recognized as Black History Month 50 years later in 1976.

Since their establishment in 2024, Theater for the Culture serves as a space for Black storytellers to showcase their work and tell their stories.

The first event planned by Theater for

the Culture is “Reading for the Culture: Black Play Reading Series,” which will occur every Thursday in Feb. at 12:30 p.m.

Feb. 5, 12, and 19 on the fourth floor of the library,” according to President and junior physics and theater arts major Gabrielle Stanfield.

On Feb. 18 there will be an event called “Black Is—?” which, according to Stanfield, is about “exploring and debunking the problems in the industry and providing advice, tips, and tricks to growing your career as a Black storyteller.”

Artists from all over campus and in any form are welcome to take part in this event.

TFC will be hosting a Black History showcase in Nunemaker Hall on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

“We tend to specialize in events that foster more community, teach students about progressing in their careers, and also give them performance opportunities to allow them to showcase what Black history means to them during the month of February,” Stanfield said.

"There is always room for growth, but I can appreciate the direction we are moving towards."

Gabrielle Stanfield, Theater for the Culture President Regarding the university as a whole, Stanfield believes that while large and

important strides are being made, there is still a lot of work to be done.

“While I still have concerns about the underfunded Black Studies Department and the request to change certain room and organizational names from administration, aiding in the erasure of Black History, I will stay positive in the hopes that Loyola will uphold the Jesuit mission of a just and true campus,” Stanfield said. “There is always room for growth, but I can appreciate the direction we are moving towards.”

Stephanie Ruiz, senior biology major and director of equity and inclusion for SGA is excited to collaborate with Black student organizations to plan events for the month of February.

“I want to reach out to all of the organizations that represent Black history [...] to partner and see if we could do something just to highlight and give a voice to the students on campus,” Stanfield said.

While not completely sure of what the event will be, whether it is a trivia night or awards ceremony, her main priority is the input of Black student leaders to make the event a collaborative effort between SGA and these organizations.

She also plans to do a social media spotlight, highlighting a Black student, professor, and organization in order to recognize the work they do on campus.

The equity and inclusion committee hosted events in the past to celebrate Black History Month. This year, Ruiz wants to make the celebration bigger.

“I feel like sometimes, we do as much as we can to make people be seen on campus but I feel like a lot of students aren’t aware of these organizations so I want to just keep pushing it more,” Ruiz

said.

By making the celebration bigger, she hopes to spread the word about the presence of these organizations to student groups like commuters, who may not know much about them or get many chances to interact with them.

Angel August, a sophomore psychology pre-health major and director of programming for student government, is looking forward to the Black history month themed Wolfpack Wednesday coming up at the end of the month.

On Feb. 25, the University Programming Board will be hosting Wolfpack Wednesday, where students wearing maroon, gold, or Loyola gear will receive free goodies. At this Wolfpack Wednesday, food will be provided by a Blackowned restaurant and there will also be some Black history facts to engage students.

While UPB doesn’t have anything currently planned outside of Wolfpack Wednesday, August is definitely looking forward to doing more with Black student organizations.

“Since right now I don’t really have anything planned for that outside Wolfpack Wednesday, maybe next year I do want to extend that invitation to [Black Student Union] and do a cookout or a movie screening or something,” August said.

Outside of student leadership, students throughout campus are calling for others to get involved and find ways to celebrate Black History Month both on and off campus.

Junior psychology major Joshua Fletcher recognizes the importance of celebrating Black History Month as a

time that people should really sit and reflect.

“Black History Month is important to me because it gives me a time and a space to really think back to American history and my ancestors, at least in this country. To me, it gives me a good amount of pride to see people who looked like me who were very historically significant,” Fletcher said.

He does wish that for the campus overall, other student organizations besides just Black student organizations celebrated Black History Month and calls for academic departments to do more to recognize the contributions made by Black academics.

“We could talk about historical Black psychologists in the psychology department or historical Black writers in the English department [...] I feel like particularly academic departments could definitely do more to celebrate Black History Month,” Fletcher said.

Moving beyond campus, Fletcher wants to see more student involvement in events taking place outside campus and believes that student engagement with Black History Month needs to go farther than just interacting with student organizations and lectures at school.

“When it comes to students engaging with Black History Month [...] I do think a lot more students could make efforts to try to seek Black history events off campus. I feel like that could add a good amount of understanding to get a non-student or a non-academic perspective of Black history,” Fletcher said.

The Maroon Feb. 6, 2026

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PUZZLES ACROSS 1. A transfer of pollen 11. Railroad, abbr.

12. A sugary fluid secreted by plants 13. Blumhouse, abbr.

15. Sound a horse makes 17. One of the penguins from Madagascar 19. Cosine, Tangent, _____ 20. Public Relations, abbr.

22. Home of the Wolf Pack, abbr.

24. North Carolina abbr.

26. First 4 letters of the Disney movie about a Colombian family with magical powers 27. Movie co-starring Jonah Hill: Super___ 28. Electronic Arts, abbr.

29. Cornell Students for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, abbr.

30. Icelandic dairy product similar to greek yogurt 32. Name of the 1974 Cold War spy novel by John le Carré, abbr.

34. Commercial Drivers License, abbr.

37. A fictional reasearch organization which contains and researches anomalies 38. Illuminating Engineering Society, abbr.

40. Spoken 42. Original Equipment, abbr.

43. Chile, abbr.

44. "___ and behold!"

45. Minnesota, abbr.

46. Opposed to out 47. Small bills 49. Bluetooth, abbr.

51. Bird's home 52. In other words 53. Feminine suffix, in French 56. Fashion monogram 57. "Hands off" in the ER 58. Barry B. Benson says this, "Ya like ___?"

60. The O's in XOXO 61. Feathered friends 63. Tea, in Spanish 65. Catch some rays 66. Mardi Gras float path

DOWN 1. Female version of prince 2. Almond syrups used in cocktails 3. Natural logarithm, abbr.

4. In other words 5. National Crime Agency, abbr.

6. Advanced Technology, abbr.

7. Teacher's Assistant, abbr.

8. Internal Rate of Return, abbr.

9. American broadcast television and radio network established in 1926 10. Pesticides designed to kill and control insects 14. Building hexagonal wax cells, bee-style 16. "Relativity" genius with wild hair 18. Oldest all-female Mardi Gras krewe 20. Lead, on the periodic table 21. A dorm floor's supervisor, abbr.

23. Global peacekeeping org, abbr.

25. Wood-boring bees 31. Kansas, abbr.

33. A buzzing bee farm 34. A community of bees 35. Male bees that don't sting 36. The Pelican State you're partying in right now, abbr.

39. Feeling under the weather 41. ABC's island mystery series 48. English class for non-native speakers, abbr.

50. "PAING" spelled backwards 54. New Jerusalem Bible, abbr.

55. A Biblical scribe 57 Timothée Chalamet's desert sci-fi epic 59 Zoning District Residential, abbr.

60 Jester's headpiece 62 South America, abbr.

63 Tellurium, on the periodic table 64 Where you go in an emergency 65 The Green Wave school down the road, abbr.

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66 Crossword by Kira Phillips and Olive Riley/The Maroon

For weekly puzzle answers, visit our Website via the QR code:

STAFF LIST Editorial Board Editor in Chief - Eloise Pickering Managing Editor - Mary Ella Hastings Pre-Content Director - Alana Frank Post-Content Director - Callie Honeycutt News Editor - Lily Bordelon News Editor- Stella Perdue Worldview Editor - Pablo Pineiro Life & Times Editor - Elise Beck Asst. Life & Times Editor - Olivia Sanyal Sports Editor - Keri Smith Opinion/Editorial Editor - Imad Siddiqui Breaking News Editor - Natalie Thomas Copy Editors - Mark Michel Senior Staff Writer - Dominique Campbell News Consultant - Mark Michel The Wolf Director - Laura Welles Senior Staff Photographer - Sophia Renzi Photo Editor - Ashlyn Bobb Collins Asst. Photo Editor - Pharrell Every Social Coordinators - Mabel Regalado-Hernandez, Carlos Andrade Broadcast Producer - Cecilia Calderi Lead Anchor - Dessadra Tezenzo

Design Chief - Makayla Parker Newsletter Writer - Rodrigo Delgato Distribution Manager - Sophia Renzi

Contributors Alyvia Pierson, Natalie Albers, Christopher Pouncy, Ruby Nieder, Stella Purdue, Lonniesha Carroll, Alyssa Jones, Cori Davis, Fin Jones, Angelica Pineda, Qemyne Barnes, Amari Winchester, Joshua Fletcher, Claire Schmit, Nicholas Parrella

Sales Manager: Emily Keller Student Media Adviser: Michael Giusti Assistant Student Media Adviser: Gabriella Killett Vargas

CONTACT US 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.

Send mail to: The Maroon, Loyola University, Campus Box 64, 6363 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118 The Maroon is published every Friday.

Unless otherwise noted, all content is copyrighted by The Maroon. All rights reserved. First copy free to students, faculty, and staff. Every additional copy is $1.00.

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CAMPUS

The Maroon Feb. 6, 2026

LUCAP thrift sale brings life to old student clothes

By Eloise Pickering

The Loyola University Community Action Program held a two day, on-campus thrift sale to raise money for Iggy Vols and promote sustainability.

Iggy Vols is a campus immersion

group, and this semester they will be traveling to El Paso and Juarez, Mexico, where students will encounter the “lives and stories of people living along the U.S.–Mexico border,” according to Lindy Brasher, university minister for social justice.

The sale was held on Feb. 2 and 3 us-

T-shirt table from LUCAP event donated by Loyola students. Sophia Renzi/The Maroon

Student looks though jeans at Lucap's thrift sale in the St.Charles room.

Sophia Renzi/ The Maroon

ewpicker@my.loyno.ed

ing clothes from the spring 2025 move out, as well as items students had donated.

According to Brasher, the sale was successful in many ways.

“It helped keep usable items from ending up in a landfill while also supporting a meaningful student experi-

Graphic by Makayla Parker/The Maroon.

ence,” Brasher said.

LUCAP is a social justice initiative that’s rooted in Catholic Social Teachings, according to their website.

“The sale encourages responsible stewardship of the Earth and invites our community to consider how everyday choices can contribute to the well being

of both people and the planet,” Brasher said. “Everyone who supported the sale … reminds us that gratitude, sustainability, and solidarity are deeply connected.”

Student looks though shirts at LUCAP's thrift sale in the St. charles room.

Sophia Renzi/The Maroon

Shoe table from lucap event donated

by Loyola students. Sophia Renzi/The Maroon

Is AI Helping or Harming?

Professors weigh in on AI use in the classroom

By Alana Frank anfrank@my.loyno.edu

Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are becoming more common in college classrooms, raising questions about how students should use them and where the line should be drawn.

Professors say AI can be helpful, but only if it is used responsibly.

Scott Gericke, an assistant professor in Loyola’s Department of Design, has seen AI used mostly as a creative support tool. In design classes, he said AI can help students turn ideas into early mockups or visual examples.

“I’ve noticed helpful tools with writing and creating prototypes of ideas to get a message across,” Gericke said.

He added that traditional methods like sketching are still important and have not been replaced.

Gericke does not have a formal policy on AI use in his classroom yet. He said the technology is still new to him, and he wants more time to understand how it fits into design education. However, he said honesty matters.

“I want my students to be open and honest about how and why they’re using AI,” he said.

While Gericke sees some benefits, he also has concerns. He worries that relying too much on AI could hurt students’ creativity over time, especially when it comes to brainstorming and developing original ideas. He also raised concerns about the environmental and labor impacts connected to AI technology.

“Overall, I am concerned with what I’m understanding about how communities are being devastated of resources

by Data Centers that power AI technology; and by how AI firms are farming out low-paying jobs in less developed countries to people who have to keyword im-

ages of devastation, horror, carnage, and used ethically in limited ways, but not for death,” he said. creating original academic or creative In the political science department, work.

Dr. Roger White, associate professor and “I think AI might be used ethically department chair, said AI is becoming a for some work,” she said. “For example, bigger topic of discussion on campus.

I think it could assist in accelerating the “AI is a tool,” White said. “It can be pace of synthesizing data for medical used for good or bad purposes.” research and perhaps assist in developWhen it comes to the future, White ing cures for diseases. I do not think it is said the effects of AI depend on how it ethical to use it to create original work, is used. such as essays, research papers, articles, “If it enhances human ability, the ef- books, creative works.” fect is good,” he said. “If it replaces that Boyett said she is currently exploring ability, it’s bad.”​​In how AI could be used ethically in the White said he personally uses AI classroom, particularly to help students Overview on Google when researching, understand its limits. but emphasized the “In my preimportance of verilaw courses, I am fying information. exploring how it “I use AI Overcould be used to view on Google, but synthesize case check the sources law,” she said, addto make sure they’re ing that it is still imMichelle Rossi, reliable,” he said. portant for students Assistant professor of journalism and While White has to develop their own mass communication, not noticed students analysis. using AI in his classShe said she has es, he said he could see it being useful if also created in-class exercises where stuapplied thoughtfully. dents first analyze sources on their own, “I can see using AI to contribute to then compare their work to AI-generatclass discussion,” he said. ed analysis to identify errors, originality, White said the impact depends on and depth. how the technology is used.

Boyett said she has noticed students “To the extent that it enhances hu- using AI in class and has adjusted her man ability, the effect of AI is good,” he teaching methods in response. said. “To the extent AI replaces that abil“I have made some changes in my ity, it is bad.” courses, such as banning the use of elecDr. Patricia Boyett, Peter J. Cangelosi/ tronic devices except when we are purBeggars Endowed Associate Professor posefully using AI tools,” she said. of History, said she is concerned about She added that she has returned to how some students are currently using in-class essay exams and assignments artificial intelligence. like debates and moot courts that re“I am concerned that some students quire students to think critically and reare using it to write their papers and de- spond in real time. velop presentations,” Boyett said.

Looking ahead, Boyett said she worBoyett said she believes AI can be ries about the long-term effects of stu-

“We have to talk about it because the industry is using it."

dents relying on AI to do their work.

“If students use it to write papers, synthesize readings, and create presentations, they will fail to deepen their critical analytical, writing, artistic, and oratory skills,” she said.

Boyett added that overuse of AI could lead to thought conformity, stifle creativity, and discourage innovation.

For journalism students, expectations around AI are more clearly defined. Dr. Michelle Rossi, assistant professor of journalism and mass communication, said using AI to fully write assignments is not acceptable.

“Unacceptable is when a student creates and generates content using AI,” Rossi said.

Rossi said students are allowed to use AI to help gather information, similar to using Google, as long as they fact-check what they find and do their own analysis.

She said students are responsible for the final work they turn in.

“What I don’t want to see is a final assignment generated by a chatbot,” she said.

Rossi added that AI-written stories often look polished but lack strong content.

“You read it and it’s well formatted, but it’s kind of empty,” she said.

Despite the concerns, Rossi said AI is not going away and should be discussed openly in the classroom.

“We have to talk about it because the industry is using it,” she said.

Across departments, Loyola professors agree that AI is becoming a part of college life. While its role in the classroom is still being defined, faculty say the focus should remain on student learning, honesty, and critical thinking.

Lunar New Year at Loyola University The Loyola Asian Student Organization will be hosting a Lunar New Year's event on Feb. 12 at 12:30 p.m. in the Peace Quad. The event will have refreshments, karaoke, trivia, and other activities for students to participate in to celebrate Lunar New Year, which marks the beginning of the year based on lunisolar calendars. Updates will be posted on LASO’s instagram account, @lasowolfpack.

NAHJ plans a king cake social The National Association of Hispanic Journalists will host a king cake social on Feb. 5. Students who attend can grab a slice of king cake tres leches at 12:00 p.m. in the Danna Center. For more information, students can email maregala@ my.loyno.edu and mrossi@loyno.edu.

Countdown to Carnival returns to Loyola University Programming Board is hosting the annual Countdown to Carnival celebration and involvement fair on Feb. 10 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Students can celebrate Mardi Gras with food, music, activities, animals, a photo booth, and more attractions. The event will take place in the Peace Quad.

SPORTS

The Maroon Feb. 6, 2026

5

Runner honored by conference second time

Jace Luckoski running at one of his cross-country meet. He has been awarded scholor athlete of the year award for the seond time. Courtesy of Loyola New Orleans Athletics

By Keri Smith klsmith1@my.loyno.edu

Jace Luckoski was named Southern States Athletic Conference Cross Country Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive season during the fall of 2025.

Luckoski earned the award after another consistent season in SSAC competition, where he remained one of the top finishers across multiple meets and continued to serve as a key scorer for his team. The Athlete of the Year honor is awarded to the conference runner who demonstrates the strongest overall per-

formance throughout the season.

Throughout the regular season, Luckoski recorded several high finishes at SSAC meets and maintained a steady presence at the front of the field. His performances helped set the tone for the team and positioned him as one of the conference’s most reliable runners heading into the postseason.

At the SSAC Championship meet, Luckoski delivered one of his strongest races of the year, finishing among the top competitors in the conference. His result contributed directly to the team’s overall placement and played a role in his repeat selection as Athlete of the Year.

“I wouldn’t be able to get out the door and run without having a team to motivate me. Just being with a group of people everyday for practice motivates me to train hard and work better. Everything I do, I do for the team,” Luckoski said.

Luckoski competed in every major meet during the season and remained at the top of the team’s lineup throughout the year. His consistency across multiple races and courses was a key factor in earning the award for a second straight time.

“I wouldn’t want to think I could’ve done better, so I give it my all. Leading up to a performance, I always tell myself in

my head that I can do it so I will do it,” Luckoski said.

Winning SSAC Cross Country Athlete of the Year in back-to-back seasons places Luckoski among a small group of repeat winners in conference history.

Luckoski is expected to continue competing during the upcoming track season and will return to cross country next fall, with team goals centered on conference competition and advancement to the national level. “[We] definitely need to win the conference as a team next year, and make a trip to nationals. For the upcoming track season, I’d like to place a few times at

Upcoming games

conferences and see the team place better than last year.” Luckoski said.

By earning the SSAC Cross Country Athlete of the Year award for a second straight season, Luckoski joined a small group of runners in conference history to accomplish this. The repeat honor highlighted not only his individual performance, but also his consistency across multiple seasons of conference competition.

Scoreboard

Men's Swimming

Women's Swimming

Baseball

Baseball

Friday, Feb. 06 | Ocala, Fla.

Friday, Feb. 06 | Ocala, Fla.

7-3

12-1

@ The Sun Conference Men's Championship

@ The Sun Conference Women's Championship

Competitive Dance

Competitive Cheer

Friday, Feb. 06 | New Orleans, La.

vs. Dillard University

vs. Dillard University

Men's Tennis

Women's Tennis

Friday, Feb. 06 | New Orleans, La.

2-5

1-6

@Battle in the Big Easy

@Battle in the Big Easy

@ Xavier University

@ Xavier University

Women's Tennis

Baseball

Friday, Feb. 06 | Rome, Ga.

Friday, Feb. 06 | Segnette Field

vs Tennessee Wesleyan

vs. RV Indiana University Southeast

Men's Basketball 84-79 vs. Life University (Ga.)

Women's Basketball 59-50 vs. Life University ( Ga.)

LIFE AND TIMES

The Maroon Feb. 6, 2026

7

Sunnylyn Thibodeaux's poetry receives mention from Publisher's Weekly

Thibodeaux looking at her manuscript, courtesy of Thibodeaux

Thibodeaux looking over pages on the floor, courtesy of Thibodeaux

Manuscripts laid out on the floor. Photo courtesy of Thibodeaux

By Mary Ella Hastings mlhastin@my.loyno.edu Themes of New Orleans magic, motherhood, loss, politics, and cooking find their way into a new book titled" Lucky Charms,” by the Office Manager for the School of Communications and Design at Loyola.

Sunnylyn Thibodeaux’s “Lucky Charms” is on the Publishers weekly 2026 spring and summer titles with “ something special about them”.

Thibodeaux says this is the first time that one of her books has gotten this level of recognition, and it has left her in disbelief.

“I kind of shy away from compliments, if you will. I’m like oh, that's really exciting. And now I'm gonna go over here and hide,” Thibodeaux said.

The Creation of “Lucky Charms’ Thibodeaux’s upcoming book of poetry is a collection of poems that spans 25 years of her life, with a special focus on home and what it means to her.

“What's interesting is so much of this book was written while I lived in California but so much of the themes are New Orleans, because this is home,” she said.

Garret Caples, an editor at City Lights, worked on “Lucky charms” with Thibodeux and said that working together was “somewhat telepathic.”

“I would get a version and have some thoughts and she would address those thoughts without me having to send them to her. It had a bit of poetic magic to it,” Caples said.

“Lucky Charms” is part of a series that City Lights Publishing does called the Spotlight Series.

The focus of this series is to shine a light on a poet that has a catalogue of works that isn't getting tons of recognition.

Caples said that Thibodeaux was a good fit for the Spotlight series because

A 14-year-old Thibodeaux in her room, courtesy of Thibodeaux

she has a body of work that spans time, and he thought people would appreciate seeing it put together.

“Her work ought to be presented, and City Lights has kind of a bigger reach than the small press,” he said.

Caples praised the humanity in Thibodeaux’s work, saying that it comes through clearly in her writing.

“You can really just feel the human being in Sunnylyn's work,” Caples said.

“This is a book about real human experience.”

Thibodeaux spoke about the title of the book, sharing that it came from the title of the opening poem in the book.

She said Caples encouraged the title saying that it tied into the themes of her

writing. “[Caples] felt like my work could all kind of link back into the idea of something talismanic. Like a charm,” she said.

Thibodeaux referred to the process of putting the book together as “the stringing of pearls”.

She said this starts with finding the ways all the poems link, and to do this

she lays the pages of her manuscript on the floor.

“I am on my hands and knees, and I am looking at it, and I am seeing things that you don’t necessarily get flipping page to page,” Thibodeaux said.

See HISTORY, page 11

More poetic works

by Thibodeaux: "Palm to Pine"

"Against what Light"

"As Water Sounds"

"The World Exactly"

"Broadway Azaleas"

LIFE AND TIMES

8

The Maroon Feb. 6, 2026

Professor Tim Kappel wins landmark copyright case

By Nicholas Parrella nrparell@my.loyno.edu The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit recently ruled that U.S. copyright law now allows songwriters to reclaim ownership of their work, a decision that could potentially start change across the music industry on a global scale.

According to a Loyola University press release, the case Vetter v. Resnik centers on “termination rights” which in U.S. copyright law “allows songwriters to reclaim rights to their work after a set period of time, even if those rights were previously signed away.”

Tim Kappel, an assistant professor of music industry studies at Loyola and a nationally recognized expert in music and copyright law, represented Cyril Vetter.

The case involved Cyril Vetter and Don Smith's smash hit “Double Shot (Of My Baby’s Love)” which was recorded by The Swingin’ Medallions.

Vetter and Smith wrote the song early in their careers and like many songwriters, signed predatory publishing agreements that would prove to have major

Stella and the city Trying to solve a generational dilemma: Reels vs. TikTok

By Stella Perdue swperdue@my.loyno.edu Our generation is unique because we’ve lived through the transition from analog to digital technology.

We have had front row seats to the rise and fall of various social media platforms prioritizing short form content.

First came Vine, then Musical.ly, and now we have Tiktok, as well as its seemingly endless stream of Zuckerbergian cousins (Zuckerbergian, because they are all products of Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta internet. Call me something of a witty neologist.)

Take Instagram Reels, for instance, what most would call TikTtok’s main competitor.

When Reels debuted in 2020, most shrugged it off as a TikTtok copycat.

No one took it seriously, so the discourse surrounding platforms playing tag with one another slithered its way back into the cultural zeitgeist.

Last year when rumors surrounding a TikTok ban started to swirl–and when it actually happened for about 14 hours–, tons of people made the switch over to

Graphic by Makayla Parker

Music.

“Unfortunately, in the music industry, artists are underdogs when put up against labels and the powers that be” she said “this is a major win”.

Loyola student and music industry major Harper Secor weighed in as well, stating that she thinks this case is “super beneficial” as so many artists and songwriters have been “used by the industry, and situations like these are normally thrown on the back burner” Secor said.

“This win gives the power back to the artist and fights the sometimes predatory industry that profits off of us.”

financial ramifications.

The agreement they signed gave ownership of the song to Windsong Music Publishers, Inc for only $1.

After Smith's death, Vetter gained Smith’s rights to their song “Double Shot” and went to seek full ownership of it.

In 2022, the American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. went to Vetter in hopes of licensing his song “Double Shot” for a program that would be broadcasted worldwide.

However, Resnik Music Group, a record label and music publisher bought the rights to the song from Windsong and claimed to still own a partial interest in the song outside of the U.S. Due to this claim, Vetter filed a lawsuit and with support from Kappel, The Author’s Guild, Songwriters Guild of America, and the Screen Actors Guild– American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, reclaim ownership of his song globally.

“This case sets a huge legal precedent for rights disputes going forward," said Olivia Pampinella, a music business major at Berklee College of

Reels.

Since then, I’ve found that tons of my peers have remained faithful to Reels, even preferring its algorithm to TikTok altogether.

Even some of my dear colleagues in the newsroom continuously prioritize Reels over Tiktok.

For fun, I asked Sophia Renzi what her thoughts were while I was jotting down ideas.

Here’s what she had to say: “Reels, you have an escape from the doomscroll, whereas Tiktok…there is no escape. On Instagram you can switch to messages or your feed. Tiktok, you can’t.”

She makes an intriguing argument, but I digress that Tiktok is superior because of its algorithm. I think it’s super cool that everyone’s feed is attuned to them, like mine is all about UMiami YikYak drama and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills—super hard hitting stuff.

My dad’s TikTok, on the other hand, is chalk full of AI slop that only further amplifies the red pilling effect.

See TIKTOK, page 11

The recent ruling has given local artists hope for an honorable and just future for the industry.

“This case was about essentially upending what we considered to be questionable – but long standing – industry practice” Kappel said.

“As the owner of the copyright, you get to decide how the work is used, or not used, and you get to retain 100 percent of the revenue, as opposed to 20 percent, 30 percent, and 50 percent of the revenue. So it’s about control. It’s about revenue. But really what it’s about is fairness. This is what Congress wanted” Kappel said.

“This case was about essentially upending what we considered to be questionable-but long-standing industry practice."

— Tim Kappel

"Man on the run" shows at Loyola

By Elise Beck erbeck@my.loyno.edu Loyola will host an advance screening of academy award winner Paul Neville’s documentary “Man on the Run” in Nunemaker auditorium Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. A limited number of 100 free tickets will be made available to Loyola students with a special access code.

“Partnering once again with Loyola University allows us to reach students, artists, and film lovers in a dynamic shared space, and we are proud to continue building that relationship through screenings that inspire conversation, curiosity, and connection,” said Dodd Loomis, the Executive Director of the New Orleans Film Society.

See MAN, page 11

Graphic courtesy of NOFS

Loyola's literary salon is looking for you

By Stella Perdue swperdue@my.loyno.edu Last semester, I proposed an idea to the English department: holding a literary salon. This idea has officially come to fruition and it is all I want to talk about.

In Bobet 332 on Feb. 24th at 5:30 p.m., writers, artists, prolific readers, anyone and everyone is invited to come discuss what is currently inspiring them.

Refreshments will be provided. Ambient lighting will also be present.

Salons have existed for centuries as places for creatives to come together and talk about their interests.

Bringing this concept to Loyola, I am hoping to create a space for people to feel comfortable expressing themselves however they want, in whatever capac-

ity they wish.

Historically, salon culture has centered around a particular topic of discussion. With my salon, I want to switch this up and invite anyone to come speak about their art, creative writing, music, or ideas.

Feel free to bring yourself, your friends, your work, or your thoughts.

I’d love to know what gets your gears turning; what keeps you up at night, what subject is racking your brain with such fervor that you must get it out in conversation.

Salons all have one thing in common: conversation as a centripetal force, bringing guests together in order to evoke something meaningful.

My vision for this space is a magical one: I want to defamiliarize you from the prestigious past of salons, dismantle

their ivory tower connotations in order to reappropriate the concept into a special third space attuned just for you.

If you feel inclined to share your work or bring any piece of literature you’ve been excited about recently, the floor is yours to do so.

“ I am out with lanterns, looking for myself.”

— Emily Dickinson

Dickinson once wrote in a silly letter to a friend, “I am out with lanterns, looking for myself.” I am out with lanterns, looking for you. Think of this piece as a solar flare.

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WORLDVIEW

The Maroon Feb. 6, 2026

Loyola students express concern over the killing of Alex Pretti

By Pablo Piñeiro Ramy ppineiro@loyno.edu

Loyola students expressed frustration over the killing of Alex Pretti, the second killing in Minneapolis at the hands of federal agents during "Operation Metro Surge."

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem justified the killing, implying that Pretti was armed when he was shot.

“The officers attempted to disarm this individual, but the armed suspect reacted violently,” Noem said. “Fearing for his life and for the lives of his fellow officers around him, an agent fired defensive shots.”

Freshman psychology major Ryan Sanderson called Noem’s remarks “disgusting.”

“The only way I can describe it is completely disgusting,” Sanderson said. “I’d be scared for my life, too, if unidentified masked men just showed up and tried taking me away.”

Sophomore biology major Christian Nosacka also rejected Noem’s remarks about the shooting.

“That sounds ridiculous to me,” Nosacka said.

Videos recorded by witnesses show that Pretti, who was carrying the gun legally, had been disarmed by the time the first shot was fired.

The shooting prompted calls for an independent investigation into the shooting, with even a growing number

of Republicans pressing for a deeper investigation into federal immigration tactics in Minnesota.

“I absolutely do think an investigation should be done,” Sanderson said.

“But… I think it’s gonna wind up being swept under the rug.”

Similar to the aftermath of Renee Nicole Good’s killing, multiple high-ranking members of the Trump administration called Pretti a domestic terrorist.

When asked if she agrees with this characterization of Pretti, Noem said, “When you perpetuate violence against a government because of ideological reasons and for reasons to resist and to perpetuate violence; that is the definition of domestic terrorism.”

Nosacka refuted Noem’s claim.

“I think that is an entirely incorrect claim,” Nosacka said. “He was not a domestic terrorist. He was a man with a legal license to carry who was disarmed before the shot.”

Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller called Pretti “a domestic terrorist [who] tried to assassinate law enforcement.”

Sanderson believes Stephen Miller’s comments were “hypocritical.”

“I think it’s hypocritical,” Sanderson said. “How are you going to say that when you’re taking people off the streets and taking them away from their families?”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

A photo of Alex Pretti is displayed during a vigil for Alex Pretti by nurses and their supporters outside VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura.

Julia Letlow, U.S. representative from Louisiana, launches campaign for senate

By Angelica Pineda acpineda@my.loyno.edu

President Donald Trump stands at the podium with Rep. Julia Letlow R-La., as he speaks in the Grand Foyer of the White House during the Congressional Ball, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Julia Letlow, the Republican representative of Louisiana, has recently launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate following U.S. President Donald Trump' s endorsement over his social media platform, Truth Social.

Letlow initially gained her position in the House of Representatives during April of 2021 by taking her husband’s seat following his death. Luke Letlow died days before he was supposed to take office.

When in office, Letlow would often vote on bills and make political statements under a conservative lens.

In 2021, under the Biden administration, Letlow made her concerns with the border known, expressing outrage over the release of immigration detainees. Then, in 2023, Letlow opposed the bill which would allow federally funded abortion travel, citing her Christian values.

This year, she fully supported military involvement in Venezuela by opposing a bill that would remove armed forces from the country, while also making statements praising Trump’s military action in Venezuela.

Donovan Hudson, a student at Loyola, is concerned with Letlow’s past and future actions.

“I feel like she’s taking things in the wrong direction and she should not be added to the Senate anytime soon,” Hudson said.

This conservative approach to office has only been amplified by Trump’s endorsement and her newly launched campaign website.

Trump, being a conservative Republican himself, made his approval of Letlow known in his endorsement.

“As your next Senator, Julia will work tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Support our Amazing Farmers and Fishermen, Champion Louisiana Oil & Gas, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Strengthen our Military/ Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump posted.

Trump’s endorsement of Letlow upset Loyola student Luke Lutz, who said, “ It's just a shame that the people that are so high up and are being endorsed by the president are exhibiting this behavior of closemindedness, and aren’t aware of it.”

Trump’s unwavering confidence in Letlow proved to be successful, considering she began her campaign for the U.S. Senate three days after his endorsement, challenging current Louisiana senator Bill Casidy for his seat.

Letlow’s campaign is centered around "conservative leadership.” Her hard-right approach is impossible to miss with her website being composed of conservative ideals, which have become increasingly prevalent in legislation due to the Trump administration’s preference for hardline conservatives.

Letlow’s campaign website echoes the manner of her actions in congress.

The issues section of her website makes this evident with the very first issue stating, “100% Pro-Life: Julia has been a devout Christian her entire life and will always fight for the unborn.”

Loyola student Gerardo Sanatana is

concerned with Letlow’s use of Christianity within her campaign.

“I don't like her use of the Christian approach because I personally am a Christian, but I feel like people don’t know how to separate church and state sometimes. You’re forcing your opinions on other people through the law. That’s not what Christianity is about,” he said.

Letlow shares more of her views for the future of a conservative Louisiana in her campaign video, in which she says she wants to transition from an education system focused on “woke ideology” rather than teaching. Letlow says she is “... fighting to fix an education system too focused on woke ideology instead of teaching … Louisiana deserves conservative champions, leaders who will not flinch.”

As someone who has completed their K-12 education in Louisiana, Lutz feels that Letlow's approach is, “a gross misunderstanding of what Louisiana needs.

We’re still 46th in education but I feel like limiting the access to students for certain classes, or topics to talk about is just going to further recess us.”

The Maroon Feb. 6, 2026

11

TikTok: Using short form content in moderation Continued from p.8 Maybe that’s a testament in itself as to why TikTok can be harmful, but every time I go on Reels it is just AI slop. It’s all over Reels regardless of what you interact with, but at least with Tiktok, the algorithm helps you pick and choose what you wish to interact with.

Also, the posts on Reels are just reuploads of TikToks. I spoke to my friend Ana Paz about this debacle and she agreed with me, saying that “Reels make you stupid.”

All I have to say about that is twofold: damn straight.

I don’t mean to disrespect any faithful Reels fans out there though. This is nothing but silly conversation based on

personal preference. In order to qualify, here’s an anecdote: today I was in the Trader Joe’s checkout aisle and the cashier spoke about something that came on his feed. “Reels or TikTok?” I asked, for research purposes. He generally prefers Reels–but what else can you expect from a Trader Joe’s employee clad in hipster glasses? It was like I was in another era, one of Portland, Oregon and millennial optimism.

Regardless, an objective truth that I’ve discovered from this fiasco is that we are collectively obsessed with short form content. I think it might be ruining our lives, expanding our social networks so much that we become disenchanted way faster—at least that’s what Georg Simmel, a German sociologist, predict-

ed. Oftentimes scrolling on these apps begins to feel like a chore. Sometimes before bed I’m like, “oh, it’s 11:00 o’clock, time to go on Tiktok.” I don’t even want to, but the behavior feels compulsory at this point.

If I were a better human being, I would end this by writing off short form content apps altogether, urging you to go live in the moment. I’d stand on a soapbox preaching about ‘being present.’

But I’m not, so here’s another counter argument: Simmel was right, these are indeed our new social networks, so we must adapt to them. Part of that can be beneficial and even connective. Our dialect has changed because of consuming similar content at lightspeed—neologisms, inside jokes, and new ways of

Man: Neville's creative evolution Continued from p.8 This event is presented by the New Orleans Film Society, and it gives students the opportunity to see the film before it’s release on Prime Video.

According to a press release from the New Orleans Film Society, "This exclusive presentation reinforces NOFS’s commitment to making major cinematic works and film industry leaders acces-

sible to New Orleanians.”

“Man on the Run” chronicles Paul McCartney’s creative evolution as he left the Beatles and founded Wings with his late wife, Linda McCartney.

“The film offers an intimate portrait of McCartney’s artistic rebirth through the formation of Wings with Linda McCartney, drawing from rare archival footage, unreleased music, and unprecedented behind the scenes access to one of the most pivotal periods in modern music

history,” according to a press release from NOFS. The screening will be followed by a conversation between Scott Rodger, McCartney’s longtime manager and a producer of the film. Rodger will speak with Jonathan McHugh, NOFS Board Member, Hilton-Baldridge Eminent Scholar, and chair of music industry studies in the school of music and theatre professions, Jonathan McHugh.

History: Thibodeaux’s history as a writer Continued from p.7 Thibodeaux recalls that she first began writing when her mother gifted her a notebook.

“I was the type of kid that was a little nervous, kind of like hiding behind my mama’s leg, you know? And there was a point, I think, probably around the age of 11 or 12 that she was like, I don't understand you. Write it down,” she said.

Thibodeaux describes her receiving the notebook as the “most intimidating and friendliest thing” she’d ever received.

“These blank pages were an open invite to share without judgment. And so that's how it started,” Thibodeaux said.

She shares that her first introductions to poetry included Edgar Allen Poe and Auden. She remembers feeling fascinated by them and the way they helped her to articulate what she was feeling.

“What came next was a freedom to articulate things, the good, the bad, the ugly, and the glorious,” Thibodeaux said.

She reflected on the first time she got published, sharing how wonderful it felt to hold her first book complete with a spine and ISBN number. Thibodeaux is a self proclaimed “ book maker” and lover of little things that can be handed out to loved ones.

“That was just a whole other level of excitement and pride, to feel the tangible product that you have poured yourself into writing in your hand,” Thibodeaux said.

Moving back to New Orleans Thibodeaux shared that the transition from walking everywhere to driving has been

hard on her writing.

“I did not have a car in San Francisco. I walked everywhere. I could stop at any point, there was always a notebook in my back pocket,” she said.“I miss the downtime of walking. There's a slower process, walking places and letting your brain not only absorb what is happening now but process what you need to process.”

New Orleans reflected in Thibodeaux’s writing Thibodeux shared the ways that growing up in New Orleans shows in her poetry, such as poems about her Sicilian mother, sister, and the rich culture of New Orleans.

“Elements that always show up are a reflection of the cultures that blend here, the richness of our soil, the birds, the trees, the ghosts, and I'm not kidding, we have a lot of ghosts here,” Thibodeaux said.

Thibodeaux says she hopes her work inspires human connection and love of each other.

“Without that, how do we ever progress in humanity? Especially in the times as they are,” she said.

Thibodeaux feels that her goal as poet has been successful when it makes the reader fall in love with something, whether it be a magnolia tree or a blade of grass.

“If I can make you see the world with more love and respect, or see your neighbor with a flat tire differently, then I'm done. Because that's what it comes down to, love and respect,” Thibodeaux said.

Thibodeaux urges people to slow down, pay attention, and look up.

“I think that's just it, pay attention, you know, and take notes. Just absorb and pay attention. There are beautiful things in the world, and there are heartbreaking things in that world but that can be beautiful too,” Thibodeaux said.

communicating have been born from these platforms. Friendships have blossomed because people have seen the same videos, no matter where they came from. Not only that, but protests and boycotts have been organized on these apps.

Little corners of the internet focused on social change are tucked into the algorithms we hold so close to our hearts.

My final stance on this argument is a qualifying one. Both are fine for different reasons, but must be used in moderation, like any other addicting thing. In one of my writing classes the other day, the professor was talking about disrupting your daily routine in order to experiment with defamiliarization, so I showered in the dark and turned my phone off before bed. The result was that I could

take a step back and analyze social media for what it is at a basic level, how it functions in my life, as well as how ways of communicating are heavily reliant on it. I was able to read poetry and cry about it. I haven’t done that in a long time.

Whether you’re a devout Instagram Reels user or a TikTok faithful, it does not matter. Be weary of your screentime, like the studies say.

And for the love of God, please don’t use Youtube Shorts or Facebook Reels.

That’s where we begin to run into serious issues: like low-quality, recycled content.

Rest assured, if you want to find A.I. slop, that’s where you go.

Leading Toward Justice: Loyola, New Orleans, and the Struggle for Civil Rights.

Historic New Orleans Collection in partnership with Loyola University New Orleans J. Edgar and Louise S. Monroe Library present The Trail They Blazed traveling exhibit in conjunction with Leading Toward Justice: Loyola, New Orleans, and the Struggle for Civil Rights at Loyola University New Orleans Monroe Library January 22 – April 19, 2026.* *Leading Toward Justice will exhibit all of 2026

EXHIBITS ON THE FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD FLOORS OF THE LIBRARY. Opening reception

◦ January 22, 2026 ◦ 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. ◦ Monroe Library, First Floor

Featured speaker

Dr. Ronnie Moore, Fr. Louis J. Twomey, SJ Legacy Scholar in Residence, Jesuit Social Research Institute, 2024 Loyola Honorary Degree Recipient.

OPINION

The Maroon Feb. 6, 2026

13

Ranking Mardi Gras Parades The Hidden Obstacle of

By Nikolai Huilgol nrhuilgo@my.loyno.edu

What makes a Mardi Gras parade good? It comes down to several factors: the overall vibe of the parade, a coveted catch, and how generous the riders are with their throws. In order to be able to rank Mardi Gras parades, it is important to know how they began. Mardi Gras parades began as organized processions created by social clubs, or krewes, to celebrate Carnival through elaborate floats, costumes, and throws shared with the public. Over time, some krewes grew so large and extravagant that they became known as super krewes, parades with massive memberships, balls, floats, and sought-after tosses that dominate the Mardi Gras season. Below, I’ve ranked Mardi Gras parades based on how well they balance tradition, creativity, crowd energy, and the overall experience they offer.

1 Muses

Muses is one of the most popular parades, especially because of its famous glittery shoes. People along the route compete hard to catch them since they’re handmade and considered a big deal. I also think Muses stands out because it’s an all-female krewe, and you can feel that difference in the creativity of Muses’ float and costume designs. The Laissez Boyz add another layer to Muses, making it that much more special. They bring this laid-back, slightly ridiculous energy that keeps the parade from taking itself too seriously and reminds you that Mardi Gras is supposed to be fun. Picture this: you’ve just caught a shoe, and nearby, some Karens are having a heated debate about who it belongs to as you casually retreat to your spot on the route.

As you do, the Laissez Boyz cruise past in their motorized reclining chairs, completely unbothered. That’s Mardi Gras in a nutshell. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

(And ignore the crazy people.)

2

Endymion

Endymion is known for being absolutely massive. As one of the three original “super-krewes,” the floats are some of the largest you’ll see during Mardi Gras, and they really tower over the crowd.

Riders are generous with throws, so people usually leave with bags full of beads and other items. The parade feels like a huge event rather than just another parade. Between the size, lights, and crowd energy, no other parade really compares to Endymion. You won’t want to miss it, in all its glory.

3 Bacchus 7Tucks

Bacchus is another “super-krewe” like Endymion. The floats are giant and usually feature pop culture themes that people recognize. The parade has a very fun, party-like atmosphere where you’ll see both high schoolers and college kids having a blast. Bacchus is a great parade to go to at night if you want high energy and excitement. The best way to spend Bacchus is to go to a friend’s house, hang out and get ready for the parade, and then head to the route together to catch

4 Iris

Iris is another all-female krewe and plays an important role in Mardi Gras by offering a parade that feels welcoming and accessible to a wider crowd. It is best known for its decorated sunglasses, which have become a signature throw and are especially popular with families and younger paradegoers. Because Iris rolls during the day, the atmosphere is noticeably calmer and more relaxed than nighttime parades, making it a common choice for families, first-time attendees, and people who want a less intense experience. Iris doesn’t have the overwhelming scale and presence of the super-krewes that occur at night, but it still features beautifully designed floats and brings the community together.

5

Orpheus

Orpheus, like Bacchus and Endymion, is a “super-krewe,” known for its large floats and generous throws. The gold and red foam footballs from Orpheus are especially popular, and people often go just to try to catch one. Orpheus usually attracts big crowds and has a dramatic, flashy style. It feels like a major Mardi Gras moment without being overwhelming.

6 Rex

Rex became a parade in 1872 when New Orleans leaders wanted to create a more organized and respectable Mardi Gras celebration for the city. The Krewe of Rex was formed to host visiting dignitaries, including a Russian grand duke.

The parade helped establish many traditions still used today, like the official Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold) and the idea of an annual “King of Carnival.” Rex is significant because it helped shape modern Mardi Gras, turning it into a structured, citywide celebration. Today, Rex represents tradition, history, and continuity, which is why it remains one of the most important parades of the season.

Communication: Translation for International Students

Tucks is known for being silly and not taking itself seriously. The parade focuses on immature potty humor, with throws like plungers and poop emojis.

This makes it funny and entertaining for people who enjoy jokes and chaos.

Tucks is all about having a good time and laughing, not being fancy or traditional.

8

Headshot of Maria Touzard/ The Maroon

Krewe d’État

Krewe d’État has a fun and creative vibe, especially because of its light-up throws that look cool at night. The parade often includes political satire and jokes, which adds to the humor. Typically, you’ll see floats mocking the president and other well-known figures in politics and media. There are caricatures that depict these figures and turn them into crowd-favorite jokes. The overall energy is positive, and the crowd usually has good vibes. It’s a solid parade if you want something entertaining and unique.

While everyone has their own favorite parade, these rankings reflect moments that make Mardi Gras unforgettable: big crowds, better throws, and the shared excitement that fills the streets. No matter which parade you love most, being part of the Mardi Gras season is what truly makes the experience special. Happy Mardi Gras!

By Maria Touzard mstouzar@my.loyno.edu

There is a list of complications I find myself preoccupied by when it comes to writing and conversing in a foreign language. Not only the communicating in a foreign language itself, but the translation of books and texts to other languages. Many tend to read translations in books, poetry, articles, etc., without giving it a second thought. People perceive translations as a direct and complete conversion of the information originally given. However, the perception of translation as a matter-of-fact concept or an absolute transition from one language to another is not only wrong but neglectful to those foreign to yourself. Now, I am not implying that translations and the use of a different language (as to the original speaker), should be discarded as a whole, but I intend to lay out all the cards pertaining to this issue and explain the implications of translation for those living outside of their place of origin.

There is a loss of essence, of a certain substance, when communication meets translation.

I grew up around two languages, my native language being Spanish, and English embedded in my daily life. I have known these two my whole life. Yet, as I began pursuing my career in a foreign country, an unfortunate truth fell upon me. My conversations, my writing, everything that involved communicating through translation, felt so distant to me, it was as if a completely different person was expressing themself through me. Not only did I realize that my identity was dampened and distorted every time I had to translate myself, but I also realized that the meaning to my words was often misinterpreted, as serious conversations were faced with laughter or expressions I knew from home were met with confused faces. I’ll share an anecdote of this phenomenon, where my words are not mine and my efforts to get a message across get absolutely twisted to further my point. Last semester, while giving a presentation for a psychology class I loved, my group (all of them American) asked me to present two of the last slides. The presentation went smoothly, until it was my turn to speak.

As soon as I started talking, three people in the group erupted in laughter, which I did not quite understand as I continued to present. I asked them about it after the presentation had ended and found that I seemed sarcastic and as if whatever I

was communicating was a joke. I began wondering if maybe my international friends also experience this seeming loss of meaning when attempting to communicate in a language that is not their own, and was surprised to discover most also felt a certain sense of disconnect when using translation.

A lot of those who leave their countries and are forced to interact in another language were suffering through the same phenomenon I was, yet nobody seemed to be able to point out what exactly drove that disconnect. Some of the international groups I interviewed around campus would relate to a sense of not feeling truly like yourself, and others felt they simply were not understood.

I think this leads to my main conclusion, that translation makes a lot of us lose our voices.

Even as I write this article, as I read my progress and rewrite over and over again, I feel as though there is something in my voice, my tone, the emotions that I am trying to transmit that are lost. I tried out an experiment, as a writer and an avid reader, I wanted to see how far the loss that translation implies went, and saw that it is widespread through literature, art, and so many more areas.

The most shocking cases I saw were in poetry, where poems by authors like Pablo Neruda, Gabriela Mistral, and Mario Benedetti, were stripped of their very soul and essence when translated.

The powerful works of these great writers were often done huge disservice, and worst of all, they were not moving.

Witnessing this, having seen the scale in which translation impacts how we communicate and perceive others, not only made me realize that this wasn’t an experience specific to myself, but it also opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on communication.

Though you should not now perceive translation as a complete failure or as a deceitful practice with communication, you should maintain a heightened awareness when it comes to interacting with those who do not share your same language. There is no manner in which one may always completely understand what every person is trying to get across, yet I am a firm believer that some effort and awareness could close the gap between communication and translation just a little bit more.

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OPINION

The Maroon Feb. 6, 2026

Saturn’s Son: America’s Children

Graphic by Gabrielle Conway /The Maroon

By Vaishnav Desabhatla vkdesabh@my.loyno.edu

I have long known my country–and the West as a whole–has held a varying value for the lives it claims are equal. I

first realized this when I was about nine as I heard my parents overjoyed when they received their Alien Cards after being long time H1B visa holders. The idea of a human being seen as “legal”, “illegal”,

or an “alien” confused me. This was also around the time I first remember hearing then first-time presidential candidate Donald Trump’s cries to build a wall on the southern border, to keep out “illegal aliens” he deemed as undesirables.

These early impressions led me to the realization that the sub-human status and treatment of Black and Brown people were part of the reality of the world I live in.

It took a bit longer to understand that the varying values for human life held by my country and the western world had been a long lasting tradition. America and her peers have prided themselves upon their imperialist legacies for centuries. Though she may have recently begun to attempt to guise her treatment behind a layer of sugarcoated lies and superficial promises; her values remain the same. The bitter banners of American Exceptionalism and the chase for Manifest Destiny have never left and grow stronger as time goes on. The Trump presidency has made it clear as they have breached the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people, an aggressive act to assert and expand U.S. dominance.

The president has also proposed the Donroe Doctrine–a callback to the imperialist Monroe Doctrine of 1823–and continues to belittle immigrants and

those of formerly colonized nations as he has called them “animals” and “garbage” while openly longing for Western European immigrants.

But, it is only recently I have seen the vile treatment of those historically stepped on be expanded to those historically protected. The deaths of White U.S. Citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti have shown us that color and nationality no longer serve as a form of protection.

America, greedy and gluttonous, now eats all of her children.

These actions are not disguised or masked like earlier described, they are defended. It is sickening to see my nation’s Vice-President, J.D. Vance defending the egregious actions of ICE and other pseudo-law enforcement agencies as they kidnap children such as Liam Ramos and murder innocent civilians such as Keith Porter Jr. and the aforementioned Good and Pretti.

It is also important to note, though America has begun to eat all her children, there are those she treats as fast food and those she treats as delicacies.

Media coverage for Black and Brown deaths caused by ICE is far less than the few White U.S. citizen deaths. While the murders of Good and Pretti are extensively being covered by news outlets of all political bias, deaths such as Geraldo

Lunas Campos, a 55 year-old Cuban immigrant who died as a result of asphyxia due to neck and torso compression–homicide committed by ICE agents–have received little to no mainstream media attention. This comes as no surprise as once again, not all of America’s children hold the same value. If ICE is comfortable killing White citizens in the street, what are they comfortable doing to the marginalized behind closed doors?

The nation is now visibly in shambles and this is not surprising. Those previously unaffected and even those only slightly affected chose complacency over fighting for the safety of their neighbor. It is only recently that I have noticed some–who were previously politically quiet–begin to voice their frustration and take action. For those who attempt to retain a moral and political neutrality amid the storm, please understand a faux-political stoicism does not protect you or your neighbors from the impacts of politics. To stand for nothing is as good as falling for everything.

When the son realizes that Saturn will soon devour him. He must understand, for his own survival, that the hand that feeds him is also the one that thirsts to feed on him–to bite the hand is a necessity.

The Grammys were a mess, and honestly? Same.

By Alana Frank anfrank@my.loyno.edu

Watching the 2026 Grammy Awards, I expected glam outfits, perfectly written speeches, and a lot of people not clearly reading off teleprompters. What I didn’t expect was chaos, but like, the good kind.

This year’s Grammys weren’t smooth, polished, or predictable at all. And honestly, that’s why they worked.

Trevor Noah hosted again, bringing his usual calm, sarcastic vibe, which was very needed because the night went off the rails fast. Between awkward moments and emotional performances, the show felt less like a perfectly planned award ceremony and more like a super expensive group project that somehow still got an A. One of the most emotional moments was the tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.

Post Malone performed “One of Those Nights” with Slash on guitar, which already felt unreal. But what really got me was seeing Ozzy’s family in the crowd.

Sharon Osbourne was clearly emotional, along with Kelly and Jack. It didn’t feel fake or forced, it felt real. And for once, the Grammys didn’t rush through it just to get to commercials.

Another standout moment was Lauryn Hill’s tribute to the late greats D’Angelo and Roberta Flack. She performed a beautiful combination of their songs and reminded everyone why her voice still hits the way it does. She was joined

by Leon Thomas, Lucky Daye, Chaka Khan, Raphael Saadiq, Lalah Hathaway, Wyclef Jean, and more.

It felt emotional, respectful, and honestly kind of magical. My cheeks literally hurt by the end because I couldn’t stop smiling. She had everyone on their feet in that arena, and honestly are we even surprised.

Kendrick Lamar was everywhere. He won five Grammys, and his song “Luther” kept coming up all night. Which made what happened next even better.

Cher, yes, that Cher, came out to present Record of the Year. At 79, she walked across the stage like she owned the

Grammy Awards are displayed at the Grammy Museum Experience. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

place, then almost walked off without announcing anything. Trevor Noah had to call her back, and when she returned, she accidentally mixed up Kendrick Lamar’s “Luther” with Luther Vandross.

The room froze for a second. Then everyone laughed. Then everyone clapped.

It was awkward. It was funny. It was iconic.

Billie Eilish winning Song of the Year was one of the happiest moments of my night.

The look on her face said it all, she genuinely did not expect it. And honest-

ly, she deserved it. Billie had an amazing year and dropped an incredible album.

If it were up to me, she would have won Album of the Year too. Bad Bunny fans, please don’t attack me.

Justin Bieber brought a totally different vibe. He performed “Yukon” wearing literal boxer shorts in a super stripped down set that felt uncomfortable on purpose. He didn’t smile. He didn’t joke.

Even when the camera showed him sitting next to Hailey Bieber, he stayed completely closed off. People online were confused, but that was kind of the

point. It wasn’t fun, it was real.

Bad Bunny had one of the biggest nights of the Grammys, winning Album of the Year and making history as the first Latin American artist to win major categories like that.

He also wore a custom Schiaparelli suit that made him look less like a pop star and more like he could play linebacker for the Saints. The message was clear, this was his night.

Addison Rae’s performance was fine.

It wasn’t bad, but it definitely could have been better. Compared to some of the

more emotional and powerful performances, it just didn’t stand out much.

The red carpet was its own kind of chaos. Chappell Roan’s sheer Mugler dress had people fighting on social media within minutes.

Heidi Klum wore a dress so tight and molded to her body that she admitted she could barely sit. Lady Gaga showed up in full gothic drama, but spent most of the night holding her fiancé’s hand, which somehow made her feel more relatable than ever.

One of the best parts of the night was seeing so many celebrities openly call out ICE. In a room full of cameras, power, and influence, it actually mattered.

It made the night feel bigger than just awards and outfits.

Alex Warren also deserves major credit. Even with multiple technical issues during his performance, he kept going and made it work. It wasn’t perfect, but that honestly made it more impressive. Live shows are messy, and he proved that pushing through counts.

Best New Artist was one of the hardest awards to predict. All eight nominees were amazing, and I genuinely had no idea who would win. When Olivia Dean took it, it just felt right.

She’s a literal queen. I listen to her music all the time, and seeing her get that moment was so satisfying.

By the end of the night, not everyone was happy. Some wins shocked people.

Some losses shocked people. And the internet immediately started arguing about who got robbed.

But that’s kind of the point.

The 2026 Grammys weren’t perfect.

They were awkward, emotional, messy, and sometimes uncomfortable. And in a world where everything feels overly filtered and staged, that honesty actually mattered.

It was funny, and didn’t feel fake. It didn’t feel forced. It just felt real.

This year, the Grammys felt alive.

EDITORIAL

The Maroon Feb. 6, 2026

15

HOWLS & GROWLS HOWL to Cleo friday GROWL to Heaters HOWL to Bad Bunny GROWL to Blisters HOWL to Protesting GROWL to Olivia Dean Touchdown Jesus in-front of Marquette Hall. Mary Ella Hastings /The Maroon

When does enforcement turn into weaponization?

Administration often says that student safety is its top priority. That principle is used to justify policies around student organizations. Specifically those that are unrecognized or suspended.

The policy appears straightforward: students are prohibited from joining or promoting unrecognized organizations, and “promotion” is broadly defined to include an organization’s goals, purposes, identity, programs, or activities.

In practice, however, the policy is anything but clear. Its language is vague, its standards are undefined, and its enforcement appears uneven. That vagueness gives the university so much leeway while leaving students with little understanding of what behavior is actually permitted.

The Student Organization Handbook never explains what “promotion” looks like in real terms.

Does sharing ideas associated with an organization count? Does attending an event? What about posting on social media or having conversations with friends? Because none of this is clarified, enforcement depends almost entirely on how administrators choose to interpret the rules in a given situation.

That flexibility may benefit the institution, but it creates confusion and fear for students.

This unevenness becomes especially apparent when looking at how different groups are treated.

Students associated with Turning Point USA have publicly used the name “TPUSA Loyola” after being denied recognition. They have operated social media accounts under that identity and spoken to national media outlets while representing themselves as connected to Loyola. Under the handbook’s own language, this appears to fall squarely under “promoting identity and activities.” Yet there has been no visible disciplinary action.

By contrast, students connected to Liberate and Unite New Orleans’ Students for a Democratic Society have faced scrutiny for organizing and participating in visible political activism. More concerning still is the focus on a single individual.

As an editorial board, we are operating only on what can be proven. We acknowledge that there may be details we are not aware of but that uncertainty is precisely the problem. We believe students should not have to guess where the lines are.

This does not feel like a neutral application of policy. It feels targeted.

What makes this situation especially alarming is not just the vagueness of the

policy or its uneven enforcement, it is how clearly it appears that the university is attempting to make an example out of Juleea Berthelot.

On Thursday, Jan. 29, Berthelot was given three charges after students were asked to stop giving out flyers in the Peace Quad. The charges were: promotion of a non-recognized student organization, posting and advertising, and social media use.

Based on what we know, Juleea has become the focal point of administrative scrutiny while others engaging in visible political activity have not faced the same response. If the rules are meant to apply universally, then this selective attention demands an explanation.

Why Berthelot? Why now? And why one student, rather than a consistent application of policy across campus?

This does not resemble neutral enforcement. It resembles targeting.

When a university centers disciplinary action on a single student it raises serious concerns about fairness and due process.

We want to be clear: this is not a call for more students to be punished. It is a call for clarity and consistency.

If the rules exist, they should be enforced evenly. If they are not meant to apply in certain contexts, that should be

Editorial Board

Assistant Worldview Editor

Senior Staff Photographer

Editor in Chief

Angelica Pineda

Sophia Renzi

Life and Times Editor

Assistant Photo Editor

Eloise Pickering Managing Editor for Print Mary Ella Hastings Pre-Content Director Alana Frank Post-Content Director Callie Honeycutt Campus News Editor Lily Bordelon Campus News Editor Stella Perdue Worldview Editor Pablo Pineiro-Ramy

Elise Beck

Pharrell Every

Assistant Life and Times Editor

Design Chief

Olivia Sanyal

Makayla Parker

Sports Editor

Social Media Manager

Kerieyaunta Smith

Mabel Regalado-Hernandez

Opinion and Editorial Editor

Social Media Manager

Imadnisa Siddiqui

Carlos Andrade

Breaking News Editor

Copy Editor

Natalie Thomas

Mark Michel

The Wolf Editor Laura Welles

clearly stated. Right now, students are being told two different things at once.

The Student Organization Handbook presents the rules as strict and universally applicable, yet in practice they are enforced selectively scrutinizing some students while overlooking others who publicly promote unrecognized organizations without consequence.

This approach runs directly counter to Loyola’s Jesuit values.

Cura personalis calls for care of the whole person. Social justice is central to the university’s identity. Jesuit education is rooted in the belief that students should engage critically with injustice, stand with the marginalized, and speak out against systems that harm the vulnerable.

A school that claims these values should understand that there will always be students who organize, advocate, and challenge power. Having students who advocate, challenge norms, and protest for what they stand for should not be treated as if they're doing something wrong. The very things they are doing is a successful application of a Jesuit education.

What is most striking is the contradiction. Berthelot embodies the impulse to stand up for the oppressed, to question authority, and to act on moral conviction

are the same instincts Loyola publicly celebrates. Yet here, those instincts appear to be treated as grounds for discipline rather than dialogue.

If students are punished for living out the values they are taught, then social justice becomes a slogan rather than a practice. Cura personalis demands care, not suspicion. Justice cannot be selective, and it cannot depend on how inconvenient a student’s advocacy becomes.

Loyola should be a place where all students feel like they belong, not a place where political expression is selectively punished. A student code of conduct should allow room for learning, dialogue, and forgiveness.

It should not operate under a mindset of “you have been a problem, so now we charge you.”

If Loyola truly wants to prioritize student safety, it must also prioritize transparency, fairness, and due process. Right now, the lack of clarity in the Student Organization Handbook and the way it is enforced does the opposite.

Students deserve better than confusion. Juleea deserves better. We deserve rules we can understand, trust, and believe in.

EDITORIAL POLICY

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