Mount Holyoke News – February 17, 2023

Mount Holyoke News

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Texas lawsuit could nationally ban abortifacient

BRYN HEALY ’24 AND TARA MONASTESSE ’25

EDITORS

An ongoing lawsuit in Texas could potentially restrict nationwide access to the abortifacient drug mifepristone.

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), an Arizona conservative Christian legal group, sued the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Amarillo, Texas, in an attempt to undo the agency’s approval of the abortion drug mifepristone, according to the Texas Tribune. The ADF, which defines itself as “the world’s largest legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, parental rights and God’s design fowr marriage and family” per its website, was also a key player in overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022. The ADF is bringing the case to court on behalf of four doctors and four anti-choice organizations, according to the Texas Tribune.

The judge hearing the case is conservative Trump-appointee U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk. Senator Dianne Feinstein, according to Ms. Magazine, described Kacsmaryk as “an anti-LGBT activist and culture warrior who does not respect the equal dignity of all people.” The Ms. article asserts that the ADF purposely chose to file suit in Amarillo in order to have Kacsmaryk rule on the case. If Judge Kacsmaryk or a higher court, in this case, the conservative Fifth Court of Appeals, rules against the drug, it could be banned in all 50 states.

The drug in question, mifepristone, was first approved by the FDA in 2000. It is used alongside misoprostol to terminate a pregnancy, according to the National Library of Medicine. It is also used for treating Cushing’s syndrome and uterine leiomyomas.

Mifepristone works by blocking the pregnancy hormone progesterone and also stopping the inner uter-

ine lining from preparing for ovum implantation. Additionally, the drug induces menstrual bleeding and further endometrial thickening to end a pregnancy.

“If the judge rules the FDA should ban mifepristone we are having the courts supersede what a science-based agency has decided,” Associate Professor of Politics Cora Fernandez Anderson stated. “For abortion, it will obviously pose challenges, but not insurmountable. One thing that not many people are talking about in the U.S. is that even if mifepristone is banned, misoprostol alone has a high rate of success, around [85 to 89 percent]. This is how most safe but illegal abortions happen in those countries with current bans since mifepristone is not available, and there are studies that show it’s completely safe. The WHO recommends both misoprostol alone or its combination with mifepristone for a safe self-managed abortion. So obviously we do not want mifepristone banned, but it is good to look to countries in which self-managed abortion has been happening with misoprostol alone for a while and know that this is safe and it will still be an option.”

“The side effects of misoprostol, especially at a higher dosage, are kind of intense,” Carrie N. Baker, Sylvia Dlugasch Bauman professor of American studies at Smith College and professor of the study of women and gender, said in an interview with Mount Holyoke News. “That said, people who get pregnant use it all around the world in countries where abortion is illegal, and as long as they are well-supported, it’s very effective, and it works. Obviously, people should have access to the best medication, but we’re in a situation here where anti-abortion people are trying to ban pills. It’s important that people know about misoprostol … it’s a widely available drug, and it’s much cheaper [than mifepristone]. It’s a good alternative in a situation where mifepristone is not available.”

Professor Baker described Massachusetts’s current access to abortion medication as “widespread,” noting that the online directory provided by Plan C, a public health campaign, is a useful resource for obtaining information regarding the availability of abortion access by state.

A regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol now comprises over 50 percent of abortions in the U.S., per the Texas Tribune. “Mifepristone is also used for incomplete miscarriages” according to Fernandez Anderson. The other uses of the drug are being elevated by advocates and legislators because “if there are other uses this would make the ban harder.”

An amicus brief was filed on Feb. 10 by the attorney generals of 22 states, including Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, in opposition to the demands requested by the ADF in the mifepristone lawsuit.

“Each of the amici [s]tates has an important interest in protecting the health, safety and rights of its residents, including an interest in ensuring safe access to essential reproductive health care. The continued availability of mifepristone for medication abortions is critical to safeguarding that interest,” the document’s introduction reads. Fernandez Anderson said it’s hard to know if this will have any impact on the ruling.

A press release by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, part of the coalition that filed the brief, writes that “[t]he availability of mifepristone has been particularly critical in providing access to abortion and miscarriage management in low-income, underserved and rural communities.

The coalition also asserts that revoking the FDA approval of mifepristone would force millions to seek more invasive and expensive procedural abortions, which would disproportionately harm those who already lack access to health care.”

“The Texas Attorney General’s efforts will please more than just anti-abortion advocates,” Assistant Professor of Politics Joanna Wuest explains. “Like many other lawsuits filed by conservative attorneys general, the larger aim is to limit the federal bureaucracy from regulating everything from healthcare to air pollution to finance. This specific case deals with the FDA’s ability to ensure access to safe and necessary medications, but the underlying legal arguments benefit Paxton’s donors in the oil industry who seek to similarly limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) power

over fossil fuel production. Last year, the Supreme Court’s decision in West Virginia v. EPA (2022) — which severely hampered the agency’s ability to clamp down on coal emissions — demonstrated how willing the conservative justices are to help Paxton and others realize this anti-regulatory goal.”

Additional time has been allotted to the plaintiffs to allow them to respond to a brief filed by the drug’s manufacturer, according to NPR. When the deadline expires on Feb. 24, Judge Kacsmaryk is expected to either make a decision in the case or schedule a hearing.

Joe Biden addresses the country in his second SOTU

BY NINA SYDORYK ’25 STAFF WRITER

On Feb.7., at 7 p.m., President Joe Biden went before the United States House of Representatives to deliver the annual State of the Union address.

A tradition that dates back to the first American president, George Washington, the State of the Union is given by the President of the United States about the current condition of the nation. The speech usually outlines the accomplishments of their administration, the challenges they face and their hopes for the future.

The 2023 SOTU comes halfway through Biden’s first term in the White House, with the 2024 election rapidly approaching.

With a term that began in the midst of a global pandemic that brought a severe economic downturn that affected millions, the Biden administration built a campaign around COVID-19 resolutions and a plan for economic recovery. This in

large part was due to the American Rescue Plan, a 1.9 trillion dollar relief bill that included mounting a national vaccination program, containing COVID-19, and safely reopening

Congress on March 11, 2021.

Mounting tensions rising in the country regarding social and human rights issues have proved a challenge for the Biden presidency, as well as the Democratic party as a whole. Concerns about racism, police brutality, legislation affecting LGBTQ+ people and the recent overturn of Roe V. Wade, have escalated as the Biden administration’s hopes about bipartisanship have fallen in the face of an ever-growing chasm of disagreement.

On the day of the SOTU, Biden’s official Twitter account posted,“Make no mistake; if Congress passes a national abortion ban, I will veto it,” a quote from the speech.

Further, during the speech, the President said, “Let’s also pass the bipartisan Equality Act to ensure LGBTQ Americans, especially transgender young people, can live with safety and dignity.”

The recent 2022 midterm elections resulted in the Republican Party (GOP) holding majority control of

the House and the Democrats retaining control of the Senate. This party division seems to be a greater one than ever before.

With his party’s candidacy for 2024 still unclear, the President spoke optimistically for almost 80 minutes.

Despite the positive tone, the reality of American politics was clear, as hecklers and other disturbances from the crowd interrupted Biden on numerous occasions throughout the night.

Partly in response to the debate on Social Security, which persists despite the GOP being adamant that they will not push for the cut of benefits, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene yelled out ‘liar’ upon the President’s mention of the topic.

In an interview with Mount Holyoke News, Evelyn Fleming ’26 stated that, in her opinion, the presence of these disturbances was “one

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SGA discusses recurring dining concerns and upcoming organization events

BY PAIGE COMEAU ’26 STAFF WRITER

The Student Government Association Senate opened its Feb. 14 meeting by wishing everyone a happy Valentine’s Day and asking the members to show themselves a little love in celebration. Following this, the Mount Holyoke College land acknowledgment was read, and it was stated that there would be no E-Board updates before open floor began.

During open floor, senators and representatives were asked to give their names, pronouns and representative organizations, before sharing their announcements and updates. First, the representative for the Health and Safety Committee publicized an upcoming Webi-

nar. They stated that a form will be sent via email soon for students to ask any remaining questions about COVID-19. Another representative, for the Mount Holyoke German Club, stated that next Friday, Feb. 24, they will be hosting a Karneval fundraiser in the Cassani Room, 102 Shattuck Hall, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. To conclude, the Pearsons Annex senator, representing the Kuch Karo: Pakistani Students for Change, stated that they would be fundraising on Friday, Feb. 17, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Blanchard Hall. The funds raised from this event will be donated to the Muskurahat Trust.

Next, the questions and concerns portion of open floor commenced, where the senator for the class of 2024 mentioned concerns about the quality of the dining hall

food. This is the second time that this issue has been brought up at the senate in the last two weeks. The senator stated that they had a friend who had found cardboard in their kale, and that, overall, they were concerned about the food standards. Senate leaders said they would, again, look into such concerns. They also stated that they were possibly looking into having Dining Services staff at an upcoming SGA Senate Town Hall.

Senate concluded with commission work, where the eight commissions were asked to continue work on their petitions. The senators who had finished their petitions were allowed to leave, with senate leaders thanking everyone for their time and wishing everyone in attendance a lovely Valentine’s Day.

Photo courtesy of Jonathon Cutrer via Flickr

An Arizona legal group has sued a Texas agency for its approval of the abortion drug mifepristone.

Photo by Ella Shelton ’26 Serynn Nowlin ’25 speaks during last week’s Student Government Association senate meeting.

Photo courtesy of David Maiolo via Wikimedia Commons President Biden discussed economic recovery, abortion access and the Equality Act during SOTU. schools. 1,400 dollar stimulus checks, as well as an increase in testing and support for small businesses and affected communities, were all part of this detailed plan that was passed by

Students attend the College’s annual PossePlus Retreat

of the experiences, stories and perspectives students shared.” She was invited as a “plus” to PPR and felt the retreat allowed her to connect with students in a different way than she normally does.

The space invited a unique blend of people that would not necessarily interact with each other on a regular basis to converse and share their ideas. On both Friday night and all day Saturday, the activities and discussions prompted attendees to seek out those who they did not previously know.

MHC campus is renewed energy for this goal, inspired by students’ stories, fruitful dialogue and awesome voice of advocacy,” Flynn said.

Despite the deep and serious topics discussed at the retreat, attendees felt revitalized and motivated, and want to bring this energy back to campus. Participants felt that the goal of connectivity was certainly achieved.

It feels like one big family reunion where several extended families and family friends come together to have courageous conversations … What’s more, it is a space where students, staff and faculty can be their authentic selves without shame or judgment.

BY EMMA QUIRK ’26 STAFF WRITER

On Feb. 3, 2023, Mount Holyoke students and staff braved the cold weather to board buses for the first in-person PossePlus Retreat in three years. The one-night trip was held at the Hotel UMass at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, consisting of Posse Miami Scholars, faculty and staff, as well as other invited students from the College. The theme of the retreat was “Truth or Consequences?”

The Posse Foundation, according to their website, “identifies, recruits and trains individuals with extraordinary leadership potential,” and a PPR is meant to be a place to “explore an important social issue identified by Scholars.” For Scholars and mentors at the College, this program is far more than that.

Posse provides its Scholars with full-tuition scholarships to attend partner colleges and universities. The College works with Posse Miami, and about eight to ten Scholars who live in Miami, Florida, are welcomed to the College each year.

“Posse means everything to me, it’s what allowed me to go to college, it’s an organization that believed in me and saw my potential and gave me such a huge encouragement to follow that potential to the fullest,” Manuela Ribas ’26 said.

or

Gabriella Cordero ’26 stated that Posse is “life-changing” for Scholars.

“I never thought I would be able to attend school outside of the state I live in, however, Posse gave me that opportunity.”

Students and mentors agreed that the PPR experience is not only a place to build community, but a place to be bold. PossePlus means that, in addition to Scholars and mentors being present, students and staff who are not directly connected to Posse are invited to join. These added voices are referred to as “plussers.”

“This retreat means an opportunity to come together and to have our voices, as students, be heard. It is also a chance for the wider Mount Holyoke College community to experience some of the benefits of Posse and get to know each other better,”

Catherine Di Mare ’24 said.

While on campus, Scholars meet regularly with their mentor, a faculty or staff member who helps the students adjust and manage campus life. Each Posse cohort has their own assigned mentor. Mentors are trusted advisors who work to support their Posse.

Some of the faculty and staff who make up the PPR attendees are current Posse mentors. “This retreat is something magical, it reminds the scholars that they are part of [something. They are] one piece of a larger puzzle. They have a greater commu-

nity not only within Mount Holyoke, but also through the network that is built by other Posse scholars around the country,” Jonencia Wood, a Posse mentor and assistant vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion said. “Additionally, this retreat gives the community a space to have difficult conversations in a brave space, without fear or hesitation.”

PPR is a place to gather to have honest conversations about what is occurring on the College’s campus as well as in the broader community.

“It feels like one big family reunion where several extended families and family friends come together to have courageous conversations … What’s more, it is a space where students, staff and faculty can be their authentic selves without shame or judgment,” Roshonda Degraffenreid, a Posse mentor and senior associate director of external relations, explained.

An overarching theme of bravery and little moments of connection are what made this weekend special.

“These students are powerful and on more than one occasion, I felt that if we all just listened to what was being said that they could change the world, starting at Mount Holyoke,” Wood said.

Cheryl Flynn, Medical Director of the College’s Health Services, said that she was “both touched and honored” to listen to “the authenticity

“I really enjoyed seeing so many staff, students and faculty, who may not have interacted if it were not for the retreat, conversing with each other. I love seeing people step outside of their comfort zone to volunteer and engage in the space. … And most of all, I loved building memorable moments with my Posse,” Degraffenreid, who is the mentor for Posse 12, said.

– Roshonda Degraffenreid

Throughout the retreat, participants could write each other “Warm and Fuzzies,” which are small sticky notes that participants could leave anonymously, or sign, praising their peer’s ideas, applauding their bravery or even complimenting their outfit.

Cordero said that she appreciates them because “in today’s society we are so caught up in the future that we never appreciate the present.” Warm and Fuzzies are a way to reach out and connect in a stressfree way.

As students were given the opportunity to share their on-campus experiences, they brought up issues regarding the treatment of students with marginalized identities. In particular, the treatment of students living in the Shirley Chisholm and Mi Gente LLCs in the North Rockies was discussed.

“Hearing the perspectives of students who live in the Black LLC in the Rockies really opened my eyes to some of the discrimination and mistreatment that students are actively experiencing,” Di Mare stated.

“[I learned that] the POC floors are getting unfair treatment and I think Mount Holyoke needs to address this problem at hand,” Cordero said. Now that this particular problem is on the radar of more students and staff, there could be a change in the action taken to fix any future issues.

Another topic that was discussed was healthcare and access to healthcare.

“Many students, especially those with various marginalized identities … have had negative, sometimes traumatizing experiences with the U.S. healthcare system. Those truths result in many negative consequences … to individuals and community wellness. I want us to build a better system, to foster trust and build relationships that help heal past trauma and support health and well-being. What I’m bringing back to [the]

The retreat concluded with a fan favorite, the “no-talent-talent show.” It was the last event before the buses returned attendees to the College, and the audience was largely PPR students. Everyone was encouraged to sign up, whether they had a specific talent or not. Performers sang, danced, shared their multilingual talents and more.

“We had so many incredible discussions throughout the weekend that I am so grateful for, but being able to laugh together at the end and just be happy with my fellow classmates was really sweet,” Di Mare said.

On reflection, this retreat was a reminder of the importance of coming together as a campus. “After this retreat, I feel like my energies have been recharged. Connecting with other Scholars and the MHC community at large helped me see that no matter what I’m going through, I have a whole network of people wanting to support me,” Ribas said.

For faculty and staff, it was also a reminder about the power and intellect of students.

“It’s an indescribable experience that connects us with students in a way that you can’t through day-today interactions or passing through the halls. I would encourage everyone to come learn about Posse, but more so [to] listen to and really hear what the students are saying,” Wood said.

Mixed Identity Student Collective plans for the semester

BY JESSE HAUSKNECHT-BROWN ’25 MANAGING EDITOR OF LAYOUT & FEATURES EDITOR

When Kat Sloop ’26 arrived at Mount Holyoke College this year, they were thrilled to find that there was a student organization dedicated to students who identify as multiracial or multiethnic. Coming from a predominantly white neighborhood and high school, Sloop, who identifies as half white and half Vietnamese, had struggled to find a place to explore her Vietnamese heritage or connect with other mixed-identity people. At Mount Holyoke, the Mixed Identity Student Collective provided her with that space.

“There were Asian associations and stuff, but being a mixed person going into those spaces is very nerve-wracking because … at least for me, I was like, ‘I’m not fully Asian.’ And so when I found out MISC was a thing here, I really wanted to jump at the opportunity,” Sloop said.

MISC aims to foster community between mixed students, increase visibility and representation for mixed people and work toward advocacy projects on campus. MISC was co-founded at the beginning of the 2022 spring semester by Amanda Adams ’25 and Chloe Berry ’24, who met and became friends

“That was a really groundbreaking moment because it was the first time we felt recognized for our identities and we wanted to increase that space outside of just Asian American students,” Adams said.

Adams, similarly to Sloop, described feeling out of place in other identity-based student organizations, which was part of what led her to create MISC. It was important to Adams that there be a space for students who “often go unrecognized for their identities” to feel seen and heard. MISC’s first-ever event was a mixed mixer similar to the one where Adams and Berry met.

“[The first event] went really well. [Interim] President Tatum came and we had a lot of good feedback on what we were doing because many people, especially coming from their hometowns or their old schools, had never experienced an organization like ours,” Adams said.

“Because outside of Mount Holyoke … these affinity spaces don’t really exist at all.”

Adams and Sloop both feel like MISC is a close-knit community and enjoy being able to be in a space with other students with similar shared experiences. At discussion-based meetings, members have the opportunity to introduce themselves and share something about their ethnic background before diving into question prompts.

“We touch on not necessarily

unique experiences, but we try to hone in on the shared experiences … We talk about those differences, but … that communal experience is what we mainly try to emphasize,” Sloop said.

As the senator for MISC, Sloop goes to senate meetings every Tuesday to announce upcoming events and bring up concerns or issues if need be. Sloop’s favorite part of MISC is getting to talk and connect with other mixed students.

“There’s always that discussion aspect and we’re getting really deep

into identity and what it means to be a mixed individual, and that’s my favorite thing,” Sloop said. “It’s so nice to sit down with people and even if they don’t come from a similar background as me, having those basic things to relate on. It’s really good knowing there’s other people out there.”

Looking into the future, Adams wants to continue to do advocacy work with MISC to increase visibility for mixed students at the College. Adams is currently planning on possibly doing a BOOM! panel later in

the spring. Before then, MISC, which holds monthly events, is having a boba and painting event in March, and a screening of And/Or, a senior thesis film by AJ Johnson ’23 that explores the intersection of mixed-race identity and sexuality, in April.

“We’ve been looking into factors of ways in which we can not only increase representation but also have conversations with our community members on what more we can do for individuals with multiracial identities to feel … seen and heard,” Adams said.

at a mixer for mixed students put on by the Asian American Students in Action group.

Photo by Emma Quirk ’26 Students, faculty and staff at the PossePlus Retreat explored the theme ‘Truth

Consequences?’ and got the chance to meet and talk to new people.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Adams ’25

The MISC board members, pictured above, pose for a photo. MISC creates community for mixed-race students while advocating for representation.

There’s always that discussion aspect and we’re getting really deep into identity and what it means to be a mixed individual, and that’s my favorite thing.

– Kat Sloop

Pedro Pascal inspires a new wave of online fan mania

BY ELIŠKA JACOB ’24 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal, more colloquially known as Pedro Pascal, is a 47-year-old Chilean actor who has taken the internet by storm. Notably, he has starred as Din Djarin, the main character in “The Mandalorian,” Oberyn Martell in “Game of Thrones” and most recently, Joel Miller in the video game adaptation “The Last of Us,” which premiered on Jan. 15, 2023. Pascal has drawn significant attention from younger audiences, manifesting from his diverse acting abilities and good looks. The latter seems to have significantly aided his thrust into the social media limelight.

Born on April 2, 1975, in Santiago, Chile, Pascal endured a tumultuous upbringing. His family actively protested the Chilean authoritarian military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet that began in 1973. The Pascal family’s rebellion against the Pinochet regime was fueled by Pascal’s mother’s relation as the cousin of Andrés Pascal Allende, who was the nephew of socialist Salvador Allende, the Chilean president preceding Pinochet. To seek safety, the Pascals were granted political asylum in Denmark by the Venezuelan embassy. The family moved to the United States, residing in California and then Texas. Pascal attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and began professionally acting in 1996 with his debut in “Burning Bridges,” a short film by Marcus Hahn. From television roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Narcos” to movies such as “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” and “Wonder Woman 1984,” Pascal has slowly, through the hard work of being featured in at least one show or movie per year since 1996, established himself as a prominent actor in Hollywood.

The fixation on Pascal, specifically his looks, has taken center stage with the debut of TikTok user @dvcree’s Pascal fan edits. One particular edit featured Pascal as Agent Whiskey in “Kingsman 2: The Golden Circle” with a sultry video collage of Agent Whiskey against the song “Hey Sexy Lady” by Shaggy. This fan craze is not only limited to the internet and the various iterations of #PedroPascalEdit that are pervading social media hashtags. The mania has spread to our very own campus. “First of all, he’s been iconic since Game of Thrones,” Amelia Anderson ’26 began, “[an] early bisexual icon [on the show]; he was incredible.”

Mira Hurtt ’24 echoes this appreciation for Pascal. “I’m a huge Pedro fan, personally. I just find him so likable in interviews, and that’s what really sells me on an actor; their charisma and likability as seen in interviews. In addition to their acting, of course.”

A role that truly began to propel Pascal to the limelight was his role in “The Mandalorian,” a Disney+ Star Wars series that features Pascal as the faceless main character. Watching the show, there was an air of mystery surrounding what Pascal and his character the Mandalorian looked like. “As the Mandalorian, don’t even get me STARTED.

I’m a huge Pedro fan, personally. I just find him so likable in interviews, and that’s what really sells me on an actor; their charisma and likability as seen in interviews. In addition to their acting, of course.

– Mira Hurtt

It truly changed the trajectory of the Star Wars franchise. He was amazing. How he managed to be hot while wearing a mask is incredible,” Anderson explains.

Following his role as the Mandalorian, Pascal’s role in “The Last of Us” connects him to an even newer audience. “The Last of Us” is a video game released in 2013 that centers around Pascal’s character Joel Miller, and Ellie, a young teenage girl, as they traverse across a post-apocalyptic United States. With Pascal typecasted as the “grumpy

reluctant father figure,” begins Anderson, “‘The Last of Us’ is so good, and it’s partially because [Pascal] is so good as Joel. He’s such a complex character. I never played the game, but I watched a playthrough, and [Pascal] IS Joel but so much deeper and complex.”

As Pascal has gained notoriety with these various roles, the fan edits, beginning with @dvcree’s, have “changed the trajectory of this man’s career,” explained Anderson. “The impact that edit had is insane. I now have a folder on TikTok of 50+ edits. Like, it’s turned into an addiction.”

Anderson notes the impact of TikTok in the rapid spread of Pascal edits: “I think the platform of TikTok helps because it makes you feel like EVERYONE else is obsessed too, like an echo chamber. There’s definitely something to say about the speed of trends nowadays because it was a matter of days before [Pascal] was everywhere.”

Hurtt also shares an appreci-

Mount Holyoke students react to the 2023 SOTU address, cont’d

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of the most important takeaways.”

“Republicans don’t seem interested in bipartisanship, as evidenced by their behavior throughout the speech,” Fleming said.

With some important points being made on the aforementioned national political divisions, social issues and the state of a possible economy in recession, Biden’s speech came at what POLITICO called a “high-stakes moment for his presidency.”

Biden made sure to highlight that, despite general worries about the economy’s state, the country’s unemployment has indeed decreased to a fifty-year low, and more than 800,000 manufacturing jobs have been created. The President also highlighted his climate policies, as they directly intersect with his administration’s economic policy.

Such concerns are often at the forefront of conversation at Mount Holyoke. “Overall, the Mount Holyoke community seems to be very tuned in to United States politics. I think that the State of the Union is an important way for the president and their team to let the country know what their aims are and to communicate their priorities to congress. I always find it interesting to hear what the current President has to say about their goals,” Fleming said.

However, when it came to this year’s SOTU, Fleming felt underwhelmed.

“I thought that this State of the Union wasn’t all that unique. It seemed like Biden was repeating a lot of the same messages he has been for a while,” she said.

Zoey Pickett ’26 shared similar sentiments. “I think one of the most important things about the 2023 SOTU wasn’t what was talked about, but instead what was ignored. Biden did not address any specific

climate change legislation that has been passed, because there’s basically been none, and didn’t say how he would address it moving forward. He did talk about the infrastructure bill that invested in weatherizing infrastructure but that was the only mention. Pickett pointed out the value the SOTU provides for those who may not tune in to everyday politics.

Even on the College’s campus, which Pickett believes is “more politically inclined than your average campus,” there are those whom, “if you were to ask the average student to name a bill that was passed in the past year I’m not sure [they] could do so.”

Speaking from her own experience, Pickett mentioned that she “personally started watching the State of the Union in the final year of the Trump Administration.”

“I have watched every year since and I think it is a really valuable way to gauge the current administration’s policy platforms. It is also a nice refresher for all of the legisla-

ation for these edits. “I personally love the [number] of edits circling on social media. It’s such a creative way to show your love for an actor by taking time out of your day to edit your favorite moments of them together into a concise video to be widely distributed across the internet. Every time I see one, I feel like the creator of the edit is trying to sell me on him. I love it.”

While hosting SNL on Feb. 4, 2023, Pascal poked fun and communicated his awareness of these fan edits in a skit titled “Fancam Assembly.” In this sketch, Pascal assumes the role of a schoolteacher lecturing students on the ban of fancam edits. As he speaks, the students make fancam edits of him in real-time, leading to an endless cycle of Pascal edits that he cannot escape. Hurtt commented on this satirical self-awareness, “I love when actors acknowledge the existence of edits, especially thirst ones. Nothing motivates the fans to create more

edits than the actor themself admitting they’re aware of edits, or even seek them out to watch from time to time.”

Anderson echoed this appreciation, explaining, “It’s a crazy snowball. I saw one [edit], and then all of a sudden, they’re EVERYWHERE, and there [are] not only new edits but remixes, memes referencing edits and then SNL referenced it. Now people are going back and watching his other shows, like Narcos, because they think he’s hot.”

As edits continue circulating the internet, the growth of the obsession with and fixation on Pascal is tangible. On one end of the spectrum, “it’s created this insane hyperfixation for me,” Anderson concluded. Not everyone who has seen the edits has had to navigate the rocky roads of fan mania, evidenced by Hurtt’s proclamation: “May Pedro continue to be cast in projects in the future so that edit makers may be supplied with new footage.”

CALL FOR ENTRIES

The Five College Film Festival seeks short films of 20 minutes or less from students across the Five Colleges to be submitted by Monday, February 27. A jury of student representatives from each of the five colleges will curate an in-person event -- the first in four years -- with multiple curated programs to take place on Saturday, April 1. Awards and prizes will be granted to winning films in three categories: fiction, documentary, and experimental.

All students currently enrolled at Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst are welcome to submit films, regardless of your major. Work by recent graduates of one of the Five Colleges may also be submitted, as long as it was produced while enrolled.

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Deadline: Monday, February 27, 2023

tion that has been passed in the past year. Personally, I think the SOTU is very important to staying up to date with American politics,” Pickett said.

But, she believes that individual responsibility to stay up to date goes well beyond tuning into the SOTU.

“If you want to become knowledgeable about American politics, you should know what was mentioned at the SOTU but that definitely isn’t where you should stop,” Pickett maintained.

Despite any political shortcomings, Pickett told Mount Holyoke News that this SOTU was memorable in another way. “I loved the SOTU drama this year. Jill Biden kissed Doug Emhoff on the mouth, Lauren Boebert was heckling, Biden ignored George Santos and Marjorie Taylor Green brought in a giant white balloon. How do you get the craziest people in the country in the same room? Deliver the State of the Union.”

FESTIVAL DATES

Saturday, April 1, 2023

CONTACT

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MISSION STATEMENT

The Five College Film Festival’s mission is to share the stories of students from across the Five Colleges through the medium of film. We hope that all students, regardless of background or experience with filmmaking, share their stories.

Graphic by Gabby Gagnon ’24

Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore via Flickr President Biden’s second SOTU was met with heckling from some Republican audience members.

Chinese spy balloon shot down off the coast of the Carolinas

BY ELIZABETH MURRAY ’26 STAFF WRITER

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, a Chinese surveillance balloon was spotted by civilians flying over Montana, The Washington Post reported. In the following days, the balloon made its way across the continental United States. It was shot down off the coast of South Carolina on February 4 by an F-22 fighter jet. According to NPR, reactions varied from the serious — such as Secretary of State Anthony Blinken canceling his diplomatic trip to Beijing — to the trivial, including a Saturday Night Live cold open featuring the balloon played by Bowen Yang.

CNN reported on new details that have emerged regarding the capabilities of the balloon since it was shot down. This balloon was part of a larger fleet, and reports have emerged of additional balloons floating over Latin America and the U.S., the article explained.

According to Time magazine, the balloon was equipped with “multiple antennas … likely capable of collecting and geolocating communications,” a U.S. official stated. The “undercarriage” of the balloon — where the surveillance equipment is believed to be housed — was spotted among the debris, ABC News said.

Professor Calvin Chen, professor of politics at Mount Holyoke College explained that the use of the balloon comes off as unusual for a country

that is widely viewed as being at the forefront of technology. “The fact that they were using balloons perplexed me because they have way more satellites, good satellites. They have an orbit that can be used for surveillance and other purposes. To be caught like this and have it shot down, and have all this kind of bad PR, is a little bit of a head-scratcher to me,” he said.

The political reaction in the U.S. has put a strain on what was already a frosty relationship between the U.S. and China. “Relations between the U.S. and China have been quite tense for some time and this will only make things worse,” Professor Andrew Reiter, associate professor of politics and international relations at Mount Holyoke College, said.

According to CNN, a spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Defense responded to the shooting of the balloon by saying, “The U.S. used force to attack our civilian unmanned airship, which is an obvious overreaction. We express solemn protest against this move by the U.S.’ side.” This international incident caused a domestic stir in Congress as well, with senators and representatives of both parties criticizing the Biden Administration’s hesitation to shoot down the balloon, a Politico article said.

According to a Reuters article on the issue, Biden addressed this in his State of the Union speech: “I am committed to work with China

where we can advance American interests and benefit the world,” he said. “But make no mistake about it: as we made clear last week, if China threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country. And we did.” Looking ahead, relations be-

tween the U.S. and China are likely to remain tense. The U.S. and other countries are now on high alert for unfamiliar objects in their airspace. According to the Associated Press, in the span of eight days, four similar objects have been shot down by U.S.

fighter jets.

According to NBC News, China has also accused the U.S. of flying spy balloons over their airspace, meaning that the issue will likely be a point of diplomatic contention between the two countries.

7.8 magnitude KahramanmaraŞ earthquake rocks Turkey and Syria

BY JENDAYI LEBEN-MARTIN ’24 GLOBAL EDITOR

On Feb. 9, 2023, an earthquake and subsequent tremor with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.5 respectively started in KahramanmaraŞ Turkey and rocked southeastern Turkey and northwestern Syria, Al Jazeera reported. BBC News explained that the earthquake, which seismologists say is one of the largest ever recorded in Turkey, was widespread, resulting in the mass destruction of thousands of buildings across the region. Chris Elders, professor at the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Curtin University in Australia, told Al Jazeera that the aftershocks stretched “a distance of about 100 km to 200 km (62 to 124 miles)” from the epicenter in KahramanmaraŞ

According to James Elder, a

spokesperson for the United Nations, the 10 provinces affected by the earthquake are home to approximately 4.6 million children, while the affected areas in Syria housed 2.5 million children, CNN reported. Days after the quake, people buried under rubble are still being rescued, but the death toll is still expected to increase. According to Al Jazeera, as of Feb. 14, over 40,000 deaths have been recorded, and UNICEF confirmed that the number will continue to grow according to a CNN article.

Adele Akbulut ’24, who is part of a small group of students affiliated with nudasyria.org at Mount Holyoke that have begun organizing fundraisers to help provide relief for those displaced by the earthquake, spoke about the resources that Turkey and Syria have lost, stating, “Many of the people there are now

homeless —the ones that are alive — they are all outside.” The student group will be fundraising outside of Blanchard Dining Commons until Feb. 17.

In the wake of the earthquake, the U.N. has begun funneling aid into the region through Bab AlSalam and Al Ra’ee, two points between Turkey and Syria. On Feb. 13, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad opened the cross points, and they will remain open for at least a three-month period to allow aid into the countries. According to U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths via CNN, 11 trucks have carried resources into the region through Bal AlSalam, and 26 more have passed into the region through the Bab Al-Hawa crossing, as of Feb. 14.

US-based private prison operators expand to Nauru, a Micronesian island

BY NORAH TAFURI ’25 STAFF WRITER

Australia is currently using Nauru — a Micronesian island once under the control of New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom — as an offshore Regional Processing Center to detain refugees and immigrants. According to the Australian Parliament, the legislation for the processing center is called the Mandatory Detention Policy and was included in the Migration Amendment Act in 1992 with bipartisan support. “Under sections 189, 196 and 198 of the Migration Act, all non-citizens unlawfully in Australia must be detained and kept in immigration detention until granted a visa or removed from Australia,” the bill states.

The Migration Act, passed in 1958, stipulates that “asylum seekers who arrive on the mainland without a valid visa must be held in immigration or community detention, or transferred to an off-shore processing facility.” The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has stated that it “is clear that detention of asylum seekers ‘as part of a policy to deter future asylum seekers, or to dissuade those who have commenced their claims from pursuing them, is contrary to the norms of refugee law’.”

“For years, Australia has not lived up to its commitments under international and domestic law to provide protection to asylum seekers and give them refugee status determination hearings. This failure sends a message to other countries that they might be able to get away with providing inadequate protection for vulnerable people. So, it harms asylum seekers everywhere,”

Rebecca Hamlin, professor

of political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst said in an interview with Mount Holyoke News. “In

‘Let

Refugee’, which

compared the refugee regimes of the United States, Canada and Australia, I found that despite many similarities between those three countries, Australia was consistently less likely to treat asylum seekers well, to accept their claims and to welcome them as future citizens.”

The Refugee Council of Australia explained that there were 66 people living on Nauru as of Jan. 31, 2023. “Currently, refugees on Nauru are all living in the Nauruan community, with no one living in the RPCs since the end of March 2019,” according to The Guardian.

In place of using the center, many have been relocated to motels where they are held awaiting uncertain resettlement. While moving people beyond the walls of the Regional

Processing Center may appear as an effort to stop the use of off-shore RPCs, the Guardian reported that a recent contract has been made with the U.S.-based private prison operator Management and Training Corporation, which is indicative of the enduring practice.

Children held in the Nauru RPC experienced high levels of chronic distress and severe mental health symptoms, including suicidal ideation, hallucinations and cognitive impairment, according to the Asylum Seeker Resource Center.

In 2018, CNN reported “Using the hashtag #KidsOffNauru, the Australian charities have started a petition calling for the government to allow the refugee children to leave the island.” Despite the outcry among or-

ganizing groups and media outlets, these centers continue to stay in use.

This new change in contract with MTC came at a price of $421,830,424 paid by the Australian government. MTC is the third-biggest for-profit prison corporation in the U.S., according to The Center for Media and Democracy. It has been implicated in a number of scandals, not the least of which is neglect and abuse of the people incarcerated within their facilities.

As reported in 2007 by Prison Legal News, the corporation was named in a bribery scheme involving more than $10,000 in bribes in exchange for favorable votes on a $14.5 million private prison project. Time Magazine reporter Anjani Trivedi stated that when private prison

contractors are unable to find profitable contracts in the U.S. they look towards exporting their services abroad, both as carceral institutions and for garrison use, as seen on Nauru.

Hamlin expressed concern about this trend. “There is a lot of research to support the idea that private prisons and detention centers operate with less transparency than staterun centers. It is more difficult to document abuse and neglect of immigrants in detention when the government outsources these functions of the state,” she said.

According to an article from The Guardian, Nauru Regional Processing Center was formerly run by Broadspectrum, a corporation that was tasked with handling welfare services for refugees in Nauru’s RPC. Broadspectrum — which was later rebranded as Transfield Services — was previously owned by the Belgiorno-Nettis family, who have reportedly donated $895,298 dollars to the ruling Labor Party, which currently holds the parliamentary majority in Australia.

This donation is but a small drop in the sea of donated dollars that fund the Labor Party. “In nine years, Labor has taken over $90 million from corporations,” Democracy For Sale, a website that tracks political donations, stated. More money is certain to be in exchange, with 55 percent of the Labor Party’s income being derived from undisclosed donors.

Labor home affairs spokesperson Kristina Keneally confirmed that Labor “completely supports Operation Sovereign Borders — offshore processing, regional resettlement and boat turnbacks where safe to do so,” The Guardian reported. Broadspectrum received 1.5 billion dollars from the federal government over the course of three years for managing RPCs such as the one at Nauru.

Photo courtesy of Chase Doak via Wikimedia Commons

A Chinese spy balloon was spotted by civilians over Montana. It floated over the United States until it was shot down by an F-22 fighter jet on Feb. 4.

Photo courtesy of IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation via Flickr

An earthquake starting in KahramanmaraŞ has caused over 40,000 recorded deaths as of Feb. 14.

Photo courtesy of John Englart via Flickr

The Australian Migration Act sponsors mandatory detention. This legislation led to the detention of refugees at Nauru’s Regional Processing Center.

Research study finds that fish can recognize themselves in photographs

BY LILY BENN ’24 STAFF WRITER

A recent study by animal sociology and biology researchers concluded with the idea that fish may be able to recognize themselves not only in mirrors but in still photographs. This new information may indicate self-awareness in fish, specifically the Bluestreak cleaner wrasse, Science News reported.

This study is a continuation of research done with the same species of fish in 2019 when researchers first discovered that the Bluestreak cleaner wrasse could recognize itself in the mirror. The corresponding 2019 Science Daily article explains that this was tested by a widely recognized ‘mark’ test that has been studied in many species of animals in the past.

The article goes on to explain that this test requires that the subject, when presented with a mirror, be able to notice a mark put on its own body as itself, and not another member of its species. In both 2019 and 2022 mirror studies, researchers injected ink into their scales that re-

semble what the fish normally recognize as a parasite, Science News reported. Science Daily notes that the test is a challenge for animals such as fish, who do not have limbs that can indicate touch, or have the mobility required to show that they know the mark is on their own body.

Instead of pointing to themselves, Science News explained, these wrasse fish indicated they knew it was their own reflection by exhibiting a body scraping behavior. However, both Science News and Science Daily report that this new information does not necessar-

ily indicate self-awareness in these fish, or in many other animal species tested with the mirror ‘mark’ test. Science News cites Frans de Waal, a primatologist from Emory University of Atlanta who approves of the study, yet explains how the mirror test is not a universally accepted and reliable method of testing animal self-awareness.

Science News writes that species known to have strong cognitive abilities such as monkeys and ravens have not passed the mirror test. The article goes on to explain that other species rely less on sight, such as dogs who are stronger in recognition of scent.

The 2023 study takes this information further, by testing this same species of Bluestreak cleaner wrasse fish’s ability to self-recognize with the ‘mark’ test, this time with photographs of the fish. The paper, titled “Cleaner fish recognize self in a mirror via self-face recognition like humans,” published online by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, is available to be read by the general public. The ar-

Alarm raised following revised Alaskan oil project proposal

BY SARAH GRINNELL ’26 STAFF WRITER

With ambitious pledges to cut U.S. emissions and prioritize climate policy, the election of President Joe Biden in 2020 seemed in line with the goals of many environmental activists, The New York Times said. However, many of these climate advocates are now expressing their ire over the major step the Biden Administration has recently taken towards greenlighting an $8 billion ConocoPhillips oil project on the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, a project which activists and Indigenous communities argue will accelerate climate change and environmental damage to the Alaskan landscape, The New York Times reported.

According to The New York Times, in the wake of court appeals and challenges by a number of critics, the Bureau of Land Management has conducted an environmental analysis of the oil project, endorsing a scaled-back version of the original operation in order to reduce its ecological footprint. The Washington Post explains that this revised project, known as Willow, would reduce the five drilling sites to three so as to better protect wildlife. Despite these adjustments, Willow is still projected to produce roughly 600 million barrels of oil over the course of 30 years, The New York Times reported.

Due to the effects of climate change, Alaska is warming “faster than anywhere else in the world,” Alaska program director for Defenders of Wildlife Nicole Whittington-Evans said in a CBC News article. According to an Earthjustice article, this is posing threats to Arctic ecosystems in the form of sea-level rise, sea-ice melt and permafrost thaw. Additionally, the article explains that the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, where the

drilling would take place, provides essential wildlife habitat for species such as polar bears, migratory birds and caribou. Critics of Willow, such as Whittington-Evans, argue that its approval will only aid in exacerbating this ecological harm at the “great expense of wildlife and communities.”

Despite this pushback, the president of ConocoPhillips Alaska, Eric S. Isaacson told Smithsonian Magazine that “Willow will benefit local communities and enhance American energy security while producing oil in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.” Alaska’s senators agree with him.

According to The New York Times, Republican senator Lisa Murkowski stressed that the project will create “thousands of good union jobs, and immense benefits that will be felt across Alaska and the nation” if it passes.

In fact, Alaska’s oil and gas industry contributed $3.1 billion to state and local governments in 2019, helping to pay for services such as public safety and education, The

Washington Post detailed. According to the article, this possibility of an economic upswing for Alaska is especially important, as Representative Mary Peltola emphasized Alaska’s recent economic struggles.

According to the New York Times, while some Alaska Native groups, such as the Alaska Federation of Natives and Alaska Native Village Corporation Association, support Willow and its economic prospects, other nations in the areas nearest to the project remain concerned.

For example, Rosemary Ahtuangaruak of the Iñupiat community told The New York Times that “the project encroaches on the habitat of the millions of migratory birds who use the area, as well as whales, polar bears and the more than 80,000 caribou that locals depend on for subsistence fishing and hunting.” If Willow is approved, she said, “her community would be surrounded by oil and gas projects.”

In a CBC News article, Siqiniq Maupin, executive director of Sovereign Iñupiat for a Living Arctic,

highlighted the same concerns, that “Arctic Slope communities have suffered health issues and the loss of traditional practices and food sources because of oil extraction.”

Broader environmental groups in Alaska and nationwide have also chimed in. In a statement on their website, Earthjustice argues that “the Willow Project would permanently scar the largest undeveloped area in the United States and jeopardize the health and traditional practices of nearby Indigenous communities,” and points out that “over 30 years, the project would produce an estimated 590 million barrels of oil — enough to generate approximately 260 million tons of CO2 equivalent once consumed.”

“No other oil and gas project has greater potential to undermine the Biden administration’s climate goals,” Karlin Itchoak, Alaska regional director for The Wilderness Society, argued in a Wilderness Society article. According to The New York Times, Itchoak said, “if this project were to move forward, it would result in the production and burning of at least 30 years of oil at a time when the world needs climate solutions and a transition to clean energy.”

According to The New York Times, a final decision by the Biden administration is expected to come within the next month, but the divided responses to the project reveal the complexity of the situation. Peltola addressed this conflict between economy and climate in The Washington Post: “[O]f course every person on Earth wants us to be shifting to renewables … But most people also recognize you cannot do that with a snap of the fingers.”

However, as the various reactions show, if the project is approved, select Native communities and activists fear the U.S. will only move further away from that future of renewable energy production.

Western states struggle to reach consensus on water rights

BY CATELYN FITZGERALD ’23 SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT EDITOR

Critically low water levels in the Colorado River did not appear overnight. In fact, the drought crisis in the Western U.S. has been unfolding since the turn of the century, a Washington Post article reported.

According to the article, the drought “has been building for decades but has come to a head in recent years” as major reservoirs along the river have dwindled to dangerously low levels. The crisis is spurred on by a combination of climate change and the overallocation of water rights, The Los Angeles Times reported. In order to continue providing water to the 40 million people who depend on the Colorado River, Western states have been forced to cut their water usage and negotiate new water rights allocations, the Washington Post article said. The Los Angeles Times recently published a series titled “Colorado River in Crisis” which follows the drought and investigates how it will impact the communities that rely on the river. According to a recent article from the series, scientists began

expressing concerns in the 1990s over the ability of the river and its reservoirs to support Western states while withstanding climate change. By 2000, the Colorado River watershed had already entered a period of drought which has only worsened over the past two decades. The Colorado river supplies water to the seven states that border it, the Washington Post article explains. These states are further divided into the “Upper Basin” and

“Lower Basin” regions. The “Upper Basin” states include Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. These states get their water by diverting the river thousands of times to redirect it towards different users, the article said. Arizona, California and Nevada comprise the “Lower Basin” states, which rely on large man-made reservoirs — such as Lake Powell and Lake Mead — for their water. Water levels in the two lakes currently stand at a parched

ticle reports that this type of study in self-recognition from images was observed in chimpanzees, and this “mental image of the self-face” is a behavior easily observed in humans.

The Bluestreak cleaner wrasses were observed exhibiting the same scraping behavior first observed in the original 2019 study after being shown photographs of themselves with the placebo parasite marking. Science News explains that in this same study, the fish readily attacked pictures of other fish in their same species, but stayed calm when presented with pictures of themselves.

The research paper concludes with the discussion that their results may be controversial and that there needs to be more research towards self-recognition in different species and taxa of animals. As of now, there are many discrepancies between different animals’ abilities to complete the mirror test, as it was originally designed for primates. Their final conclusion is that there is a strong cognitive ability in fishes, and self-awareness is suspected by the authors to be more common in the animal kingdom than once thought.

Reproduce This!

The history of and options for birth control

BY DIKSHA BATRA ’26 STAFF WRITER

The history of birth control goes back thousands of years, with people across the globe trying a variety of methods to prevent pregnancy. According to WebMD, thousands of years ago women in China had been known to drink mercury as a contraceptive, while King Minos of Crete was described as using the bladder of a goat as a condom in Homer’s Iliad. Only in 1960 was the first hormonal birth control pill, Envoid, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, according to Our Bodies Ourselves Today. However, the article explained, it was not until the 1965 Supreme Court case Griswold v. Connecticut that married couples were granted the right to use contraceptives. Unmarried women did not have the right to use birth control until the Eisenstadt v. Baird ruling in 1972.

As time went on, the varieties of birth control increased. Today several different types of contraceptives are commonly used, including:

IUD: According to the CDC, “IUDs are long-acting, … reversible and can be used by women of all ages, including adolescents, and by parous and nulliparous women.” According to Healthline, nulliparous refers to someone who has not given birth to a child, while parous refers to someone who has birthed one or more children. IUDs, however, are not a safeguard against STDs.

one-quarter full, and the river is put under additional stress by “hotter and drier conditions” caused by climate change, the article said. These conditions also diminish the ability of snowmelt to replenish the reservoir, by causing increased evaporation rates and greater absorption of melting snow by soil and plants. The article explains that over the past two decades, water use has exceeded the natural flow of the river. The Los Angeles Times reported that chronic overuse of water resources caused the Colorado River Delta, a region in Mexico where the river flows into the ocean, to have “largely dried up decades ago.”

According to The Washington Post, regulations governing the use of the river’s resources date back to the signing of the 1922 Colorado River Compact, which defined water rights for each of the seven states along the river. Later, regulation written in 1944 granted a share of the river’s resources to Mexico. Water rights for the “Lower basin” states were redefined in the 1963 Su-

Contraceptive Implant: The FDA approved the first implant, called Norplant, in 1991 according to Our Bodies Ourselves Today. “Surgically implanted as a set of small, soft tubes under the skin of the upper arm, Norplant releases the hormone levonorgestrel, which prevents pregnancy for five years,” the website said. According to Planned Parenthood, Nexplanon and Implanon are the two implants commonly used today.

Birth Control Shot: Like the contraceptive implant, birth control shots are long-acting reversible contraceptives that were used starting in 1992. This method is “a birth control shot that contains the hormone progestin and is taken every [three] months,” according to Our Bodies Ourselves Today. According to Planned Parenthood, Depo-Provera is another common name for the shot.

Emergency Contraception: In the late 1990s, the FDA approved Prevena and Plan B, according to Our Bodies Ourselves Today. According to Planned Parenthood, emergency contraception is “a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy up to [five] days after unprotected sex.”

According to Planned Parenthood, there are many more types of birth control you can choose based on your body type. Factors such as convenience, effectiveness and cost can determine what type of birth control is the best for you.

Photo courtesy of Gillfoto via Wikimedia Commons

The Biden administration faced backlash after approving multiple new oil drilling sites in Alaska.

Graphic by Jieru Ye ’23

Photo courtesy of NASA Earth Observatory via Flickr Lake Powell, pictured above, is among the reservoirs struggling under the pressure of the drought.

AP African American history course revisions uncover the concerning patterns of secondary school curricular content

BY HAILEY BALINBIN ’26 STAFF WRITER

Content warning: This article discusses racism.

In Jan. 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he would ban the newly proposed Advanced Placement African American Studies class from being taught in Florida’s public schools. According to The New York Times, the state’s Department of Education, following through on DeSantis’ announcement, rejected the course offering. Shortly after, the College Board released a reworked version of the first draft of the curriculum, which has made important topics such as critical race theory, Black feminist theory and Black queer history optional.

The College Board denies that the changes made to the course were a direct response to Florida’s treatment and rejection of it. An article by The New York Times states that David Coleman, the head of the

College Board, expressed how the changes were routine: “Mr. Coleman said that during the initial test of the course this school year, the board received feedback that the secondary, more theoretical sources were ‘quite dense’ and that students connected more with primary sources, which he said have always been the foundation of A.P. courses.” However, it is clear that the changes were made due to some influence from Florida because the revisions were announced after DeSantis’s statement.

This maneuver reflects the Board’s priorities in pleasing government officials instead of doing right by inclusive educational content that considers the place of people of color, particularly African American people, as long overdue and necessary topics in high school curricula. The ban on the AP African American Studies class in Florida and the College Board’s subsequent reworking of the curriculum shows how white supremacy continues to infiltrate public schools around the country. American public schools

are notorious for entirely skipping or skimming over important parts of Black history, whether it be glorifying colonists and erasing slavery in history classes or only reading books written by straight, white male authors. For example, the College Board offers AP history courses in three areas: European, United States, and modern world. Apart from Europe and the United States, if a student wants to learn about history from any other part of the world they would have to take AP World History or take an AP Language and Culture course. The inclusion of non-white content is clearly already limited. Further, while AP US History covers African American history as part of its curriculum, this is only a fraction of an otherwise predominantly white course. Only learning about American history through white historical figures and a white perspective erases the history of African American people and continues to do harm to marginalized groups. The pilot AP African American Studies courses began in Aug. 2022. The course would cover topics surrounding Black history and culture in the United States. As per a Vox article, the class would start with early African societies, the transatlantic slave trade, slavery, reconstruction, the Great Migration, and contemporary topics such as the Black Panther party, the Black Lives Matter movement, critical race theory, black feminist theory, cultural appropriation and more. All of these topics provide multiple lenses through which to study history. They educate students on African American history and its intersection with queer studies and feminism, amongst other topics, and help students critically understand and unlearn racism and unconscious biases to form empathy. Governor DeSantis and Florida state education officials were quick to dismiss this content. As per a New York Times article, they expressed it “was not historically accurate and violated a state law that regulates how race-related issues are taught in public schools.” Disregarding any history that doesn’t center around

whiteness further pushes white-centric content as the only thing worth teaching students.

In the new draft of the course’s curriculum post revision, Vox chronicles how topics such as “enslavement in Africa,” and “African Americans and the U.S. occupation of Haiti” were removed in accordance with the Board’s claim of the materials being too dense. According to another New York Times article, “Black Lives Matter, incarceration, queer life and the debate over reparations — is downgraded. The subjects are no longer part of the exam, and are simply offered on a list of options for a required research project.” Additionally, according to Vox, “the organization also added “Black conservatism” as a new recommended topic for the capstone project” and removed “the Black feminist movement and womanism.” This halts classroom discussion and learning about intersectionality. Often, if feminist texts and feminist history are taught in school it only uplifts women who are white and excludes women of color, queer women or trans women. Discarding a curriculum that includes Black and queer people shows how little the American government values anyone who is not a cis, white person. It shows how the United States only allows white stories to be told. The choices to remove contemporary issues from the course are alarming. It is vital to have students read from queer and feminist Black writers, especially for students who identify as such. Furthermore, it is equally as important to teach these topics in classes for students who don’t identify with these groups so all students can learn about lives that differ from their own.

High school students have lived through the Black Lives Matter protests and witnessed or experienced racism in their lives. This increases the importance of studying African American history and its continued relevance today. Students can be the harbingers of change, but an important step to doing so is understanding the history behind these current events. An article for NBC Philadel-

phia discusses how the “Humanity of Blackness” is often ignored in history classes: “Educators also say there’s more to Black history than just teaching about oppression and suffering, and that curriculums need to incorporate lessons on Black ‘agency, joy, love and global connection with Blackness around the world,’ … LaGarrett King, director of the Carter Center for K-12 Black History Education at the University of Missouri [said].” There is so much to Black history, and this AP class is a chance for students to learn about topics that are so often glossed over.

The impact of this class cannot be ignored. In an article by NPR, they highlight students who are taking the pilot version of the class, which is offered in 60 public schools across the country: “For Malina Ouyang, 17, taking the class helped fill gaps in what she has been taught. ‘Taking this class,’ she said, ‘I realized how much is not said in other classes.’” The feedback from students has been positive overall, with students expressing how the course content is important to them, so it’s upsetting how Florida’s government chooses to ignore the actual impacts of the course and how the College Board decided to follow through on course revisions.

There is little point in teaching an AP African American Studies class if it doesn’t even cover important issues that occur today and doesn’t include Black queer and feminist voices. If schools do not teach the history of marginalized and oppressed groups, students will not be able to understand why certain social constructs exist. Black students should be able to learn about these topics to see themselves represented in this country. It allows students to learn about events, people, laws and more from different perspectives and better understand how racism is deeply rooted in America and still thrives today. Creating an AP course that dives deeply into African American history is a large and fundamental step in making sure students receive a well-rounded education, especially when it comes to this country’s history.

The fight for trans rights and bodily autonomy cannot be decoupled

BY SILAS GEMMA ’26 STAFF WRITER

There has been an unparalleled number of proposed anti-transgender legislation within the United States, particularly within state legislatures, over the past few years.

As an NPR article states, in conservative states, hundreds of bills have been proposed on familiar premises: banning trans people from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity, prohibiting gender-affirming care for youth, restricting trans participation in school sports as well as making changes in school curricula to exclude discussions surrounding gender identity and sexuality. The propagation of anti-trans rhetoric and its translation into legislative actions represent not only the influence of extremist right-wing political thought on policymaking, but also the inextricable link between transgender rights and other social justice issues such as reproductive and racial justice. Ultimately, the fight for transgender rights is one of bodily autonomy, especially pertinent after the landmark overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court last year.

The sheer magnitude of proposed anti-trans legislation complicates successful cataloging and processing of it. A New York Times article lays out anti-trans ideas that come up repeatedly in rhetoric and legislation, such as the supposed connection of drag shows and trans-inclusive curricula with grooming.

Legislation proposed in Oklahoma within the last few months highlights a particular anti-trans idea: bans on gender-affirming care as a form of saviorism. Jim Olsen, an Oklahoma state representative, sponsored a bill proposing a gender-affirming care ban for transgender individuals up to age 21. In another New York Times article, Olsen expressed his concern: “the desire [of the proposed bill] is simply to

protect young people from choices that later on in their life … some of them will grow to regret.” This idea that young people should not be able to make gender-related healthcare decisions because they are still developing is unfounded. The same article states that principal medical associations, such as the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, reject these claims of protection in favor of empirically based evidence that gender-affirming care is beneficial. Arguments in opposition to trans or abortion care often shun science in favor of personal religion or ingrained views.

An Aug. 1, 2022, article by the American Prospect affirms the mental health benefits of gender-affirming care by tracing the connections between transgender rights, abortion rights and bodily autonomy. The authors confirm that anti-trans and anti-abortion movements often coincide geopolitically, as “twenty-five of the 26 states certain or likely to ban abortion have also introduced anti-transgender legislation in the past two years.” The article points out that far-right religious bodies of thought often buttress both anti-trans and anti-abortion discourse.

Additionally, the article highlights the importance of reproductive clinics for transgender people, as they often do not have any other place to turn to for care. Thus, the attack on abortion is inherently an attack on trans bodily autonomy.

Far-right religious ideologies have long been the scaffolding for conservative opposition to critical social justice issues. A PBS article by Kate Sosin outlines how garnering the support of far-right evangelicals has been essential for conservative politicians to boost their success rates at the polls. She states that figures such as Donald Trump, Ronald Reagan and conservative political thinker Paul Weyrich all found success in honing in on the concerns of extremist evangelicals to incite and propagate vitriol and promote voter turnout. Yet Sosin underscores a key

consideration: far-right evangelicals are a significant minority in the electorate, including the conservative electorate. She cites author Chris Bull as she mentions that “Republican lawmakers have abandoned 80 percent of their voters to cater to a sliver of their voters.” Nonetheless, the disproportionately high turnout of evangelicals legitimizes their power as a voting bloc, despite their smaller size relative to the rest of the electorate. The litany of anti-trans and anti-abortion legislation exemplifies the tangible implications of such an influential voting group.

As the wave of anti-trans legislation continues to gain strength, new bills with more radical foundations have begun to emerge. A Vanity Fair article by Bess Levin points out that bills aiming to ban medical interventions, such as hormone replacement therapy or surgeries, have traditionally been targeted at youth. However, a proposed piece of legislation in Oklahoma has been gaining attention and stoking outrage among LGBTQ+, trans and social justice circles. Levin reports that within days of the start of 2023, Oklahoma state senator David Bul-

lard proposed a bill that would unequivocally prohibit gender-affirming care for anyone under the age of 26. This additionally includes a medical license rescission for any healthcare professional who, as the bill quaintly puts it, engages in “unprofessional conduct.” An ABC article adds that this includes not only providing gender-affirming care but also recommending or referring patients to gender-affirming providers or resources. The article additionally mentions the coincidence of this legislation with the aforementioned Oklahoma bill sponsored by Jim Olsen, multiplying the backlash from trans rights advocates.

Although the unceasing bills compound trauma for the trans community, it is important to remember the indefatigable resistance posed by trans leaders, advocates and allies. Although a state may be branded along political lines based on its governor or the majority party of its legislature, the recent protest in the Oklahoma State Capitol by trans rights activists poses a strong rebuke to this reductive thought. An LGBTQ Nation article reports that “around 150 protesters” gathered

in the building on February 6 of this year in defense of trans rights and in fervent opposition to the two recent bills in the state aimed at restricting trans care. This strong front of resistance not only represents the power of collective action, but also the existence of trans communities within “red” states and their unfettered fight for their rights under a government that denies their humanity.

The battery of anti-trans legislation brought forth every week in the U.S. is yet another manifestation of the imposing influence of extremist right-wing political figures, think tanks, organizations and theories. The proposal and enactment of anti-trans legislation exhibits a blatant attack on the human rights of trans people, including their ability to make their own choices about their bodies and the medical care they receive. In this manner, conservative political figures seek to codify their extremist religious thoughts in a nation founded on the premise of the division between Church and State. However, their attempts to deny trans existence will only be met with unceasing resistance and a commitment to trans liberation and joy.

Graphic by Mari Al Tayb ’26

Photo courtesy of Ted Eytan via Flickr

The recent surge of anti-trans legislation, championed especially by extremist right-wing politics, is a direct attack on reproductive and racial rights.

Content warning: This article discusses transphobia.

Decorated Black athletes broke down barriers in the sports world

BY GENEVIEVE ZAHNER ’26 STAFF WRITER

Content warning: This article mentions racism.

Black athletes were prohibited from participating in professional sports for much of history, but prominent figures such as Debi Thomas and Wilma Rudolph broke down walls and became some of the most decorated athletes. Many eyes now fall upon figures like Simone Biles and Serena Williams when thinking about prolific Black athletes, but there were many other trailblazers before them who paved the way for the future of sports.

1. Althea Gibson

Althea Gibson was the first Black tennis player to compete at the U.S. National Tennis Championship in 1950, but that was only the beginning of her success. She went on to win the French Open in 1956, followed by Wimbledon in 1957 and the U.S. Open in 1958, becoming the first Black champion of such events. Gibson was raised in Harlem, New York, and grew up loving sports, particularly ping-pong. She won a local tournament hosted by the American Tennis Association just a single year after playing tennis for the first time. She went on to win the same tournament twice more in 1944 and 1945, and following one loss, she won 10 straight championship titles from 1947-1956. Gibson died on Sept. 28, 2003, of respiratory failure.

2. Willie O’Ree

Willie O’Ree was the first Black player in the National Hockey League, playing for the Boston Bruins starting in 1958. He grew up in Canada in one of two Black fami-

lies in his town of Fredericton, New Brunswick. He first played organized hockey at age five with his brother, who taught him how to body check.

In 1956, O’Ree started playing for the Quebec Aces, a team with a strong connection to the NHL and a history of integration. He played with the Aces until 1958, when he was called up from the Aces to play for the Bruins, playing his first NHL game on Jan. 18 of that year and making history in the league. O’Ree experienced racial taunts from spectators and players alike, including an incident in which spectators threw cotton balls and a black cat onto the ice. Despite these obstacles, O’Ree became an ambassador for the NHL Diversity program, traveling to boost grassroots hockey programs, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of

Fame in 2018.

3. Wilma Rudolph

Wilma Rudolph was the first American woman to win three gold medals at a single Olympics at Rome’s 1960 Summer Olympics. Rudolph participated in track and field and won her medals in the 100and 200-meter dash, as well as the 4x100-meter relay. Rudolph also won a bronze medal in the 1956 Olympics for the 4x100-meter relay. A survivor of childhood polio, Rudolph was told she would never walk again, let alone run. Rudolph defied these odds and started playing basketball in middle school, for which she was nominated as an All-American athlete in high school. After a meeting with a college coach, she switched to

track and field. At the 1960 Olympic Games, her performance earned her the nickname “the fastest woman in the world” after becoming the first American woman to win three gold medals. When coming home, she refused to participate in the homecoming parade if it was not integrated, and she commonly used her fame as a means to bring attention to social issues. Rudolph died of a brain tumor on Nov. 12, 1994.

4. Ernie Davis

Ernie Davis was the first Black football player to earn the Heisman Trophy. Recruited by many institutions to play collegiate football, Davis decided to play for Syracuse University as a running back. While on the team, Davis led the Orange-

men to an undefeated season and a national title in his sophomore year. Davis had two touchdowns in the 1960 Cotton Bowl versus the University of Texas, which led him to be the Cotton Bowl’s Most Valuable Player. He was an All-American athlete in his junior and senior years and was given the Heisman Trophy in 1961. Davis was the first overall draft pick in the 1962 National Football Draft and was selected by the Washington Commanders. However, after refusing to play for the racist owner of the team, Davis was traded to the Cleveland Browns. Davis was never able to play a game for the Browns, as he was diagnosed with leukemia just prior to the 1962 College All-Star game. Davis died at age 23 of leukemia.

5. Debi Thomas Debi Thomas was the first and only Black figure skating Olympic champion and the first Black athlete to win a medal at the Winter Olympics in 1988. The first time Thomas was introduced to skating was when her mother took her to an ice show, and by the age of nine years old, she was skating competitively and conquering her competitions. Thomas won the national and world figure skating championships during her freshman year at Stanford University and was recognized as the 1986 Athlete of the Year by World Wide Sports. After the 1988 Olympics, in which she took the bronze medal in the short program and fifth in the long program, Thomas skated professionally. During this time, she claimed three professional world titles and performed with Stars on Ice. After four years, Thomas stopped skating to attend medical school at Northwestern University in 1997. Thomas is now a practicing orthopedic surgeon in Indiana.

Squash triumphs over three teams at Vassar College competition

No. 2 Vassar player that resulted in two of the games going to 12 points instead of the usual 11.

Finally, the Lyons achieved victory over Wellesley with a final score of 8-1. In No. 3, Paw lost the first two games 9-11 and 4-11 but proceeded to come back and defeat the No. 3 Wellesley player in the subsequent three games with scores of 11-3, 11-2 and 11-7. Abouelatta, Dnyaneshwari Haware ’23, Elba Barra Montgomery ’23 and Paige Gershuny ’25 all defeated their Wellesley opponents in only three matches.

Haware drew attention to the historical precedent of this competition.

“The Seven Sisters Championship … has been a historical meet for many squash alums,” she said. “MHC has won this 12 times in the past 23 years and after winning it this weekend, we got a lot of congratulations from alums all over the world.”

can come and learn squash or play squash with another person for fun.”

Janiqua Davis ’23 won all three of her matchups against the other colleges’ athletes. “My performance this weekend was phenomenal,” Davis said. “I’m proud of my effort on the court despite [the] injuries I have been managing. I have kept a positive attitude on-and-off court, mentally kept my head in the game and stayed focused.”

Looking towards the College Squash Association Team Championships taking place from Feb. 17-19, Davis emphasized the importance of team spirit, self-care and perseverance.

BY LAUREN LEESE ’23 STAFF WRITER

7-12.

First, the Lyons faced off against Smith. In the No. 1 position, Habiba Abouelatta ’26 won the first two games 11-0 and finished off with an 11-1 win. The rest of the team also won all of their matches, with no opponent scoring more than six points before the end of the game. The final result was 9-0 to the Lyons.

Vassar proved to be a tougher opponent, but the Lyons still prevailed with a score of 8-0. Ku Paw ’26 in the No. 3 position and Tina Mei ’26 in No. 4 both lost their first games but came back to win the next three matches and secure their overall victories. In the No. 2 position, Xaria Durocher ’24 won in three matches despite a tough showing from the

“This was probably the busiest season post-pandemic and we also played 9 colleges in 9 days in January,” Haware continued. “But squash is a sport that will encourage you to keep working on yourself and teach you that every small thing … can make a big difference. We also have Recreational Squash every Wednesday at 6 or 6:30 p.m. where anyone

“As a team, we have been working extremely hard on how to support each other and most importantly ourselves in so many ways, both mentally and physically,” she said. “I have recognized that I came a long way to get where I’m at today on and off court … It is not whether you get knocked down. It’s whether you get back up and can grow through every obstacle.”

Next, Mount Holyoke Squash will head to the College Squash Association Team Championships at the University of Pennsylvania from Feb. 17-19.

Club Corner: Ice Hockey celebrates seniors in game versus Smith

BY EMILY TARINELLI ’25

EDITOR

SPORTS

Mount Holyoke Ice Hockey skated to a 2-8 loss in its senior game against Smith College on Saturday, Feb. 11. Hosted at Fitzpatrick Skating Rink in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Mount Holyoke friends, families and community members gathered in the stands to support the team as it celebrated its six seniors: Bria Carlson ’23, Ellie Costello ’23, Cal Kern ’23, Greyson Giveans ’23, Helen Roane ’23 and Sophie Soloway ’23. Each senior received gift bags, flowers and a “yoke” themed hockey puck.

Carlson led the Lyons by scoring both of the team’s two points, and she did not hesitate to shout out her other teammates’ performances.

“Evie Zahner ’26 and Leslie Munoz ’26 played a brand new position, as center, and did an amazing job. They were always in the right place at the right time and played so well. On top of that, getting to play with [the] other seniors … was such a special treat,” Carlson said. “I am so proud of everyone.”

“The energy during the whole

game was amazing, but right out of the gate, it was such a special moment. The way we beat Smith to pucks and kept passing in the offensive zone was such a rush,” Costello said. “The atmosphere of the game was a little bittersweet as we all started thinking about our time either as seniors or with seniors ending soon, but it was also really exciting and electric. Smith is one of the most evenly-matched teams to us in our league, and we’ve been improving so much during this season that it was exciting to have a solid chance at a win.”

“The last shift of the game was entirely seniors on ice, with the exception of the goalie,” Roane said. “That was an absolute blast.”

Cami Robinson-Parisi ’26 described some of the team’s traditions for keeping each other energized and excited. After the senior game, that energy was amplified, Robinson-Parisi shared.

“At the end of every game, we give affirming shoutouts to each other in the locker room, and [this week’s] post-game shoutouts were not short of praise for our seniors,”

they said. “As a freshman, I am very new to this group of people, but the core group of seniors has made such a wonderful and welcoming environment for anyone interested in ice hockey.”

Several seniors reflected on some of their fondest team memories.

“One of my favorite memories on the team has to be driving with everyone in the fleet vans to and from games. I love when everyone gets to all hang out together,” Roane said. “One of my favorite parts of being on the team is getting to know so many new people each year from all different class years. I think it’s awesome that you don’t need any hockey experience to join the team; I’d never played hockey before coming to [Mount Holyoke] and I’m so glad that I joined.”

Costello, a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, said, “This team gave me new friends in two schools that I never would’ve met otherwise, and I’m so grateful that Mount Holyoke allowed us to play and that so many people on the team made it so accessible for us. I

truly can’t say enough about how much this team means to me.”

“As one of the few players coming onto the team with hockey experience, to see my friends fall in love with the sport I have been playing since I was six has made me love hockey even more. I am so proud of every player that comes onto this team because a majority of them have never played before, much less knew how to skate, and took

Mount Holyoke Ice Hockey will conclude its season on Saturday, Feb. 18, in its final game against Wheaton College at Fitzpatrick Skating Rink.

Editor’s Note: Sophie Soloway ’23 and Evie Zahner ’26 are members of Mount Holyoke News.

Mount Holyoke Squash surged to victory against teams from Wellesley College, Smith College and Vassar College on Saturday, Feb. 11, in a tournament held at Vassar College. The weekend’s games brought the Lyons’ record for the season up to

Courtesy of GPA Photo Archive via Flickr Wilma Rudolph, far right, won the 4x100-meter relay at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. She also won the 100-meter and 200-meter dash events.

Photo courtesy of Mount Holyoke Athletics Elba Barra Montgomery ’23 beat the Wellesley opponents in just three matches at the Seven Sisters Squash Championship, hosted at Vassar College.

every-

thing — the falls, the hits, the gear — in stride with enthusiasm and respect. This team is my family here on campus,” Carlson said.

Photo by Artemis Chen ’25 Mount Holyoke Ice Hockey celebrated its six seniors in a game versus Smith College on Feb. 11.

f HOROSCOPES f

BY CARRIE LEWIS ’23 & MADDEN LACOSTE ’23 HOROSCOPE WRITERS

Jan. 20 – Feb. 18

You’ve been caught! You were so sneaky, but now you stick out like a sore thumb. Put a bandaid on your finger, and own up to your true self. We’re waiting with anticipation.

Do: Share | Don’t: Bend

Feb. 19 – March 20

Take some time to chill in your comfort zone. But don’t make a home there. Your home is looking for you, and it’s not where you would expect. Go out and explore.

Do: Baskets | Don’t: Swarm

March 21 – April 19

How do we solve this problem? You know what I’m talking about. Work out your solution on paper. Don’t let your dog eat it.

Do: Wink| Don’t: Rattle

April 20 – May 20

Get married, get a job and have a kid. Does this sound like you? Take your time to learn about yourself. Test the waters. You never know where you’ll find a warm spot.

Do: Aries | Don’t: Gemini

May 21 – June 20

The wind is blowing in your favor this week. Look on the ground for loose treasures. However, don’t take what doesn’t belong to you. That will never push you further.

Do: Loops | Don’t: Write June 21 – July 22

When we can’t recognize destruction, damage elevates. How are you monitoring for danger? Trust your instincts. You won’t regret it.

Do: Dots | Don’t: Seven

July 23 – Aug. 22

You’re in hot water… or maybe it’s just you. Use your hotness to boil up something good this week. Your trajectory for success relies on it!

Do: Red | Don’t: Red by Taylor Swift

Aug. 23 – Sept. 22

Try planting new seeds in strange places. The lights will hit your buds in unique ways. There is so much potential for a little seed like you. Wear green stripes.

Do: Spicy food | Don’t: Drink water

Sept. 23 – Oct. 22

When was the last time you picked up a book? Open your mind to stories you’re not required to hear about. You need perspective, and this is your way to it. Don’t forget a bookmark!

Do: Scream | Don’t: Fork

Oct. 23 – Nov. 21

You’re last today. I wonder why that is. Try not to sting anyone this week, your metastoma is sharp. If you don’t know what that is, try Google. Learn about your origins.

Do: Twine | Don’t: Poison

Nov. 22 – Dec. 21

I wish I was your lover. Actually, I don’t. Your person is thinking of you. Give them a call sometime soon. This will allow your relationship to bloom.

Do: Smirk | Don’t: Gasp

Dec. 22 – Jan. 19

I know exactly what you’re thinking about. Try not to wear your heart on your sleeve. Don’t let anyone steal your shine; you’re a star even in the day time.

Do: Blue | Don’t: Gunk

Mount Holyoke News

Executive Board

reaches crisis levels, states are forced to cut water use, cont’d

u CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

preme Court case Arizona v. California. The new allocations granted California 4.4 million gallons of water each year, the largest share of the seven states, while Arizona received 2.8 million gallons and Nevada 300,000 gallons. In 1968, the construction of canals that brought water from the river through Arizona, called the Central Arizona Project, was completed. In exchange for the increased water access provided by the project, Arizona accepted “junior water rights,” meaning that during drought periods California is entitled to “get its share of water before Arizona,” the article explained.

To remedy the drought before it reaches critical levels, federal managers are asking states to reduce their water consumption by 15 to 30 percent, the Los Angeles Times article reported. So far, six of the seven states have agreed on a proposal for new water allocations that would achieve these reduced usage levels. California remains the lone dissenter, instead electing to submit its own proposal, the article explained. The disagreement between California and the rest of the West hinges on the inclusion of evaporation in the calculation of water losses that would need to be made up for with cuts in water

usage. Evaporation is especially significant in the areas of the river that California relies on, meaning that it would have to make larger cuts than the rest of the states.

The looming crisis also forces Western states to balance the water needs of their residents against those of the agricultural industry, an article from The Nature Conservancy explains. According to the article, water from the Colorado River is used to irrigate farmlands both inside and beyond the river basin, totaling an area the size of New Hampshire.

Agriculture alone accounts for 80 percent of water usage from the river, the article said. To lessen the pressure of agriculture on the river and free up resources for other uses, The Nature Conservancy has helped farmers adopt creative methods for reducing water usage, from creating a “water bank” to growing crops that thrive in drier conditions.

David Pierce, a climate scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, described the current water allocation system as “carefully calibrated to just break even in the absence of climate change,” to The Los Angeles Times. The article emphasized that to sustain their populations and industry, Western states will need to agree on a new system that will hold up against the years of drought to come.

Event Highlights

Saturday, Feb. 18

Vietnamese Coffee Workshop

Editor-in-Chief Sophie Soloway ’23

Managing Editor of Content Emma Watkins ’23

Managing Editor of Layout Jesse Hausknecht-Brown ’25

Copy Chief Lydia Eno ’26

Publisher Ali Meizels ’23

Managing Editor of Web Artemis Chen ’25 & Michelle Brumley ’24

Business Manager Katie Goss ’23

Human Resources Hannah Raykher ’23

Editorial Board News

Tara Monastesse ’25 & Bryn Healy ’24

Arts & Entertainment Eliška Jacob ’24 & Lucy Oster ’23

Opinion Jahnavi Pradeep ’23

Books Olivia Wilson ’24

Global Shira Sadeh ’25 & Jendayi Leben-Martin ’24

Sports Emily Tarinelli ’25

Features Jesse Hausknecht-Brown ’25 & Melanie Duronio ’26

Science & Environmental

Catelyn Fitzgerald ’23

Photos Rosemary Geib ’23 & Ali Meizels ’23

Graphics Gabriella Gagnon ’24 & Sunny Wei ’23

Layout Editors Summer Sit ’25, Orion Cheung ’25, Sophie Dalton ’25, Aditi Menon ’25, Rachel Adler ’26 & Melanie Duronio ’26

Copy Editors Jude Barrera ’24, Eliška Jacob ’24, Max Endieveri ’25, Gemma Golovner ’25, Meghan MacBeath ’25, Kamlyn Yosick ’25, Liv Churchill ’26, Kate Koenig ’26, Abigail McKeon ’26, Hema Motiani ’26, Emma Quirk ’26 & Caroline Huber ’26

Web Editors Maira Khan ’25, Aditi Menon ’25, Chloe Wang ’25, Lily Hoffman Strickler ’23, Thao Le ’25, Sophie Simon ’25 & Ramisa Tahsin Rahman ’25

the pages of the paper, excluding staff editorials.

All content copyright of Mount Holyoke News. All rights reserved. Mount Holyoke News does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or age.

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EMAIL US: mhnews@mtholyoke.edu

At this event, the VSA will be making and serving different kinds of Vietnamese coffee. There will be music, a sand art piece and the opportunity to admire the vibrancy of Vietnam through a photo gallery while enjoying a cup of Vietnamese coffee. The free drinks provided include: Vietnamese brown coffee, Vietnamese black coffee, Vietnamese coconut milk coffee and peach iced tea.

Blanchard Great Room

11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 18

Sightlines Tour — Passion: Suffering and Desire in Art

Join Student Museum Guide Josie Fitz ’25 for a tour that considers passion as a word with two distinct meanings, calling to mind both suffering and desire — and explores how these two themes intersect. Are pleasure and pain intrinsically linked? Can one exist without the other? From antiquity to the present, artists have explored this question. This tour will call audiences to do the same, with each person bringing their own unique perspective to the question of passion. This Sightlines Tour is best for adult learners. Free and open to the public. View the full list of upcoming tours.

Mount Holyoke College Art Museum 1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 19

Day of Remembrance Exhibition Launch Event

Join AASIA at the Fimbel Makerspace for a crafternoon making origami cranes to commemorate the Japanese Day of Remembrance. We will be joined by Jen Brock who is staff at MHC to talk more about her experience being a descendant of the camps; we will be exploring the unique Asian American narratives which exist with people.

Fimbel Lab & Makerspace- Multipurpose Room 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

In our Feb 3, 2023, edition, a MHN article titled ‘Over 50 mass shootings occurred during the first month of 2023 in U.S.’ incorrectly attributed a statement from the Asian American Students in Action campus organization. Below is AASIA’s original statement in full.

“AASIA is horrified by the recent tragedies in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, California. We stand in solidarity with the families and communities affected by these senseless acts of violence. In the words of Jennifer Ho, Professor of Ethnic Studies at UC Boulder, ‘The violence [at Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay] is symptomatic of a uniquely American phenomenon … Asian Americans aren’t exempt from mass killings.’ We all must push for structural changes to prevent such tragedies from repeating.”

As the Colorado River drought