Mule
Muleskinner Mule
@MuleskinnerUCM
NEWS FEATURES OPINIONS SPORTS
University of Central Missouri Publication Since 1878 Mule
muleskinner_ucm
@Muleskinner_UCM
Check out our website! Muleskinnernews.com
p. 2 p. 3 p. 6 p. 8
• Vol. 115 • Issue 2 • Sept. 22, 2021
University Extends Indoor Mask Mandate TRIO Services
Offered Through Other On-Campus Organizations
MATTHEW GOLDSMITH News Editor
The University of Central Missouri announced on Sept. 15 that the university’s face coverings requirement, which began on Aug. 9, would be extended. Face coverings are required in all university buildings, regardless of vaccination status. The administration will review this requirement and provide another update no later than Oct. 14. As of Sept. 17, UCM had 17 active student cases and one active faculty/staff case. At this time last year, UCM reported 73 student cases and 3 faculty/staff cases. Tré Kendall, senior design and drafting major, said most of his classes have remained in person during COVID-19 and his major classes, which involve a lot of computer lab work, have been able to effectively social distance. Kendall said he doesn’t think UCM should have a mask mandate. “I feel like they’re probably just being on the cautious side, but even since the end of last spring semester, I haven’t heard any news about COVID on campus,” Kendall said. “From what I’ve heard this semester, the numbers have been pretty dang low. So, it’s kind of a shame to hear that they extended that, but at the same time I’m not very surprised.”
OLIVIA GIBBS Reporter
As of Sept. 17, the University of Central Missouri had 17 active student cases and 1 active faculty/staff case. Case numbers have reached highs of 30 student cases and 6 faculty/staff cases this semester. The above graph plots the number of student and faculty/staff cases since the beginning of the fall semester. Graphic by Bethany Spitzmiller
Senior communication studies major Summer Payton said that, besides the spring 2020 semester, her learning experience mostly has been unaffected by COVID-19. Payton said she disagrees with the university’s decision to extend the mandate. “I don’t really think we should have a mask mandate, especially if you’re vaccinated, and I just feel like you learn a lot better with the non-verbal cues of facial expressions,” Payton said. UCM President Roger Best said
the university decided to extend the face covering because it seems to be working, specifically mentioning the low number of cases compared to other Missouri institutions and last year’s numbers. Best said that the UCM community’s actions have helped lead to lower rates. “It’s a point of pride for me because I know that our students, faculty and staff are taking everything seriously, and they are doing things that promote their own health and well-being, which is critical,” Best said.
Black Students Take Action Against Racial Slur on Campus
MICHAEL LEWIS Reporter
Thursday, Sept. 16, some University of Central Missouri students saw a racial slur written on the free speech wall set up by the American Democracy Project. According to the ADP, the free speech wall was set up Thursday at about 8:00 a.m. with the intent to provide a space for free speech on campus.
In response to the slur, the Association of Black Collegians organized black students and hosted a sit-in during the university president’s State of the University Address in the W.C. Morris Science Building Nahm Auditorium with the goal being to get his attention. During the president’s address, UCM President Roger Best updated the campus community on the current status and future direction of the university.
The students sat in the front row, attempting to get Best to notice and speak on the issue that happened that day. After the address, Best invited the students to have a discussion about the problems and frustrations students felt about what they witnessed that day. The Muleskinner will continue to cover this topic in our next edition. If you would like to speak with a reporter please email the Managing Editor at muleskinner@ucmo.edu.
International Student Enrollment Increased
GINA CUSIMANO Reporter
Although international student enrollment had dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 782 students in fall 2019 and 621 students during fall 2020, international student enrollment has increased this semester, and the students are adjusting to life in the United States at the University of Central Missouri.
The International Student Organization at the University of Central Missouri gathers for a game night. Photo submitted by Sarvesh Patel
Emily de Melo, assistant director of international student services, said that 1,427 international students have enrolled this fall. “During the COVID times, they were having trouble getting here without visas, and so now things are opening up again, they’re able to get visas,” de Melo said. “We are definitely seeing more students now than last year. In fact, we are seeing more of an increase because we’re seeing students who wanted to be here last year and the ones who were already planning to come this year.” Sonal Jha, freshman business studies major from Nepal, recently settled in Warrensburg. She said that she chose UCM because it’s a small school and her main objective is to get a degree. “As an international student, my main priority is to get a degree,” Jha said. “So, I chose Warrensburg because it’s not a big city, and it has limited distractions.” Jha said she loves the people of Warrensburg and feels that she can
talk to anyone of any age. “In our country, they are separated by age group and everyone treats everyone differently, but here I realized that everyone is treated equally.” She said, “Professors talk to us like a friend.” Prince Haykal, senior psychology major, is from Indonesia and said UCM is the perfect size for him. “It’s not too big, not too small, and it’s the right amount of people where I’m not overwhelmed,” Haykal said. Haykal said that his father graduated from UCM, and he wanted to go to school here and experience college life in the United States. “I like the faculty,” Haykal said. “I like how they like to show off the student and faculty relationship, because I think they’re right about that.” Sarvesh Patel is a senior automotive technology major from India who chose Missouri because his family members live in different states throughout the U.S. JUMP TO PAGE 2
The program formerly known as TRIO-Student Support Services will not be on campus for the 20212022 academic school year and the foreseeable future. TRIO has been on UCM’s campus for over 40 years because of a government-issued grant that could be renewed every five years. This year, however, UCM did not receive approval for the grant. TRIO offered support to approximately 200 undergraduate students on campus, including firstgeneration college students, students needing financial aid information, students looking to apply for jobs and internships, and students who needed general guidance through college. “I was upset when TRIO was removed, because my advisor really helped me figure out what I was doing,” junior social work major Kasey Hinkebein said. “I’m a first generation college student and had no idea what was going on, but my advisor would help me with literally anything that I needed.” Randall Langston, executive vice provost for enrollment engagement, said that while TRIO won’t meet as a student organization, services provided by TRIO will be displaced throughout organizations on campus. “We decided to reinvest … all the major services already being provided by TRIO, and we decided to augment that with additional funding going to the Success Advising Center and hiring additional student mentors who are going to work with our students,” Langston said. Andrew Jinkens, interim manager of academic support services, agreed that the Success Advising Center will play a large role in replacing services previously offered by TRIO. Jinkens said the Learning Commons, located in the James C. Kirkpatrick Library, will support former TRIO students as well. “I always hope to see more students in the Learning Commons, of course,” Jinkens said. “We seek to be that kind of space on campus where students can come not only for academic support, but for university support. We are more than happy to be that space.” Langston said the university plans to reapply for the grant in the future, but that will not be for roughly four more years. “We are very deeply committed to our students who were previously in TRIO,” Langston said. “We feel that TRIO is a tremendous program, and we want to continue to provide that support for our students as they continue through their educational journey at UCM.”
News
2 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 2 • Sept. 22, 2021
COVID-19’s Impact on UCM’s Future Educators MATTHEW GOLDSMITH News Editor
From in-person mask mandates and social distancing to virtual learning, COVID-19 has brought significant changes to education and the classroom environment. These changes have especially impacted education majors at the University of Central Missouri, as many of them haven’t been able to have the desired in-person classroom experience with professionals and students that previous education majors have had. Aubreigh Allen, senior with an emphasis in elementary education, said she was hoping to have more observation hours to gain clarity on what grade or subject she would like to teach and said that COVID-19 has brought uncertainty to her academic future. “It’s bringing up more questions than I think it is answering them,” Allen said. “I don’t feel as prepared, I don’t feel as ready to be a teacher, especially now, and I think that if I would have had more observation time, I would feel better.” Allen is currently doing classroom observations, which she said is going well, but has its challenges. “It is good because I’m getting into the classroom and finally observing. It’s definitely different from what
I remember in elementary school and from before COVID,” Allen said. “It’s going well. It’s just a lot to take in and a big learning curve because of not having as many observation hours and for COVID as well. It’s just a completely different environment in the classroom now.” Kristen De Napoli, a sophomore with an emphasis in early childhood education, said that COVID-19 has impacted her because of the nature of education. “It has definitely been hard being with education,” De Napoli said. “A lot of it’s hands-on experience. It’s a lot of learning, it’s a lot of teaching, being there, interacting with the kids, but with COVID we can’t go into the schools. We can’t just do our observations like normal.” De Napoli said COVID-19 forced her to do virtual observations, which was not the same experience as doing observations in person. She said she will be doing in-person observations next semester, which she anticipates will be a normal experience. “I really hope it will be. I know that for the field experience this semester, it’s basically the same, so it will just be the observations, the working with the kids,” De Napoli said. Chloe Valleroy, a senior with an emphasis in middle school education/ social studies, said COVID-19 limited her in-person experience and forced her to partake in more virtual training. “I felt that it was very not worth
Karrie Snider, associate professor of early childhood education, works with some of her students on a class activity. Photo by Matthew Goldsmith
it because I didn’t learn anything, Valleroy said. “Virtually teaching, virtually doing stuff as a new teacher, you don’t learn nearly as much as you do in a classroom.” Valleroy said she will start doing
in-person field work in October, which will include doing her own lesson plans and teaching. “I’m really excited for that process,” Valleroy said. “I feel like I finally get to be a teacher.”
INTERNATIONAL ENROLLMENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1: “I have quite a lot of relatives who live around the United States, but I wanted to live away from them,” Patel said. “I chose Missouri because it’s right in the middle of the U.S.” Patel said he wanted to go to school in a small town then live in a big city when he works.
The university helps him become more connected with other international students, especially with the student organizations on campus. “The clubs won’t really be a thing in a city because people would just go to the city clubs, but because there is not a lot of stuff to do in Warrensburg that gives us the opportunity to meet new people,” Patel said.
Faculty
are you ready for your voice to be heard?
Join UCM NEA! Find out more and keep up to date with local NEA events by scanning this QR code or visit https://ucmnea.weebly.com/
Questions? Contact us at ucmnea@gmail.com for more info or to attend our monthly Zoom meetings, 4-5 pm on the third Thursday of the month.
MULESKINNER 203 East Clark St. Wood Room 312
Staff
Bethany Spitzmiller, Managing Editor Matthew Goldsmith, News Editor Zayin Barnes, Features Editor Meah Copeland, Sports Editor Gabriella Ellis, Promotions Manager
Audrey Murphy, Advertising Manager Derek Walsh, Designer Anna Furney, Copy Editor Blair Miller, THRIVE Intern Dr. Julie Lewis, Faculty Adviser
REPORTERS Michael Lewis Abram Tabor Angela Evatt Trevor Martin Dillon Seckington Mallie Crutchfield Lillian Tate Blake Brinsa
DISTRIBUTION Alysha Burney Evana Loukawila Libby East Emma Fischer Gina Cusimano Olivia Gibbs Yohannes Girma Tiyah Gipson
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Nick Distefano, Andrew Drake
PUBLICITY Brianna Cargile Cloe Pohlman David Ademilua Check out our website! Muleskinnernews.com Mule
Mule
Lauryn Morrow, Jessica Powers Mule
ILLUSTRATORS Garnett Williams, Sarah Sedgwick
@Muleskinner_UCM @muleskinner_ucm @MuleskinnerUCM
The Muleskinner is a student-led news lab in the communication department at the University of Central Missouri and operates in association with the digital media production program. All text, photography and other content are property of the Muleskinner and may not be reproduced without permission. The Muleskinner reserves the right to edit any submitted material or refuse to print such material. Letters to the editor are encouraged from students, faculty and alumni. Typed or legibly written letters can be submitted by email at muleskinner@ucmo.edu or can be mailed or hand-delivered to the Muleskinner newsroom at 203 East Clark Street, Warrensburg, Missouri 64093, which is in Wood building, room 312. Include your legal name and phone number for verification. Letters should be brief, self-edited and must be received by Monday the week before publication. The Muleskinner prints once a month.
Features
Muleskinner 3 • Vol. 115 • Issue 2 • Sept. 22, 2021
Theatre Students Ready to Perform Reporter
After the unfortunate predicaments of last year, students within the Theatre and Dance program are finally in full force and ready to dazzle audiences with the magic of live theater once more. Masks will be required inside the theaters and the shows will only be running at 75% capacity, but the department has multiple performances scheduled to be in-person, rather than online like last year. This October, fans of the performing arts should find themselves in the seats of the Highlander Theatre and prepare to be mesmerized by Simon Stephens’s “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime,” directed by Mary Trotter. The show will be open to the public at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 8 and 9 and then again on Oct. 14 through 16. This year’s cast is filled with joy to finally have live theater back in their grasp. One of these enthusiastic individuals is junior theatre design tech major Luke Habjan, who will be starring as the leading male in next month’s production. “I’m filled with excitement to finally get back to what theater was,” Habjan said. “The actors are working their butts off to bring forth the characters and everyone is just putting in a team effort to tell a really good story.” Theatre isn’t just ending their season there. When the air gets cold and the first snow falls, “Elf: The Musical” will
be there to warm the heart. The show will open at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 and 13 and then again on Nov. 18 through 20. Director Ashley Miller-Scully is beyond excited to recreate this beloved Christmas classic. “So many people are coming with expectations, knowing the movie, and I hope that we can recreate that magic that so many people love and adore,” Miller-Scully said. The cast includes a wide variety of students, ranging from seniors and freshmen to first and third graders. These young actors and actresses will be making up the elves ensemble as well as the group of children in line for Santa. The department was introduced to a considerable number of new students this year following the Involvement Fair. Among these fresh and talented new faces is freshman theatre major Zacharia Bowen, who is playing Chadwick in “Elf: The Musical.” “The plays are going to be amazing,” Bowen said. “They’re going to be interesting. They’re going to be funny, just truly amazing, and I think the audience is going to definitely love everything we’re putting forward.” Members of the UCM community won’t want to miss the chance to watch these stories be told by the many talented students of UCM.
“
I’M FILLED
WITH
EXCITEMENT
TO FINALLY GET BACK TO WHAT
“
LIBBY EAST
THEATER
WAS.
Katie Marshall plays the part of an overenthusiastic thespian in “The Show Must Not Go On!” as she tries to persuade Alex Scharfenburg to let her act. This Black Box performance took place Sept. 9. Photo by Libby East
Gage Awarded for ‘Tilikum’ Performance ALYSHA BURNEY Reporter
UCM Theatre and Dance student Danny Gage, sophomore digital media production major with a theatre minor, was recognized and awarded by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival for his virtual performance in “Tilikum.” “It’s been a big passion ever since I could remember! I’ve been acting for over a decade now.” Gage said. Shanna Sinow, musical theatre alumna co-starred in “Tilikum” and was also nominated for an award. “Danny is an amazing person,” Sinow said. “ He is also an amazing actor to work with because he really connects his performance with his emotions.” Sinow said she was also glad that Gage had been awarded by KCACTF. “I am so proud of him for winning this award and I totally believe he deserves it,” Sinow said. “I am also very proud of the cast for our nomination as an ensemble, and it’s awesome to know that my and everyone else’s hard work paid off.” “It is a huge honor and high achievement for Danny to be recognized on a national level for his acting achievements,” Ashley MillerScully, theater and dance department chair, said. “We feel very lucky to have Danny in our program and are looking forward to seeing his continued growth.”
The History Department, Missouri Innovation Campus, Missouri Humanities Council, and the UCM Center for Teaching and Learning
Presents... Missouri’s Struggle for Statehood Exhibit
Missouri’s Bicentennial Keynote
September 22 to October 26 UCM Missouri Innovation Campus 1101 Innovation Parkway Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
October 16 at 11:00 a.m. UCM Missouri Innovation Campus 1101 Innovation Parkway Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
Open M-F 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00-5:00 p.m.
Dr. Chris Childers, Associate Professor of History at Pittsburg State University and author of the Failure of Popular Sovereignty, will deliver a ketnote about Sectional Tension and the Missouri Compromise of 1820.
Masks required for entry.
4 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 2 • Sept. 22, 2021
GET THER
Street Festival Celebrates School Spirit EMMA FISCHER Reporter
After nearly two years of mask mandates, social distancing and canceled football games, the University of Central Missouri’s Get the Red Out parade kicked off the school year with a sea of red t-shirts, school spirit and two live mascots. Get the Red Out preceded the first football game of the season. Before fans packed into the stands, many of them walked Holden street, browsing booths for local organizations and businesses. Sarah Coldiron, a senior majoring in child and family development, was at the parade to support the business Lavy Lash. Like many UCM students, Coldiron was unable to take part in live events last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m just happy that everything is back to normal,” Coldiron said. “Just being able to see everyone and interact with everyone again — it feels like a community. I love it.” Sophomore fashion merchandising major Alexis Swope began college during the pandemic. “It was a little sad last year, coming to college and expecting to be able to hang out with a bunch of people, and you really couldn’t,” Swope said. At Get the Red Out this year, she helped the fashion merchandising program with their table and planned on attending the football game later that evening. “I’m super stoked that we can have a parade and have football games,” Swope said. “All of my friends are really feeling the college experience this year.” Even though Get the Red Out was a live event this year, general studies student Ashli Morgan noted the lack of people compared to previous years. “There’s less people,” Morgan said. “I think it’s because [people are] still not sure about COVID.” Morgan also works with Empower Church in the community. “I think COVID has negatively impacted our student involvement in the community, church [and] on campus,” Morgan said. Travis Hume, director of University Farms and caretaker for UCM’s live mascots, had similar thoughts.
“I think COVID is still lingering,” Hume said. “There are still nervous people that don’t want to be in crowded areas.” As Hume stood with mascots Mancow and Molly, children and adults excitedly ran up to the mules to see them. Hume said he believes UCM’s mules have a positive impact on the community. “Whatever your demographic is, wherever you come from … everybody gets excited to see the mules,” Hume said. “I don’t know if there’s any other school in Missouri that has a live mascot. So we’re pretty proud of it, and the community’s proud of it.” Hume is not the only one with hope for the future, and what the first football game of the year signifies. Coldiron, Swope and Morgan are all excited for what the future will bring in terms of socializing and living the college experience. “My kids can go to school, people can come to church, students can come to Get the Red Out,” Morgan said. “That’s exciting.”
Illustrations by Sarah Sedgwick
T U O D E ! R
Muleskinner 5 • Vol. 115 • Issue 2 • Sept. 22, 2021
No Masks Required when at Outdoor Events YOHANNES GIRMA Reporter
After being canceled last year because of COVID-19, the Get the Red Out event was held on Sept. 2 near the Walton football stadium. Get the Red Out is an annual fair event where clubs and organizations get to connect with the community and students of the university. “This is actually my first time attending the event,” Michaela Hines, a junior criminal justice major, said. “I haven’t been involved as much as I would like, and I wanted to be involved before I end up leaving.” Although Get the Red Out is back, COVID-19 is still here. There were a minimum of 2,000 COVID-19 cases per day in Missouri according to the New York Times. “I am fine with it either way,” Hines said. “Not everybody cares so much about it. Some still don’t believe in it. There will be people who wear masks and people who won’t care.” UCM policy states “face coverings will be required indoors, in all university buildings, regardless of vaccination status.” However, the university does not have an outdoor mask mandate. “When it comes to business and events,
that right [to enforce mandate mask policies] should be reserved for the organizer of the event,” Carter Woolverton, a freshman drafting and design technologies major, said. In regards to COVID-19, not everyone shares the same belief. Although most people at the event weren’t wearing masks, there were some visitors who were. Woolverton believes one of the causes could be because of inconsistency with COVID-19. “There’s consistency with the virus, but the inconsistency about it is how hard it hits,” Woolverton said. “It’s not going to affect everybody the same.” Makayla Fuemmeler, a senior graphic design major, said she trusts the university is taking the appropriate actions in response to COVID-19. “I feel like there is enough space around and everyone is pretty conscious of who they came with so right now, it’s okay,” Fuemmeler said.
“I am worried about the cases rising again. However, I do believe the college is doing what’s in their power to help against cases rising on campus.”
Photo Captions: (Far-left) The Color Guard team shows school spirit during the home football games. Photo submitted by Allegra Wolff (Middle) Freshman Maddy Zvacek is a member of the color guard team. The band was performing a song from their newest show, Divas through the Decades, at the amphitheater near the stadium. The Marching Mules always perform there before the game and color guard puts on a show. Photo submitted by Allegra Wolff (Top Right) The Mules punt team comes out to get ready to punt the ball down the field. The Mules football team lost the home opener 35-16 against Pittsburg State University. Photo by Meah Copeland (Bottom Right) Mule Rider Tori Happy rides on Molly, the mule, for pregame photos and during the games. Photo by Jessica Powers
Opinions
6 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 2 • Sept. 22, 2021
Music on Repeat DILLON SECKINGTON Reporter
Performers Transport Audiences to New Worlds LIBBY EAST Reporter UCM Theatre kicked off its season with
8/10
7/10
an evening of one-act performances on
7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9 in the Black
Box Theater. Each act was 10 minutes long, and these shows ran until Sept. 11.
“The Show Must Not Go On!”, directed
by Thomas Clark, was a delight. The Little Simz: “Sometimes I Might Be Introvert” (2021) British rapper Little Simz’s fourth album
catches the acclaimed, yet unappreciated, rapper in a moment of vulnerability that listeners have not heard yet. Little Simz opens herself up on the opening track
“Introvert” saying, “But if you can’t feel pain, then you can’t feel the opposite.”
The record is also a return for Simz to a rich or fuller style of production, while
Simz’s last record, “GREY Area” featured
a style of production and beats that were
scaled down a notch. In the age of Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B, Little Simz’s intricate songwriting and in-your-face bars are refreshing for fans of the rap
genre. “I Might Be Introvert” employs two finely chosen features as well. Cleo Sol
in particular adds soul to Simz’s swaying
lyricism on the track, “Woman.” Little Simz
managed to combine self-reflective lyricism with a variety of interesting beats while
still bringing the same hard-hitting bars that she has been for nearly a decade.
Highlights: “Introvert,” “Woman,” “Little Q,” “Pt. 2”
convincing comedic banter between actors
Teenage Wrist: “Earth Is a Black Hole” (2021)
Alex Scharfenberg and Holden Childress
Teenage Wrist’s sophomore record is
an explosion of 1990s alternative rock-
inspired fuzzy guitar riffs and in-your-face vocals. Now operating as a duo, the band takes a step forward from their 2018
debut, “Chrome Neon Jesus” after lead singer Kamtin Mohager left the band.
Teenage Wrist seems to embrace their ear for melody on this record, as tracks like
“Silverspoon” are easily stuck in listeners’ heads for days or weeks. The record
captures a sentimental sadness that the
band’s audience craves, while also diving
headfirst into more of a pop-fueled sound. This shift in contour allowed for Teenage
Wrist to take a step away from the sound
they established on their debut, while also maintaining some of the same elements
that drew an audience from their debut.
Overall, “Earth Is a Black Hole” feels like a
step in the right direction for the band, and proves that rock music is alive and well.
made for an amusing and entertaining
Above: Finn Juliano and Alyce Wilson
audience was thrown right into the story
Bittersweet Lullaby. Below: Juliano looks out to
dynamic. When the show opened, the
share a tender moment during their duet in
with the two men shouting obscenities
the audience as he sings. Photos by Libby East
at each other as the janitor, played by Katie Marshall, watched on, clearly
agitated by the brash behavior these two men exhibited. At her breaking point,
she snapped and offered a solution to
their problem, which the men reluctantly accepted. This was a mistake. Marshal’s quiet and reserved character flipped on its head and turned into a flamboyant
thespian, quoting every Shakespearean piece to date. The ability to switch at
the drop of a hat is admirable. All the
actors in this show demonstrated a strong
use of spotlights and sounds during this
comedy one to remember.
overall emotional impact.
stage presence and made this captivating As the lights dimmed and a new scene
was introduced to a narrator, played by
directed by Alec Bridges, and audience
“The Furniture Store,” directed by Daniel
lights cued for “Bittersweet Lullaby,”
Juliano, dressed in old clothes and sitting at a piano, frustrated. As he struggled, a younger, more modern looking woman,
played by Alyce Wilson, came in talking
9/10
8.5/10
on the phone. The two carried on with
their own separate monologues for quite some time, which is impressive. They
never once faltered or stuttered while
listening to the other’s voice. Not only are these students incredible actors, but they The Snuts: “W.L.” (2021) The Snuts’ debut record, “W.L” is a record
Michael Kiwanuka: “Kiwanuka” (2019) Michael Kiwanuka’s self-titled third
filled with variety in terms of sounds. The
album starts off with the track, “You Ain’t
tender, while the next two tracks, “Always”
tight drums and sporadic horns fill the
opening track, “Top Deck” is slow and and “Juan Belmonte,” feature burning
guitar riffs that get the record rolling. From this point on, the Scottish band delivers impressive guitar work and colorful
melodies track after track. “W.L.” did not go unnoticed, earning the number one
spot on the U.K. charts, edging out Demi Lovato’s “Dancing with the Devil” and
becoming the first debut album released by a Scottish band to do so in 14 years. The record is versatile, containing the classic
indie rock sound, and showcases the band’s desire to experiment as well. Songs like
“Don’t Forget It (Punk)” ooze with rockstar swagger while “Sing For Your Supper”
pours out slowly with emotion. Being the
first full-length record that The Snuts have released, “W.L.” shines in the world of current guitar music.
Highlights: “Always,” “Maybe California,” “Elephants”
the Problem.” The song is fast-paced, as track vibrantly. The album is filled with a variety of themes, moods and food for thought. These ideas range from
self-acceptance to a nuclear apocalypse. The record sounds frightening at times, but Kiwanuka does not allow darkness to envelop his record. Instead, he uses
soulful melodies and psychedelic-curious
instrumentation to create a sense of relief
After the last scene change, the audience
was set, the tone had changed. The
members saw a man, played by Finn
Highlights: “Taste of Gasoline,” “Silverspoon,” “Wasting Time”
show were also excellent and added to the
are also gifted with marvelous voices.
Reaching the climax of this show, the two sat by the piano and sang a lovely duet.
The song alone was enough to give anyone goosebumps, but the raw emotion and
talent these two possessed was what made
this melancholy musical a masterpiece. The tech and costume department also deserve praise. The choice of attire for the two
characters was impeccable, as it displayed
each character’s time period perfectly. The
Miranda Muenz, as she set the scene for
Prillaman. This show was a rollercoaster
of emotions as the store owner, Kenneth, played by Zacharia Bowen, tried
desperately to convince couple Toni
and Sylvia, played by Rachel Curry and Sapphire Engel, to buy his furniture … that doesn’t exist. Bowen commanded the stage with his bold and booming
presence. Meanwhile, Curry and Engel’s chemistry on stage was perfect as they
painted a convincing, comedic and very
confused couple. The escalating argument
between Curry, Engel and Bowen made for a hilarious altercation that ended with a
stunning and dark conclusion that left the
audience shocked. As soon as Kyle, played by Philip Licata, entered the scene, his
entertaining portrayal of a stoned character instantly lightened the mood once again. “The Furniture Store” was a show that
certainly won’t be forgotten easily. The cast made sure of that.
We want to hear student voices!
for listeners. “Kiwanuka” is captivating
both sonically and figuratively, possibly
for its attitude which offers no comfort to
listeners. Kiwanuka does not offer answers to the questions he poses on his latest
record. In fact, these questions seem just as mysterious to Kiwanuka as they do to
the listener. This album seems to breathe a new life into the soul genre and into Kiwanuka’s discography.
Highlights: “I’ve Been Dazed,” “Piano Joint (This Kind of Love),” “Solid Ground”
Send letters to the editor to muleskinner@ucmo.edu or find our “Apply” tab at Muleskinnernews.com to join our staff.
Opinions
Muleskinner 7 • Vol. 115 • Issue 2 • Sept. 22, 2021
Head to Head – Vaccine Mandates Vaccine Mandates are Essential
Vaccine Mandates are Tyrannical
LILLIAN TATE
ANNA FURNEY
Reporter
Reporter
COVID-19 is still incredibly prevalent,
as required by state law. This is for the sake
Johnson County, according to the Mayo
disease could be widespread. Vaccines need
with an average of 24 new cases daily in Clinic. Safety regulations regarding masks, social distancing and capacity limitations are all still common, but there has yet to be a vaccine mandate.
As of September 2021, there is no
reinstatement for mask mandates or
vaccine requirements in Johnson County,
and the University of Central Missouri only requires masks inside university buildings. It is dangerous to leave the subject of public safety up in the air.
As a biological chemistry major, I
understand how vaccines are studied, and they’re an incredibly important step in
creating a safer, more healthy community.
of everyone else in the dorms, so that no
throughout the world, mask and vaccine
to be mandated for the sake of others.
indoor capacities are continuing to be
For those individuals arguing that
the choice to get vaccinated is their
clinic for the free shot. Eating pasta for
the CDC, there have been 660,380 deaths cases every day. Hospitals are at capacity.
People are still dying. Mandating a vaccine is beyond reasonable, it’s the only option. There are side effects with COVID-19
is a choice, but getting the COVID-19 shot to society. If it takes college admittance
or job denials to stress the importance of getting vaccinated, then so be it.
where students come from different
backgrounds. At the University of Central Missouri, everyone living in dorms are
required to have their meningitis vaccine,
they will be fighting this mandate in
court, including the state of Missouri.
Governor Parson has issued a statement saying that he believes this mandate is
diabetes and obesity. Of course, death is
always sad and these individuals should be respected and their lives remembered, but
at what point is it alright to use them as an example to take away everyone’s freedom to choose?
The United States of America was
are facing lawsuits by students who
also a virus that can change and spread
variants, therefore perfecting one vaccine
is challenging and takes time. It is not the
Several Ivy League schools have required
Princeton and Yale. Many of those schools were denied entrance because of their
vaccination status. Whether students get
vaccinated or not should be the choice of the students.
Currently, Johnson County has not
approximately 50-60 allergic reactions
reinstated a mask mandate and county
resulting in around five to ten deaths
requiring vaccines. UCM’s policy requires
are not vaccinated against COVID-19 are
important, especially in a college town
Sept. 15, 27 states have declared that
that were worsened by the virus, including
updated, it’s brand new. COVID-19 is
Recent CDC research shows those who
gather. Herd immunity is incredibly
words, per unvaccinated worker. As of
COVID-19 also had pre-existing conditions
be a safe haven for people who value
required on campus.
spread wherever large groups of people
be posted for each violation, or in other
of individuals who have died because of
students to be vaccinated, including
vaccine is still under trial and is still being
a year. The meningitis vaccine is still
Prevention, infectious diseases tend to
private businesses, a $14,000 fine will
deaths from COVID-19. The vast majority
like meningitis. Of course the COVID-19
annually with the meningitis vaccine,
to the Centers for Disease Control and
and for employees of private businesses
abortion, with statistics that outweigh the
founded on the principles of individual
reaction, paralysis or death. There are
Institutions are not requiring vaccines
Recently, President Joe Biden announced
continues to be cancer, heart disease and
unconstitutional.
vaccine, even those that are more trusted,
only vaccine to have caused an allergic
to inconvenience anyone. According
The leading cause of death in the country
with more than 100 workers. For the
vaccines, but that can happen with any
should be an obligation and responsibility
especially not be mandated.
required for the safety of the public.”
dinner is a choice, deciding to work out in the morning is a choice, cutting your hair
compromise the health of people should
vaccine mandates for all federal workers
attributed to COVID-19. There are new
for their room, but everyone can go to a
length and that has been reported to
vaccinations were not oppressive if
Thousands of Americans have died during
results from the vaccine, including allergic this, a vaccine without proper testing
may at times, under the pressure of great
they did not exceed what is “reasonably
FDA approved as of Sept. 15. There have
reactions, paralysis and death. Considering
individual in respect of his[/her] liberty
and staff for COVID-19 prevention. Not supply of hand sanitizer or disinfectants
been numerous reports of unfortunate
the safety of its members the rights of the
the COVID-19 pandemic. According to
everyone has access to decent masks, a
enforced regionally.
society charged with the duty of conserving
They also determined that mandatory
Moreover, the COVID-19 vaccines are still
under trial and only one, Pfizer, has been
Court decided, “in every well-ordered
dangers, be subjected to such restraint.”
restaurants or to board flights.
mandates, social distancing and reduced
constitutional right, in 1905, the Supreme
They are the cheapest, fastest and most readily available solution to students
With COVID-19 still making its rounds
29 times more likely to end up in the
hospital, and many intensive care units are
officials have not said anything about
students, faculty and staff to wear masks
freedom. This country is supposed to
the freedom to choose, but with vaccine
mandates, where is that freedom? This is
not about being selfish, this is about letting
the government control people. If you want
to ‘protect’ others by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask, you have the right to do so. Please exercise your rights as you see
fit. That is the beauty of this country. But
please, don’t tell me or anyone else what to do with our bodies.
inside buildings but so far has not required vaccination. This news has come as a great relief to me, as someone who believes in individual freedom of choice.
While vaccines are scientifically proven
at full capacity. Not getting vaccinated and
to be effective and are known to be
also causing serious side effects. People
choice to get one. For example, the annual
the United States, said, “Any society that
against the yearly change in the flu strain.
security will deserve neither and lose both.”
having to occupy space in the hospitals is with other health issues or who are in
accidents may not be able to access the
care they need in an emergency situation, and lives have been lost because of that. You have the freedom to choose, but I
have the right to live. Get vaccinated.
Above Illustrations by Sarah Sedgewick
helpful, each individual should have the flu shot is said to be helpful in fighting
Some people, and especially those who are immunocompromised, have found comfort and protection from these vaccinations,
however, the flu vaccine has never been mandated to enter hospitals, schools,
Benjamin Franklin, a founding father of
will give up a little liberty to gain a little
Let those words serve as a reminder as you decide whether or not to relinquish your
rights. Do not let this country become the
tyranny we fought so bravely against over 200 years ago.
Comic by Garnett Williams
Sports
8 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 2 • Sept. 22, 2021
Intramural Teams Bring Students Together MEAH COPELAND Sports Editor The University of Central Missouri offers
intramural sports, which students like to participate in because they get to make memories and friends while getting a
little exercise. There are many sports to
participate in, which include softball, flag football, sand volleyball, indoor soccer,
indoor volleyball, pickleball, badminton,
tennis, disc golf, dodgeball and golf. UCM
Intramurals also hosts virtual tournaments with ESports.
Kevin Sneed, assistant director of
intramural and recreational sports,
oversees intramural sports and club sports.
The difference between intramural sports
and club sports is that intramurals are
recreational based and students only play within the university against other UCM students. Clubs are more competitive,
with tryouts, practices and they host other schools and travel to other schools to compete.
Sneed has responsibilities to get
run the intramural program
with Sneed, alter rules if needed and train workers. He has been
working in intramural sports for
five years. Merkel said he mostly likes officiating soccer because he used to play soccer.
“I like working with people,
intramural sports going. He needs to
helping people find a job and
the leagues are a tournament or single
“There’s a lot of opportunities
decide what sports to play, decide if
elimination, he also needs to reserve
space for fields to play, hire and train
student employees and evaluate how the
tournaments went at the end of the season.
with participants and really the student workers,”
Sneed said. “You can see them when they start as
an 18-year-old freshman,
media production major Connor Nielson said. Junior secondary English education major, Gage Shrader won the Super Smash
find that.”
Merkel said people should
get out of their rooms and make
students, I like working
atmosphere and it’s almost like a sporting event,” senior digital
realize, and I like to help people
are able to choose what “I like working with
“I think it’s a good atmosphere, it’s very fun, competitive type
within sport that people don’t
come out and play intramural
sports to officiate.
E-Sports hosted the Super Smash Bros tournament on Sept. 1.
make some money,” Merkel said.
Sneed hires around 20-30
student workers, and they
Bros. tournament. Photo by Meah Copeland
workers to officiate games, helps
and you can see how they progress in their college career.”
Graduate student worker
Nathan Merkel is in charge of scheduling student
sports to hang out with friends,
On Sept. 13, intramural sand volleyball began their league. The first game was Swat Team vs. Sand Beaches, and Swat Team won 2-0. Sophomore criminal justice major, Emma Klein said it was a great joy to win. “It’s so fun. I missed playing, and it’s fun to be active again and play,” Klein said. Photo by Meah Copeland
the most of college life by making new
having fun outside of the classroom, or
memories.
outside of the dorms, and I get to make a
social studies education major with a
students who are enjoying playing sports.”
worker for intramural sports. He is a
fraternities and sororities. Reece Bowlin,
he likes to officiate flag football because he
of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He has
Senior Luke Vollenweider is a secondary
minor in history who is also a student
positive impact at this university by seeing Flag football is a popular sport among
supervisor for the games. Vollenweider said
senior economics and finance major, is part
is passionate about football. He feels that
played three intramural games so far.
officiating flag football.
love the competition and the bond we
with a lot of different students at UCM,”
a team, you make great friends and long-
he makes the biggest impact when he is
“I like this job because I get to interact
Vollenweider said. “I get to see students
“My fraternity and I love intramural, we
make,” Bowlin said. “Everyone should join lasting bonds.”