The Oakland Post 2.14.2024

A Trusted Source of Independent Student Journalism since 1987.

Volume 49 l Issue 15 l February 14, 2024

SPECIAL EDITION

PHOTOS BY OAKLAND POST PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF

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EDITORIAL BOARD Autumn Okuszka Editor-in-Chief aokuszka@oakland.edu Payton Bucki Content Editor paytonbucki@oakland.edu Megan Judy Managing Editor meganjudy@oakland.edu

EDITORS

Courtney Blackett Photo Editor courtneyblacket@oakland.edu Brock Heilig Sports Editor brockheilig@oakland.edu Chloe Kukuk Campus Editor chloekukuk@oakland.edu Olivia Chiappelli Arts Editor oechiappelli@oakland.edu VALENTINE’S DAY OU students gear up to celebrate the day of love on Feb. 14.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATIE REID

MARKETING Evelyn Gandarilla Marketing Director evelyngandarill@oakland.edu

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REPORTERS

Gracie Murray Reporter Dayshawn Fields Reporter Noah Francis Reporter Ana Gjorgjevski Reporter Chelsea Bossert Reporter Moe Del Rosario Reporter Summer Weathers Reporter Kurt Szymanski Reporter Noah Thomason Reporter Mallory Waligora Reporter Adrian Jimenez Morales Reporter Evan Blanchard Reporter Kaylah Snell Reporter

CORRECTIONS CORNER: The Oakland Post corrects all known errors of fact. If you know of an error, please email editor@oaklandpostonline.com.

ADVISING

Garry Gilbert Editorial Adviser gjgilber@oakland.edu 248.370.2105 Don Ritenburgh Business Adviser ritenbur@oakland.edu 248.370.2533

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Letter from the Editor: A love letter to Valentine’s Day AUTUMN OKUSZKA Editor-in-Chief

Despite being one of the most hated holidays by some and stereotyped as a “Hallmark holiday” by others, I always loved Valentine’s Day growing up.

As soon as Christmas ended and the New Year began, I could not wait to go to the store with my mom to shop for Valentine’s Day cards — usually “Hannah Montana” or “High School Musical” branded — for my classmates at school.

After the cards were purchased and the day of love finally rolled around, I was even more excited to hand them out and receive new ones in return. At the end of the school day, everyone went home with something, and no one left feeling unloved or left out.

At home, Valentine’s Day was even better.

My parents would treat my brother and me to a box of chocolates and a heart-shaped pizza. My grandmother would visit, and we would all spend the evening together, relishing the day dedicated to spending time with those we love.

However, as I grew older, Valentine’s Day began to feel less festive than it had in days past.

When I entered high school, I began identifying with those who hated a day dedicated to love.

Gone were the days when no one went home feeling unloved or left out. With every balloon, rose and candy gram I didn’t receive, it was difficult not to be envious of those who did.

Nevertheless, my beloved Valentine’s evenings at home with my family remained untouched. My mom and dad continued to buy my brother and me boxes of chocolates and heart-shaped pizzas even though we were now teenagers, and my grandma still paid a visit, happy to spend time with her family. I may not have received the love I wanted at school, but I received the love I needed at home.

I didn’t realize it then, but today, I recognize Valentine’s Day doesn’t only have to be about the romantic love a majority of people believe the holiday is devoted to. It can also be about familial love, the love between friends, the love for a pet, the love for a community, or, most importantly, self-love.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTEN ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY GRAPHIC BY MEGAN JUDY

FEBRUARY 14, 2024 | 3

While celebrating all those things and more this Valentine’s Day, I will also celebrate my love for The Oakland Post.

I love working for The Oakland Post. I love getting to meet so many different people, and I love being able to share their stories. I love working with a group of talented individuals, and I love having the opportunity to see those talents flourish through the creation of our newspaper each week.

I loved being a features reporter and content editor, and today, I love being the editor-in-chief.

In this position, I have aided in making a special edition such as this one, and yes, I’ve loved every second of it.

So today, on Valentine’s Day, even if you’re someone who hates the holiday because of a preconceived notion that it solely caters to one type of love, we invite you to sit down, preferably with a box of chocolates or a heart-shaped pizza, and read our special edition dedicated to all kinds of love.

CAMPUS

FEBRUARY 14, 2024 | 4

Giving back to the community during Week of Kindness ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES Campus Reporter

Oakland University Week of Kindness goes beyond Valentine’s Day romance and offers opportunities to express kindness, explore self-care and give back to the community.

OU is celebrating Week of Kindness from Feb. 11 to Feb. 16 with a calendar full of events hosted by multiple organizations.

Kicking off the celebration, the Office of Student Involvement (OSI), the Leadership & Volunteer Center (LVC) and the Golden Grizzlies’ Pantry partnered for a week-long food drive.

“The hope is that when people are thinking about kindness and charitable giving they may be more open to shopping at the store and grabbing a couple of items for the pantry,” Pantry Manager Bella Levitt said.

LVC’s events began on Monday, Feb. 12, with the ‘Design a Valentine’ event at the Oakland Center.

Participants made a quick anonymous card or one for someone special. The anonymous cards will be handed out on Valentine’s Day at the OC. “Many students don’t see family often or have a rough time meeting new people,” OSI Graduate Assistant Katie Zvonek said. “So getting an anonymous, kind message can brighten their day.”

Tuesday, Feb. 13 was filled with events for giving back to the community such as ‘Cocoa and Cookies’ and a blood drive. Participants shared sweet treats

with Golden Giving and Alternative Spring Break, local volunteering organizations.

“Our community partners love getting involved with students,” Zvonek said. “[Community partners] enjoy seeing them come to their organizations to help out, and take many opportunities to be visible by students.”

Feb. 14 will be celebrated with multiple diverse events. “Day of Kindness” takes place at Gold Rooms of the OC from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees will be able to complete small service projects for community partners.

“We’ve taken many items to the Pontiac Public Library,” Zvonek said. “The elderly care sites have always enjoyed our support and McLaren Hospice enjoys our partnership too.”

The Veteran Support Service Office (VSS) and Student Veterans of Oakland University (SVOU) will also host a brunch at 11:30 a.m. for a casual celebration.

“Last year’s brunch turned out to be a success which is why VSS and SVOU decided to do it again this year,” SVOU President Courtney Smith said.

“It was a great way to bring our students together and get to know them individually.”

‘Candygrams for Kindness’ is another arts and crafts event hosted by Mission Kindness. Attendees can stop by for some snacks and Valentine’s cards.

“Generally, our events impact communities other than OU, but I’m excited to switch it up for this event,” President of Mission Kindness OU Emma Stryd said. “For this event, valentines will be passed out to other students, faculty and staff.”

Cuddles and Crafts will bring therapy dogs and kindness bags with stress-relieving items to foster self-care. The event will take place on Feb. 15 in the OC’s Habitat from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The ‘Craft with Kindness’ event at the OC will close the week on Friday at noon. Highlighting the popularity of arts and crafts events, students have a third opportunity to make more cards for the campus community.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF GRIZZORGS

Love your mother: Sustainability organizations on campus PAYTON BUCKI Content Editor

The verdict is in: spring is just around the corner, according to Punxsutawney Phil. According to the long-standing legend, the infamous critter failed to spot his shadow on Groundhog Day, meaning an early spring.

Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction lifted the moods of many a Michigander. As the gloom of winter subsides and sunny days increase in frequency, many Oakland University community members plan to spend more time outdoors in the coming months.

Numerous organizations on campus encourage community members to develop positive relationships with their natural environment.

CASE-OU, Ecology Club and the Pollinator Conservation Organization are just a few examples of campus organizations that promote their love for planet Earth through sustainability education and programming.

CASE-OU Campus Alliance for Sustainability and the Environment (CASE-OU) is a campus advocacy group that seeks to build a community of individuals interested in sustainability and environmental justice. The organization’s membership is composed of current OU students, faculty, staff, alumni and local community members.

“We [CASE-OU] host monthly meetings, take nature walks at OU’s biological preserve, advocate

for sustainability on campus and collaborate with locals on sustainability events,” Sarah Griffith, a student member of CASE-OU, said during OU’s first sustainability showcase event in Oct. 2023.

Preserving biodiversity on OU’s campus is a major focus of the organization. In 2022, CASE-OU assisted in the establishment of OU’s biodiversity garden, which is located between the Oakland Center and Kresge Library. The garden includes numerous native plant species, which supports pollinator health and ecological well-being.

CASE-OU has played a foundational role in campus ecological restoration through prescribed burns within OU’s biological preserve. The group has organized a number of controlled fires to recycle nutrients and increase plant growth.

Those interested in learning more about CASEOU can visit their webpage or sign up to join the group’s emailing list.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

The Ecology Club The Ecology Club is dedicated to educating the campus community about ecological principles and environmental justice advocacy.

“The Ecology Club is a renewed organization at Oakland University. Prior to COVID, the group was pretty popular on campus – now, the e-board,” Eien VanRiper, Treasurer of The Ecology Club said. “We strive to raise awareness about ecological issues and educate students about ecological well-being.”

While The Ecology Club has remained largely dormant for the past couple of years, the group’s leadership team is in the process of planning numerous service projects and educational events for the winter semester.

“We hope to organize local cleanups, advocate for sustainability on campus, and to ensure the security of Oakland University’s natural resources – such as the biological preserve,” VanRiper said.

Those interested in learning more about The Ecology Club, or joining the organization, may visit The Ecology Club’s GrizzOrgs webpage.

Pollinator Conservation Organization The Pollinator Conservation Organization aims to protect wild and managed pollinator species, such as bees, butterflies and moths. The group’s activities include creating pollinator sanctuaries and educating the campus community about native pollinators.

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CAMPUS SPB hosts successful blanket-making event CHLOE KUKUK Campus Editor

More than 90 Oakland University students attended the Student Program Board’s (SPB) Blanket Making event on Feb. 6 in the Oakland Center (OC) Lake Superior Room from noon to 2 p.m.

This is the first time in recent years that SPB has hosted an event of this type.

SPB Marketing Director Kelly Cassette said the event was hosted as part of OU’s pre-Valentine’s Day festivities.

“Each month, we hold a general member meeting for our students that really want to be a part of SPB, we always host kind of a more lowkey month,” Cassette said. “For February, wanted to do something kind of on the Valentine’s Day themed, but also kind of having it to be doing something for yourself rather than kind of making it a couple thing.

“I know it’s always a volunteer thing, but people love to do it… People can make them for themselves during the cold times of the year, keep something to keep them warm, and just do something nice for themselves this time of year,” she added. “Back at the school after winter break, [students are] always kind of in a slump getting toward midterms. So we just wanted to do something nice for everyone to kind of escape.”

Besides making the blankets for themselves or their companions, unfinished projects that were left

behind or donated by the students would be used for the Office of Student Involvement’s OU Day of Kindness, which will be taking place on Feb. 14 in the OC’s Gold Room from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“They do a whole volunteer thing and do little gift packets that they donate, so anything that’s not completed, whether it be a whole blanket kit or someone has to leave beforehand and don’t get to complete the blanket, we’re going to be donating,” Cassette said.

Students picked from a variety of colors and patterns, including cherries, bumblebees and paw prints, the latter of which was the choice of sophomore Mackenzie Harrington.

“I’m actually redecorating my room, so I want to find little things to put in my room and I thought this would be a cute thing to put on my bed,” Harrington said. “I have five dogs, so I wanted something with paw prints, of course.”

Sophomore August Wicker said that they attended because they thought it would be fun to do a craft with other students.

“I think it’s cool to get together and do something like this… just bringing students together through that,” Wicker said.

Other attendees stuck with the Valentine’s Day spirit, like senior Maxim Kemp, who chose the floral-pattern blanket kit to go along with his girlfriend’s interests. “[I attended this event] mostly because of my girlfriend. I wanted to do something nice and make her something,” Kemp said. “She loves sunflowers and I know that she loves green and the color pink,

FEBRUARY 14 2024 | 5

so I thought that was a perfect decision… I’m hoping that she loves it.”

The 90 blanket-making kits SPB bought ran out very quickly, surpassing Cassette’s expectations.

“This would definitely be an event where if we did it in the future, we would make it a bigger event rather than just a simple general member meeting,” she said. “We thought it’d be a little bit bigger of an event, but obviously, this is very successful and something a lot of people are going to want to do.

So this is a note for next year.”

For more information about SPB’s events, visit their Instagram.

PHOTO BY KATIE REID

Healthy snacks and prevention strategies at Heart Truths event ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES Campus Reporter

Oakland University’s Movable Kitchen, blood pressure monitors and a multitude of pamphlets on HPV and stress management were some of the components of the “Heart Truths” event.

As part of African American Celebration Month (AACM) and Wellness Week, the event was hosted on Feb. 5 at the Recreation and Wellness Center at noon.

The Center for Multicultural Initiatives (CMI), University Recreation and Well-Being and the Graham Health Center collaborated on the event.

“This is the first available event this week,” fitness assistant Jordan Morgan said. “However, we do have [health-related] events that we scatter

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEN’S HEALTH

around the entire school year.”

Morgan reported that most of the attendees had healthy heart rates and blood pressure.

“It’s either average or slightly better than average,” Morgan said. “We have had people that like to come to work out, so it’s funny because that means their resting heart rates are usually higher than what they should be.”

This wasn’t the first time the CMI has collaborated on health-related events. Senior Retention Coordinator Denise Thompkins-Jones explained that the CMI wanted an event related to wellness as part of African American Celebration Month.

“We’d like to diversify all of our events to make sure that we’re touching on not just one aspect of folks, not one aspect of the culture,” ThompkinsJones said. “And health is an aspect that we all can relate to.”

Thus, heart truths were not the only truths delivered to attendees — Graham Health Center Director and Nurse Practitioner Ann Rayford helped students check their immunization records.

“We brought with us today some information about helping to stress less, and some steps people can take to control their blood pressure,” Rayford said. “I also brought flu vaccines in case anyone was still in need of their annual flu vaccine.”

Human Papillomavirus pamphlets, dietary charts and flu infographics expanded on the health resources available. Rayford explained that there has been a growing interest in informing and providing prevention resources for the campus community.

“HPV or GARDASIL 9 is something that’s very specific for college-aged individuals,” Rayford said. “We are partnering with the Oakland County

Health Department and they are going to be in the [Graham Health Center] office every other Thursday afternoon. They have been bringing COVID vaccines with them.”

To display healthy practices, Fitness and WellBeing Assistant Director Cortney Heileman was preparing curry yogurt dip and a “go fish snack mix.” The heart-friendly snack recipes were given and explained for students to try and possibly prepare at home.

“We took two recipes out of this book, the American Heart Association Cookbook,” Heileman said. “We wanted to pull out some recipes that are simple, inexpensive. They show all the nutrition facts so that way it’s really easy to understand.”

Morgan said that the overall attendance was slow-paced and Thompkins-Jones confirmed that events like ‘Heart Truths’ have been trying to increase attendance.

“Pre-COVID, our numbers were definitely higher,” Thompinks-Jones said. “In more recent years, COVID has impacted students, so I’m excited to be able to see it going back to preCOVID numbers.”

With that enthusiasm, Heileman discussed the possibility of hosting more health-related events in collaboration with other campus organizations.

“I’m hoping that we can turn this into an annual event, a mixture of the CMI, Rec Center, and the Graham Health Center,” Heileman said. “To do a lovely collaboration so we can continue to help promote heart health in many ways.”

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Valentine’s Day: It’s not just for couples PAYTON BUCKI Features Reporter

Valentine’s Day is seen as a romantic and joyous time for many, but for those who are broken up or single, the day can be seen as dreaded and miserable.

According to Dr. David Schwartz, director of Oakland University Counseling Center (OUCC), Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be lonely, even for those who are single.

For those fresh off the heels of a breakup, the pain can feel immeasurable, and more importantly, it feels never-ending. Schwartz explains that the most important thing to know is the pain of a breakup does eventually pass.

“It’s really easy, in the moment, to feel like this is going to feel this way forever, and it’s not that the grief goes away, or even that the grief gets smaller over time,” Schwartz said. “Our grief is there, but we grow around it, we work through it, and we learn to live with it. It’s so easy to forget this is temporary, but it will change over time, and it does get better over time.”

With Valentine’s Day being seen as a time for couples to do romantic things, it is easy to feel lonely. To help alleviate the pain, one idea Schwartz

suggests is to surround yourself with the other people you love in your life, including your friends.

“What’s really healthy is retaking the day for yourself, because this doesn’t have to be only about romantic love,” Schwartz said. “Why can’t a single person celebrate Valentine’s Day? Why can’t you go out with your best friend who you love? It might be a different type of love, but still love.”

Schwartz gives another suggestion on how to make the most out of a love-filled day — through healthy self-care practices.

“You can make it a day of self-care,” Schwartz said. “If all of your friends are dating and they’re all going to be doing stuff, I would recommend making the day all about you. I might make it a self-care day where I’m going to get a massage or I’m going to watch my favorite movie. Try and make it a special day for yourself and take it back.”

Going through heartbreak can be a difficult journey, with many winding roads that may leave one feeling as if they are starting back at square one. For those looking for extra guidance and help finding the right path, the OUCC can be a great place to start.

“Just having a sounding board that’s not your family, not your friends, especially when you know

FEATURES

it’s confidential, that alone can be really helpful in recovering from grief and loss from breakups,” Schwartz said. “Come talk to us because we have lots of other strategies that, depending on the person, we can tailor fit to help them figure out how to move through this in a healthy way as quickly as possible.”

For those interested in scheduling an appointment with the OUCC, please visit their webpage at oakland.edu/oucc.

FEATURES

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“Feline Physicians:” Oakland University students co-author a children’s book GRACIE MURRAY Features Reporter

Valentine’s Day is a season of love. Some Oakland University students decided to give back to children during this special time of year.

Dylan Pillivant, a biology student, had always had a passion for working with children and writing. Last year, Morgan Carpenter, another student studying biology, approached Pillivant and pitched the idea of volunteering with sick children in the hospital.

Together, Carpenter and Pillivant came up with an idea to create a book and read it to the kids at the hospital. They wanted to create a book about medicine to educate the children but were careful to ensure it was not scary for them to read.

“It was kind of a mix of both of our ideas,” Pillivant said.

Carpenter described what inspired the pair to write the book.

“We are both passionate about medicine, we both want to be doctors,” Carpenter continued, “So, we were like, okay, we can combine all of our ideas together and make it something we both can contribute to and make it a cohesive project.”

The name of the book is “Feline Physicians”.

“We literally went through every animal. Well, actually the way we came up with cats is we were trying to come up with catchy titles.” Pillivant said.

Carpenter explains why the pair decided to depict animals in the book.

“It’s based on cats instead of humans, just so that it is more kid-friendly, and cute,” Carpenter said.

Pillivant and Carpenter went on to explain the story of the book.

“So it basically goes through all the different specialties, not all of them, but quite a few different specialties of doctors, it explains in simple terms what they do or different tests they use to help diagnose you,” Carpenter said.“We definitely have cute ideas for other books.”

The book roughly took about 8 months to create and the production costs were high.

“We aren’t making any profit from this. All the proceeds we make from book sales that we sell on Amazon go to repurchasing the book for a child so that we can donate to them at the children’s hospital,” Carpenter said.

But to Pillivant and Carpenter, it is not about the money.

“It is kind of expensive to do because we aren’t making any profit from it,” Carpenter continued, “But you know, it’s about the big picture. Helping the community and impacting the community.”

The design of the book was the next obstacle the pair had to surmount.

“We are biology, science people. We are not artists.”

Carpenter said. “We found somebody on Thumbtack which is a website where you can hire different people to use different skills they have and we found an illustrator from the Ukraine actually. The designer and her whole team were amazing and they are very talented.”

With everything coming together, the pair’s next

step is to share their book with the children they created it for.

“We just started volunteering at the hospital.

We’ve started volunteering at the hospital, like in the playroom playing with the little kids but we haven’t had the opportunity to read it to them yet, but we will get there.” Carpenter said.

PHOTO BY KATIE REID

Steve Waterfield discusses NIL and the transfer portal’s place in OU Athletics DAYSHAWN FIELDS Features Reporter

The landscape of college basketball is changing, and Steve Waterfield, the Director of Athletics at Oakland University, is looking to stay ahead of the curve.

In 2022, the Name, Image and Likeness Rule (NIL), went into effect. This rule allowed NCAA student-athletes to profit off of their name and brand. Schools can directly pay students through collectives, but students most often exercise the rule once they have arrived at a post-secondary school.

For Oakland, the school is navigating how to use NIL, with the university being a mid-major and Horizon League member. Since the school does not

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAM SUMMERS

have a comparable budget to blue blood programs, attracting talent must come in other forms.

“Obviously, the recruiting inducement thing is tough, that’s essentially allowing schools to do what they couldn’t do before on the recruiting side,” Waterfield said. “Once the student-athletes get here it’s fine. I think the going rate for a Power 5 quarterback is 1-2 million dollars.”

Outside of not having a football program, that figure is not within the means of the university.

“The values we’ve seen in the Horizon League, we’re not talking five figures most of the time, it is more times three figures, sometimes two figures,” Waterfield said.

Despite this, the Horizon League has made diligent efforts to afford its student-athletes ample NIL opportunities. In August 2022, the conference launched a first-of-its-kind NIL marketplace.

Waterfield sees the transfer portal as the premiere way to build talented rosters.

“That was great publicity for the Horizon League [Milwaukee’s signing of 247Sports no. 8 prospect Patrick Baldwin Jr.], but he didn’t play many games,” Waterfield said. “Where we see the opportunity, Jamal Cain is a good example. Goes to Marquette, doesn’t play, and is from the Pontiac area. He comes here, and I think he will tell you, his year here [at Oakland], got him to the NBA.” Waterfield would go on to say how such a story is also beneficial for the school, as opposed to

collecting premiere high school talent.

“I think that’s really how, with the transfer world, if you get a really good high school prospect, there’s probably a good chance they’re gone in one year,” Waterfield said. “So you’ve got to look at 1-, 2-, grad-transfers [like Cain] as your bread and butter.”

This is a philosophy that the programs Waterfield oversees have practiced. Rocket Watts, a heralded point guard prospect, struggled to find his niche at Michigan State and Mississippi State. Now, back home in Metro Detroit, Watts has found comfort in being a steady guard in the Golden Grizzlies’ rotation.

The same can be said for Jack Gohlke, the 24-year-old, fifth-year senior who is playing his first season with the Golden Grizzlies after transferring from Hillsdale College. Gohlke has formed into a formidable movement shooter for Oakland, shooting at a 33% clip from three.

With NIL and the emerging transfer portal, team construction still has its nuances, and is sometimes a game of luck and connections.

“If you have a coach with a son or daughter who is really good, that sometimes helps too,” Waterfield said with a laugh.

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8 | FEBRUARY 14, 2024

The Gender and Sexuality Center: A welcoming environment for all OU students KAYLAH SNELL Political Reporter

The history of LGBTQ+ community on campus is long and detailed. Over the past 19 years, the Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC) has provided a space for these students to thrive without fear of persecution for who they are.

The students agree that the GSC has truly become a place for uniting students and staff to provide peer mentoring, academic and social support for all students.

The impact of the space on students is palpable.

These oft-marginalized students can find platonic love within the walls of the GSC, under the doting eyes of the staff within the center.

“The GSC has given me an opportunity to meet people and make connections that I otherwise wouldn’t have had I not gone to that space. Having the GSC is a way to have a safe space to meet people from the community,” Patrick Henkle, a fifth-year OU student, said.

Freshman student Lynx Mallett echoes Henkle’s sentiments.

“I have made so many friends here, my life was so boring before I came here. I had like one and a half friends,” Mallett said. “But then when I came here,

PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

that number has increased by a significant number.

When I came here, to Oakland University, I was questioning a lot about my sexual orientation but also my gender, wondering, being trans, planning to come out.

“At first, I was skeptical, but the GSC helped me to make up my mind and explore a little bit and made me feel sure about who I am and feel comfortable.

For many years, I didn’t know what to do, and the GSC has opened my eyes and made me come out to parents, and everyone else.”

The GSC provides a unifying environment to students both in and out of the space. The GSC allows students to grow themselves, and their

OAKLANDPOSTONLINE.COM

identities, in a space built to support them. It also serves as an advocacy hub for students who may not have someone advocating for themselves on campus.

One of their instances of such advocacy has led to gender-inclusive housing, as well as the launch of the newest housing opportunity, Lavender Village.

These opportunities allow students to room with people who share similar life experiences and provide a welcoming atmosphere for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The GSC is a space where students can find the love that only a community can offer them and a space that will continue to open its doors every day to spread such adoration and acceptance to all, regardless of gender identity or sexuality.

The GSC is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with extended hours on Wednesday being 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The center is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

The GSC can be found in room 104J of North Foundation Hall.

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FEBRUARY 14 2024 | 9 OAKLAND UNIVERSITY | College of Arts and Sciences

Richard J. Burke Lecture i n Ph i l o s o p hy, R e l ig i o n a n d S o c i e t y Designed to tackle some of today’s compelling issues — from war to religion to sexual ethics — the Richard J. Burke Lecture in Philosophy, Religion and Society sparks serious, thought-provoking discussions between scholars, students and the community.

Join us for this thought-provoking lecture. Admission is free, but reservations are requested.

To reserve your space, email zimmerm2@oakland.edu or call (248) 370-3390.

DAVID CHALMERS discusses

Can ChatGPT think?

March 6, 2024 | 7 – 9 p.m.

Oakland Center Gold Rooms A, B and C Generative AI systems, such as ChatGPT and its many relatives, have taken the world by storm.

They show a variety of impressive abilities that would require intelligence if done by humans.

But is ChatGPT really intelligent? Can it understand what it says? Is it conscious?

Can it think? These are difficult questions that require philosophical analysis.

Chalmers will address some aspects of these questions.

DAVID CHALMERS is a university professor of Philosophy and Neural Science and co-director of the Center for Mind, Brain and Consciousness at New York University.

He is the author of “The Conscious Mind,” “Constructing The World” and “Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy.” He is known for formulating the hard problem of consciousness, which inspired Tom Stoppard’s play “The Hard Problem,” and for the idea of the “extended mind,” which says that the tools we use can become parts of our minds.

ABOUT RICHARD J. BURKE (1932-2012) As the first faculty member hired at Oakland University, Richard Burke watched OU evolve from promising beginnings to a present day filled with possibility. To help bring those possibilities to fruition, he established the annual Richard J. Burke Lecture in Philosophy, Religion and Society.

phl26503/11.23

W hat does l Oakland Unive Love is a word many people use in many different contexts.

Some may say that they love a certain restaurant, while others may say they love the way their outfit makes them look — but, when it comes to Valentine’s Day, love is used to talk about the people in their lives that they care about.

Love can be described in several different ways. The Oakland Post interviewed students throughout campus to learn more about what love means to them.

According to Logan Pizzur ro, the general manager of WXOU, love is a mix of comfort and passion.

“You can’t love someone if you’re not comfortable with them,” Pizzurro said. “Similarly, you have to be passionate. You have to not feel like you’re being forced to be there, you have to enjoy it.”

PJ Harris defines their version of love, and how it should go both ways in a relationship.

“I would say when somebody is being accepting of what you have to offer,” Harris said. “I would also say somebody that is willing to reciprocate what you give to them, and somebody that can compromise as well.”

Ana Koch, a biology major, describes an all-encompassing look at love.

“How you care for that person and are always there for them,” Koch said. “To me, that’s how you show love.”

Any relationship comes with its highs and lows. Pizzurro explains their favorite part about being in a relationship.

Story by Design by Megan Judy & Illustrations courtesy of

love mean to ersity students?

“I think it’s truly discovering that you can be yourself,” Pizzurro said. “Once you are in that moment where you know you’re not going to get judged based on what you tell them, and knowing that you’re just going to be there for each other.”

Trust is an important aspect when it comes to love, so, when that trust is broken, it can be devastating to the relationship. For Pizzurro, the lowest point in a relationship is a breach of trust.

“It’s betraying that trust,” Pizzurro said. “Whether it’s intentionally hiding things or purposely doing something that you’re not comfortable with.”

Harris explains that their lowest point in a relationship was being in a long-distance relationship.

“I wouldn’t recommend it [a long-distance relationship] to anybody,” Harris said. “There are a lot of factors that come along with it, and a lot of trust needs to be built up.”

Harris also explains why trust is extremely important when it comes to long-distance relationships.

“Both people are not on the same page as easily,” Harris said.

“If somebody makes the other person mad, they can just go off and do what they want to do, as opposed to talking with or thinking about the other person that’s not there or around.”

Now settled and enjoying married life, Harris explains his favorite aspect of being married.

“So far it’s just somebody always being there, having your back,” Harris said. “Just having support and being able to give and receive the same energy and the same vibes.”

Noah Francis Barret Schettler, Zachary Oberdier the Oakland Post Staff

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FEBRUARY 14, 2024 | 13

Heartbreak across the decades: What is a breakup album?

CHELSEA BOSSERT Arts Reporter

Valentine’s Day means a lot of different things for a lot of different people. For some, it means a romantic day full of love and excitement. For others, it’s a devastating reminder of the crippling loneliness that can envelop a single person.

The best albums to comfort these people happen to be breakup albums: records that can sympathize with the broken soul.

Artists who make breakup albums are just as incredibly sad as people who have been going through breakups. Often, lived experience can be the most powerful tool for empathetic communication.

But, enough of love — we have heard too much about that today. Time for some heartbreak. These are the best breakup albums from the last six decades.

1970s: “Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac (1977) Back in the height of COVID-19, people going through pandemic-induced breakups needed something to truly be sad to, yet not so sad that they would want to die. In comes the “Dreams” trend.

People isolated from each other, yet intricately connected through the internet, began to longboard and vibe to “Dreams” from Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 album “Rumours.” Pretty soon a new generation began to discover the record for the very first time.

Now, a new appreciation for the record has fully brought Fleetwood Mac back into the mainstream and has cemented “Rumours” as a heartbreaking classic.

1980s: “The Queen Is Dead” by The Smiths (1986) “I know It’s Over,” “Bigmouth Strikes Again”

and “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” are all classics from The Smith’s 1986 record, “The Queen Is Dead.”

Despite the lead singer Morrissey’s controversies, The Smith’s legacy as one of the best early britpop bands stands true to this day. Morrissey’s ballads about heartbreak and everything associated with it have a timeless quality to them.

The Smiths are the perfect soundtrack to 80s heartbreak. It’s glamorous, vain and a little overplayed — but it is incredibly sweet.

1990s: “13” by Blur (1999) Moving on to the 90s, more specifically near the end of the decade, Blur comes in with arguably their best album to date — and definitely the best breakup album of the 90s.

Damon Alburn of both Blur and later Gorillaz fame, takes up the mantle of the somber knight on this album’s journey. Spanning over an hour, this album tackles basically every aspect of heartbreak: the highs, the depressing lows and the lame inbetween periods.

Songs like “Coffee & TV” and “No Distance Left To Run” perfectly explain the hopeless melancholia one feels at the end of a failing relationship. Yet, the songs also act as a beacon — something to point toward and say, “ey, everything is going to be okay.”

2000s: “Give Up” by The Postal Service (2003) This part is going to take a look at Ben Gibbard’s band, The Postal Service, and their 2003 album, “Give Up.” This depressingly bitter indietronica record tackles the apathetic nature of breakups and love as a whole.

Songs like “Such Great Heights” showcase the talent behind the band, as Ben Gibbard also heads Death Cab For Cutie — an equally melancholic band.

Gibbard recently went on tour, playing both the 2003 albums “Transatlanticism” and “Give Up” in their entirety — finally uniting fans of heartbreak and relationship-induced sadness.

2010s: “IGOR” by Tyler, the Creator (2019) This is my favorite breakup album maybe of all time, but definitely for this decade. It effortlessly encapsulates the feeling of heartbreak in the 2010s.

Tyler explores the follies of being a third in a love triangle as a queer man. It’s what many call a “situationship” now.

From “New Magic Wand” to “Boy Is A Gun” to “Puppet” to “Are We Still Friends,” Tyler goes through all the stages of grief and still does not come out the other side a winner — a feeling many of us hopeless romantics feel.

2020s: “Punisher” by Phoebe Bridgers (2020) This one is for the girlies. Phoebe Bridgers has been making sad albums for sad, sad women since 2017 and has recently won a couple of Grammys. Punisher, while also being about Bridgers’s relationship with her father, is also a great breakup album.

Songs like “Graceland Too” and “Savior Complex” toe the line between heartbreaking and devastatingly personal. They demonstrate what a strong songwriter Bridgers is.

Many people — including myself — are currently lauding this album as a modern classic not only for folk, but for albums that deal with love and all of the emotions associated with it.

Best LGBTQ+ romance movies to watch this Valentine’s Day MOE DEL ROSARIO Arts Reporter

In honor of Valentine’s Day, it’s always fun to watch a romantic movie with a partner or friends the day of. For LGBTQ+ people, it’s a bit harder to access rom-coms and feel-good movies with good representation.

For that reason, I have compiled a list of gay and sapphic movies to watch, each with an all-so-rare happy ending.

1. “Bottoms” (2023) From director Emma Seligman — previously known for the film “Shiva Baby” — is “Bottoms,” which is about a comedic queer fight club made up by the main characters PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri) in order to get with the two girls they have crushes on.

This movie is one of my favorites from last year and is a great and lighthearted adventure throughout the entire storyline. The characters are lovable, and the dialogue is very realistic.

2. “But I’m a Cheerleader” (1999) A classic in the sapphic community, “But I’m a Cheerleader” follows everyday cheerleader Megan (Natasha Lyonne) as she is sent to a conversion therapy camp where she meets Graham (Clea DuVall), and the two navigate the camp’s strictness and their love for each other.

While the plot might seem serious, the film is a rom-com. The conversion camp and some characters are doused in stereotypes and comedic undertones.

3. “Imagine Me & You” (2005) A Valentine’s Day staple, “Imagine Me & You” focuses on Rachel’s (Piper Perabo) wedding day when she meets Luce (Lena Headey), and the two instantly feel drawn to each other. Despite the fact that she is now married, Rachel cannot stop thinking about Luce.

This movie was one of the first rom-coms that I watched, and despite its silly nature, I find it to be absolutely adorable and a must-watch.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIDIOTS

4. “Red, White & Royal Blue” (2023) Based on the book of the same name written by Casey McQuiston, “Red, White & Royal Blue” is a rom-com following the first son of the United States, Alex (Taylor Zakhar Perez), falling in love with Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine). The two must overcome the press and the royal family to work.

As someone who read the book, I was anticipating the release of his movie and was not disappointed with the results.

5. “Moonlight” (2016) A movie about love, loss and acceptance, “Moonlight” is split up into three chapters of Chiron’s life as he comes to terms with his sexuality — with Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders and Trevante Rhodes all portraying Chiron at different stages of his life.

The film is a beautiful telling of someone learning how to be themselves with and without support from others. The movie ends on a hopeful note.

6. “The Thing About Harry” (2020) A classic trope familiar to everyone, Sam (Jake Borelli) and his former high school bully Harry (Niko Terho) reunite after graduation. The pair end up sharing a car ride, leading to a romance.

“The Thing About Harry” is a heartwarming film with two actors “Grey’s Anatomy” fans might recognize. The film is a sweet rom-com with a beautiful ending.

These picks are just some of my favorites, but definitely not all that’s out there. I can’t wait to see what new LGBTQ+ rom-coms will be released in the coming years.

14 | FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Gifts for your Valentine, based on Zodiac sign

Although Pisces can be closed off, if they open up to someone, it shows that they can trust someone to let them in. Trust is a key to winning a Pisces heart.

Pisces value personal style and making a bold statement. If someone buys them a pair of shoes, put a cute love note in the box to remind them of how special they are to someone.

No matter what zodiac sign someone is, everyone deserves to feel special and loved. Not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day.

GRACIE MURRAY Features Reporter

With love in the air this season, the four most romantic zodiac signs are ready to shine on Valentine’s Day. First on the list is Taurus (April 20 – May 20), which may be hard to believe at times with how rough their exteriors are. But, although Taurus signs appear tough on the outside, they are very sensitive and in touch with their emotions.

Taurus signs are also known for being very sensual and display their love through gift-giving. They like to shower their significant others – or anyone else who is important in their life – with gifts to show their compassion.

To win the heart of a Taurus this Valentine’s Day, plan the date. Make the effort to take control of the logistics of the evening. The Taurus will surely appreciate it!

Second on the list is Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22), which is not hard to believe. Leos tend to be the most loyal out of the zodiac signs.

Leos have nothing but positive energy around them. They want to help spread this energy to those they love. These signs are also the biggest supporters, they will always root for their significant others to express themselves.

Leos are also huge on romantic gestures and are always looking to have fun. So, for Valentine’s Day, take them out for a night downtown.

Leos like to be felt and seen, so going out will allow them to be comfortable and have fun.

Third on the list is Libra (Sep. 23 – Oct. 22). Libras love falling in love. Two of Libra’s top personality

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK POST

traits are romance and compassion.

Those with the Libra sign love love and get antsy when sparks start to fly. They are also huge flirts. Libras like to make very passionate declarations of love and shower their significant others with compliments.

Although Libras like to declare their love and be very passionate, they love it when their feelings are reciprocated.

For a Libra, after a fun-filled day, they love to relax. So, for a gift, get them a set of pajamas or skin care products.

The fourth and final on the list is Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20), and they are all about romance. Pisces are known to be generous, empathetic, compassionate and emotional.

Pisces are also known to be creative and their creativity can help them show their love. If reality gets hard, Pisces tend to help take the edge off.

‘Upgraded:’ Use those nepo connections this Valentine’s Day! OLIVIA CHIAPPELLI Arts Editor

When thinking about what to write about for our Valentine’s Day issue, I obviously knew that I had to write about a rom-com, it was only right.

However, when I initially started searching for new titles, I have to admit that I was kind of stumped. I know, it seems out of character for me if you are familiar with the plethora of romantic comedy related content that I have delivered in this here publication, but I was left feeling unsure and uninspired.

That was until I was on Twitter — I cannot bring myself to call it X — and stumbled upon a hit tweet of gifs featuring Darcy level hand holding on a street corner from this new movie called “Upgraded,” and was immediately convinced by those pixelated frames alone. I had to know more.

“When Ana is upgraded to first class on a work trip, she meets handsome Will, who mistakes Ana for her boss, Claire. A white lie then sets off a glamorous chain of events, romance and opportunity, until her fib threatens to surface,” read IMDb. “Upgraded” instantly seemed right up my alley because I would love to live this life — an important tenet of my rom-com checklist.

The film also starred Camila Mendes of “Riverdale” fame, which was so exciting to see — especially after how impressed I was by her in 2022’s “Do Revenge.” I think she’s a star and a comedic legend in the making, with such a good understanding of comedic timing and delivery, and “Do Revenge” only proved that.

I also randomly recognized the guy from the TV series “Shadow and Bone,” Archie Renaux, as the lead, but I have to admit that he is not my ship in the show, so he had to gain me as a fan.

In another casting twist, Rachel Matthews from “Do Revenge” appears opposite Mendes within the first six minutes as a mean art auction house assistant, and instantly made me question whether a casual watcher would even notice that.

Back to the plot, “Upgraded” gives “The Devil Wears Prada” like no other, with Marisa Tomei playing the most cutthroat art director boss with an ambiguous accent.

The more I watched, however, the more I realized that this was more of a workplace comedy with a romantic subplot than a full-blown romantic comedy, but maybe that’s what was needed on this Valentine’s Day so focused on romantic love.

I cared more about Ana keeping her job than this romance continuing, and that’s growth. I was also more riveted by Ana’s relationship with Will’s rich model mother Catherine, who took her under her wing.

Watching Ana use her British hottie’s nepo connections to excel at her job and one-up the other horrid assistants was kind of like watching the goal come to life if we’re being honest.

Soon enough, the genuinely satisfying twist comes where Ana fesses up to Catherine — thinking that she will be banished from her life or something — but is shocked to learn that Catherine is impressed by her acting job and was actually strategically using Ana all along to get a better offer on the art collection she was auctioning off — all in the name of “wanting a beach house.”

The power shift commences when Ana is now in charge of managing Catherine’s auction, becomes besties with Marisa Tomei and eventually opens her own gallery in just six months.

The film does end with Will coming back to Ana after her “betrayal” by flying to New York and leaving a pair of stolen salt and pepper shakers on a table as she’s locking up, which was apparently an important callback even though I had completely forgotten that was a part of their plane lore.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Rating: 4/5 stars

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRIME

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FEBRUARY 14, 2024 | 15

Best LGBTQ+ romance books to read for Valentine’s Day MOE DEL ROSARIO Arts Reporter

Along with being a film buff, I happen to be an avid reader. For Valentine’s Day, I also wanted to share some of my favorite romance books to read.

Here are some suggestions if you’re in the mood for a beautiful tale with no happy ending.

1. “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller The book retells the Trojan War from the point of view of Patroclus and follows the romance between him and Achilles.

The book is ultimately heartbreaking, and you truly feel for the pair. Sacrifice is an important part of the plot, so I’d definitely recommend bringing tissues for this read.

2. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid This book follows Evelyn Hugo after she leaves her little town to pursue her career in Hollywood by marrying the first of her many husbands. The events surrounding each of Hugo’s marriages are the book’s central theme, covering her life.

I cannot vouch for this book more than I already do. Evelyn and her longtime lover, Celia St. James, are the cutest couple when together, but ultimately end in a tragic way.

3. “They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera This book follows Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio. The pair learn they have less than 24 hours to live through a shadowy group called DeathCast. The two barely knew each other before all of this, but end up going on an adventure together.

True to the name, they do both indeed die at the end. With that warning, it still takes you through an emotional journey.

If you want some recommendations with happy endings, here are some.

1. “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston The book follows the first son of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz, and his private relationship with Prince Henry.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MDPI

While I covered this in my film recommendation list, I also have to call out the book for being what I fell in love with first. This romance is one for the ages and has a sweet ending despite the hardships endured first.

2. “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe”by Benjamin Alire Sáenz After Dante and Aristotle first meet in a local swimming pool where Dante teaches Ari how to swim, the two teenagers explore different aspects of their identities while dealing with societal conformity, cultural standards and family secrets.

This film explores love and the difficulties of exploiting it with POC families and different ethnicities, as both characters are Mexican American.

3. “She Gets the Girl” by Alyson Derrick and Rachael Lippincott This book is one of my favorites. It follows Alex as she tries to help Molly get the girl of her dreams for her own gain of getting her ex-girlfriend back.

When the two fall for each other instead, a new set of problems emerges.

I recommend this book to anyone wanting a quick but lovely read. It is a slow burn with “will they/won’t they” events in each chapter and with a great ending.

I recommend each of these books and especially encourage anyone to read them for Valentine’s Day. I’m a sucker for both happy endings and sad endings and wanted to give anyone a variation to choose from. Hopefully, at least one of these called out to you.

16 | FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Expanding upon society’s traditional view of love NOAH THOMASON Political Reporter

There are a significant number of assumptions made by most people when they think about love and things related to it. In the United States, we might generally think of romantic love between two people, and, when it comes to Valentine’s Day, that is especially the case.

Being in a society where being cis-gendered and heterosexual is considered the norm, the image of love that comes to mind for most people will most likely also be an attractive male and female couple. If you

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN PARKER AND SEAN WHITAKER

do imagine a couple like this when thinking about a relationship where people love each other, it is important to ask yourself why you imagine this when thinking about love.

We should question why we think of love in this limited way because love, relationships and the people involved with these concepts are much more diverse than our traditional concept of love suggests.

There are many more forms of love than romantic and sexual love. There is also the love of friends (philia), the love of everyone (agape) and the love of family (storge). While we might recognize our love for our family or our fondness for our friends, we typically don’t see it as being a “true” form of love in comparison to romantic love.

Our idea of love in the United States is heavily influenced by religious and conservative values that a romantic couple ought to be two cis and heterosexual people who are expected to have children.

This idea can be harmful because it, in some way, invalidates the love people feel for their friends or family. A society that conceptualizes love as a romantic relationship between two cis-gendered heterosexual people will inherently ostracize LGBTQ+ people who do not fit society’s expectations of love. This may adversely affect the mental health of LGBTQ+ community members.

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Society’s default idea of love and relationships alone is not the only harm. The societal expectations that led to the formation of that default idea of love are harmful. This can be seen in how marriage is a powerful institution that gives meaningful social and material benefits to people who fit into such a mold.

The traditional form of love and family also ignores and shuns those with a non-biological family. This could be someone with children who are not their own or an individual who has been disowned by their family for their sexuality.

Many LGBTQ+ people are often disowned by or hide their identity from their families out of fear of reprisal.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community take comfort in their found family, which most of society would call merely friends.

We rarely recognize that found families can be just as caring for each other as biological families, even though found families are formed through a place of love and care for each other.

Love can take many different forms than we typically see depicted in media and on Valentine’s Day. The people who do not fit into our typical conception of love ought to be valued and respected.

A friendship to last — the U.K. and U.S. MALLORY WALIGORA Political Reporter

The U.K. and the U.S. have a reputation for having a strong, friendly relationship that spans a long time of world politics. Although harsh at first when the U.S. claimed independence, diplomatic relations have progressed throughout both world wars, cultivating a notable alliance.

“The United States has no closer ally than the United Kingdom, and British foreign policy emphasizes close coordination with the United States. Bilateral cooperation reflects the common language, ideals, and democratic practices of the two nations,” The U.S. Embassy writes.

The term “special relationship” is commonly used when referring to the alliance between the U.K. and the U.S., and it dates back to 1946 when Winston Churchill first used the term. In the midst of World War II, the U.S. and the U.K. forged a deep and trusting relationship with roots in military protection.

“This means a special relationship between the British Commonwealth and Empire and the United States,” Churchill said. “Fraternal association requires not only the growing friendship and mutual understanding between our two vast but kindred Systems of society, but the continuance of the intimate relationship between our military advisers, leading to common study of potential dangers, the similarity of weapons and manuals of instructions and to the interchange of officers and cadets at technical colleges.”

Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan made headlines for their close bonds, with Thatcher calling Reagan “the second most important man in my life” after her husband. Both world leaders had each other’s backs during that era.

Following 9/11, Tony Blair and George W. Bush bonded similarly to Thatcher and Raegan. Both men also humorously noted that they use the same kind of toothpaste --- Colgate. Members of the public have often concluded that this comment was Bush’s way of illustrating their friendship beyond simply political realms.

“You know, I was sitting with Tony on the Truman balcony last night, and we were discussing a lot of issues. And it dawned on me, once again, what a clear strategic thinker he is. Somebody asked me the

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHE LEHENAFF

other day, how would you define Tony Blair and your relationship with him? I said, first of all, it’s cordial, it’s open, and I appreciate the fact that he can see beyond the horizon. And that’s the kind of leadership the world needs,” Bush said in a press conference in 2007.

In terms of physical history, the city of London is associated with American history. In central London, Benjamin Franklin’s residence remains intact. This house was a temporary residence during his stay in London. This house remains the only surviving residence of Franklin in the entire world.

Jane Hartley serves as the symbol for U.S. and U.K. relations today. She was sworn in under the Biden administration in 2022 as the Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain. While in service, Hartley has stressed the importance of Washington’s relationship with London and how these two pivotal cities share a close relationship that is vital for economics and trade.

“I have loved exploring this great country and meeting so many inspirational people across the UK. There is so much great work being done here in business, technology, and the arts that I’m excited for the future of the #SpecialRelationship,” Hartley wrote in a X post.

The alliance between the two countries has progressed throughout the years, with key historical figures illustrating the deep, connected friendship. As both British and American politics progresses, the dynamics of the countries will develop and be altered.

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FEBRUARY 14, 2023 | 17

A brief overview of historical gay rights milestones KAYLAH SNELL Political Reporter

On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court heard the case of Obergefell v. Hodges. Obergefell overturned the ban on same-sex marriages as standardized in a 2004 constitutional amendment.

The case was triggered because Mr. James Obergefell and Mr. John Arthur James, two homosexual males, were sorting their affairs.

Mr. Obergefell was terminally ill and was trying to manage his affairs when he realized he would be unable to be recognized as legally wed after his death. On July 22, 2013, Judge Timothy S. Black set a temporary order to mandate that Mr. John Arthur James and Mr. James Obergefell were recognized as legally married on Mr. Obergefell’s death certificate.

After extensive legal battles, the case made its way to the United States Supreme Court. The effects of this court ruling hinged upon the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

The effects of this ruling were life-altering for many. Homosexual couples wishing to become legally wed swarmed county clerks’ offices to the point where the offices had to remain open well into the night to accommodate the sudden influx of people.

As the years have gone on, memories of what life was like for the LGBTQIA+ community before Oberegefell have faded from the minds of the public.

Many young people simply do not remember what a time before the legalization of gay marriage legislation entailed. While they grasp the ruling on a conceptual level, they do not recognize the sheer significance of such a feat.

Oakland University students Izzy Purcey, Andy Amy and Cooper Jones all admitted that they knew very little about the right to gay marriage.

“Nationwide, it only became legal in like, 2012?

2015?” Amy said.

John Barnes and Jane Smith were also unaware of what gay marriage laws included and the scale such protection entailed. This then raises the question: just what was society like before the legalization of gay marriage?

According to some sources, it was a time of hiding who you were, and more importantly, who you loved. This was especially true for those who were enlisted in the military, as evidenced by President Clinton’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy.

The DADT policy forced military officials to hide their sexuality.

After significant pressure from gay rights activists, the DADT policy was repealed in 2010. The repeal of the DADT policy was a significant win for the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, many believe that the repeal paved the way for the Obergefel ruling.

While the past decade has been characterized by an expansion of gay rights protections, it is important to recognize that the journey toward equity for the LGBTQ+ community is far from over.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to experience institutionalized discrimination and explicit oppression from their peers.

Love is often viewed as something to embrace.

However, even after the Obergefell decision, some members of the LBGTQ+ community continue to hide their sexuality out of fear of discrimination.

By appreciating the history of gay rights, we may continue progressing the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, so that all individuals feel comfortable embracing their true selves.

The woman behind the president, First Lady Jill Biden MALLORY WALIGORA Political Reporter

First Ladies in American history have taken a pivotal role in American politics. Their work normally remains unnoticed, yet these women are an integral part of White House politics.

Jill Biden stands next to President Joe Biden as the First Lady of the United States. She received her doctoral degree from the University of Delaware in education. Typically, the first lady creates an initiative that she works for throughout her time in the White House. Jill Biden has taken two official missions that reflect her passions and beliefs.

“Joining Forces” is her initiative to support the military and their families. Both veterans and families are given support through the communitybased network she has created. Her work includes visiting military sites and attending events. Jill Biden’s father, Donald Carl Jacobs, served as a U.S. Navy signalman during World War II. “Through her Joining Forces work, she has advocated for: increased economic opportunities for military spouses, additional educational programming and support for military children, more focus on health and wellness in the military community and improved resources for caregivers and survivors, including military and veteran children in caregiving homes,” The White House reported.

“Cancer Moonshot” is the second official initiative run by Jill. The purpose of this organization is to bring awareness to the fight against cancer and provide resources to researchers. Research goals include the acceleration and development of new data. Additionally, the research initiatives include finding ways to minimize the side effects of treatments. “Cancer Moonshot” has also created a national database of cancer data that helps facilitate a deeper analysis.

In 2015, Dr. Biden and Joe Biden lost their son, Joseph (Beau) Biden, to brain cancer. The loss of her son has a devastating impact on Jill Biden. “Cancer Moonshot” was created soon after the death of Beau, showing her connection to fighting cancer.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RALPH ALSWANG

In addition to these two official missions, she also is a strong advocate for education. She stresses that school safety is an utmost priority along with equal education access for all, regardless of age. This priority is linked to her doctoral research and her personal interest in education.

On Jan. 25, Jill Biden announced her new initiative, declaring that firearms safety is vital to protecting children in schools. Jill Biden has stressed the devastating numbers of children dying in schools each year, and that gun violence is a prevalent issue in education today.

Jill Biden has also started recruiting teachers into the field. As the teacher shortage continues, demand rises for educators to teach the next generation. Biden has visited schools to promote a career in education and to rally support for potential educators.

“Teachers are the best recruiters for our profession, so today I visited Rhode Island College to do just that!” Biden writes in an Instagram post.

While serving as First Lady, Biden teaches at Northern Virginia Community College. She remains the first spouse of a president to keep an independent career outside of the White House.

SPORTS How OU Swim and Dive became an internet sensation 18 | FEBRUARY 14, 2024

EVAN BLANCHARD Sports Reporter

It was a normal Saturday matinee on Feb. 3 for the Oakland men’s basketball team as they took on Cleveland State. Until it wasn’t.

A few minutes after the ball was tipped, in came the Oakland Swim and Dive team, filing down to the front of the student section. In they came wearing skintight swimsuits and speedos. In they came with “OU PRIDE!” spelled out across the men’s chests up front.

In they came with a razor and a bag… wait, is that right?

“I saw them walk in with a bag, and I didn’t know what was happening,” Buru Naivalurua, a men’s basketball player, said. “When Cleveland State got on the line and started shaving his head, I was like, ‘What’s even happening?’ I was so confused.”

As Cleveland State’s Tevin Smith stepped up to the free throw, he stared into a student section of barely dressed swimmers and divers, screaming and shouting for him to miss. In the midst of it all, out came the razor.

And the bag.

And the hair of one Ian Allen began to fall.

Smith would make his first but miss his second, much to the delight of the Oakland faithful, especially the Swim and Dive team.

As a whole, Cleveland State shot 8-12 on free throws in the half, with two misses coming during haircuts.

Oakland would go on to win the game 83-71. Shortly after, a video of the haircut went viral, being posted on Bleacher Report, Barstool Sports and even SportsCenter.

So, why did the Swim and Dive team decide to come to show their support in such an emphatic way?

It all started with a conversation between head men’s basketball coach Greg Kampe and head swim and dive coach Mitch Alters.

Amidst a stellar season, coach Kampe was looking for ways to get more people in seats for home games. He reached out to the other coaches at Oakland, imploring them to get their athletes to come to the games and support each other.

Coach Alters was more than happy to oblige, so long as the basketball team would come to a swim meet.

“When Kampe and his Director of Operations, Colin Shannon, approached me about getting our teams back out for each other’s games, I was all for it,” Alters said.

The stage was set. On Jan. 19, Oakland Swim and Dive hosted Saginaw Valley State University and Hope for a meet.

The meet started and seemed as though it would be like any other. Until it wasn’t.

In came men’s basketball, shirtless, with “OAKLAND PRIDE!!” painted across their chests. In came men’s basketball with black and gold face masks. In came men’s basketball with an Oakland flag, towels and unlimited energy.

Coach Kampe himself provided the money for the face masks and paint. The team was all in on supporting Swim and Dive.

“There’s nothing better than athletes supporting athletes,” Reagan Reetz, a sophomore swimmer, said.

“Every single one of us knows how amazing it feels when the energy is high. The energy they contributed to the atmosphere that night was contagious and could be felt on the pool deck without a doubt.”

Oakland Swim and Dive would go on to dominate their meet. Now, it was their turn to crash the party.

It is an Oakland Swim and Dive tradition to go to other teams’ games in just their suits. Coach Alters himself used to take part in the festivities when he swam at Oakland. After seeing what the basketball team did, swim and dive knew they had to upstage them. But Coach Alters had nothing to do with the haircuts.

It was Ian Allen who came up with the idea to do the head shaving.

“It wasn’t solely my idea to get my hair cut. It was me, Alex Lakin and Joey Countryman,” he said. “We decided to return the favor by suiting up and shaving our heads.”

The rest is now Oakland athletics history.

Naivalurua, talking about the basketball team’s antics versus the swim and dive team’s, said, “It was 100 percent a response to what we did at their meet. I think they did it better if we are being real.”

One thing the team didn’t anticipate happening was 14-year-old fan Gaige Lewis joining in on the fun. He volunteered to get his haircut as well.

“I have no regret,” Lewis said. “I would do it again if someone from the Swim and Dive team were to text me next season and invite me.”

Not bad for your first time going to an Oakland game.

Reetz was half-tempted to get her haircut as well but decided against it. “The energy was so contagious, it was hard not to consider it,” she said.

As both the Swim and Dive and men’s basketball seasons come to an end, both teams will need student support to achieve their goals. If this hair-cut sensation proved anything, it’s that college students, armed with enough motivation and energy, can come up with some truly ingenious ways to support their athletics.

Oakland Pride, indeed.

Golden Grizzlies fall to Youngstown State at O’rena SUMMER WEATHERS Sports Reporter

The Golden Grizzlies were defeated by Youngstown State at the Credit Union O’rena on Thursday, Feb. 8, 85-79.

In a thrilling showdown, this was a game that was filled with fast-paced action. Youngstown State quickly asserted its dominance, with Shay-Lee Kirby leading the charge with successful plays, giving the Penguins an early 6-0 lead at the 8:23 mark of the first quarter.

However, Oakland’s Miriam Ibezim wasn’t willing to let Youngstown State pull away easily, as she scored Oakland’s first points of the game. The Golden Grizzlies then found their rhythm, with Alexis Johnson getting hot and hitting the first two threes of the night, quickly putting up six points and getting Oakland back into contention.

Throughout the first quarter, both teams showcased their strengths, with Youngstown State capitalizing on fast break opportunities while Oakland displayed their prowess in steals. The Grizzlies had gone on a 6-0 run, thanks to Brooke Quarles-Daniels, but the Penguins had their responses and had a five-point lead, 24-19, to end the opening quarter.

As the second quarter began, Youngstown State showed that they had maintained their momentum, scoring the first points of the quarter. Malia Magestro proved to be such a formidable force, scoring eight points and keeping the Penguins ahead, and the team’s persistence inside also allowed them to maintain their edge.

Even though the Grizzlies had a higher 3-point percentage, 40 percent to 33.3 percent, the Penguins had a higher field goal percentage of 54.8 percent compared to Oakland’s 43.3 percent and went into halftime with the advantage, a scoreline of 42-36.

For the remainder of the game, Oakland’s Alexis Johnson continued to provide a spark from beyond the arc, keeping the Golden Grizzlies within reach, alongside Maddy Skorupski. She had major contributions for Oakland, including a significant 12 points in the third quarter, knocking down huge shots.

The fourth quarter was a different story, though, as Youngstown State was not content with just dominating the inside game, but everything seemed to be falling for them from long-range, too, extending their lead to 12

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOLDEN GRIZZLIES

— the largest lead of the night. Linda van Schaik was a bright spot defensively, drawing her third charge that provided a glimmer of hope to get the Grizzlies on track and get something going. While Oakland had managed to create good, open looks, the Penguins’ composure and execution continued to be apparent as time ticked away in the final moments, as they came up with the win over the Grizzlies, 85-79.

“You know, we just got to defend better, that’s the bottom line,” acting head coach Deanna Richard said.

“We have to make sure we’re taking pride in what we’re doing on the defensive end. We press very well, there’s no question about that, but in half-court settings, we have to get better at that.”

What’s Next?

The Golden Grizzlies will learn from this game and will be ready to bounce back as they head to the Wolstein Center to play Cleveland State University on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.

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FEBRUARY 14, 2024 | 19

Oakland drops overtime thriller, gives up precious positioning in conference standings EVAN BLANCHARD Sports Reporter

Oakland men’s basketball went on the road this past weekend to take on the Northern Kentucky Norse at the Truist Center on Feb. 8. The Grizzlies were coming off a thorough victory over the Cleveland State Vikings, while the Norse were looking to snap a three-game losing skid.

Unfortunately, the game ended at 99-89 in overtime with an NKU victory.

First Half Northern Kentucky won the tip and jumped to an early 7-5 lead at the first media timeout.

Oakland committed three early turnovers, but a Blake Lampman 3-pointer and a Chris Conway dunk helped keep the Grizzlies from starting off too badly.

NKU’s Keeyan Itejere made two quick baskets out of the timeout, along with two Randall Pettus II jumpers. Coming off Horizon League Player of the Week honors, Lampman kept his hot shooting streak going with two more triples. The Norse went on to hold a 15-14 lead at the under 12-minute timeout.

The back and forth scoring continued with both teams exchanging blows. Trey Townsend began to make his presence felt with a layup and two free throws, along with a Jack Gohlke 3-pointer. But NKU continued to rain jumper after jumper, still holding a 25-23 advantage at the 6:19 mark left in the first half.

The Grizzlies would finally gain the upper hand with two Townsend jump shots and a deep DQ Cole 3-pointer.

A major key in the game was Oakland’s dominance on the offensive glass, snagging nine offensive rebounds in the first half to NKU’s four. Oakland took a 30-27 lead with under four minutes to play in the first half.

Right out of the timeout, Coach Kampe drew up a play for Golhke to sink another triple. Oakland continued to find holes in the Norse zone defense for a Conway jumper and another Lampman 3-pointer.

The lead had opened up to a 38-29 advantage, but two quick NKU 3s from leading scorer Marques Warrick and LJ Wells brought it back within three. Chris Conway’s dunk took the lead back to five points.

The Grizzlies could’ve taken that five-point lead to the half, but after a late steal by Rocket Watts, Watts immediately shot a half-court three with three seconds left on the clock. Coach Greg Kampe was irate by the mistake from the fifth-year senior. NKU inbounded it to Warrick, who drilled a 3-pointer to cut the lead to two going into the half.

Second Half Both teams came out red-hot after halftime. Lampman and Townsend both hit two jumpers, followed by two NKU jumpers from Michael Bradley. Townsend again made two baskets, but the Norse matched him after each one.

Gohlke hit another 3-pointer before Warrick made his way back to the charity stripe for two more free throws. The lead was 52-49 at the under-16 mark.

The two teams continued to trade baskets as Oakland failed to pull away. Just as they took a sevenpoint lead with two Lampman free throws, NKU rallied back with two jumpers. Lampman and company held on to a five-point lead under 12 minutes at 58-53.

This give-and-take would continue until the Grizzlies came upon a scoring drought from the 11:19 mark, a Buru Naivalurua layup, to a Chris Conway layup at the 7:49 mark. NKU didn’t do too much scoring of their own but cut the lead to just one point after making five free throws and a jumper. Oakland

clung to a 61-60 lead at the under-eight-minute mark.

Out of the timeout, Oakland grabbed two offensive rebounds off missed 3s before a Conway layup. Coach Kampe called a timeout, attempting to rally his team to get some key stops to go on a run.

Once again, the two teams exploded offensively, draining jumpshot after jumpshot. Gohlke hit three 3-pointers, Lampman hit one of his own, and Conway added two buckets as well. But NKU could not be stopped. Finding hole after hole in Oakland’s zone, they continued to knock down big-time shots.

The lead was only 77-73 for the Grizzlies.

Michael Bradley of NKU had the best game of his career, going for 26 points with eight assists. He and teammate Trey Robinson took over late in the game, as they scored seven points in the final four minutes. A late Townsend free throw brought the game to 80 apiece, but he couldn’t hit the second to take the lead. Both teams missed shots that could’ve won the game, sending it to overtime.

Overtime Unfortunately for Oakland, the defense just could not get stops. NKU exploded for 19 points in overtime as their hot shooting continued, nailing three jumpers early in the period. A Gohlke triple brought the game back within three, but the Norse responded with a 7-0 run to ice the game.

Post Game Oakland attempted 49 3-pointers in the game, with Gohlke going 7-20 and Lampman shooting 6-18. Their 49 attempts in one game were the most the Golden Grizzlies have attempted in a single game since at least the 2010-11 season.

The Grizzlies will face high-scoring Wright State next on Saturday, Feb. 10. They now sit one game behind league-leading Green Bay.

Love for the game: Detroit Lions fans reflect on a historic season KURT SZYMANSKI Sports Reporter

Despite the Detroit Lions coming up one game short of the Super Bowl this season, Lions fans still have love for the franchise.

“I love them more than anything in the world,” junior Giuseppe Rizzo said. “I feel very optimistic for the team’s future because of their performance this season and because they outperformed my expectations.”

Not surprisingly, a lot of the love fans have for the Lions comes from their early memories.

“When I was a kid, my dad and I used to sit down and watch the Lions in the early 2000s,” Rizzo said.

My earliest memories come from that, and those are my happiest memories, even though we were really bad.”

Notably, throughout the decade of the 2000s, the Lions only had a single winning season, as the team went 9-7 in 2000. When looking at the demographics of Oakland University, more than 60 percent of students weren’t even born yet to witness the only winning season of the decade.

This is a bleak fact compared to this year, as the Lions finished their regular season with a record of 12-5 and made an appearance in the NFC Championship.

When you compare this season to every season in the Lions’ history, it’s historically significant for the franchise. Remarkably, the Lions have only won 12 games and made the NFC Championship just one other time (1991).

“This season makes me proud to represent Detroit,” senior Marco Yu said. “To me, it feels

like the first good thing that’s happened for Detroit sports since the Pistons won in 2004.”

A significant factor in the Lions’ success this year was how explosive the offense was. By the regular season’s end, Detroit finished in the top five for points scored per game, passing yards per game, rushing yards per game, touchdowns per game, and offensive yards per play this season.

Among all other NFL teams, not a single team placed in the top five in all of the categories mentioned above.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUNFU HAN

“I’m very proud to say the offense is doing this well,” Rizzo said. “There’s nothing to laugh at with how the team performed.”

Fans credit the success on offense this season to the Lions offensive coordinator and 2024 assistant coach of the year finalist, Ben Johnson. Johnson joined the Lions in 2019 as an offensive quality control coach and was eventually promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022.

“I love what he’s been able to do for the offense during his time here,” Yu said. “It’s something that I’ve never seen before as a Lions fan.”

Interestingly, just days after the Lions lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship, Johnson interviewed with multiple teams and was considered a favorite to fill many of the head coaching vacancies around the NFL. Despite the chance to lead his own NFL team, Johnson chose to stay with the Lions for the 202425 season.

“It takes a lot to give up the possible promotion that Johnson gave up,” Rizzo said. “I was shocked to find out he’s coming back. It goes to show how much he has enjoyed his time in Detroit so far in his career.”

Although the future is uncertain, especially in the NFL, fans stay optimistic that the team will be back next season, not just to make the Super Bowl but to compete in it.

“I think we can make it to the Super Bowl next year,” Yu said. “The team has emerging stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown that have the potential to get better, and Jared Goff is still a part of the timeline we need him to be in to compete.”

20 | FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Kelce-Swift love story accentuated by “The Best Day” BROCK HEILIG Sports Editor

As Taylor Swift’s song “The Best Day” concludes: “I didn’t know if you knew, So I’m taking this chance to say, That I had the best day with you today.”

The eyes of the entire world were on Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift as the two celebrated the Kansas City Chiefs’ second consecutive Super Bowl championship with a 25-22 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Although the couple, which has become the talk of the NFL season, likely didn’t spend any time together on Sunday prior to the game’s finish, the final few hours of Feb. 11, 2024, will create enough memories for the two to remember for the rest of their lives.

In one of the most thrilling finishes in Super Bowl history, Patrick Mahomes, Kelce and the Chiefs marched down the field in overtime to secure the victory. The gamewinning touchdown came after the 49ers were only able to muster a field goal in the first possession of the overtime period.

San Francisco jumped out to an early 10-0 lead, but counting Mahomes and the Chiefs out is the last thing anyone should’ve thought to do, especially in the Super Bowl, a game Kansas City has been to in four of the last five seasons.

Before the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Chiefs were able to get on top by three points. Then, a field goal fest ensued.

San Francisco’s Jake Moody and Kansas City’s Harrison Butker traded kicks in the fourth quarter, with Butker connecting on a 29-yarder to send the game into overtime.

For the first time in NFL history, the overtime period looked different.

It was the first game with the NFL’s new overtime rules in the playoffs.

In 2022, the NFL decided to allow both teams to possess the ball in overtime. (A novel concept, if I might add.)

Prior to the rule change, if the team that possessed the ball first in overtime scored a touchdown on their first drive, the game was over. It was a rule that the Chiefs benefitted from in 2022, but the rule change didn’t affect Kansas City on Sunday.

Both teams put together long, sevenplus-minute drives of 13 plays, but the difference came in the red zone, where the 49ers settled for another Moody field goal and where the Chiefs scored the game-winning touchdown.

Cameramen and media members poured onto the field in hopes of getting in position for one shot: the celebratory embrace between Kelce and Swift.

Of course, shots of Mahomes and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid would do well, too, but the world was focused on two people. One couple.

Swift, who performed a concert in Tokyo less than 48 hours prior to the Super Bowl, took a flight halfway around the world to be in Las Vegas to support Kelce. Like she had been for numerous games throughout the season, Swift enjoyed the game from her suite and rushed down to the field after the victory.

As expected, the two did meet on the field, and they shared a passionate embrace.

The Super Bowl victory marked a perfect ending to the Chiefs’ historic season, but one thing it didn’t cap off was the budding relationship between Kelce and Swift. With the cameras turned off for about the next six months, the couple will get a chance to grow in their relationship together without the pressure of hundreds of millions of eyes on them.

Kelce and Swift are almost certainly the most popular couple in the world today, and the duo is approaching alltime levels of fame and prominence.

However, it’s unlikely that Kelce and Swift will surpass one couple, and it’s ironically one that Swift’s 2008 hit “Love Story” is centered around.

Romeo and Juliet, although fictional, are undoubtedly the most famous couple of all time.

But as things hang in the balance between Kelce and Swift — the tight end didn’t propose after the game, as many suspected he might, and the future of their relationship is still to be determined — they do have one advantage over Romeo and Juliet.

Kelce and Swift still have an opportunity at a happily-ever-after ending. The jury is still out as to whether the tight-end and ultra-famous pop star will, in fact, live happily ever after, but they do have a building block for their future relationship — one that they will remember forever: “The Best Day.”

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