Writing SNHU’s Story
VOLUME XXV
ISSUE 6
FEBRUARY 6, 2018
PENMENPRESS.COM
Fighting for All Voices at The Boston Women’s March
Attendants at Boston’s Second Annual Women’s March. (image credit: KimSarah I) Alexa Gustavsen March was all about. January 19, to listen to movement and voice Staff Writer The third annual speakers, protest, chant their support for the Boston Women’s March and rally before march- cause. Women’s Center “ S i s t e r h o o d . drew in large crowds full ing across the city. member Erika Cantarella Solidarity. We ex- of women and men of all Southern New (‘21) spoke on the imist, and we will rise,” ages, races, sexual orien- Hampshire University’s portance of being at the said Boston Women’s tations and backgrounds Deborah L. Coffin march. March keynote speak- to call for equal rights. Women’s Center took a “Women coming toer and Massachusetts The supporters came in bus of 27 students down gether to support each Congresswoman Ayanna masses on the Boston to the march to show other shows media we Pressley. This is what the Common in the biting support. These students are stronger than they 2019 Boston Women’s cold weather Saturday, wanted to be part of the think,” said Cantarella.
The first Women’s March took place in 2017 following President Trump’s inauguration, known then as The Women’s March on Washington. It was the largest, single-day protest in U.S. history built from the momentum of outrage against anti-women comments made by Trump. Women’s Center Director Brooke Gilmore spoke on why the march remains important with each passing year. “My biggest fear is that people get complacent in the new normal,” said Gilmore. “Even though there maybe didn’t feel like this sense of urgency like there had two years ago, it is as urgent and as important as ever that people show up and have these conversations and decide how they want to act and what they want to do and commit to that or we just accept things.” Protesters expressed
their beliefs by dressing in colorful outfits and holding well-decorated signs. A few signs read, “I’ve Seen Better Cabinets in Ikea,” “A Woman’s Place is in the Resistance” and “Big Bitch Energy.” These posters further proved that these marchers came with a backbone and a message to spread and that they don’t plan to sit by silently. Some outfits worn to support the cause were costumes from popular television shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and t-shirts saying, “Girl’s Doing Whatever the Fuck They Want.” One woman even wore a tracksuit covered in Hillary Clinton’s face. The Boston Women’s March is hosted by March Forward Massachusetts, a non-profit organization that aims to advocate for women, LGBTQ+ im. . . . . . . . . . . Continued on page 3
dent financial services. Finally, the third piece of information is that “GI Bill benefits have continued, though support for claims and other as-
sistance may be limited.” Any student who has seen delays in payments or application processing should contact their advisor.
SNHU Provides Financial Aid During Government Shutdown Rosa Valente News Editor
On January 15, President Paul LeBlanc sent a memo to the SNHU community concerning the government shutdown and acknowledging how it may be affecting students, faculty and staff. The email also mentioned that the administration has received many inquiries from the people of SNHU and that it is difficult to help everyone because “every situation is different.” Despite this setback, LeBlanc said, “What we do know unequivocally is that no one should have to go hungry, risk a loss
of housing or go without basic human needs because of the political impasse in Washington.” LeBlanc then goes on to say that SNHU has set aside an emergency fund of $1 million dollars to give aide to the students, faculty and staff who are “facing immediate financial crisis due to the shutdown of the government.” This aide will be considered a grant, not a loan, and will therefore not be expected to be paid back at any point. Information on who is eligible for this grant is detailed within the email. Applications could be submitted starting
Thursday, January 17. LeBlanc’s email also detailed some other information that has become available which affects the students of SNHU. The first piece of information being that any student receiving financial aid or Pell grants from the government will not be affected. According to LeBlanc’s email, “Federal financial aid for the 2018-2019 school year was fully funded and money for Pell Grants is mandatory.” The second piece of information explained that the government shutdown should not affect students’ ability
to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Any students who are experiencing issues can report to SNHU’s stu-
LeBlanc offers aid to those affected by the shutdown. (image credit: SNHU))