The independent: Volume 44 Issue 1

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023

FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2023

WWW.NEIUINDEPENDENT.ORG

North Campus Parking Structure Construction Continues PAGE 5

A 12-Year iPhone User Breaks Free: Embracing Android With No Regrets PAGE 10

Honoring Puerto Rican Traditions: NEIU Community Marches in Parade PAGE 15

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Student-run newspaper since 1962 Volume 44 Issue 1

Kickball Tournament Unites Community via Teamwork PAGE 19

Chicago’s Air Quality Is the Worst in the World

By Leslie Lozada, Editor in Chief

The Air Quality Index reported that Chicago has the worst air quality out of all other major cities in the world as of June 27, 2023.

Due to wildfire smoke from Canada, air quality has dropped in northeastern Illinois, and it is expected to persist through the end of June 28 at the Unhealthy level. It will be moderately better on June 29, but it will be unhealthy for those in Sensitivity groups.

Illinois’ northeast and Indiana’s northwest regions are affected.

NEIU sent out a Targeted Announcement the morning of June 28 due to the persistent Unhealthy levels in Chicago. Jennie Lasko, Interim Director of Student Health Services, mentioned in her announcement what to do during this time: “It is highly recommended that seniors, children, young adults and anyone with lung or heart conditions stay indoors. Wear a KN95 or better face mask if going outdoors.”

As projected by the Air Quality Index in Chicago, it is expected to be moderate from June 29 through July 3, then back to average levels.

For those that are currently on campus, there are masks at the Welcome Desk at the Main Campus.

Main Campus’s Field empty on June 27th, Photo by Leslie Lozada

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023

Leslie Lozada

Board of Trustees Pass Motion to Approve a Master of Science in Nursing Program

Managing Editor

By: Gabriel Gurrola, Staff Writer

Staff: Editor-in-Chief

Jasmine Rodriguez

Production Editor Savannah Owens

Section Editors Dan Maurer Ananth Prabhu

Production Team Michael Donald

Writers Gabriel Gurrola Scott Andrews Angie Ybarra Bella Cardoza Xavier Morales-Greene Gabriela “Indigo” Kupjancuzk Josh Lasko

Copy Editors Jasmine Rodriguez Anika Tracy Kayla Nuszen

Mission Statement: The Independent’s mission is to gather and report on important and relevant information to the university and its surrounding communities, as well as to be a creative and critical outlet for community members to express their views and concerns and to offer examples of potential solutions to ongoing problems.

Contact the EIC for any questions or if you have a letter to the editor: independent-eic@neiu.edu Contact the Production Manager for any questions or interest in visual design: pindpnews@neiu.edu

On June 15, 2023, NEIU’s Board of Trustees unanimously passed a motion to approve a new graduate major: Master of Science in Nursing - Entry Into Practice Program.

According to the President’s Report to the Board of Trustees, this two-year program will “educate students at the master’s level which not only prepares them to be competent RNs [registered nurses] and clinicians, but also leaders in the profession of nursing who will promote high quality, collaborative care that is equitable and reduces health disparities.”

As a result of the Board of Trustees’ unanimous vote to pass this motion, NEIU will now seek degree-granting authority for this program from the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Additionally, during the public comment portion of the meeting, Bader Alwan, an elected member of NEIU’s Student Government Association addressed student needs on campus, “The Board of Trustees recently announced $124 million on capital reappropriation for different projects including the construction of the new education building. We know that almost 20 years ago the new College of Education building was proposed due to the needs at the time. We also understand that the funding for projects might come from different sources. The students’ requests further detailed information about the different projects that the board is working on to see if they are accommodating to the students’ needs. The campus

has been neglected [for] far too long; the needs of this campus have changed. We challenge the board to take a deeper look into building the new College of Education where the Bryn Mawr abandoned buildings are.”

Alwan is referring to the Independent’s reporting of the abandoned Bryn Mawr buildings, which were originally intended for student housing, that have remained vacant since NEIU acquired them through eminent domain in 2016.

Alwan also references NEIU’s unused spaces, including the Campus Recreation’s closure of its pool, “We have a lot of underutilized space on campus that requires the investment of improvement. The neglected needs for better art and science labs, remodeling spaces such as the PE Complex and opening the pool and ensuring the same resources at CCIS and El Centro campuses.”

Alwan concludes his speech with some food for thought, “I ask the board of trustees to accommodate student perspectives on improving the campus instead of leaving it as a ghost town. We believe it would have an immediate impact on student enrollment.

Maybe sometimes the simplest idea is the best idea.”

In what was expected to be her last Board of Trustees meeting as President of NEIU, Gloria Gibson addressed the Board and the NEIU community.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank the campus staff, the Board, and the community

for the opportunity to serve as NEIU’s seventh president. I wish the university only the best moving forward… As Northeastern embarks on a new chapter, I have faith that the strength of the uni-

Photo by Ananth Prabhu

versity community will serve as a foundation for future success with my best wishes for the future.”

Gibson’s last day as president was June 30, 2023.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023

Katrina Bell-Jordan as NEIU Interim President By: Leslie Lozada, Editor In Chief As announced by the Board of Trustees on Friday, June 23 2023, in a special board meeting, Katrina Bell-Jordan has been named the Interim President of NEIU. Bell-Jordan was one of three finalists presented to the Board of Trustees by the search committee in the search for an Interim President. The search committee deliberated over a period of three weeks. The three finalists, Dr. Bell-Jordan, Manish Kumar and Dr. Mateo Farzaneh had community campus presentations, which were all via Zoom.

Since her arrival at the University 26 years ago, she has served the University in the Communication, Media and Theater department, as a professor, later as the chair of the department from 2007 to 2014. She later became Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, first at Interim Dean in 2017, then as Dean in 2020.

On July 1, Bell-Jordan took over from Gloria J. Gibson, whose term ended after an earlier decision from the Board of Trustees to not renew her contract as President. Gibson has been with the university as president since 2018.

Katrina Bell-Jordan, new Interim President of NEIU

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023

Supreme Court Guts Affirmative Action By: Dan Maurer, News Editor

In a historic opinion handed down by a super-majority of six conservative justices, the Supreme Court ruled that Harvard and the University of North Carolina violated the U.S. Constitution by considering race as part of their admission programs. This ruling, on June 30, 2023, means that no college, public or private, may consider race as a criteria for admissions, effectively ending affirmative action in college admission.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the Court’s first Latinx member, and of Puerto Rican descent, warned in her dissenting opinion, “The majority’s vision of race neutrality will entrench racial segregation in higher education because racial inequality will persist so long as it is ignored.”

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the court, also dissented from the conservative majority, saying, “With let-them-eat-cake obliviousness, today, the majority pulls the ripcord and announces ‘colorblindness for all’ by legal fiat.

But deeming race irrelevant in law does not make it so in life.”

Two notable exceptions were made in the ruling. First, was for military academies, owing to their “distinct interests” as cited by Chief Justice John Roberts.

The second exception is in students’ application letters.

Roberts said that “nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.”

Angie Gabeau, the president of the Harvard Black Students

Association, said in a statement to the BBC that she is worried “students that are affected by their race in this country will now feel obligated to trauma-dump in their applications to show how race is affecting their lives.”

Reading from his concurring opinion with the conservative majority, Justice Clarence Thomas called college affirmative action policies “rudderless, racebased preferences.”

Roberts claimed in the majority opinion that universities, “have concluded, wrongly, that the touchstone of an individual’s identity is not challenges bested, skills built, or lessons learned but the color of their skin. Our constitutional history does not tolerate that choice.”

In a targeted announcement sent out to the NEIU community, Dr. Shireen Roshanravan, the Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, said, “In the face of this decision, Northeastern Illinois University’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (OEDI) finds it especially significant to express our pride as a comprehensive regional public university and federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution where most of the students we serve come from communities historically denied equal access to higher education. The expanse and depth of our diverse student body is our strength. We will continue to ensure this diversity flourishes in the spirit of equity and true inclusion.”

Dr. Roshanravan has invited anyone with questions or comments to contact her at s-roshanravan@neiu.edu.

Riding the Repair: Broken Elevators at LWH By: Scott Andrews, Staff Writer

On June 13, 2023, and June 21, 2023, the University issued two Targeted Announcements confirming that both elevators at Lech Walesa Hall (LWH) will be out of service for repairs due to a faulty safety device. The device that controls the speed of the elevators needs to be replaced, “out of an abundance of caution” according to the June 21st statement.

In a statement to the Independent, NEIU Director of Marketing and Communications Christopher Childers said, “The elevators were shut down out of an abundance

of caution.” KONE, the elevator company NEIU has contracted with, determined after an inspection that a mechanical part was faulty, rendering both elevators unsafe to operate.

The problem was discovered the week of June 12th. It took a week and half for the part to be ordered.

As of June 29th the elevator has been successfully repaired.

Childers stated that testing and elevator maintenance will occur weekly for the next few years,“Although we can’t make any guarantees, we hope there will be few or no interruptions.”

According to a representative from Facilities Management, “Anyone with a disability that requires the use of the elevators, please work with your supervisor to decide if you will need to work from home or if you require any other accommodations.”

Safety and minimal disruptions are a top priority for the University administration according to Childers’ statement. If anyone has questions or concerns about the elevator repairs, they can contact Facilities Management at 773-4425240 or facility-mgmt@neiu.edu.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023

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News

North Campus Parking Structure Construction Continues: Limited Access and Parking Available

By Ananth Prabhu, Sports Editor Photos taken by Author

Significant construction work is currently underway at two of NEIU’s Parking Facilities, as part of the ongoing efforts by the Capital Development Board (CDB) to address postponed maintenance at NEIU’s main campus. The CDB has initiated a project to demolish and rebuild parts of the structure, resulting in restricted access and limited parking availability for students, staff and faculty.

The scope of work primarily focuses on the sloped ramp connecting levels two and three of the Parking Facility’s garage. However,

Sidewalk construction outside parking structure.

after speaking with the general contractor in charge, he brought to the attention of the Independent that the major construction of Parking Lot A is currently being worked on to the extent of complete disuse from traffic. After investigating the scene, a great deal of corrugated pipes, mounds of gravel, deep holes, manhole risers, a tipper truck and an excavator were in heavy use on June 28 in Lot A. Since mid-May of this year, Parking Lot A on W. Bryn Mawr Ave. in front of Lech Walesa Hall and College of Business and Technology has been closed for reconstruction.

David Rubin, from Finance & Administration, issued four separate statements about upcoming construction throughout the month of April. A statement on April 7 announced closures to parking levels three, four and five in the structure. A statement on April 10 announced upcoming construction on Building C sidewalks. A statement on April 17 announced the upcoming construction on Parking Lot A. A statement on April 18 announced upcoming construction on the parking structure’s level two to three ramp.

According to Rubin’s statement, in order to strengthen the structural integrity of the concrete deck in the Parking Facility’s garage, contractors have been appointed to carry out caulking and sealing.

Nevertheless, the ongoing repairs mean that levels four and five of the Parking Facility will be publicly inaccessible.

According to Rubin’s April 7th

statement, “the north half of the Parking Facility from level 1-2 will remain open to the public to park their vehicles.” Rubin reiterated the identical statement on April 18th’s statement. However, as of June 28th, only the first level of the garage was available for cars to drive through and park. The first to second-floor ramp was barricaded.

Rubin delved into the specifics of the safety measures that have been implemented to ensure that a safe passage and exit strategy were made available while minimizing disruption from noise and dust.

During this time, individuals are asked to express extra caution to evade hazards. Furthermore, on April 7th, Rubin said, “cordoned off pathways and drive lanes will change and be rerouted as the work progresses.” Rubin reiterated the identical statement on April 18th.

The construction work commenced on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, following the barricading of parking spots and the posting of signage on the ramp between levels two and three on the previous day.

Parking structure completion was expected prior to June. According to Rubin’s fourth statement, the tentative completion date for the project was Wednesday, May 31, 2023, although this was subject to weather conditions. Construction would take place daily between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Despite the initial project timeline indicating that the closure of the second to third-level ramp in the Parking Facility’s garage was expected to last from April 19, 2023,

to May 31, 2023, construction work has extended beyond the anticipated completion date, continuing throughout the month of June.

In recent observations made by the Independent’s reporter, significant progress has been noted. In April, the south half of the second floor of the parking structure was closed off, and construction scaffolding had been set up. On June 13th, 2023, the closure expanded to include the south half of the ramp connecting the first and second levels. As of June 28, 2023, the entire structure above the first level, including the ramp connecting the first and second-level, had been closed off. Consequently, only the first level of the Parking Facility’s garage remains accessible for parking as of this report.

Additionally, all temporary scaffolding equipment was removed prior to Wednesday, June 28th, 2023. On the same day, the parking garage underwent power washing, and the surrounding sidewalks out-

side the garage were reconstructed by a general contractor.

In a statement, the NEIU administration thanks the members of the university for their cooperation during this necessary campus improvement project.

Any individual who has questions, comments or concerns regarding the campus construction or any other project can contact NEIU Facilities Management by phone at 773-442-5240 or by email at facility-mgmt@neiu.edu.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the information provided in four official announcements by David Rubin on April 7th, 10th, 17th and 18th on behalf of Finance & Administration, NEIU. Any updates or changes to the project may not be reflected in these four reports beyond the observations of The Independent’s reporter. June observations of the construction work in the garage were made by the Independent’s reporter.

Construction of Lot A on W. Bryn Mawr Ave. in front of Lech Walesa Hall.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023

NEIU Partners With the WSJ To Provide School-Sponsored Subscription Service By: Ananth Prabhu, Sports Editor Access to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), announced in NEIU’s Targeted Announcement by Interim Provost Andrea E. Evans and Vesna Misoska, Marketing and Communications Strategist, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, that all students, staff and faculty at NEIU will be granted full access to WSJ’s digital newspaper content.

While this information has been previously accessible, it has never been officially announced to the entire university community.

Having access to professional worldwide journalism is important for gaining insights into the world that people would not otherwise have.

According to Dr. Evans and Misoska, the premise of such a feat is “to integrate the in-depth reporting of The Wall Street Journal into the classroom with WSJ Professor Tools.” Furthermore, the suite of professor tools will give the ability to integrate “real-world applications of academic theories’’ into the classroom.

It is simple to access the WSJ. To get started, students, staff and faculty are required to visit WSJ.com/NEIU, login with NEIU credentials and select the appropriate account type. Students, staff and faculty will be able to login to both the WSJ app and WSJ Print Edition app for both Android and iOS computing platforms, as well as login to a web browser to read and listen to content.

If a student, staff or faculty member is already a paying subscriber, the individual should call (800) 568-7625 and mention switching to a school-sponsored subscription plan in order to receive a partial refund.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the information provided in the official announcement by Dr. Andrea E. Evans and Vesna Misoska on June 28th on behalf of Academic Affairs, NEIU. Any updates or changes to the subscription service may not be reflected in this report beyond the observations of The Independent’s reporter.

The WSJ Print Edition app is featured on an Android phone on top of school work.

Photo by Ananth Prabhu

President Gloria J. Gibson – The Same Mistake Twice By: Gabriel Gurrola, Staff Writer On March 15, 2018, Gloria J. Gibson was appointed to become the seventh president of Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) by its Board of Trustees. Gibson was sworn in as president three months later on June 1, 2018.

For NEIU, this was a new beginning from the brief, yet tumultuous tenure of then-Interim President, Richard J. Helldobler, whose tenure as Interim President saw 180 full-time NEIU employees laid off amid a severe budget crisis.

NEIU’s Board of Trustees appointed Gibson to be the antidote for Helldobler. Helldobler continues to oversee budget cuts and layoffs as President of William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey.

Gibson, an East St. Louis, IL native, earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education from Southern Illinois University as well as a P.H.D. in Folklore from Indiana University (IU) In the 1990s, Gibson served as an associate professor at IU in multiple departments, including Afro-American Studies, Communications and Culture, and Folklore. She also served as Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Multicultural Affairs as well as the Director of the Archives of Traditional Music.

Gibson became the dean of the College of Humanities and Social Science at Arkansas State University in 2004. Then, in 2009, Gibson became the Executive Vice President and Provost of the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), also serving as a tenured professor in the Department of Communication Studies.

What is conveniently excluded in Gibson’s NEIU bio is how her time as Provost at UNI came to an end.

On March 12, 2012, UNI faculty passed a vote of no confidence against Gibson in a 172-69 vote with nine abstentions and one spoiled ballot. This came shortly after UNI’s student body president at the time, Spencer Walrath, penned an op-ed for their newspaper, The Northern Iowan, to express displeasure and uncertainty about the future of student programs that were at risk of being cut under Gibson’s leadership.

Some at UNI refer to Gibson’s tenure as Provost as “The Dark Ages.” Gibson’s tenure was marred by budget cuts, almost immediately after being appointed. Without consulting faculty, Gibson signed off on cutting academic

programs and closing their Price Lab, originally built in 1950. Gibson resigned as Provost on June 30, 2014.

In 2015, Gibson searched for a fresh start, moving to Baltimore to serve as Senior Vice President and Provost of Morgan State University.

Three years later, Gibson found herself at NEIU, appointed as President by the Board of Trustees.

Gibson’s tenure as President of NEIU, similar to her tenure as Provost of UNI, was shrouded in controversy from concerns surrounding Gibson’s handling of the Human Resources Department, enrollment decline, demands from University Professionals of Illinois regarding increased workloads, faculty and student protests, the continued vacancy of Bryn Mawr buildings, the continued pool closure, and nearly avoiding a strike this year that would have put classes to a halt and shut down NEIU completely.

In November 2022, these controversies surrounding President Gibson culminated in NEIU’s Faculty Assembly delivering a vote of no confidence in her leadership in a 224-29 (89%) vote, the second vote of no confidence in Gibson’s career.

Gibson allegedly held NEIU’s Faculty Assembly “individually responsible” for the vote.

Gibson also allegedly blamed Faculty Senate president Dr. Nancy Wrinkle for failing to speak out against anti-Gibson signs placed on faculty’s doors during the ongoing vote.

Nine years to the day Gloria Gibson resigned as Provost of UNI amid a storm of controversy, she stepped down as President of NEIU, once again, amid a storm of controversy.

During a retirement party held for Gibson on June 15, she jokingly said, “I think, for the first time in a long time, I will be able, after June 30, to just… sleep.”

A presidency that began as the supposed antidote to the Hahs and Helldobler eras ends with a new Interim President, Dr. Katrina Bell-Jordan, as the supposed antidote to the Gibson era.

For some at NEIU, June 30 marks the end of a five-year chapter.

For others at NEIU, June 30 marks a new beginning from the university’s own Dark Ages.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023

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opinion

Language Lost, Humanity Divided: A Book Review of “Babel”

by R. F. Kuang

Captivating and Enlightening: Unveiling the World of “Remarkable Bright Creatures” in an Engaging Masterpiece

By: Angie Ybarra, Writer

By: Angie Ybarra, Writer

“Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of Oxford Translators’ Revolution”, written by R. F. Kuang, is a 2022 New York bestseller-listed book that dives into the relationship between language and humanity.

As I immersed myself in this book of historical fiction, I was overwhelmed by the author’s ability to skillfully weave a story that expresses just how powerful the art of communication is and what limitations are placed on it.

From the very beginning, the story revolves around the world of language and how we as citizens of the world are losing language’s beauty, root, and of course, its proper use when communicating with others. Kuang is able to capture the struggle people face with regard to language and our relationship with each other regardless of ethnic backgrounds.

Within the pages of “Babel”, Kuang uses broad strokes to paint a vivid picture of society and our ability, or lack thereof, to maintain it. The author shows society is struggling to maintain some semblance of desire to maintain language or to grapple with the consequences of this linguistic nightmare.

The plot of the story starts with death, sickness, loss of one’s identity, and starting off

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

in a new land. However, the main character is forced to become something he is not in the wake of helping an orphaned young man from the goodness of his heart. The storylines of each main character are explored and exposed in simple yet surprising ways. The sheer difference in culture and perspectives almost is a character of the book itself, giving context and meaning to much of the storylines.

The characters within the pages of this novel become almost real and are at the very least relatable to you the reader. Kuang is skillful in developing characters so that the reader is able to embrace the realness of each of them.

The cast of characters in Babel provides so much value to the story. As you read through the story, you become entwined with the characters, especially with Robin Swift and his plight.

The story of what language’s worth is; war, invasion, brotherhood, the friendship of convenience and so much more makes this book a must-read. Take some time to enjoy “Babel” and become obsessed with a character who makes naivete look sweet. I recommend this book as a great escape from the everyday grind of life. The book is a definite 4.5 out of 5.

Photo by mana5280 on Unsplash

“Remarkable Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt will make you believe “nothing just happens — it’s all predestined; it all happens for a reason.” This book effortlessly combines elements of dark melodrama with insightful and whimsical reflections on life, keeping readers engaged and entertained throughout.

The story introduces us to Cameron, an average millennial who finds himself entangled in a web of tragedy and drama. After losing yet another job and experiencing a breakup with his girlfriend, Cameron ends up crashing on a friend’s couch with nothing but his scattered belongings.

Adulting was never supposed to be this hard! However, Cameron remains resilient and devises a plan to guilt his presumed father into paying him the child support he believes he is owed. His reality is shaped by his aunt, who raised him, his mother’s ongoing battle with addiction and an unknown father. But everything changes when Cameron stumbles upon his mother’s few remaining possessions, setting off a chain of events that leads him to a unique money-making opportunity.

A class ring, a Google search and a somewhat

questionable decision to purchase a camper sets his journey in motion.

Meanwhile, in the distant town of Sowell Bay, Washington, resides an extraordinary cast of characters who unknowingly hold the power to change Cameron’s life forever.

Among them are Marcellus and Tova, unlikely individuals whose presence adds charm to the story. Each character contributes to the narrative in distinct ways. As the plot unfolds, we discover the reasons behind Marcellus’ escape from his enclosure, which involve latenight snacking expeditions to the cucumber fish tank. Simultaneously, we come to understand Tova’s pragmatic nature, a result of the numerous losses she has endured throughout her life.

Prepare to be captivated by the lightheartedness that permeates this book. You will be invested in the blossoming relationship, and see the delicate balance between life and death. I highly recommend this book, as it offers a great escape from reality while leaving readers with a profound appreciation for the extraordinary nature of both humans and creatures alike.

opinion

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023

AMC’s “Interview with the Vampire” Review

Photo of the Month:

Picture taken by Dan Maurer

By: Bella Cardoza, Contributing Writer

AMC’s “Interview with the Vampire” proves that representation for everyone can exist in the horror genre. When I first heard that AMC would be making an “Interview with the Vampire” TV show, I was very hesitant at first because the original movie with Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and Kirsten Dunst was near and dear to my heart and I just thought that the show was horrible until I watched it this year and it changed my mind.

With the show originally being released on Oct. 2, 2022, I thought that Jacob Anderson as Louis, Sam Reid as Lestat, and Bailey Bass as Claudia would do a bad job as the main vampires until I watched the show and I realized that their performances were bone-chilling. Sam Reid as Lestat and Jacob Anderson as Louis prove that they can lead characters in horror and be in queer relationships. Jacob Anderson along with Bailey Bass both prove that there is even a space for people of color to be the lead characters in the horror genre just like their white counterparts.

Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, and Bailey Bass prove that they have a lot of range when they play their respective characters, one minute they can be bloodthirsty and sadistic vampires that like to play mind games with their victims, but still have a sensitive and vulnerable side. On top of that, Eric Bogosian as Daniel Molloy who interviews Louis in present-day Dubai also does a great job playing the hesitant and suspicious journalist who questions Louis’s intentions when asking him about his past life and how he’s a vampire.

Photo by Loren Cutler on Unsplash

Another thing that is brilliant about this show is the costumes are historically accurate for the time periods, ranging from the 1920s to near present day.

While the show itself is good, it seems that on March 31, 2023, Bailey Bass who played Claudia in the first season of “Interview with the Vampire”, announced on her Instagram that she will not be returning to season two of the show. Bailey wrote, “Due to a variety of unforeseen circumstances I’m unable to return to Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire for a second season. Playing Claudia has been a dream role and an incredible ride.

I wish Delainey Hayles the best of luck in taking over.” Ever since reading that post, I thought it was an early April fool’s joke until I realized it was actually for real and every entertainment news site like the Hollywood Reporter also confirmed it to be true.

Bailey Bass did a wonderful job of portraying Claudia and capturing her spirit and personality, especially when she becomes a vampire for the first time and when she tries to escape from Lestat.

I can’t wait to see Delainey Hayles as Claudia. I am so excited for season two to come out this year since it finished wrapping in New Prague. There is another new cast member with Ben Daniels cast as Santiago, who in the books and movie is described as being a member of a vampire theater group that is in Paris who seems to have their sights set on Louis and Claudia for their own sinister reasons.

2023 Pride Parade Photo, with comment regarding recent Supreme Court rulings

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023

opinion

ChatGPT’s Influence on the World By: Ananth Prabhu, Sports Editor

ChatGPT emerged in late 2022 from the company OpenAI. Millions of people around the world have started using ChatGPT due to its seemingly impeccable responses to any question and ease of use.

According to NBC News in December 2022, it was originally uncensored and unfiltered, meaning that ChatGPT would give directions to build explosives when summoned to do so. However, since then, several iterations of the service have been created as updates to censor and guide the technology into giving more appropriate answers and denying inappropriate requests.

I started exploring ChatGPT’s functions and responses in early 2023 due to hype in the media. I have had a pure fun time engaging with this technological tool by forming conversations, debating it, correcting it, allowing it to correct me, deceiving it into answering my extremely strange questions, evoking my curiosity and evading writer’s block. Likewise, ChatGPT’s slogan is rather modest and appropriate which says that users can “get instant answers, find creative inspiration, and learn something.”

ChatGPT is an incredible tool, but only if people learn to use it as a tool and not as an answer for everything. ChatGPT is a large-language model because it is trained on data prior to September 2021 that gives the most probable following word to any pending statement. However, the most intriguing part is the speed at which ChatGPT processes the information, and not necessarily the information itself.

As long as ChatGPT users fact-check everything that comes out of the technology, people should be satisfied with the responsible and ethical use of the technology.

ChatGPT can do some things extremely well, while it has problems with other activities. For example, ChatGPT can proofread, suggest and edit sentences, paragraphs and articles that are fed into it. ChatGPT can summarize entire scholarly articles. When asked to find the confounding variables of a

scholarly article, it succeeded and was correct. ChatGPT can even write formal emails and letters for a person. ChatGPT is fantastic at conveying fictional stories, writing poetry and refining crossword puzzle clues for accuracy.

As long as a person fact-checks everything to ascertain the information’s accuracy, nothing could go wrong. I am absolutely not convinced that ChatGPT is going to steal people’s jobs, but people’s jobs may very well become easier by using ChatGPT. Well, there is one job that may lose some duties and responsibilities due to ChatGPT, such as a few secretarial duties like typing formal emails to correspondents, but that is about it. ChatGPT is also awesome at giving advice on how to proceed in various life activities whether it is school-related, work-related or lifestyle-related. For instance, if students are confused by a professor’s convoluted college assignment directions, ChatGPT will help to refine the directions into making it more comprehensible, so that students actually understand the content the professor wants to be submitted.

When I ask about knowledge which is sparse on the internet, and there is a lack of data on the topic, ChatGPT is definitely not hesitant or shy to make stuff up. It is definitely cocky and overconfident about the information. This sheer overconfidence in the chatbot may be the most problematic downfall of the tool. I have corrected it, and it apologized with positive regard, which feels great.

Unlike using a Google search, every inquiry with ChatGPT should be thought of as a full detailed back-and-forth conversation that refines the answers a user seeks. ChatGPT helps people to improve their writing, and people can actively learn from using ChatGPT by fact-checking and reading articles. ChatGPT is definitely the best work companion for any academic or learned person.

ChatGPT reminds me of how naive most

of the world was when Google search was first launched approximately 20 years ago, and Google became most people’s search of choice because it offered relevancy.

ChatGPT is rather promising in the exact same manner, but it is far more propitious than Google’s search with its potential.

If a Ph.D. candidate can finish a dissertation in two years instead of six years because of extensive ChatGPT usage, there ought to be no harm in doing so, as long as all the references are correct. Human processes can very well be expedited with the appropriate and ethical usage of ChatGPT. I think of ChatGPT as a tool that helps to expedite all the mundane activities that humans are expected to do, such as data entry, customer support, appointment scheduling, research and information gathering, report generation, content idea generation, language translation, proofreading and editing, grammar checks, giving dictionary and thesaurus help, writing snippets of code to use

in a full program, providing research help, summarizing information, giving advice how to proceed, organization of thoughts, data analysis and administrative tasks.

If this extensive yet non-exhaustive list specifically targets your job, perhaps you should be a little worried about your job’s efficacy, but it ought to be decades before ChatGPT may become autonomous.

Sometimes people have difficulty accepting new technology into their lives, but as long as people continue questioning, experimenting and tinkering with technology. There is truly no fear in finding new approaches to doing mundane tasks because people can focus their brain power on the creative ambitions that a fulfilling life calls for. As for now, ChatGPT only has a text box, waits for user input and processes requests on a distant server, much like Google’s search homepage. It is entirely up to people to use ChatGPT responsibly and ethically as a tool of their trade.

ChatGPT on an Android device . Photo by Ananth Prabhu

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023

A 12-Year iPhone User Breaks Free: Embracing Android With No Regrets By: Ananth Prabhu, Sports Editor

Smartphones have become a revolutionary piece of technology that has taken over human society. The choice of mobile operating systems is a duopoly, for the most part. Android and iOS are the two contenders of choice. Like many individuals, the operating system chosen for one’s first smartphone often becomes the default choice for subsequent devices due to the power of habit and routine.

I am no stranger to following routines. My first smartphone was an iPhone during the Steve Jobs era of Apple. The phone was easy

to use and configure to my liking. It lacked features that I wanted, but there was a quick fix to it through jailbreaking the phone.

For those not familiar, jailbreaking an iPhone is installing alternative stores to the phone, such as the Cydia Store. Furthermore, jailbreaking an iPhone can also be thought of as similar to installing Homebrew apps onto the Nintendo Wii, Wii U or 3DS game consoles. It is a way for third-party developers to share their creative insights with the world that giant corporations do not usually

approve of.

Originally, my favorite part of using the iPhone was waiting for the jailbreak to be released each year so I could dive into the wonderful world of modded apps, experimental features and creations that Apple never approved of.

The disappointment and frustrations that Apple has initiated into the core iOS over the previous decade have infuriated me. For example, the automatic updates, persistent iCloud sign-in requirements and nagging pop-ups on the iPhone make it unbearable to be patient and wait for the almighty third-party jailbreaking tools to be released.

In fact, creating working jailbreak tools has actually taken the developers longer to build for the more recent versions of iOS than the earlier versions.

The more I have used iPhones over time, the more apparent it has become that Apple often puts obstacles in my path when trying to accomplish tasks. I usually want to open a

Centered: An Android phone with a custom launcher. Left: 2 iOS devices. Right: 2 iOS devices. Photo by Ananth Prabhu

particular file type in a particular app on the iPhone, and there was no option to do so, but I found a workaround. I had to AirDrop the file to an iPad and then AirDrop it back to the iPhone, and only then the iPhone actually permitted me to complete the task. I often felt lost in the dark while wondering how other people continue to tolerate Apple’s idiosyncrasies more than I have.

I have had growing concerns about Apple’s domineering anti-trust behavior. Apple has been under investigation for antitrust by the Department of Justice for the last several years. According to CNBC, Apple favors its own products over the use of third-party apps.

The investigation is problematic and a concern because it implies that their monopolistic practices may worsen in the near future to a point of no return. According to the BBC, Apple had intentionally slowed down iPhones in their software updates.

As a victim of Apple’s actions, I can confirm that slowing down a smartphone absolutely cripples the experience of being an unusable phone. There are other examples of Apple’s anti-trust behaviors, such as using a specific type of connector, called Lightning, which has been exclusively used in all iPhones since 2012.

Lightning cables are problematic because they lack universality with other devices.

Another component of their anti-trust behavior took place after the removal of the headphone jack, which resulted in AirPods.

Their AirPods have more easy connectivity than traditional Bluetooth headphones, but the technology that allows fast pairing of AirPods are not allowed to be utilized in competitors’ headphones.

As soon as the option to use competitors’ products becomes hindered, monopolistic practices become of great concern. Apple may be forcing its customers to compromise too much in terms of not having inherent freedoms on their devices.

Story continues on page 11

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opinion

Story continues from page 10

When I compare the settings app of my first iPhone and my latest iPhone, I can see clear distinctions that hinder my experience in the latter. It is the presence of subscription services or what I like to call “rental services.” Some of the most notable services that riddle the settings app are iCloud+, Tv+, Music, Arcade, Fitness+ and News+. The older iPhone has a cleaner user interface that is not as riddled as the later iPhones.

The inherent problem of using one single company for curated content or services is that it prevents users from engaging with outside experiences and hinders creativity. Thus, monopolistic practices are problematic in the long run. I have never relied on any of Apple’s default apps because there has always been an outside developer who can design a more functional app. Thus, I typically refer to the default apps as ‘bloatware.’

I have been using Android for the last seven months. After switching to Android, I noticed that it was easier to do every task that I can think of. Management of files became easier because I have all the same file privileges that I normally have on a computer. The ability to do split screen for using two apps simultaneously has become a game changer for productivity purposes compared to app switching.

Transferring files to and from a computer became easier because it was just a matter of ‘click and drag.’

Call clarity has improved in regard to the speaker’s voice and loudness.

The keyboard on Android, known as Gboard, allows me to type faster, and the haptic feedback of the keyboard is impeccable with zero

latency, unlike my experiences on iOS. The back button or back swipe has been beneficial when navigating the operating system, and when I pick up an old iPhone, it feels like something integral is missing.

I spent less time setting up an Android phone than I normally would have with an iPhone, and my overall setup process was easier.

I have also never experienced any app crashes as I have periodically experienced on iOS. All my experiences with Android have been a major improvement, and the switch was unbelievably easy without any kind of learning curve. On the contrary, trying to navigate an iPhone after using Android will definitely take some getting used to.

My favorite part of Android is that I have the privilege to install apps from anywhere. In addition to the default store known as Google Play, Android users are able to download apps from the Aurora Store, F-droid Store or directly from the developer’s website. There are plenty of open-source and closed-source

options for apps from a combination of these places tailored to every individual on the planet. The flexibility of my Android phone makes it feel perfectly tailored to my preferences.

On one hand, the Android operating system revolves around catering to the creative inclinations and unique tastes of each individual user. On the other hand, Apple serves more as a dictator on iOS and decides what all users get. Simply put, it is the difference between individualistic preferences on Android and conformity on iOS. The nature of Android is what I have craved for the longest time after the melancholic and abysmal nature that iOS has become. As a creativity-inclined person, the variety within iOS has grown insufficient for me because I enjoy tinkering with computing power, whether it is a phone, computer or gaming console. Apparently, I only enjoyed using an iPhone because the nature of a smartphone was novel for me 12 years ago.

Android has continued to surprise me with

Photo of the Month: Picture taken by Michael Donald

Joseph Przybyla being sworn in to the position of Chief of Police on June 29, 2023.

all the freedoms that iPhone users typically take for granted. The thousands of ways to change how the smartphone functions with the wide library of modded apps is an unheard-of concept on ‘vanilla’ iOS. In addition to this, numerous manufacturers have allowed their Android phones to be fast charged from 0 to 100% in just 45 minutes. I confirm that fast charging feels incredible!

The mid-tier Android phones seem to have matured so well in the past 12 years that there is absolutely nothing I miss about using any of the latest iPhones.

As a reader of the Independent, I hope you critically think about your shopping patterns for phones or any merchandise before purchasing by making informed decisions instead of relying on past behaviors and impulses. Given Apple’s track record of anti-trust behavior, I will leave you with an appropriate quote from Hungarian-American psychiatrist, Thomas Szasz, “...the naive forgive and forget, [and] the wise forgive but do not forget.”

campus Arts & life

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023

Understanding NEIU’s Green Fee: Supporting Sustainability Initiatives on Campus By: Angie Ybarra, Staff Writer

To be perfectly honest, reading a bill from the university can be a bit overwhelming if not incomprehensible for an undergraduate student. If this would be a freshman’s first time dealing with bigger finances to take care of, it could be overwhelming.

So what exactly is a “Green Fee”? At first, I thought it was a golf club that the university had and we all maintained it. Wrong. Come to find out the “Green Fee” we are billed for is to keep the lawns, trees, and general grounds of the campus well maintained. Most students do not even give it a second thought, if at all what are a few bucks anyway? Well, it is $3 multiplied by the number of students per semester and that totals to more than a few bucks. Let’s take a look at the Green Fee at least in terms of what it is to NEIU’s community.

committee, as well as the student body, has something to contribute to how these funds are used. If you feel like you have the next great project that the committee should embark upon feel free to contact Dr. Maldonado. Meetings are held in person at the main campus and are streamed to the other satellite

campuses as well.

So regardless if we feel like the Green Fee is just another fee to be charged, perhaps we should look into the committee becoming involved and be the change we want to see like a native species garden that replaces the lawn, charging stations for electric cars or a recycled

play area for the neighborhood children. Or maybe to combat the rising cost of food, a community garden that contributes to the student food pantry. Whatever your idea is, present it at the next Green Fee Committee meeting. Feel free to reach out to the Green Fee email at greenfee@neiu.edu.

The Green Fee has a committee that is made up of: - One student representative from the Student Government Association - One student representative from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies - Two student representatives from the Green Conservation Group - One at-large student representative - Two faculty members, one of which is from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies - Two staff members in Facilities Management.

The committee has a mission which is to maintain the natural aesthetic look of the campus with the lawn, trees, and plants. It strives to be a representation of the University’s commitment to being sustainable and providing an opportunity for students to be involved by allowing them to propose projects that would be in line with the purpose of the Green Fee Committee.

The Faculty Advisor, Dr. Lindsay Maldonando believes that each member of the

The illustrated recycling bin funded by Student Green Fees were found in the Ronald Williams Library. Photo by Ananth Prabhu

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campus Arts & life

Striving for Greatness at CCICS By: Leslie Lozada, Editor in Chief Pictures of Poetry Slam taken by Dan Maurer

Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS) is one of NEIU’s satellite campuses and has been a part of NEIU since its inception. Over the last several years, it has become a hub for not only their classes but for events that unite the NEIU community and beyond.

There are two events worth mentioning that, within a month of each other, highlight the inclusiveness and creativity of the Carruthers Center. The Fifth Annual Poetry Slam for NEIU students, and the 28th Annual Community Media Awards, as presented by Public Narrative.

Breaking Barriers; Striving for Greatness “We feature these poets who are brave, and continue to share their stories.” - Andrea Evans They brought different parts of NEIU to CCICS, with various people participating this year. Orion Meadows, one of the winners from the previous year, was one of the judges.

Cortez Thomas, the first-place winner from last year, was also in attendance, with Destiny Davis, who was the host of the poetry slam.

“Because single women are in power, bring-

ing power to men” - Courtney Henderson Among the participants, Gabriela Kupjanczuk, who had the poems “The End Of Lark,” and “Somewhere else”, captivated the audience. Courtney Henderson, a social work major, took part in the Poetry Slam. Courtney not only shared her powerful poems titled “My Black Ain’t Never Been Free” and “Observation of Mother” but also brought her children along to witness the event. Onze Davenport, an Interdisciplinary and urban community studies double major, presented the poems “Where do we go from here” and “Hurt.”

As is the case at the Poetry Slam, as the judges go and deliberate on the winners, there was an open mic section for those in the audience that wanted to participate. Among the attendees were a pair of children, one child, whose poem is titled “My Mom is not like other moms”, who expressed her feelings for her mother. Another person jumped in from the audience and decided to freeform what he wanted to have from his life, and his relationship with his partner. Sarator Whitehead, after being urged by the audience, repeated her poem from the year before.

Davenport got first place, Henderson got second place, and Kupjanczuk got third place

A Media Melody The Public Narrative’s Community Media Awards was established in 1994, and over 120 awards have been presented to journalists in their work for community media since.

There were four award categories: the Uplifting Voices Award, for an individual journalist for changemaker that spe-

cializes in Chicago Communities, and the Studs Terkel Award which recognized “Chicago journalists of any media genre who exemplify the values of Terkel’s journalism by elevating people’s voices above power”, as stated in a release from Public Narrative.

Two additional categories for this year were the People’s Choice Award for emerging journalists in the industry, and the Ripple Effect Award for a journalist on the national level that had an impact in Chicago and elsewhere.

Communication, Media and Theatre Professor Edie Rubinowitz mentioned in a NEIU news piece about the Community Media Awards, “They dig and dig and get at the truth while raising up voices that often don’t get on the front page. They are an inspiration to our students, some of whom are looking into pursuing a career as media makers.”

The highlight was the awardees’ speeches.

Jodi Cohen, one of the Studs Terkel Award winners, and a reporter for ProPublica, teared up while recanting some of her major milestones over the course of her long career.

During her career, Cohen has conducted indepth investigations and reported on topics connected with school segregation, discipline policies, college admissions, and the impact of financial aid on students. Jorge Martinez, being the youngest recipient of the People’s Choice award, mentioned a bit of his life since joining the Cicero Independente, a Cicero local newspaper that started in 2020.

Craig Dellimore, who won the 2023 Ripple Effect Award, is primarily known as a political editor and reporter for WBBM Newsradio, a Chicago-based news station. In his acceptance speech, he showed humility, talking about the four decades of his career, but also of current and future journalists. “When I see younger people diving in … in the press room, and city hall or out on the streets, it tells me that people haven’t given up on this business.”

While I would be remiss without saying that I did not really know of their names before the awards, I was in awe by how varied they were, from all walks of life, and all of them managed to receive an award in a field that not many people would dedicate their lives to.

All of this goes to show that Bronzeville hosts a variety of events, but sometimes there may be a lack of accessibility in certain areas of the city. Nevertheless, if you know where to look, there are hidden gems and opportunities to be discovered.

You can find the full 2023 Community Media Award ceremony as presented by the Public Narrative on the Can TV Youtube channel.

campus Arts & life

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023

My Block My Hood My City: A Talk With Jahmal Cole, Founder and CEO By: Dan Maurer, News Editor

Jahmal Cole is the founder and CEO of My Block My Hood My City, a non-profit organization in Chicago focused on inspiring and providing opportunities for the city’s youth. On June 28, 2023, Cole gave an hour-long presentation at the Pedroso Center, where he talked about his life and the organization he founded.

Cole grew up mostly living with his father in a motel on the South Side of Chicago. As a child, he went to an alternative high school, only sporadically.

A dream of joining the NBA led him to apply and be accepted into Wayne State College in Nebraska. Upon learning of his acceptance, his father stole a U-Haul truck and drove him for 11 hours to get to the college.

While at Wayne State, his basketball coach taught him a very important lesson: “The highest level of maturity is taking full responsibility for your actions.” He repeated this statement several times during his presentation.

While Cole never made it to the NBA, he did graduate and move back to Chicago. Where, over the next few years, he published multiple books and founded My Block My Hood My City almost by accident.

Today, My Block My Hood My City focuses on improving communities and providing opportunity and potential to youth in underserved communities. According to their website, “My Block My Hood My City provides youth from divested neighborhoods with an awareness of the world and opportunities beyond their neighborhood.”

My Block My Hood My City has a number of initiatives and volunteer opportunities for adolescents and young adults. Their Downtown Day event, on

July 8, 2023 aims to bring 1,000 young people to downtown Chicago and give them $50 to explore the area. This event aims to give youth who feel they do not belong, or cannot afford to enjoy the city center, an opportunity to experience downtown Chicago with a sense of belonging, and participate in what the center of the city has to offer, in a way they would otherwise not be able to afford.

Another initiative, Save StreetBall, aims to install basketball rims around the city for youth to unwind and release energy. According to Cole, Chicago has been removing rims due to a false connection between crime rates and the presence of basketball rims in neighborhoods. This initiative is putting them back up.

They also have the Explorers Program, an initiative to bring youth to different businesses and vocational/arts programs to show them the different opportunities Chicago has to offer them.

“Isolation is a common issue in a large number of neighborhoods in the city,” their website reads. “Many of the young people we serve have barely left their block, and have never experienced Chicago outside of their neighborhood.” A point confirmed by audience members during Cole’s Q&A. My Block My Hood My City also has many volunteer opportunities for people to engage with each month, from alley cleanups and lawn mowing, to snow shoveling for seniors.

Those who would like to get in touch with My Block My Hood My City can visit their website at www. formyblock.org as well as on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Photo taken by Dan Maurer

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campus Arts & life

Honoring Puerto Rican Traditions: NEIU Community Marches in Parade By: Scott Andrews, Staff Writer Photos taken by Zulmaris Crespo

On a beautiful Saturday, June 10, 2023, a spirited group of over 25 students, faculty and staff—joined by esteemed Board of Trustee Members Marvin Garcia and Michelle Morales—marched in the 45th annual Puerto Rican Day Parade.

Board of Trustees Vice Chair Garcia generously donated the funding to rent the float and other materials used for decoration.

Accompanying the participants were notable NEIU administrators, including Dr. Terry Mena, Vice President and Dean of Students for Student Affairs, along with Paola Vargas, Assistant to the Vice President.

The festivities began at 11 a.m. as parade participants eagerly gathered to embellish the float. Volunteers artfully adorned the float with vibrant balloons and banners, showcasing the colors of NEIU’s beloved Golden Eagles. The day itself could not have been more picturesque—with abundant sunshine and a cloudless sky—as temperatures soared past 85-plus degrees. The University even treated everyone to refreshing popsicles from a nearby street vendor.

By 2 p.m., the parade set off on its journey down Division Street, meandering through the heart of Humboldt Park, a vibrant Puerto

Rican neighborhood. The parade gracefully proceeded westward, making its way toward Humboldt Drive. Leading the float’s path was Goldie, NEIU’s exuberant mascot, captivating the crowd with infectious dance moves.

As the float elegantly moved forward, participants joyously waved to the cheering parade attendees, who lined both sides of the street in a display of unity and celebration. Eager NEIU volunteers distributed promotional materials, including stylish T-shirts, informative brochures and engaging pamphlets to support the University.

Throughout the event, there were moments

of jubilance as confetti cannons showered the delighted onlookers in the crowd. The lively beats of Puerto Rican-themed music emanated from powerful loudspeakers, setting the stage for impromptu dancing in the streets.

Amidst this exuberance, the float continued its steady progress, creating an unforgettable experience for all those present in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.

NEIU senior Jasmine Rodriguez enjoyed participating in the parade and stated, “It was my first time attending the Puerto Rican Parade. I saw support for so many social struggles like Free Palestine and Boycott Florida.”

campus Arts & life

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023

Que Ondee Sola: An NEIU Legacy An Interview with Xavier Morales-Greene, the Editor-in-Chief of QOS By: Dan Maurer, News Editor

Picture of Xavier Morales-Greene, Clay Cofre and Miles Sennett at Meet the Media Fall 2022 Photo taken by Alumnus Derek Ramos

On a warm, sunny day in Humboldt Park, I sat in front of Nellie’s, a Puerto Rican restaurant on the corner of Division and Campbell. I was sitting with Xavier Morales-Greene, the freshman Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of Que Ondee Sola (QOS), NEIU’s Puerto Rican magazine. Morales-Greene had recommended the lechon asada, Puerto Rican-style pulled pork, and as the tender meat melted in my mouth, he told me about Que Ondee Sola and what it means to himself and the Puerto Rican community.

Que Ondee Sola translates to “may it wave alone.” According to QOS’s manifesto, it refers to the Puerto Rican flag and the self-determination of the Puerto Rican people. Established in 1972, QOS is the longestrunning Puerto Rican and Latinx university

student publication in the nation. Its mission is to shed light on the struggles of the island and the people of Puerto Rico, a territory that has been under colonial rule since 1493, first by Spain, and now by the U.S. Puerto Rico is currently a Commonwealth of the United States, and Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens without voting representation in Congress or the ability to participate in the presidential election.

According to Morales-Greene, QOS serves two purposes. First, as a place for Puerto Ricans to see their issues discussed openly.

Second, as a publication specific to Chicagoland and the Humboldt Park community.

QOS does advocate for Puerto Rican independence, though Morales-Greene recognizes that recent attitudes on the island have been shifting towards favoring official statehood.

“When you are a group of people who are suffering from human rights issues and discrimination, and dehumanization, and colonialism,” Morales-Greene said, “nothing feels better in the world than to see your struggles being talked about.”

QOS was started by people from the Humboldt Park community and the Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC). Many prominent figures in the community, including NEIU Alumna Jessie Fuentes, Alderperson of the 26th Ward, were a part of QOS. Fuentes, who gained a dual Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree from NEIU, is herself a former EIC of QOS. Due to declining rates of Puerto Rican enrollment at NEIU, previous EICs of QOS expanded the magazine’s scope to cover general Latinx issues. However, over the past year, QOS has rebranded itself, returning to its Puerto Rican roots and building a new ideology and staff, including a new managing editor, Jasmine Rodriguez, who Morales-Greene described as essential.

“None of this would have been feasible without Jasmine,” he said, “she’s a champ.”

Morales-Green was quick to point out that QOS does not exclude other Latinx cultures or communities. While QOS focuses on the Puerto Rican experience, it maintains a broader perspective on human rights issues in general.

“There are human rights violations going on, day to day in Puerto Rico, that people have no idea about,” Morales-Greene said, “and so you can’t imagine what would happen in the future if we allowed them to just keep going.”

The new incarnation of QOS has already reestablished its connection with the Humboldt Park community, a bond that had waned in recent years. Morales-Greene shared, “I get stopped on the street, when I’m in this community, by people who know what QOS is…and they’re like, this new one is beautiful. It’s everything that it used to be.”

Morales-Greene has been politically active for most of his life, frequently attending protests with his mother. He even had multiple opportunities to speak with Oscar López Rivera, a political prisoner and member of Fuerzas Armadas de Liberación Nacional Puertorriqueña, a Puerto Rican independence group, while López Rivera was imprisoned under federal charges. The community protest efforts lead to his release, resulting in no remaining political prisoners from Puerto Rico, as Morales-Greene claims.

Assuming the role of Editor-in-Chief as a freshman at the age of 19, Morales-Greene plans to spend the next four years expanding the magazine, growing its staff, and publishing more frequently. He envisions QOS becoming more involved on campus and hosting events with the PRCC. He is confident that QOS can expand its reach to Puerto Rican communities in New York, Florida, and California, becoming a nationwide publication. Additionally, he sees QOS as a valuable piece of NEIU, attracting Puerto Rican students to the university and serving as a resource for the broader Puerto Rican community.

When asked if he had a message for the NEIU community, Morales-Green was uncompromising: “Give a shit… Care,” he said, “I hate when people are like, ‘Oh, politics stress me out too much, blah, blah, blah.’ It’s like, yeah, I get it. It’s stressful to know the truth. But that is essential if you want your life to get any better.

If you are tired, exhausted, because you’re at fucking work, you know, that’s capitalism, that’s politics. Get a little bit more educated on it and figure out how to make some change.”

Morales-Greene invites anyone who is interested to join QOS, regardless of their background. QOS can be reached at queondeesolamag@gmail.com or by phone at 773-442-4583. QOS can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Act Act 20 20 && Act Act 22 22

By Contributing Writer, Xavier Morales-Greene, the Editor-in-Chief of QOS

By Xavier Morales-Greene On multiple occasions, the U.S. has attempted to stabilize the infrastructure and economy in Puerto Rico which they are responsible for destabilizing. But instead of meeting the needs of the people and island, the U.S. often only meets its own financial needs which ends up causing more issues for the people of Puerto Rico. While there are countless examples, Acts 20 and 22 are both examples that have recently had a lot of influence on the island and caused a lot of issues.

Act 20, established in 2012, provides tax incentives to Puerto Rican companies to export their services to customers outside of Puerto Rico. Now the term “Puerto Rican companies” is used very loosely, typically it is an American company moving to Puerto Rico to get a tax break. Most Puerto Rican companies cater to Puerto Ricans and are not eligible for the tax incentives. The tax incentives include a 4% corporate tax rate, a 100% tax exemption on dividends or property distributions, and a 100% exemption on property taxes. So this leads to American companies relocating to Puerto Rico for the tax break, leading to those companies buying up more property, leading to gentrification, furthering the wealth gap on the island and damaging the infrastructure despite the act being enacted to stabilize the economy.

Act 22 on the other hand is more catered to the individual. Act 22, again made to try and stabilize the economy, was made to attract foreign investors to come be permanent residents of Puerto Rico which would hopefully lead to them investing in the island. Act 22 offers these foreign investors and traders a 100% tax exemption on all dividends and interest income, a 100% tax exemption on all capital gains, and a 4% corporate tax rate. For a simpler explanation, all their transactions on things like real estate or stocks are all tax-free. This act has similar effects as Act 20, it also will lead to huge gentrification throughout the island, massively furthering the already large wealth gap on the island and harming Puerto Rico’s infrastructure. These rich foreigners will of course buy up properties originally intended for the Puerto Rican population, and invest into those areas causing the property tax to rise, pushing out the Puerto Ricans that live in those areas, the same stuff happens in the minority neighborhoods here in Chicago.

These acts were made by the U.S. without the consultation of the Puerto Rican people. They were not voted on.

These acts harm the nature of the island and push out its residents by furthering gentrification and the wealth gap. They were not agreed upon and are not working and therefore need to be addressed by the U.S. government. It may be a hot take, but I do not want to see Puerto Rico filled with rich White people. I want it filled with my people, and I want to see my people prosper. The U.S. doesn’t seem to get that.

Campus Crosswords: NEIU Amenities By: Ananth Prabhu, Sports Editor Down 2. University sports & fitness facility 3. University’s hub for graduates’ connections 4. Scientist’s workplace to conduct experiments 6. Therapeutic and mental health support for students 7. Brief test of academic knowledge 9. University hub promoting diversity and social change 11. Official name of the science building on campus

12. Campus resource for occupational exploration, employment paths, resume, cover letter and interviewing help 13. Campus building for exploring artists’ multifaceted tapestry and a gateway to diversity and inspiration with artworks 15. University’s culturally diverse showcase of creativity 16. Abbreviated medical degree that may be pursued by a university biology student 17. Abbreviation for a thespian’s exaggerated performance in a college production

Across 1. Official name for the lecture hall building on W. Bryn Mawr Ave. 5. Official abbreviation of the name of the building that houses campus recreation 8. Legal profession milestone exam, also a place to grab a drink and unwind after finals 10. Official abbreviation for one particular college at this university that confers the MBA degree 12. Student organizations 14. The Independent is a student-___ newspaper 16. Generic place where students live on campus 18. Financial aid for students, often requiring repayment 20. One of the school colors often associated with being a precious metal 21. A dwelling that a student or bachelor may live in 22. A student who has completed the matriculation process 23. A college’s academic “path” where some students may be on a faster “track” than others 24. Campus Recreation uses a dynamic and static version of this for climbing 26. College students typically attend these to celebrate and have fun 27. It may take a ____ period of time to complete a college degree 28. Writing utensil commonly used among students to take notes 30. Official name of the building where students receive help to research, borrow books and get tutored 33. Official abbreviation of the university’s name 34. Freely available access of courts for members of campus recreation 35. Cemetery is on this cardinal direction from campus 36. Something stressful that students must take during the final week of the semester 37. Type of sauna that is available to members of campus recreation 38. Regardless of funds, it takes a lot of ____ and effort to complete a college degree 40. One of the school colors often associated with feeling sad 41. Campus convenience to “borrow” sports equipment or “borrow” library books 42. A liberal ____ college degree 44. Official name for the campus resource that students use to acquire job interview attire 47. Official abbreviation for the lecture hall building on W. Bryn Mawr Ave. 48. Official name of the campus facility for providing physical checkups for students and a place to retrieve free condoms

19. Recreational amenity on campus that provides a vertical challenge 22. Ceremonial attire for graduates 25. Former aquatic amenity with a controlled environment on campus 29. Non-varsity campus sports tournaments that are organized as leagues 31. Formal declaration of college enrollment plans 32. Career search platform for connecting with potential employers 39. Animals that represent the university’s

mascot 40. Official abbreviation for the name of the science building on campus 43. Professor’s office hours that allow students to walk-in without appointments 45. Parking areas on campus for students, staff and faculty 46. Official abbreviation for the place that neurodivergent students gain access to appropriate accommodations

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023

Priorities and Progress: Assessing NEIU’s Physical Education Complex Upgrades By: Joshua Lasko, Staff Writer Photos provided by Author

NEIU’s Physical Education Complex, home of Campus Recreation, has witnessed numerous improvements over the past semester. However, the lingering question on the mind of many students, staff and community members is the status of the swimming pool.

While various projects have been initiated to enhance the facilities, such as new pavement for the sidewalks and renovated drinking fountains, the pool has remained a touchy subject, often overlooked. This allocation of funds and resources to other areas demonstrates a lack of effort dedicated to addressing this particular issue, which is unfortunate for those who fondly recall the times when the pool was open.

The Campus Recreation office frequently receives calls from community members lamenting the past, such as programs like Neptune, which taught many children from the community how to swim. The Neptune sign at the equipment desk serves as a nostalgic reminder of those cherished moments.

Undeniably, NEIU requires several significant improvements, and it is evident that the pool is not currently at the top of the priority list, with smaller improvements taking precedence. However, this should not be solely viewed as a negative aspect.

Fixing the pool completely would necessitate Campus Recreation implementing a new policy, which it is not presently prepared to undertake, nor does it have any immediate plans to do so. For instance, if the pool were to reopen, Campus Recreation would need

to hire a student staff and a new aquatics coordinator to ensure its smooth operation.

However, this is currently unfeasible as the existing student staff members already have limited resources available to maintain the current facilities and keep them fully operational.

Furthermore, there are other pressing maintenance issues that demand attention.

During the last semester, several machines responsible for lowering and raising the basketball hoops in the main gym ceased to function. Given their importance in maintaining Campus Recreation’s popular attraction, these repairs were prioritized.

Campus Recreation frequently collaborates with external programs like the Over The Edge Hoops, a basketball program, which extensively utilize our facilities for their practices. Unfortunately, our ability to provide adequate facilities for these activities is currently hindered by the lackluster state of this remarkable building.

Overall, it is crucial to acknowledge that NEIU’s Physical Education Complex necessitates several significant improvements.

While the pool may not be the immediate focus, it is important to consider the logistical challenges and resource limitations involved in its complete restoration.

By addressing both the pool and other maintenance issues, NEIU can ensure a better experience for its students, staff and community members, fostering a vibrant and functional environment within the campus facilities.

Photos taken by Dylan Magahis

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Sports

Poetry Corner

“The Great Laugh” By: Gabriela “Indigo” Kupjancuzk

The end of the day frustration is that it’s so easy to just say you’re in.

I don’t mind, I heart, I broken leg and I have asked you to lend me a little time, a little hug.

Henry’s looking out the window now, he’s activating, he’s becoming more than a good man, and I don’t know if I can do this Starbuck, I just don’t think he’s gonna make it.

Are you auditioning?

Aha! Ahahahah.

You think I’d just get rid of my hair just like that? I’m an old cat, Henry is my man, he’s my one-stop-shop, he’s my bleeding heart and my mimetic processing metronome, my vibration in the wall, my closed-eye listener.

Speech! Speech! Speech!

Settle down, Henry.

(Keep going Henry) Ahem.

Dare not look at the composer, not as he does, not as is the composition. Only when it is your turn to talk, to play the august tragedy, the great accumulation, Do you dare look, And this you do at yourself, outwards, inwards, forwards.

Backwards.

Backwards, son, keep going. Backwards for eternity and then wake, and then some, the end, Near me, tongue flashing downwards, instantaneous immortality, the cosmic laugh, You’ve Really Done It This Time.

You are looking at me from the sideways, man, on the edge of a cliff, the one we’ve been gearing towards our entire lives, and you are looking at me, like everything has been forbidden from us, like we’re going through, like we’re the ones that have to deal, and us, We know immediately what it is.

You are looking at me.