Breaking news and more at TCNJSignal.net. Vol. L, No. 4
February 20, 2019
Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885
College faculty march for justice
Vagina monologues empower female students By Diana Solano Staff Writer
Miguel Gonzalez / News Editor
Professors gather by Green Hall to promote more inclusivity on campus. By Garrett Cecere Managing Editor Bundled up and waving signs, faculty members marched across campus on Feb. 13 to show their support for members of the College community. The Faculty Senate organized the march, which began at the bronze lion statue near the Brower Student Center at 11:30 a.m., continued through a slushy Alumni Grove and concluded on the steps of Green Hall after approximately 25 minutes. “I thought (the march) was terrific,” said College President Kathryn Foster, who walked with the faculty. “It’s such a sign that affirms our values when something happens on campus, so I thought it was outstanding.” Professors marched for various reasons. Some marched in support of sexual assault and hate-crime victims, while others marched in general support of the campus community.
Nonna Sorokina, a professor of finance, walked for a safe campus for everybody, no matter their role at the College. “(We are marching for) students, faculty, staff, guests, anybody who happens to be here,” Sorokina said. The march also became a way for some professors to voice their support for those affected by social biases. One sign read, “be aware of your bias!” while another read, “I support survivors of hate crimes and sexual violence. I believe you.” While some members held posters in support of assault victims, others walked for inclusivity. We’re marching to support an inclusive campus for all students at TCNJ and … just show faculty and staff support for the students,” said Nick McBride, a professor in the music department. One poster had several phrases, some of which included, “not if she
was drunk,” “not if she was queer,” “not if she was wearing a miniskirt” and “not if the victim was male.” In the middle of the poster were the words, “rape is never the victim’s fault.” Joanna Herres, a psychology professor walked for victims of sexual, physical and racial violence. “I’m marching in support of women who experience sexual violence and people of color who have experienced violence because of the color of their skin,” she said. Candice Feiring, also a psychology professor, said she marched for many reasons, some of which included the need to spread more awareness of Anti-Violence Initiatives. “(I march) in support of students who are struggling with assault, encouraging them to come forward, that we want to listen to what they have to say and help them,” Feiring said. “And we do, I think, have a pretty good program in AVI, but it can be better.”
The glowing “V” emanated from the projector on center-stage as crowds of students filled the seats of Mayo Concert Hall. The actors performing in the production sat on the risers and waited to deliver their monologues that touched on topics such as physical pleasures, women’s empowerment and self-love. The College’s Women in Leadership and Learning program held its annual production of Eve Ensler’s, The Vagina Monologues on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. in Mayo Concert Hall. The event emphasized the importance of reclaiming the word “vagina” and the stigmas that currently surround the concept of women’s reproductive health. Different performers delivered their own monologues that shared how they each learned to value their womanhood. This event created a space for people to talk and learn about vaginas in a way that some in the audience may have never experienced or thought about in such a setting. Mary Lynn Hopps, the director of WILL, spoke about the main purpose of Ensler’s play. “Eve Ensler traveled all over the country and eventually the world talking to women and getting their stories,” Hopps said of the playwright. “The girls have cards onstage because they are telling real women’s stories through the monologues they perform.” Hopps stressed the importance of a significant turnout for this type of event. “You receive more consciousness about the issues and violence that women and girls face,” she said. “It’s a world pandemic. Eve, in the inception of this, had the purpose of raising awareness.” The audience’s reaction varied depending on the monologue, but most were full of praise for the performers and their courage to talk about vaginas in a public setting. The performers also spoke about topics that addressed sexual assault, gender transition and the right ways to pleasure the vagina. One of the most memorable performances came from Gigi see PLAY page 15
Minorities seek support amid racial tensions
By Camille Furst News Editor
After one racial incident last semester that targeted Marcus Allen, a junior African American studies and journalism and professional writing double major, the student took to Twitter to voice his concerns. “I am truly disheartened by this experience,” Allen wrote. Shortly after, Kim Pearson, a professor of journalism and professional writing who knew Allen since his early childhood, responded to his tweet. “This young man is my student and someone I have known since he was a baby,” she tweeted. He said that he later reached out to Pearson to communicate what happened and to receive more support. This was not the first time a student of color has reached out to a professor for help on the College’s predominantly white campus — and certainly not the last.
INDEX: Nation & World / page 7
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Some students felt like a minority from their first day at the College. “I actually hated the school and felt like I didn’t belong here,” said Andrea Hormaza, a junior public health major, in reference to her time at the College before she joined the PRIDE Mentoring Program. While Black 18-24 year olds make up 16.9 percent of the citizens in New Jersey of that age range, only 5.6 percent of that demographic are represented at the College. Essentially, Black students at the College are represented 11.3 percent less than Black individuals ages 18-24 who live in the state, according to a study conducted in 2016 by the University of Southern California Race and Equity Center. These statistics earned the College a failing grade for statewide equity compared with other state colleges and universities. Many students of color have been utilizing both informal
Editorial / page 9
see DIVERSITY page 3 Opinions / page 11
Features / page 13
Meagan McDowell / Staff Photographer
Hailey Weiss writhes onstage.
Arts & Entertainment / page 15
Sports / page 20
Dab Pens Students use cannabis oil vapes
Recital Series Musicians perform in Mayo Concert Hall
Women’s Basketball Lions enter playoffs on seven-game winning-streak
See Features page 13
See A&E page 15
See Sports page 20