THE
BLUE &GRAY
THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER
PRESS
January 24, 2019
VOLUME 92 | ISSUE 13 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE
1922
Appellate court finds that UMW officials should have done more to prevent cyber harassment in 2015
KATE SELTZER News Editor
On December 19, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that University of Mary Washington should have done more to protect students from online sexual harassment. Members of the then-new Feminists United club initially filed suit against the University in 2015 for failing to protect them from and punish those responsible for violent and sexist threats delivered through Yik Yak. A federal trial court dismissed the case last fall, but the 2-1 appeals court ruling sent it back to the lower court. The school’s position going into the case was that since Yik Yak messages are anonymous, it could not, nor was it under any obligation to respond with disciplinary measures. The court ruling makes clear that the University “cannot escape liability” on these grounds, since UMW did not attempt to see if identifying the harassers was possible. “The Complaint alleges that the
University never sought to identify the students who posted the offending messages on Yik Yak, even though some of those messages were facilitated by (i.e., posted through the use of) UMW’s network,” the court opinion read. “Nor did the University ever ask Yik Yak to identify those users who had harassed and threatened UMW students.” Kelli Musick was Vice President of Feminists United from 2014-2015 and is listed as one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Currently, she works as the National Program Coordinator at the Feminist Majority Foundation in Arlington, Virginia. She said that she and other club members initially filed a Title IX complaint with the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, but after being “stonewalled” by officials opted to file suit in the district court. “The University chose to permit a sexually hostile environment that negatively impacted our ability to access an education,” Musick said. “I chose to remain involved with this
“The University chose to permit a sexually hostile environment that negatively impacted our ability to access an education.”
process to ensure those in power were held accountable and to shed light on the violence inflicted upon women when we speak out against inequality.” The harassment began in November of 2014, when the club opposed the creation of official Greek life on campus, citing the correlation between fraternities and increased instances of sexual assault. After a slew of threatening messages and hostile interactions with members of the rugby
team, Feminists United reported feeling unsafe to then President Hurley and the Office of Title IX. The ongoing safety concerns and continued reports to UMW’s administration were met with “two listening circles [and] a generic email” – not enough for the school to credibly assert that it had done all it could to prevent a hostile environment. The harassment escalated in March of 2015 •LAWSUIT 10
-Kelli Musick
In 2015, Feminists United organized a rally protesting rape culture following controversy surrounding the suspension of the rugby team. The Blue & Gray Press
Campus reflects on ongoing government shutdown political divisiveness as the primary reason behind the shutdown. “It shows just how polarized politics have The United States is in the midst become,” she said. “It’s not about of its longest partial government elected officials trying to work together shutdown in history, entering day 33 at for the betterment of the states and the the time of people they publication. “You take a president who doesn’t represent. The It’s more of want to be seen as weak, you add a a popularity shutdown stemmed more conservative Republican contest, and from the only caucus and a more liberal congressional elected Democratic caucus and you get a way Democrats’ officials can and shutdown that could last a while.” get elected Republicans’ is by being inability to polarized. -Professor Stephen Farnsworth compromise That’s not on the conducive nation’s to having spending bill in regards to border elected officials sit down and work out security, specifically the Trump issues together.” administration’s plan to build a 5.7 Stephen Lamm, a senior political billion dollar border wall. science major and president of the UMW students reflected on the College Republicans, said Democrats effects of the shutdown. should vote to fund the border wall. Freshman Olivia Harrington cited “The majority of • SHUTDOWN | 11
Abigail Buchholz Staff Writer
UMW hosted the Day of Learning for federal employees affected by the government shutdown. Suzanne Rossi / University Relations
Topics at the Day of Learning included professional development and leadership philosophies to art and poetry, and Sodexo provided lunch. Suzanne Rossi / University Relations
IN THIS
ISSUE
Feminist MUSIC
Shutdown CONTINUES
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Spotify year in review highlights feminist music.
How Trump’s agenda is hurting America.
Da’ Shawn and Ra’ Shawn join UMW Basketball team.
LIFE | 7
VIEWPOINTS | 5
SPORTS | 12
NEWS
Editors: Meaghan McIntyre & Kate Seltzer | blueandgray.news@gmail.com
THE
BLUE & GRAY PRESS
MISSION The Blue & Gray Press is published every Thursday in the University Apartments Clubhouse for our university community. The goal of The Blue & Gray Press is to produce high quality and accurate news in a manner compliant with the Society of Professional Journalists ethics code. In its coverage, The Blue & Gray Press strives to highlight the community of the University of Mary Washington, as well as deliver fair and accurate coverage on the issues important to our students.
EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lauren Closs
Associate Editor Ginny Bixby
Managing Editor Ryan Brauch
SECTION EDITORS NEWS Meaghan McIntyre Kate Seltzer
VIEWPOINTS Grace Winfield
LIFE Lucas Burkholder
SPORTS Jack Hagn
ONLINE Ronic Ngambwe Harry Fisher
PHOTO Cayley McGuire
FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian
Laura Taylor Senior Writer
The UMW Office of Title IX undergoes new staff changes
Over winter break, the Title IX office at the University of Mary Washington underwent changes to employee positions, including beginning a national search for a new Title IX Investigator and assigning a new Title IX Coordinator. In December, President Paino alerted the University of Mary Washington community of Tiffany Oldfield’s departure to the Carolinas leaving a vacancy in her role as the Title IX Coordinator. During her time at UMW, Oldfield made significant contributions to the local and campus community with her leadership efforts in compliance, education, prevention and support. As well as being the first full-time Title IX Coordinator, she served as the Project Director for the UMW Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) grant. The current Title IX Investigator is Stefanie Lucas-Waverly who will become the Title IX Coordinator once the search for the full-time Title IX Investigator is complete, and will support Marissa Miller in her role as the Interim Title IX Coordinator. Once a new Title IX Investigator is hired, this position will be filled by LucasWaverly. Until a new investigator is found, Miller will serve as the Interim Title IX Coordinator. Similarly to her former role, Miller plans to continue working with students, faculty, staff and community partners to support the essence of Title IX while in her interim role. Additionally, Miller plans to work closely with the Title IX team for programming and events on campus to educate and promote awareness. “My day-to-day is fairly new at the moment and as always, things may change when a member of our community needs support and liaison
to other resources,” said Miller. A big part of Miller’s role in her day-to-day tasks is working with others to ensure the support of the community through various different outlets. Along with individual support, the Title IX office has been updating all of its materials to reflect Miller’s role as
syllabus language.” Once Lucas-Waverly becomes the Title IX Coordinator, she plans to make the university’s community aware that she is available to provide resources, support and guidance to all members of the university community. “My goal is to continue the wonderful work Tiffany Oldfield already started as she was the university’s first fulltime Title IX Coordinator,” said Lucas-Waverly. After Stefanie LucasWaverly has become the Title IX Coordinator and the Title IX Investigator position has been filled, Miller will go back to her former role as Associate Coordinator of Student Conduct and Coordinator for Prevention and Advocacy. On Thursday March 14, the Title IX office will be hosting the Evolving Practices Conference in Chandler Ballroom at UMW to provide a multidisciplinary approach to addressing gender-based violence on college campuses. Miller was unable to provide contact information for Tiffany Oldfield once she left the university.
“My goal is to continue the wonderful work Tiffany Oldfield already started as she was the university’s first full-time Title IX Coordinator.” -Stefanie Lucas-Waverly Interim Title IX Coordinator. “We want to make sure individuals know who they can reach out to and how to make the contact with resources,” said Miller. “This includes updating my name on the policy, websites, bathroom stall flyers, and
Marissa Miller will serve as Interim Title IX Coordinator during the search for a new Title IX Investagor. Once a new Title IX Investigator has been found, Stefanie Lucas-Waverly will become the Title IX Coordinator. Emilia Michalkiewicz / The Blue & Gray Press
Students move back into Arrington after extensive renovations are completed Maggie McCotter Staff Writer
When Arrington Hall was officially reopened over winter break, UMW posted a small tour of it on their Instagram story. It included images of the shower, flooring, and new mattresses. The showers have completely new shelving and design, the floors of the bathroom were switched from tile to mock wood, and the new mattresses have a soft side and a firm side for students to choose between.
Before winter break, an email was sent out by the university stating that the renovations to Arrington Hall were complete and students that were relocated from Alvey and Arrington had the option of moving back in for the remainder of the academic year. The university promised students who were relocated and wanted to move back to Arrington that they would be assisted by move-in crews who would take their belongings from their current room to Arrington during winter break. Josie Vernick, a sophomore
majoring in international affairs, said, “[The crews were] incredibly helpful and swift in their efforts to move everyone into the building within three days. My family and I didn’t even have to touch what had been packed. In less than a half hour, my old room was loaded and unloaded into Arrington.” Sean Silke, a junior majoring in business administration, said he did not have as positive of an experience. “The time [the move in crews] told us to be ready by, they weren’t there,” said Silke. “Two •ARRINGTON | 11 or three
CORRECTIONS for THE Week PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO Lauren Closs, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu
2
SPORTS
Club carnival drives club sport growth
ALLISON TOVEY Staff Writer
On Wednesday, Jan. 16, Student Activities and Engagement (SAE) hosted the Winter Club Carnival which featured over 100 clubs and organizations. From 5-8 p.m. in the University Center, students could discover new ways to get involved on campus, including club sports. For many club sports, Club Carnival is essential in building and growing their teams as well as promoting their sport. Senior art history major and club softball president Elisabeth Haas said, “Club Carnival is where our club recruits the majority of our club members. We always have a great experience at Club Carnival, as it is the first time our executive board sees each other after the breaks. It’s always fun promoting and showing others how awesome our club is, while also getting to recruit and meet possible new club members.”
we were rebuilding our club. So without that, we would have no one. Overall, the experience was great and definitely helped our club.” Club sports are available to all full-time students regardless of skill level. Even so, club sport leaders find it difficult to recruit new members who worry about being inexperienced. Junior creative writing and primary education major and women’s club soccer president Carolyn Rouse said, Women’s Club Soccer at Club Carnival in the fall. “Sometimes people think that to join our successful in recruiting new club you have to be a certain members, with a number skill level, but that’s not true of teams choosing not to and we try to convey that participate in the winter Club to people as they walk by. Carnival at all. Haas said, However, this year our social “The fall Club Carnival is chair sophomore Heather where we get the majority of Stevens-Wood was great at new members. In the spring showing people that our club Club Carnival we only get is for anyone that is interested a handful of new members, in soccer. ” since it’s the second semester.” Rouse agreed, saying, “The winter Club Carnival is always slower than the fall, so you really have to get out there.” In order to grab the attention of passing students who might be interested in joining club sports, Martin says, “At Club Carnival, we
University of Mary Washington Sports Schedule
Men’s Basketball (14-4) Cedric Rucker / Facebook
University Center setting to be less enjoyable than the fall Club Carnival on Ball Circle. “I’m pretty happy with how many people we got to sign up for Quidditch. The only issue we kept running in to was how loud the Colonnade Room was. All of the club sports were in one small room which made it hard to hear others and get people’s attention. Sometimes it felt like I had to yell so that people could hear what I was trying to say when they asked me what Quidditch was. Overall, I think that we were pretty successful recruiting new members on Wednesday despite being in such a loud space. I think that we might
Nov. 13 W vs. East Mennonite (89-73) Nov. 17 W vs. Guilford (79-77) Nov. 18 W vs. Ferrum (76-60) Nov. 26 L @ Washington and Lee (94-78) Dec. 1 L @ Lynchburg (69-64) Dec. 2 W @ Randolph (75-66) Dec. 5 W @ Va. Wesleyan (99-88) OT Dec. 8 W vs Marymount (Va.) (65-54) Dec. 17 W @ Shenandoah (80-74) Dec. 29 W @ John Carroll (76-64) Dec. 30 L @ Roanoke (83-67) Jan. 2 L @ Frostburg St. (87-77) Jan. 5 W vs. Christopher Newport (69-61) Jan. 9 W vs. Salisbury (84-70) Jan. 12 W @ Penn St.-Harrisburg (69-61) Jan. 16 W @ St. Mary’s (Md.) (79-67) Jan. 19 W vs. York (Pa.) (74-62) Jan. 23 W vs. Southern Virgina (75-73) OT Jan. 26 vs. Frostburg St. Jan. 30 @ Salisburg Feb. 2 @ Christopher Newport Feb. 6 vs. St. Mary’s (Md.) Feb. 9 vs. Penn St.-Harrisburg Feb. 13 @ Southern Virgina Feb. 16 @ York (Pa.)
Women’s Basketball (9-9) Club Softball during the 2018 fall Club Carnival.
Junior communication and digital studies major and women’s club basketball president Erika Mabry also relies on Club Carnival for new members, saying, “So for us, this year has been a rebuilding year for our team. So Club Carnival was very important in order to recruit new members. All of our members actually came from Club Carnival this year, since
Cedric Rucker / Facebook
Sophomore historic preservation major and men’s club volleyball president Connor Martin added, “We take any level of skill on our team. We like to teach people skills and we want to improve, and improve we have done.” Though many teams rely on the fall Club Carnival, they have found the winter Club Carnival to be less
Women’s Club Basketball during the 2018 fall Club Carnival.
Men’s Club Volleyball at Club Carnival.
often bring a poster board with some information such as practice times and our history. We also brought some gear that we have such as our jerseys so that people can see we are a team. We also like to bring volleyballs to Club Carnival as well because we think it’s fun if people can play with them that way they can experience playing volleyball.” Senior German major and Quidditch team member Elizabeth Cedric Rucker / Facebook Parsons finds the
Cedric Rucker / Facebook
have been more successful if we had more space and didn’t have to yell for people to hear us easily,” Parsons says. Overall, club sport leaders find the biannual Club Carnival to be incredibly helpful in recruiting and reaching out to students interested in becoming student athletes. Senior art history major and men’s club lacrosse president Kyle Sargent said, “Personally I think Club Carnival is a great opportunity to meet potential new members and allow them to see what our club is all about while making connections so they won’t be nervous about coming out to practices and team bonding events.”
Nov. 9 L @ Elizabethtown (56-54) Nov. 16 W vs. William Peace (73-43) Nov. 17 L vs. Johns Hopkins (50-47) Nov. 20 W vs. Lynchburg (64-49) Nov. 27 W @ N.C.Wesleyan (83-75) Dec. 1 W @ Meredith (57-50) Dec. 4 L vs. Randolph-Macon (65-60) Dec. 8 L vs. Marymount (Va.) (59-43) Dec. 15 L @ Washington and Lee (67-64) Dec. 18 W vs. Edgewood (55-27) -In San Juan, Puerto Rico Dec. 19 W vs. Va. Wesleyan (63-41) -In San Juan, Puerto Rico Jan. 2 L @ Frostburg St. (54-40) Jan. 5 W vs. Christopher Newport (66-53) Jan. 9 L vs. Salisbury (57-48) Jan. 12 W @ Penn St.-Harrisburg (77-56) Jan. 16 W @ St. Mary’s (Md.) (65-60) Jan. 19 L vs. York (Pa.) (69-64) Jan. 23 L vs. Southern Virgina (66-58) OT Jan. 26 vs. Frostburg St. Jan. 30 @ Salisbury Feb. 2 @ Christopher Newport Feb. 6 vs. St. Mary’s (Md.) Feb. 9 vs. Penn St.-Harrisburg Feb. 13 @ Southern Virgina Feb. 16 @ York (Pa.)
Full Schedule not listed above. Post season not included.` Bold indicates home game.
3
VIEWPOINTS
Internet challenges do more harm than good, student says
MOLLY AVERY
Staff Writer
Some people crave attention and are willing to do anything to get it. An easy and free way to instantly gain recognition and followers? Participating in an internet challenge. Internet challenges have been floating around cyberspace since the beginning of the web. There are the classics, like seeing how many marshmallows fit in someone’s mouth, or watching a compilation video without laughing. Just as the internet has grown, so have the number of challenges, and they seem to get more popular and dangerous overtime. The most recent of challenges is the Bird Box trend. The challenge is inspired by a recently-debuted Netflix original movie, “Bird Box.” Essentially, to avoid seeing their demons and commiting suicide, the surviving characters remain blindfolded. The challenge prompts participants to perform daily tasks blindfolded. Perhaps the challenge would seem funny if people were just trying to do things such as pouring cereal or applying makeup blindfolded, but that is not the case. Instead they are walking into traffic, operating heavy machinery, and driving blindfolded. “It’s funny if you do it somewhere safe,” said sophomore Emilia Michalkiewicz, a historic preservation major. “But too many people are being stupid and doing it around roads or behind the wheel, which is when it stops being funny.” The Bird Box challenge has become such a viral and dangerous trend, that YouTube has released a statement telling their creators to “not be idiots.”
Netflix has also released a statement on Twitter begging people to “please not hurt themselves” by taking part in the challenge, although for some it is too late. In Layton, Utah, an unidentified teenage girl crashed her car into another car while participating in the challenge. Although both parties were able to walk away with only minor injuries, their cars were totaled. Due to the Bird Box challenge, YouTube has introduced stronger guidelines on their videos by releasing an updated list of what could get a video taken down. This list includes traumatizing pranks, videos that encourage physical harm, and more. YouTube took these measures due to how dangerous the Bird Box challenge is. But the Bird Box challenge isn’t the first dangerous challenge to storm the internet. Just this past year the “In My Feelings” challenge invaded all social media platforms. This consists of people dancing to Drake’s “In My Feelings.” This alone sounds perfectly safe, but part of the challenge is hopping out of the car and dancing while the vehicle is still moving. Some of these people were the driver, leaving a moving car unattended. Sophomore Alexandra Slaughter sees the danger in the challenge.“I think some of them are cool to see if they are done well, but when they get out of the car while it’s moving, I just think it’s dangerous and dumb.” As cool as it may have seemed, many people got injured while attempting this challenge. While getting out of the cars some people would trip, scraping up their bodies, and hitting their head against the pavement. A few people were
even hit by cars while participating in this challenge. Back in 2015, teenagers were nicking their parents shot glasses, not for underage drinking, but for different intentions. People would insert their lips into the shot glass and suck The Verge The recent “Bird Box” challenge can be dangerous. on it, in hopes of gettings plump lips like Kylie Jenner’s, hence the challenge all together. In 2015, a four year old being named the Kylie Jenner lip boy died while ingesting powdered challenge. cinnamon. If someone was lucky this challenge Even challenges as wholesome as the only caused bruising, soreness or torn ALS ice bucket challenge, a challenge skin around the lips. Less fortunate that gained traction about four years ago people had infections, burst blood and spread awareness about the disease vessels, and even the shot glass breaking ALS, have the potential to be dangerous. under the pressure of the suction, causing Two deaths were related to the challenge, cuts all over the face that required one from drowning and another when the stitches. bucket was dropped on the challenger’s Although it had been around for years head. before, the cinnamon challenge peaked “These challenges remind me a lot of in 2012. The challenge was to swallow a America’s Funniest Home Videos except spoonful of powdered cinnamon without more dangerous,” Michalkiewicz said. any water. Once ingested, the cinnamon This is only skimming the surface of the clumps and blocks the throats airway, dangers of these challenges. resulting in gagging, coughing, vomiting, There are so many other hazardous burning and itching- but watching people challenges on the internet that aren’t choke down cinnamon is part of the quite as popular in mainstream media but appeal for internet users and challenge still gain a decent amount of attention. participants. The major concern is that children are “As someone with asthma, I find participating in these challenges to be it extremely dangerous and harmful. I a part of the trends and end up severely don’t find it funny,” Slaughter said. hurt in the process. Before creating a Some worse effects of the cinnamon challenge, people need to weigh the pros challenge are that it can cause and cons, to evaluate the possible safetypneumonia, scarring and inflammation of risks and to deeply consider the influence the lungs, or cause the lungs to collapse the challenge will have on adolescents.
Students mourn the loss of the Underground’s turkey quesadilla SIERRA HORTON Staff Writer
old Underground. Toward the end of last semester, I went to the Underground to grab The Underground Café is a wellmy dinner before work, ready for my known and loved dining option for typical meal of a turkey quesadilla with both students and faculty at UMW. It lettuce and a fruit cup. Instead, I was rests in the heart of the campus, on the surprised to find a display case of quinoa, second floor of Lee Hall, and it’s just that lentil salad and kabobs. The menu had convenient location that strengthens the completely changed from a wide variety appeal. of sandwiches and chicken nuggets to a “It’s a perfect place for a quick Mediterranean menu of rice and falafel. I bite to eat,” said senior and business thought to myself, I can’t be the only one administration major Lauren Catington. who is startled and dismayed by these At one time, I would’ve agreed. sudden changes. However, there has recently been a “I went to the Underground the first change in the menu from sandwiches and day of classes this semester, hungry and pub foods to Mediterranean food that has ready for a turkey club. I first noticed the students, including myself, missing the almost empty display cases and some lonely falafels, and then sadly remembered that the menu had changed,” said Catington. “I loved the turkey club and the country joe, but having to use past tense is so sad.” When it comes to the prices, a bowl at the Underground The Underground is located in Lee Hall, pictured above. umw.edu with a grain of
your choice and a kabob is a meal swipe plus about $4 of flex; however, you can get a bowl for one meal swipe plus $3-$5, depending on your entree choice, at Qdoba with much more food and a broader variety of options- which is important to students. “The past menu was great, it had so many options and it made me happy. The new menu is not my favorite and it’s not what I expect when I come to the Underground. It’s not something I crave and there aren’t as many options as there used to be,” said sophomore Colleen Cragun. Senior and international affairs major Kelsey Burham and other students began to notice changes before the most recent modification of the Underground’s menu. “At the start of fall 2018, I noticed that the Underground had less options. Then, the first week of spring semester I realized that they completely took away the old sandwich options and replaced it with Mediterranean-inspired food. I was sad because I ate at the Underground because I specifically enjoyed the sandwich and soup option. My favorite was the turkey quesadilla and I definitely miss it. I would get it most nights before going to work in the Admissions Office because it was so convenient,” said Burham. The current menu isn’t terrible, and the Underground still serves its
beloved soup, but it does not appeal to as many students as the past menu did. Mediterranean is a very specific type of food, unlike the past menu that had a variety of options that appealed to the majority of students. This especially negatively affects those who are pickier eaters or do not like the new types of food that are being offered, like Burham. “I’m not a fan of Mediterranean food in general. When I went to the Underground none of the options looked appetizing to me. Also, the prices seemed to be more than what the food was worth, but I am glad they kept the soup around.” The eatery that hosts karaoke and packed bingo nights appears to be taking a hit, and students are taking note. “I can appreciate the Underground wanting to revamp options, but I don’t think it’s paid off. It used to be impossible to find a seat on Wednesdays at lunch, but now it’s a ghost town. I more than likely won’t be making anymore trips to the Underground, aside from going there to get some work done since it’s so quiet now,” says Catington. I loved the past comfort foods the Underground offered and the plethora of options and combinations. The new menu is simply too targeted specifically to fans of Mediterranean food. I miss the old Underground and I hope that the infamous sandwiches make their way back to the menu soon.
Thursday, January 2019 Thursday, January 21,24, 2015
VIEWPOINTS
Editor: Grace Winfield | blueandgray.views@gmail.com
President Trump sacrifices the nation’s well-being for his self-motivated political agenda
GRACE WINFIELD Viewpoints Editor
Today is the 34 day of the government shutdown. 800,000 federal workers are being affected and have not been paid. Tomorrow, they will miss their second paycheck. Administration officials have been scrambling to tackle the legal and logistical problems involved with steering previously allocated funding toward any project that can be described as a wall, a fence or a barrier. While Trump, the GOP and the Democrats continue to argue, Americans are victims of an argument we never asked to be a part of, and our country is suffering. Portions of the federal government
lettuce, be wary of the next grocery trip or night out at a restaurant. The Food and Drug Administration has stopped routine food safety inspections of seafood, fruits, vegetables and many other foods at high risk for contamination, and only continuing to inspect meat and poultry. The FDA oversees about 80 percent of the nation’s food supply, as well as most overseas imports, as reported by the New York Times. Scott Gottlieb, the agency’s commissioner, tweeted a couple of weeks ago that he was trying to restore food safety surveillance inspections and cover more high-risk sites by bringing back around 150 inspectors. The problem? They’ll be returning to work without pay. The Environmental Protection Agency, whose mission is to protect human and environmental health, ran out of funds within the first week of the shutdown, and furloughed about 95 percent of employees on Dec. 28. Homelessness. According to CityBeat, the Department of Housing and Urban Development is closed due to the shutdown. As a result, the HUD failed to renew roughly 650 contracts as of Jan. 5, and another 500 are set to expire in January. Between the two, those contract lapses could impact as many as 40,000 households across the nation. Meaning, those suffering with disabilities that are unable to work full-time, or at all, will be evicted and back on the streets. There is a movement amongst some landlords to continue to allow suffering families to reside in their homes and will cover all expenses. On Jan. 8, the HUD sent letters to 1,500 landlords asking them not to evict residents in housing assistance programs — including those with Section 8 vouchers. These are just two examples of the many issues that are severely rising under the shutdown. The people under his administration
“BUILD A WALL AND CRIME WILL FALL! This is the new theme, for two years until the Wall is finished (under construction now), of the Republican Party. Use it and pray!”
aren’t oblivious to Trump’s tyranny. Take former Defense Secretary James Mattis, who just last month resigned to protest Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from Syria. Mattis said he resigned “…because you have a right to have a Secretary of Defense whose views are better aligned with yours.” Yet, President Trump continues to abuse his power to build his legacy— or more accurately, his wall—and he is putting the entire country at risk. According to Trump, the wall is being built right now. Yesterday the president tweeted, “BUILD A WALL & CRIME WILL FALL! This is the new theme, for two years until the Wall is finished (under construction now), of the Republican Party. Use it and pray!” Donald Trump continues to make threats of political violence. During his address at the Rose Garden press conference, Trump threatened to call a “national emergency” to construct the border wall without congressional approval.“Yes, I have [considered]. And I can do it if I want.” He continued, “We can call a national emergency because of the security of our country. Absolutely,
no, we can do it. I haven’t done it. I may do it. I may do it. But we can call a national emergency and build it very quickly.” Donald Trump and his GOP supporters are holding the country hostage to advance their own agenda, and he doesn’t care who he hurts in the process—the American people and the state of our nation. He refuses to strategize with Democrats, and even members of the GOP, and won’t take any proposed compromise that doesn’t involve an 800-mile structure into consideration. He continues to wildly inflate the amount of crime committed by immigrants and even more so, the claim that the border wall will end the opioid crisis. All and all, it’s not about ensuring safety, or keeping drugs and criminals out of the U.S. The shutdown is an aggressive assertion that he has the entire American government in a chokehold. The wall is a literal monument to his egotism, his testimony of power, and American workers are getting caught in the crossfire.
- President Donald Trump have been shut down since Dec. 22 after Democrats and Republicans in Congress reached gridlock in negotiations around funding the government over President Donald Trump’s request for 5.7 billion dollars for a wall along the United States-Mexico border—that Trump promised Mexico would “pay for.” The longest government shutdown in history continues to drag on to another day. Trump puts the entire nation at stake to fulfill an outlandish campaign promise that fueled his loyal advocates’ unfaltering support. If federal workers missing two months’ worth of paychecks isn’t enough to wake up Trump’s followers, here’s what else is at stake. Public health. For those who still won’t buy romaine
Kirstjen Nielsen, the secretary of Homeland Security, visited a section of new border fencing in Calexico, Calif., in October.
The New York Times
Staff Ed: Virginia General Assembly should pass bill to protect student journalists Journalists are not strangers to censorship, especially when it comes to student journalism. Students are often subjected to censorship when their stories are unflattering towards school administration or address controversial topics. But on Monday, a new bill will be proposed to the Virginia General Assembly. House Bill 2382, also known as the New Voices Bill, has been proposed by Del. Chris Hurst (D-Montgomery), a former journalist. This bill could change everything for student journalists. This bill aims to protect student journalists from censorship. It says, “except in certain limited circumstances, a student journalist at a public elementary or secondary school or public
By THE BLUE AND GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD institution of higher education has the right to exercise freedom of speech and the press in school-sponsored media, including determining the news, opinion, feature, and advertising content of school-sponsored media.” The Blue & Gray Press faced its own challenges of censorship when we were initially denied funding for the 2018-19 school year. An important part of this bill is that it would protect student publications from censorship by administration even if they are financially supported by their schools. It also protects students regardless of whether the stories in question were
“produced in conjunction with a course or class in which the student is enrolled.” According to the Student Press Law Center, similar New Voices bills have been passed in 14 states, and have been proposed this year in Nebraska and New York as well as Virginia. This bill is important to student journalists across Virginia because it will allow them to publish controversial stories without fear of losing financial backing or retaliation from administration. Universities should value the freedom of the student press because journalism is a key part of our democracy, and participating in it teaches
students incredible life lessons and skills they can take into a career even if they do not plan on becoming journalists. Students learn how to perform research, conduct interviews, carry out extensive investigations, form educated opinions, and write in a professional manner. Student journalists have exposed wrongdoing in school settings and have been able to enact positive change in their schools. A free student press benefits the entire student body. The Blue & Gray Press calls upon the Virginia General Assembly to pass HB #2382. This bill will benefit not only students, but democracy as a whole, by defending and supporting students’ freedom of the press.
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LIFE
Editor: Lucas Burkholder blueandgray.life@gmail.com
UMW’s changing campus attracts prospective students
SOPHIE AHAVA Staff Writer
The University of Mary Washington has gone through several major changes in the last few years, some more beneficial to students than others. There have been changes to residence halls, academic buildings, and even changes regarding what classes and majors are offered. While it may be too late for the current student body to fully reap the benefits of these changes, starting in the fall of 2019, resources will be available to incoming freshmen that were never available before. The Jepson science building is being expanded by about two times its original size. This addition is expected to be finished and ready for use by fall 2019. “The new addition will be helpful because it will provide more space for the growing science program. It has a strong potential in attracting prospective students because it can compete with other universities with newer buildings,” said sophomore biochemistry major Jackie Ardo. Ardo said she wishes there were more classrooms in Jepson because so many science classes have been redistributed to DuPont and Combs because of the lack of space. Though construction complicates the location of classes and disrupts others located in the building, it will ultimately improve science academics at UMW. The addition to
Both the expanded Jepson building and Willard Hall are slated to reopen in the fall of 2019.
Willard Hall is currently being completely renovated. It is expected to open fall of 2019 as a first-year residence hall with double rooms. “I was surprised they were reopening Willard as a freshman residence hall. However, as a tour guide it will be beneficial to have the new building centrally located so that we can show it to prospective students,” said Katie O’Keefe, a current junior and Washington Guide. Previously, Randolph and Mason were the newest residence halls on campus, now with Willard opening up, there will be another updated option for incoming students. Willard Hall is one of the original residence halls on campus, built in 1908. Seacobeck used to be Jepson will serve to not only increase home to the campus dining hall prior to learning space, but will also help the the opening of the University Center, but university stay in competition with soon it will open as the new home of the nearby schools and attract prospective College of Education. students interested in the sciences. “As an out-of-state student part of Previously a residence hall consisting my draw to Mary Washington was of single rooms for upperclassman, the College of Education and its fiveyear program so I think that having a building specific for the COE will be a great attraction to future students who want to pursue teaching,” Bliss Weatherall, a sophomore sociology major in the College of Education. “I wish it opened sooner because it would’ve been nice to be a minute from my classes and it is much better it is being used for education classes then just sitting empty,” said Jasmine Courts, a graduate student in the College of Education. New buildings are not the only recent change at UMW. In the last year, new majors have been offered to students. The first is the communication and Seacobek Hall, the future home of the College of Education. Sophie Ahava / The Blue & Gray Press. digital studies major.
This innovative discipline combines technology and communication into one coherent major. Sophomore Haley Denehy who just declared communication and digital studies as her major this past fall, said, “Declaring my major was very intimidating for me, but communication
Sophie Ahava / The Blue & Gray Press.
offer biochemistry as a major, so now that UMW does as well, it will be more competitive for prospective students. Mary Washington is a small liberal arts university and the additions being made to campus will not only improve student life significantly, but will serve to help UMW compete with larger
“Having a building specific for the COE will be a great attraction to future students...” - Bliss Weatherall
Willard Hall will reopen as a first year residence.
and digital studies is allowing me to expand my knowledge on public speaking and gives me the confidence I need.” Biochemistry is also a new major here at UMW that became official in the fall 2018 semester. Kelly Keane, a sophomore majoring in biochemistry has had the opportunity to work on independent research this past summer. “[The major will] definitely draw students in because it saves them from having to choose between biology and chemistry,” Keane said. Keane had interests in both disciplines and so this major proves to be beyond beneficial. This major is unique in the sense that it combines two of the most popular majors on campus. Other universities
Sophie Ahava / The Blue & Gray Press.
universities with similar resources. The Jepson Science Center will provide new and improved resources for labs and research. Willard Hall is going to be a beautiful new residence hall that incoming freshmen get to utilize and explore. Seacobeck will give education students a designated home they can feel comfortable taking their classes in a building solely designed for their field of study. Biochemistry and communication and digital studies are versatile degrees that students can take advantage of and use to excel in their respective careers. Mary Washington has continuously been making changes and has more in store for the future to benefit student life and well-being on campus.
The expanded Jepson building will provide space for the growing science programs. Finnley Goff / The Blue & Gray Press.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
LIFE
Feminist trends showcased in Spotify’s 2018 Year in Review
ALICEN HACKNEY Staff Writer
the sense of how it relates to feminism Each year we all wait patiently for our verbally,” personal year in review on Spotify, and said junior Jo spend time mocking our friends for theirs Sherwood. as it often exposes much more of our “However, I believe that she guilty pleasure music than we’d like it to. mainly contributes In 2018, UMW students listened in how she’s to a good number of songs that made presenting and Spotify’s top 2018 list, found music that promoting her supported causes close to their hearts, music. She and celebrated the lives of artists that acknowledged aren’t with us anymore. on Twitter that An incredible trend seen in 2018 she is seductive was an increase in artistically feminist in her videos music and music videos. Ariana and promotional Grande played a significant role in material but she this movement with her chart topping points out that songs, “God Is A Woman,” “Thank U, those decisions Next” and “No Tears Left To Cry.” Most were up to her notably the music video for “God Is A and not someone Woman” called upon the reflection of the telling her she had glass ceiling and numerous references to Check out the “UMW 2018 Year in Review” playlist on Spotify. to be sexy to sell mother nature and the challenges women records.” with cultural influence face. as well. SWMRS debuted their music Along with Ariana Grande, heavy “God is a Woman was probably video for ‘Berkeley’s On Fire’ as a prehitters like Taylor Swift, who released the song that most stood out to me in album single on Aug. 17, 2018. This her new album video featured an entirely female cast “Reputation,” and focused on the culture and media Lizzo, who’s built a coverage that surrounds the politics of repertoire of female rioting. empowering music, While Queen has been a longand Kesha, with time favorite across generations, they her single “Here rose back to the top of the charts Comes The Change” this year following the opening of featured in “On The “Bohemian Rhapsody” on Nov. 2. The Basis of Sex,” a film highlighted lead singer Freddie Ruth Bader Ginsburg Mercury’s personal life, resonating with biopic, made 2018 viewers. the year of feminist In June the rap community was music. shaken by the wrongful and unexpected Male killing of artist XXXTentacion after dominated bands an attempted robbery gone wrong. have joined in Beginning his career as a rap artist, support of the often seen in the subgenera “Emo UMW students listen to a wide range of music. Rap,” he had a controversial career Lucas Burkholder / The Blue & Gray Press. feminist movement
Spotify
littered with criticism of misogyny and hatred. Despite controversy, he won two prominent awards following his death. His already popular music skyrocketed across streaming platforms following his death, landing him three spots on Spotify’s top 2018 list. Looking forward, with the playlist “UMW 2019 Taste Breakers and Makers,” we’ve featured songs that are generating buzz across platforms and across campus. Notable trends to keep an eye on in the coming year include the ever present rise of K-Pop, music created by YouTubers such as Dodie Clark who recently released her new EP “Human,” and an increasing number of female solo projects. You can access both the “UMW 2018 Year In Review” and “UMW 2019 Taste Breakers and Makers” playlists on Spotify.
Tips for staying motivated and achieving goals in the new year RONIC NGAMBWE Online Editor
It’s only mid-January and some people are already done with this year. It’s already proven to be too difficult and too challenging. They’re over it. Some people may be on a roll: managing to work out at least three times a week, meditating every day for five minutes, and increasing their water intake. However, there are also people who didn’t set goals for the year and are tired of discussions about resolutions, change, improvement. They just don’t want to hear it anymore, they’re ready to move on. I get it. I’ve been in all three positions. Regardless of where you stand, none of us can really escape that feeling the new year brings; that unspoken and inevitable need to reflect. The question at this point in the year for those attempting to form new habits becomes, “how long am I going to keep this up?” and “am I actually going to go far with this?” I’ve noticed that we tend to be cautiously optimistic when it comes to goals. We set them but keep our commitment and dedication to them low, just in case we’re no longer able to keep up with them. I admire that, but I would like to encourage those who have set goals for the new year. Here are some ways to stay motivated and take it to the finish line: Celebrate the small wins: give yourself small rewards along the way. No, I’m not talking about treating
yourself to a sugar potential obstacles. cookie or some Pairing: Pair the habit with a task ice cream because you do often. Maybe you always get you exercised to your anatomy class 15 mins early. today. That, Use that time to write a paragraph if although wellyour goal is to do more writing for intentioned, may example. Pair the goal with an activity not be meaningful so that every time you do that activity, enough to help you remember to also practice that new you maintain a habit. habit. Instead, Now, if you’re struggling to keep up reward yourself with your goals in general, try asking when you reach yourself the following questions: a small goal. For Are my goals realistic for where I example, if your am in life right now? goal was to lose Have I broken them into small 2 lbs this past Start by celebrating the small wins. Time. tangible steps? week and you met Do the things on my to-do list (apart it, reward yourself with an experience, college. Because I knew that I wanted to from school work) align with my goals? an activity or an item from your wish make exercise a habit, I told myself that What am I doing on the weekends? list (something you’ve wanted to get or I would go no matter what: rain or shine, Could I use some of that time to practice do for a very long time). Pick a reward 53 degrees or 17, I was going to the my new habit/work towards achieving that’s meaningful enough to make you gym. This helped me eliminate excuses. my goal? want to achieve that mini goal and keep When it got hard, I reminded myself of Thinking through these questions will going. the long-term benefits of this particular help you clarify and refine your goals as Find an accountability partner: If habit and that was usually enough to get needed. Now, there are times when we your friend is also trying to work out me going. So think of any excuses that no longer want to do something because more, make it a point to go together and you might try to use to keep you from we realize that we’re just struggling hold each other accountable. Checking investing in this new habit consistently too much and aren’t enjoying it. It’s on one another and making sure you’re and decide what you’re going to do absolutely fine to let it go; to give up on reaching your individual goals (in fitness about it from the get-go. a project. I think oftentimes we make or something else). The point is to find Make it a convenience: Set your goals and then unintentionally enslave someone who will help you stick to your workout clothes out before bed, always ourselves to them. Just like we chose to goals by holding you accountable while workout at the same time, etc… The do that one thing, in the same way, we you do the same for them. point is that you increase the likelihood can choose to let it go. Remind yourself Make it a point no matter what: of practicing the habit by making it that you always have the power of I didn’t start working out until I got to convenient; easily accessible; removing choice.
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Weekend Events Thursday
Saturday
• Eating the Damned: The • MLK Day of Service @ UC Mouth of Hell in Medieval Art Chandler Ballroom, 10 a.m. - 2 and Thought @ HCC Digital p.m. Auditorium, 3:30 p.m. • Volunteer Fair @ Chandler Ballroom, 5 - 7 p.m. • Flu Shots @ UC lobby, 10 a.m. 3 p.m.
Sunday • Free Film Screening: “A Plastic Ocean” @ Gari Melchers Home and Studio, 2:20 - 4:20 p.m.
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LIFE
UMW facilities quick response to recent snow storm Landscape and Grounds, has been working for UMW for 28 years. “The first thing we do is watch for weather, usually picking four weather sites, everyone has their favorite. We put a plan together in our heads, then we start to get equipment together,” he said. “The Associate Vice President [John Wiltenmuth] … holds a series of planning meetings with department staff to evaluate forecasts and options for each individual storm event,” said maintenance director Nolan Akau. These meetings happen in early November, giving time for training and taking inventory of equipment.
RILEY DOHERTY Staff Writer
Whenever there is snow and ice predicted to hit the University of Mary Washington, students hope it will be enough to cancel classes. But how is this going to be cleared up? That’s where the UMW facilities department comes into play. According to the university’s website, the facilities department is in charge of “maintenance and operations of the real property assets of the University” including dealing with snow and other inclement weather. Richard Blair, the director of
UMW facilities has three truck mounted snow plows and two specialized snow plows.
The facilities department has a large fleet of plows to clear snow. “We have three truck mounted snow plows, three small tractors, and two specialized equipment pieces that have plows,” said Blair. Despite the number of plows, both Blair and Akau emphasized that most work is done manually, and there is a lot of work to do. “It’s a group effort,” said Blair. “Even the vice president goes out to help, it’s an all hands on event, housekeeping helps, it’s a huge group effort to get this done.” Almost all of the work done by hand involves clearing stairs and small walkways that plows can’t reach. After using shovels and squeegees to get rid of snow and ice, sand and/or magnesium chloride is used to stop refreezing of ice overnight. When it comes to removing snow from around buildings, the department works in a specific order of tasks. First residential halls are cleared, then dining halls, then the gym and other nearby centers, and finally the academic buildings. “First we consider Fredericksburg.com safety, then getting
people something to eat, then something to keep people occupied, then we go on to academic buildings,” said Blair. In a similar vein, the order for parking lot clearing is to first clear the staff lots, then commuter lots, and lastly student parking. Two of the biggest challenges that the department faces are continuous snowfalls and back-to-back snowstorms, which can lead to employee fatigue, even with the large staff. Another problem that comes into play are inaccurate forecasts. “Normally what catches us is we get a surprise snowfall or temperature change,” said Blair. “I don’t think we’ve ever been unprepared, just caught by surprise.” “While we don’t look forward to winter weather, we know that we have the experience and knowledge to respond,” said Akau. Despite their best efforts, the facilities department is not flawless when it comes to snow clearing. Students like Andy Lin, a sophomore and studio srt major, noticed that areas of campus were in less than stellar condition even after clearing efforts. “Some of the areas were hardly cleaned, especially when walking from the edge of campus. Some of us had to take extra precautions as some areas and stairwells were frozen.” Despite these setbacks, the facilities department keeps plowing ahead. “Our focus is always the safety of students, faculty, and staff,” said Akau.
UMW 2018 Spotify Year in Review By Alicen Hackney 1. “God is a woman”
9. “Shape of You”
2. “Broke”
10. “High Hopes”
By Ariana Grande
By Samm Henshaw
By YUNGBLUD
By Queen
By Childish Gambino
By Camila Cabello, Young Thug
By BTS
By Marshmello, Bastille
3. “I Love You, Will You Marry Me” 4. “Don’t Stop Me Know” 5. “This is America” 6. “Havana“ 7. “DNA“
8. “Happier”
By Ed Sheeran
By Panic! At The Disco
By Taylor Swift
By XXXTENTACION
By Cardi B, Bad Bunny, J Balvin
By The Smashing Pumpkins
By Post Malone, Ty Dolla $ign
By Post Malone, Swae Lee
11. “Look What You Made Me Do” 12. “SAD!”
13. “I Like It”
14. “Silvery Sometimes (Ghosts)” 15. “Pyscho”
16. “Sunflower”
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NEWS POLICE BEAT MEAGHAN MCINTYRE & KATE SELTZER News Editors
Petit Larceny Between Monday, November 26 and Friday, December 7. U.S. currency was stolen from Mason Hall. The victim declined prosecution. The suspect provided restitution and a Honor Council referral was given. On Friday, December 7 at 4:46 p.m., it was realized that U.S. currency had been stolen from Woodard Hall. This case is pending.
Between Sunday, January 13 at 11 p.m. and Monday, January 14 at 9 a.m., a bicycle was stolen from Building 2 of the UMW Apartments. This case is pending.
Assault and Battery On Tuesday, November 27 there was an incident of assault and battery at Eagle Landing. A Title IX referral was given and the victim declined prosecution.
On Wednesday, January 16 at 12:57 a.m., an incident of assault and battery occured at Randolph Hall. This case has been cleared. The victim declined prosecution.
Vandalism Between Wednesday, December 5 at 9:33 a.m. and Thursday, December 6 at 9:21 a.m., a door was vandalized at 1004 College Ave. This case is pending.
Grand Larceny
Court decision impacts future policies at UMW and other public universities •Lawsuit | 1
after President Hurley announced that the rugby team was indefinitely suspended after team members participated in a sexist and violent chant. Following the announcement, a series of Yik Yak messages threatened to “euthanize,” “kill,” and “[g] rape” Feminists United members. By the end of March, more than 700 harassing posts were aimed at the club, many of which named specific people. Additionally, the schedule and locations of the club’s president at the time, Paige McKinsey, were posted around campus. The threats were deemed credible enough that UMW police officer was assigned to attend both a Feminists United and a Young Democrats meeting where McKinsey was present. The case is the first of its kind dealing with Title IX discrimination as it pertains to online harassment. Although the school does not immediately have to do anything differently in terms of policy, UMW – and all schools that receive federal funding – will be obligated to respond to similar claims in the future. “I am thrilled that the Fourth Circuit recognized that the University of Mary Washington had an obligation to protect their students from online sexual harassment and threats of sexual violence,” Musick said. “I hope moving forward no other student has to live through the same trauma that I experienced.” Current President of Feminists
United Lauren Reyes agreed. “The club members were definitely excited and a bit emotional at the outcome of the lawsuit and are looking forward to how the university will seek to improve itself,” she said. As a result of the harassment she was facing at the time, Paige McKinsey wrote an oped criticizing the school for being hostile to feminists. “I’m not going to comment on her editorial or what the circumstances were back in 2015,” UMW President Troy Paino said. “That was before I was here, and I think it would be unfair for everyone involved for me to describe.” Rather, he spoke about his experience at the school and some changes at the Office of Title IX. “Do we reflect some of the problems that we see in society at
administrators is a real willingness to roll up their collective sleeves to try to be the best that we can and respond to these issues in a really thoughtful and aggressive way.” Since his time at UMW, Paino has formed a standing committee to prevent and respond to sexual assault. In November, that committee recommended the hiring of additional personnel, including a full time sexual assault prevention specialist, a full time victim advocate, and a full time Title IX Clery police officer. “I’ve asked them to prioritize some recommendations that they’ve made on new personnel, knowing that we probably can’t hire all of them at once for budget reasons,” Paino said. “But if I could have a rank order we could certainly try to focus on highest priority of positions. Those would be a significant expense to the university, and we’re trying to find room to further our investment in this area.” It is unclear at this moment what the outcome of the trial will be for the University. “It’s probably could still be months and maybe years before we ultimately know what happens to that case,” said Paino. “So I think we have to keep doing our work while that meanders its way through the court.”
“I hope moving forward no other student has to live through the same trauma that I experienced.” -Kelli Musick
“The club members were definitely excited and a bit emotional at the outcome of the lawsuit and are looking forward to how the university will seek to improve itself.” -Lauren Reyes large?” he said. “No doubt. We’re not immune to those problems and we experience those here. But what I’ve seen in our students, faculty, staff and
Between Saturday, December 29 at 3 p.m. and Tuesday, January 1 at 11:56 a.m., there was an incident of breaking and entering at Melchers Hall, and electronics equipment and cash were stolen. This case is pending. Between Thursday, January 10 at 5:30 p.m. and Friday, January 11 at 7 a.m., construction equipment and tools were stolen from the Jepson Hall construction site. This case is pending.
Possession On Sunday, January 13 at 10:46 p.m., an incident of marijuana possession occurred in Jefferson Hall. One administrative referral was given.
Public Intoxication On Sunday, January 13 at 10:51 p.m., an incident of public intoxication occured in Virginia Hall. One administrative referral was given. A case initially dismissed in 2015, in December 2018 the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that University of Mary Washington should have done more to protect students from online sexual harassment. Associated Press
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Thursday, January 24, 2019
NEWS Partial government shutdown impacts students and families •SHUTDOWN | 1
for border security funding,” he said. “But now that the president happens to be Donald Trump they are blocking that funding. They do not want to give Trump another win.” Political science professor Stephen Farnsworth offered further insight into the origins of the shutdown. “You take a president who doesn’t want to be seen as weak, you add a more conservative Republican caucus and a more liberal Democratic caucus and you get a shutdown that could last a while,” he
said. As the shutdown passes the thirty day mark, the focus shifts to the
shutdown affected her family’s ability to move houses. “We were in the middle of moving
whole departments.” “People in TSA aren’t being paid and they are still expected to come into the airport, and they still have all those bills. You might not get a paycheck from the government, but you are still expected to pay the electric bill or daycare for kids,” said Farnsworth. Harrington worried about her food safety as a result of the shutdown. economy as a whole. With the U.S. to a new house before it happened,” “The FDA does not have its full Census and Bureau of Economic she said. “The government shutdown capacity of people, so food checks are Analysis unable to release economic has put a hold on our new house not happening up to the standards they data, many investors and business because of the way the loan works.” should be, which is terrifying,” she hesitate to inject money into the Freshman Jacob Chambers said he said. unstable market, causing a greater believes the effects of the shutdown are In the meantime, House Democrats network of issues to develop. have continued to draft bills The overall economic growth of offering to fund other sections “The way government shutdowns of the government while the the United States has been cut, on average, by 0.13 percentage points work, regardless of the political party debate surrounding border weekly since the shutdown began. security continues. President of the president, is that the Many businesses, both large and Trump has continued to small, have been unable to acquire day-to-day workers are caught in refuse to open the government loans or organize mergers due to unless his demand for border the crossfire and suffer.” the Small Business Administration security, including a wall, is and Federal Trade Commission met. being only partially operational. “Ultimately, this is likely -Jacob Chambers UMW students have felt the to be resolved only when impact of the shutdown in their something outside of the personal lives. politicians happens. Donald Freshman Kristina Rigsby said her distributed unfairly to those who are Trump doesn’t want to look weak, father’s vacation plans were disrupted not responsible for it. so he’s not going to capitulate,” by the shutdown. “The way government shutdowns Farnsworth said. “The Democrats “All leave was cancelled, so the work, regardless of the political party in the majority in the House don’t cruise he had planned for my mom that of the president, is that the day-to-day want the wall, and they were elected he’s saved up for for years had to be workers are caught in the crossfire and in part because of public opposition cancelled, just so he can report to work suffer,” he said. “I would like to see a to the wall, so they’re not going to every single day without being paid,” shutdown that only affected the upper compromise… it’s going to take Rigsby said. level officials that are being pressed something outside of the elected Freshman Alyssa Janosik said the to make the decisions instead of their officials, I think, for this to be ended.”
“The government shutdown has put a hold on our new house because of the way the loan works.”
UMW’s event for forloughed government workers gained national attention. Suzanne Rossi / University Relations
-Alyssa Janosik
Students weigh in on pros and cons of Arrington living •Arrington | 2
hours later, they still weren’t there and we were still waiting, so I asked my RA if we could just move our own stuff. I moved all of my stuff and my roommate’s stuff into our single room on the fourth floor before that move-in crew even arrived at Arrington.” Silke lived in the Cobblestone apartments all last semester and said the switch to Arrington had both benefits and drawbacks. “It’s nice to be back because it’s so convenient to live on campus,” Silke said. “I miss the kitchen, though, because I was cooking for myself almost every night. I also didn’t have to pay for laundry because we had our own washer and dryer.” Vernick said she also appreciated moving back to Arrington because “Marshall Hall was built in the latter part of the 1950s, and while it’s neat to live in the ‘retro’ style of either building, they’re incredibly dated
in décor and amenities in student living quarters. I very much enjoy the arrangements [in Arrington] for students to access such as a kitchenette and laundry room on every floor, rather than a communal setting, in addition to brand new lighting and bathroom fixtures in all suites.” Water damage from a flooding incident forced the closure of Arrington Hall for the fall 2018 semester, and revealed the additional problem of mold within the walls. Dean Dave Fleming told the Blue and Gray last semester that the renovated building would include threepiece inset showers and tiles with less grout in order to decrease possibility of mold growth. This would allow the residence hall to opened up as soon as possible and give residents an easier time keeping their bathroom clean. “The shelves in the shower are easier to use than having to bring a
“It’s nice to be back because it’s so convenient to live on campus.” -Sean Silke
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Students enjoy Arrington’s new amenities.
caddy with you to the bathroom,” Silke said. “It’s also much easier for me to clean.” Even though the university advertised the new mattresses on social media, many students that moved in to Arrington had no idea that was included in the redesign. Silke said, “I wasn’t specifically told about them, I just heard by word of mouth.” Katie Hartraft, a junior double majoring in creative writing and communication and digital studies agreed. “I had no knowledge of this at all and I don’t really see a difference,
Chelsie Valencia / The Blue & Gray Press
although my friend thought there was. I use a mattress topper, so I don’t think I would be able to tell either way.” Vernick did not know about the mattresses either until she saw UMW’s post on Instagram. The insulation was also replaced, and moisture-resistant drywall was used to keep the environment of the dorm more stable and mold-free. “I feel so much cleaner and healthier being in Arrington,” said Hartraft. “I was very happy to move into a very clean, modernized hall,” said Vernick.
11
SPORTS
Editor: Jack Hagn | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com
Cook twins cook up a winning season on the court
GEMMA SPICKA-PROFFIT Senior Writer
Freshman twin brothers Da’Shawn and Ra’Shawn Cook are new athletes on the UMW men’s basketball team this year, and they are no strangers to accusations of twin telepathy. “[Playing with a twin] is different,” said Ra’Shawn. “If I was playing on a court with a random, I wouldn’t know where they’re going to be. On the court, I always know where [Da’Shawn] is going to be.” Da’Shawn added that he can tell when one of Ra’Shawn’s shots is going in just by seeing how it comes off of his hand. However, twin telepathy is not the reason these brothers work so well together. They have had many years to learn each other’s techniques since they have been playing basketball together since they were ten years old. “It’s basically like if you’re best friends with someone, and you’ve always been playing with them,” explained Ra’Shawn. Growing up, the Cooks played many sports together, including baseball, football, soccer, and golf. Their dad is the one who taught them how to play basketball. “Basketball was the first sport to give me that thrill. I love getting on the court, I love the feeling of playing basketball, I love hearing a basketball bounce. I could play it anytime, any day,” said Ra’Shawn. “I mean I like football, I like watching it, I like playing it, but I just love basketball,” said Da’Shawn. “Out of all the sports I played, basketball always stood out.” The brothers agree that their most proud moment together has been winning the state championship in high school. In their junior year, “all of the seniors had graduated,” said Ra’Shawn, “so me, Da’Shawn, and another guy had to become leaders as juniors, and we ended up winning it.”
“I think we’ve always been leaders because in our freshman year in high school we were on varsity, and we’ve been on varsity ever since,” said Da’Shawn. “I love to lead the team. Even though I’m not a captain, I want to have a voice. Everybody on our team now has a voice, and anybody on our team could be a leader.” Throughout their expansive sports careers, their family has been huge supporters. “They’ve been to all our games, ever since we’ve been playing sports,” said Da’Shawn. “Even golf, they were on the cart riding around watching us. My parents, grandmother, sometimes my cousins or aunts -- they all want to watch us play.” When the Cooks were preparing for college, they knew they wanted to come to the same school. They chose Mary Washington because it fit what they were UMW Athletics looking for “academic-wise, basketball- Da’Shawn Cook a freshman wears #1 and his brother waears #2. wise, and environment-wise,” said bad team and think ‘oh, we don’t have to person,” said Da’Shawn. Ra’Shawn. He also likes DIII because play that hard because we’ll beat them.’ “Same height, same shoe size,” added “the classroom comes first” for him. You have to play hard against every team Ra’Shawn. “We have got a lot of clothes “The coaching staff also played a big because they’re all college basketball and shoes. We have like, thirty pairs of part in our decision on coming to Mary players.” shoes.” Washington,” said Da’Shawn. “I really Both twins agree that the transition “Our biggest difference is that he’s felt like they wanted us, and they showed to college has not been too hard because more talkative,” said Da’Shawn. “I’m that they cared about us. I love Coach they were both prepared by their many more quiet and laid back. The only time Khan, Coach Sansone and Coach Bell. years of playing sports competitively I’m really loud is on the court.” This just feels like home.” while attending school. “Yeah he’s more nonchalant,” agreed “The hardest thing to do [since being “The only difference is, in college, Ra’Shawn. “If we go out to a random in college] was adjusting to being in a you have a lot of freedom and a lot of environment, I’m the first person to different environment, on a different downtime, so you gotta be on your stuff. always talk. I’m just a talkative person, team, and have a different style play,” You don’t have your parents on you at all and I like to meet new people.” said Ra’Shawn, to which Da’Shawn times,” said Ra’Shawn. “If you’ve known us for a while, you clarified that college basketball games One thing that has not changed in can really tell who we are. Even if we are faster paced and longer than high college are their jersey numbers. “In had the same haircut, you could probably school games. high school, we were one and two,” said tell,” said Da’Shawn. “Mary Washington doesn’t feel DIII Da’Shawn. “Once we got to college, “We’re fraternal twins so we look basketball-wise. We work hard like a DI those were open numbers and we asked alike, but we have certain differences,” team,” said Ra’Shawn. “We work 24/7, coach if we could get those numbers. He said Ra’Shawn. train in the off-season, and when we’re wanted us to have them, too.” So far, the Men’s Basketball team in the season, we’re still in the weight Another factor that has stayed the is having a successful season with a room. In practice, you have to go 100% same in college for these twins is that 14-4 record overall and a 6-1 record in every day. It’s like a job.” they are still able to live together, sharing conference, including wins against #18 “Even though it’s DIII, there’s a dorm on campus. This is convenient CNU and #24 Salisbury. The Cooks feel still good players on the teams,” said because of their similar basketball hopeful about the rest of the season. Da’Shawn. “You can’t just come out to a schedules and their ability to share “We’re all doing good things. If we clothes. keep playing like this, I see big things “We’re basically the same ahead,” said Da’Shawn.
Cook Question Time Q: Who is your twin’s favorite musician? In unison: Young Thug. Q: Who is messier? D: Him. R: Me. Q: Who wakes up earlier? D: Him. R: Yeah, I do. Q: First to die in a zombie apocalypse R: Him because I’m faster than him. D: You are not faster than me. I wouldn’t die first. I wouldn’t’ die. R: Yeah, neither one of us would die.
Ra’Shawn Cook, a freshman at UMW, dribbles down the court.
UMW Athletics
Q: Who would be more likely to go skydiving? R: Probably me. D: Yeah, I don’t like heights. Skydiving does sound fun though. I would just close my eyes the whole time.
Club Sports Scoreboard Club SWIM Jan. 26 @ Christopher Newport University TBA Thursday, January 24, 2018
Club Women's Soccer Feb. 3 vs. Lynchburg College TBA
Club Softball Feb. 23 @ George Washington University TBA 12