THE
BLUE &GRAY
THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER
PRESS
February 21, 2019
VOLUME 92 | ISSUE 17 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE
1922
UMW Theatre partners with local children’s program Their family has been a part of Stage Door for about four years now, and recently, Liss was chosen to be the director of the youth division. A group of theatre students at At the same time, Liss was the University of Mary Washington also chairing for the Committee of are taking their skills out into Community Engagement at UMW. Liss the Fredericksburg community; was motivated to get more involved specifically, to the younger members. because of the University’s push Starting in January and ending toward community engaged learning. in March, the University of Mary “President Troy Paino had a faculty Washington has joined forces with meeting with Stage Door the University Productions “My favorite part about leading in the fall, to teach Stage where he the workshops is seeing Door Youth stressed Workshops, a people’s reactions when they community ten week long start to recognize the value and engagement, program for having our youth, ages the fun in what they are learning.” and college more 5-16, interested involved in the in acting. These community,” -Victoria Fortune workshops said Liss. cover a variety Liss of topics, approached the chair of UMW’s including improvisation, scene study, Department of Theatre and Dance, movement, stage combat, character Gregg Stull, with her idea and he work, Shakespeare, and many others. immediately loved it. While the UMW The idea to get UMW theatre theatre department is very involved in students more involved with Stage the Fredericksburg community, “[they] Door was first introduced by Dr. don’t do very many activities with Miriam Liss, a professor in the school aged children, and this was an Psychology department of UMW. opportunity to connect with that part of Liss’s two children, Emily, 10, and the community,” said Stull. Daniel, 12, are both aspiring actors. Taylor Mooney Staff Writer
UMW Theatre students lead acting workshops for children.
Stull recruited students within the theatre department to lead the classes and he received an overall positive response from students. Students expressed interest in the program, and they also took the initiative to schedule and run the workshops without much guidance. “[The workshops] are completely student driven,” said Stull. “We love that.” One of the student leaders involved is junior theatre major Victoria Fortune. Fortune was approached by Stull about the program and she jumped at the opportunity. Fortune has been involved in teaching other acting classes, and she hopes teaching the Stage Door Workshops will expand her knowledge and help her to become a better teacher and actor. So far, Fortune has been an instructor for a couple of workshops,
Suzanne Rossi / University Relations
one of which was improvisation. During this workshop, she worked with the children to teach them the basic rules of improvisation and how to execute them. This was accomplished by having the children participate in a variety of games where they got to practice these skills, while also having a great time. Along with improvisation, Fortune was an instructor for the workshop on body movement. In this workshop, the children were taught about the three basic body movement energies: potency, radiancy, and buoyancy. According to Fortune, “these movements can really help with on stage performances.” Fortune’s experience partnering with Stage Door has been a really positive one. “My favorite •THEATRE | 11
Marshall Hall to be replaced by new theater under President Paino’s ten-year plan Hannah Galeone Senior Writer
As the community at the University of Mary Washington expands and grows, so will the campus and University facilities. Recently, UMW President Troy Paino announced a 100 million dollar, ten-year plan for updating and changing the campus. Included in this decade long project are the plans for the demolition of Marshall Hall and the addition of a new theater to the lower section of campus. The plan to add a new theater to the University’s property will go hand-inhand with other changes to the campus.
The potential addition of a new performance space is part of a larger initiative to renovate the complex made up by DuPont, Melchers, and Pollard Halls. Planned to be placed on the south end of campus near the corner of Sunken Road and William Street, the new theater will “probably seat 300-400 people,” according to a Free Lance-Star article. A University appointed committee worked alongside a team of architects in order to determine the best possible location for a new theater on campus. “After identifying about three possible locations, the corner of
Part of Paino’s ten-year plan is to replace Marshall Hall with a theater.
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UMW Residence Life
SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Sunken Road and William [Street] seemed like an ideal place [for the theater],” said Paino. “It not only offer[s] sufficient space, it serv[es] as a very visible and strategic gateway to downtown [and] it is also directly across the street from a parking lot.” The proposed venue would become the primary space for the UMW theatre program’s rehearsals and performances. This addition of theater space would free-up the current Klein Theatre for use by other fine arts programs such as music and dance. These renovations to the fine arts complex will cost an estimated 75 million dollars. Along with being given a new purpose, the Klein Theatre, DuPont, Pollard, and Melchers Halls will be renovated and updated. These changes are necessary to assure that the buildings are both up-to-date and brought up-to-code. “Pollard right now is not [American Disabilities Act]-compliant and it is in desperate, desperate need of attention,” President Paino said, according to the Free Lance-Star article. The new theater space will help broaden the accessibility of performing
Late-term ABORTION
A closer look at Rappahannock scholars.
Virginia governor endorses new bill.
LIFE | 7
VIEWPOINTS | 4
arts to students with disabilities. “I’m disabled [and] right now the theatre is not up-to-code,” said sophomore theatre major Maddie Neilson. “As an actor, I have to walk up a flight of stairs to perform. This new building would provide other disabled actors and disabled students the ability to perform.” The Klein Theatre has been the University community’s main stage for the theatre and dance department since 1952 and is becoming out-of-date. “Everything that needs to be accessed on [the new] stage is on one level,” said sophomore theater major Tommy Kelleher. “It’s a lot more accessible and easier for people to get around. The Klein theatre is very old. At this point, it’s completely necessary for the department to get a new space.” The proposed new theater would be a more inclusive space for all students at the University and could be accessed by a greater number of people. “Mary Washington’s big thing is inclusion and that’s not being upheld right now,” said Neilson. Although the expansion of the fine arts department •MARSHALL | 10
CAC CHAMPIONS
Men and women’s swim teams win the CAC finals.
SPORTS | 12
NEWS
Editors: Meaghan McIntyre & Kate Seltzer | blueandgray.news@gmail.com
Fredericksburg purchases new Polling Pads
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
Joshua Staley Senior Writer
The oldest residence hall on campus, Willard, has undergone various renovations. UMW Library’s Digital Collections
Willard Hall renovations to be complete in fall of 2019 to build relationships, which is particularly important for first years new to the University.” On Friday, Feb. 1, Juliette “I can understand why they would Landphair, the Vice President of be giving Willard Hall to first-year Student Affairs, sent out an email students,” said senior Allison Morris, update about the various on-campus a psychology major in the education renovations that are currently program. “Why wouldn’t they want underway. This update included the to start their college experience off plans for Willard Hall, which closed on a good note with the most up-toin summer 2017 due to a steam tunnel date housing? That’s the best first rupture. impression you could get.” According to Landphair’s email, There are plans to continue updating “Willard’s highlights include a lounge, other upperclassmen residence halls classroom, study spaces, a media after Willard is complete, and the room, and a teaching kitchen. Willard’s school will start to see a domino renovations are currently scheduled for effect in regards to updates. Being in completion in fall 2019 and will offer the center of campus, many feel that double rooms by 2020 for first-year Willard Hall has a reputation to uphold students.” as the oldest residence hall. Posts written about Willard on “I think it’s important that the the UMW blogs discuss how Willard residence halls maintain their historical Hall, completed in 1911, originally appeal,” said junior Mackenzie Poust, opened to its a religious female student studies population and “I think it’s important that the major. “I housed three know part of residence halls maintain their people to a the reason historical appeal.” room, instead why I picked of the normal UMW was two. Small -Mackenzie Poust the way iron beds, and it made a mini-dining you feel like you stepped into a time area characterized the old rooms. machine and are taken back to the The building also served as a dining 1900s.” hall and a post office. When UMW’s Willard Hall not only has a special enrollment increased, more bedrooms place on UMW’s campus, but also in were added to Willard and the dining the hearts of many alumni. According hall and post office were moved out. to Juliette Landphair, “we know from As UMW’s oldest residence hall, all an alumni survey that alums have great of its renovations are following strict affection for Willard.” historic preservation guidelines, and Lauren Frautschi, class of 2018, said will be completed by the 2019-2020 she “still recalls from her freshman school year. orientation that Willard Hall was the One of the changes being made to oldest residence hall,” and that “the fun Willard is the transition to it becoming fact stayed with her throughout college a freshman dorm, which differs from and now even in post-grad.” it previously offering housing to The 16.5 million dollar project upperclassmen. is meant to be a restoration of what “We are housing first-year students it used to be when UMW was first in Willard because a major part developing. While it will uphold of Housing and Residence Life’s its historical features, according to strategic plan is to house first years UMW’s director of capital planning and sophomores closer to the center and construction Gary Hobson, there of campus where they have access to will be several updates including dining in the University Center,” said “double-paned, energy-efficient Landphair. “Willard will primarily be windows, an elevator, new plumbing, double rooms and have community new mechanical and •WILLARD | 11 hall bathrooms to encourage students electrical systems
Reina Datta Staff Writer
When Fredericksburg voters return to the polls for Virginia’s primary elections in June, poll workers will use a new device to check them in. Rather than consulting alphabetized lists of registered voters, poll workers will now find people by scanning their ID cards. Election workers will be trained later this month to use the new Apple iOS device, called Poll Pads, designed to speed up the check-in process and cut down on lines across Fredericksburg’s five voter precincts and one central absentee precinct which will streamline the check-in process when integrated with the absentee process. “We were looking for a way to improve efficiency to get the voters in and out faster,” Rene Rodriguez, Chairman of the city’s Electoral Board, said at a meeting on Feb. 5. The election administrators work closely with all invested parties to ensure that all precincts in the city are of a manageable size. The number of Poll Pads allocated per precinct is determined by the number of voters registered at each and the expected turnout based on election type and historical turnout comparisons. Presidential elections and local elections may require a different consideration of how many pads to allocate. This training is not open to the public because of election security matters. Fredericksburg officials said the technology, first used at polls in Rhode Island in 2016, should eliminate the need for polling paperwork and reduce human errors associated with the manual check-in process. The new devices are considered to be more secure than the existing operating system, said Marc Hoffman, the city’s general registrar, who administers elections in Fredericksburg. Poll Pads use a “guided access”, meaning no unauthorized connections can be made. The pads use an iPad format which runs on an iOS operating system. They are on a closed network and therefore not available or accessible by outside interference and can be remotely monitored by the elections staff on Election Day. KNOWiNK, the company behind the Poll Pad states on their website, “we are committed to growing with your jurisdiction to meet your evolving needs and to help you achieve your vision to modernize your elections with best-in-class technology.” Other Electronic Pollbooks (EPB) solutions similar to the Poll Pad were considered, however, •POLLING | 10
CORRECTIONS for THE Week
The articles titled “Volleyball coach Matt Troy serves his way out” and “Senior Shelby Sencindiver reflects on rugby career” from the February 14 edition were incorrectly attributed to Ashleigh Grim. They were written by Kristen Lewers. PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO Lauren Closs, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu
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SPORTS
Riding team spurs season forward after home show success ASHLEIGH GRIM Staff Writer
The University of Mary Washington riding team ended their season with a two day home show hosted at Hazelwild farm on Feb. 16 and 17. Like many of their other seasons, they had a very successful weekend of competing and hosting. The varsity team takes part in eight shows each year and their Home Show was the final show of the season. The show included all 10 teams from the region including Sweet Briar College, Liberty University, Christopher Newport University, and the College of William and Mary. UMW lived up to their reputation as they tied for Reserve High Point Team on Saturday and placed third on Sunday with many of their riders advancing to regionals. Coach Teresa Seay, a UMW alumni and former rider, is extremely pleased with the weekend’s outcome. “This weekend went fantastic. Everybody was wonderful. Today went great and I am super thrilled with it. We actually have several individuals who have qualified for the postseason,” said Seay. The success of this show means that many of the equestrian team members will be going to the regional qualifiers, including sophomore Ruth Wilmot, junior Megan Mahoney, sophomore Maggie Lebor, junior Julianna Ianuzi, and senior Olivia Blake. Along with qualifying for regionals, Lebor also won first place in her class for
Intermediate Fences and fourth in Open Flat on Saturday. Ianuzi placed second in Open Fences and Blake placed third in Open Flat and first in Open Fences. Wilmot placed first in Walk Trot and Mahoney placed third in Advanced Walk Trot Canter. Other accomplishments include freshman Rachel UMW saw many riders advance to regionals. UMW Athletics Wright also placed first in region winner, there may be a chance for her category for Walk Trot Canter in some UWW riders to advance to zones. Sunday’s show, junior Mary Madison “Next week is regionals but it will Andrews who placed first in Beginner only be regionals, and then at zones the Walk Trot Canter, senior Morgan Roane region winner, which is Sweet Briar, will who placed second in Intermediate Flat compete as a team. Plus any individuals and third in Intermediate Fences and from regionals,” said Seay. senior Alex Buchanan placed second in Along with the competition of the Novice Flat. weekend, Hazelwild farm presented the The team not only performed first ever annual Abracadabra Memorial exceptionally, but hosted well even with Award or “The Abby Award” in honor of the pressure of the weekend’s events, one of their most beloved show horses. balancing the pressure of competing and The winner of the award is the horse or hosting the show. pony that earned the highest cumulative “Hosting is always hard because you average of over-fences points between have the horse show and have to get all both home shows. This year, for the of the horses ready. We used 22 horses first time, the award was presented to today,” said Seay. Knightly who boasted a score of 5.45. The whole team pulled off this The team ended their season with weekend extraordinarily well. They a successful show and sent five of its both managed to host the show and members to regionals along with hosting perform well enough to send some of the the all of the other teams in the region. members to regionals. While their regular season “We have 10 schools in our region competitions may be over, there is still and they all compete at all of the horse the opportunity to support your fellow shows. Then only the top schools are Eagles in regionals. region winners and the top school moves Regional qualifiers are taking place on to zones,” said Seay. next Saturday on Feb 23 at Sweet Briar Although Sweet Briar College was the College.
Men’s soccer seeks new assistant coach THOMAS SKEER Staff Writer
a head coaching position at Shenandoah University, who the Eagles have not played directly but are competing against As the final whistle blows on a in the regional rankings. cold November night in Lancaster, Pennsylvania the men’s soccer team’s “Zach was instrumental in our team’s season comes to devastating end in success on and off the field. He will penalty kicks against Eastern University. be missed and we wish him the best at Unfortunately for the Eagles, this would Shenandoah,” said head coach Jason not be their last loss of the season as their Kilby. assistant coach Zach MacDougall would The Shenandoah Hornets finished leave the team one month later. Looking with a 6-10-1 record last year making it forward, the team is hopeful despite the to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference changing coaching staff and optimistic of quarterfinals before losing to Lynchburg University. The Hornets season was lead what the search for a new assistant coach by their interim head coach Scott Hackett will bring. before MacDougall was offered the fullThe Eagles had a historic season with time position. a 14-1-5 record, multiple All-Conference “I had a great experience at UMW. I players, and winning the Capital Athletic worked with a great group of guys and it Conference for the second time in three was bittersweet leaving but I am happy I years. These accolades would not be had the opportunity to spend the past few possible if the coaches were not so months with the men’s soccer program,” dedicated to the team’s success. said MacDougall. “I think that the coaches played a huge role in our team’s success this The sting of losing an assistant coach and a key member of the team leaving year and their attention to detail when it is never easy, however, this is not a new comes to film sessions before the game feeling for the Eagles. Two years ago and individual tactics during the game former assistant coach Max Watson also were the difference in winning and losing left after the team won their first CAC this season,” junior Idrissa Barrie said. championship in over a decade. Watson Coach MacDougall was with the was with the program for three years men’s soccer program for only one season before leaving the team to pursue before departing the team in 2017 to coach at Scranton University. “Coach Max definitely helped build a foundation and a culture that is here to stay and when he left we hoped to find another high-end coach which we did with Coach Zach. His wealth of knowledge about the game and dedication to our culture from the day he started helped us achieve Coach MacDougall speaks with the team. UMW Athletics our goals and we can only hope
to find another coach like them,” junior captain Lucas Turney said. The Eagles have progressed to the conference championship for the last three years in a row, winning the last two back to back. This trend of winning is a testament to the player’s resolve in the face of a constantly changing coaching staff. “I think it is disrespectful that the past assistant coaches have used us to move on to what they think are better coaching opportunities elsewhere but it hasn’t affected team morale. We are still motivated to perform well with who ever takes that spot next,” freshman Mathew Pron said. The team has not named any potential replacements for the new assistant coach position yet but that has not stopped the player’s leadership from making sure that the team is putting in the work to make a deep run into the NCAA tournament in the fall. “We know what to do and we know how to do it. We just need good leadership and an attainable goal,” sophomore Kevin Conrad said. Even with losing an integral part of the team’s success this season, the Eagles are hopeful and determined to improve upon their past success in the 2019 season. “We are back to back champions of the CAC right now and next season we are going to three-peat. We have been working really hard in the off-season to try to achieve this goal and the team is getting better and stronger every day,” sophomore Joshua Everard said. “There will be challenges and obstacles along the way, but we are strong enough to overcome them.”
University of Mary Washington Sports Schedule
Men’s Basketball (18-8)
Feb. 13 W @ Southern Virginia (66-41) Feb. 16 L @ York (Pa.) (76-74) Feb. 19 W vs. Penn St.-Harrisburg (65-51) -CAC Tournament Feb. 21 @ York (Pa.) -CAC Tournament Semifinals Feb. 23 TBA -CAC Championship
Women’s Basketball (14-12) Feb. 13 W @ Southern Virginia (66-53) Feb. 16 W @ York (Pa.) (73-56) Feb. 19 W vs. Frostburg St. (65-54) OT -CAC Tournament Quarterfinals Feb. 21 @ Christopher Newport -CAC Tournament Semifinals Feb. 23 TBA -CAC Championship
Men’s Lacrosse (2-1)
Feb. 9 L @ Hampden-Sydney (14-7) Feb. 15 W @ Shenandoah (14-8) Feb. 19 W @ McDaniel (13-12) Feb. 23 vs. Ursinus Mar. 2 @ Berry
Women’s Lacrosse (2-1)
Feb. 16 W vs. Washington and Lee (10-8) Feb. 19 W @ Shenandoah (14-8) Feb. 23 vs. Lynchburg Feb. 27 @ Randolph-Macon Mar. 6 @ Franklin & Marshall
Baseball (1-0)
Feb. 19 W @ Methodist (8-0) Feb. 23 vs. Oneonta Feb. 24 vs. Oneonta Mar. 1 vs. New Rochelle Mar. 2 vs. New Rochelle
Softball (0-0)
Feb. 23 vs. Messiah Feb. 24 vs. Elizabethtown Feb. 28 vs. Randolph-Macon Mar. 2 vs. Shenandoah Mar. 4 @ Wentworth
Full Schedule not listed above. Most recent games included. Bold indicates home game.
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VIEWPOINTS
Virginia’s new abortion bill sparks controversy
MIKAYLA MCDONALD Staff Writer
On Jan. 29, 2019, Virginia Delegate Kathy Tran (VA-42) introduced House Bill No. 2491, which would technically allow an abortion to be performed just moments before the birth of a baby. Under Virginia law, late-term abortions are permitted, but there is restrictive language that places boundaries on these cases. The current Virginia code states that late term abortions are only permissible in occurrences where a mother’s life and/ or health would be “substantially and irremediably” harmed by allowing the pregnancy to go to full term. Additionally, the law stipulates that at least three physicians must sign off on the legitimacy of the procedure as bounded by law. Tran’s proposal attempted to remove the instructive verbiage “substantially and irredeemable” from the books as well as only requiring one physician to sign off on the validity of the life and health assertions. Lastly, Tran’s bill would have allowed for second-trimester abortions to be performed in clinics, as opposed to hospitals, which the state law currently requires. I do not support Virginia’s current stance on abortion and certainly was not enthralled with the introduction of a bill that further loosened the legal constraints on unfettered abortions. I believe that life begins at conception, so unborn babies are human beings with a right to life.
I do believe, however, that there are exceptions in which abortion could be considered, such as rape, incest and extreme instances where a woman’s life is endangered. In these rare events, choice was not part of the equation. Instead, it was foisted upon her. A woman’s choice is certainly a key element in determining the eventual outcome of the dilemma that she is facing. She has choices of aborting the unborn baby, going through with the pregnancy and keeping the baby, or even better, adoption. Tran’s bill generated immediate and intense backlash from the pro-life community after the Virginia House GOP shared video of Tran’s presentation of her bill before the legislative committee. Under questioning from House Majority Leader Todd Gilbert, Tran clearly stated during her presentation that her bill does not place a limit on how late into a pregnancy an abortion could take place. Tran further exacerbated the issue by linking the mental health of the prospective mother as a determining factor that an unborn baby which is otherwise viable should be aborted instead. In the days following the drama generated by the debate over Tran’s bill, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam went on WTOP to defend Tran. During his Wednesday morning radio appearance, the Governor implied that he supported abortion up until birth. I found this to be a remarkable stance, considering that the Governor is a
pediatrician. “If a mother is in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen. The infant would be delivered. The infant would be kept comfortable. The infant would be resuscitated if that’s what the mother and the family desired, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother,” Northam stated. Another part of the late-term abortion argument seems to center on medical necessity in certain cases. Although I clearly comprehend the dangers pregnancy can pose for women, I find it hard to support the notion that a thirdtrimester abortion is ever a medical necessity.
Governor Ralph Northam
If there is indeed something that is threatening a women’s life during a pregnancy, I would agree that the pregnancy should be terminated. However, there are two ways one can terminate a third-trimester pregnancy; either abort the baby (kill the baby) or deliver the baby (give life a chance). Delegate Tran and Governor Northam seem to endorse late-term abortion with little regard to the fact that a thirdtrimester fetus is often viable outside the womb. Like many proponents of abortions within the framework of women’s rights, they fail to recognize the baby’s rights.
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Current placement of SGA menstrual products across campus are inaccessible, unavailable and non-inclusive OLIVIA LEHMAN Staff Writer
Quick, easy and affordable access to menstrual products is essential for those who rely on them. Tampons and sanitary napkins are the most common products but are also subject to a hefty sales tax, despite Virginia law which states, “medical products used to treat or prevent diseases can be tax-exempt,” as cited in a Capitol News article. In fact, products such as medicine, eyeglasses and firewood are already excluded from the same tax. Although this is not only
Menstrual product basket at the HCC.
a women’s issue— there are plenty of women who don’t menstruate and men who do—this is a clear disparity which disproportionately and negatively impacts women at large. Across most of Virginia, tampons, sanitary napkins, and menstrual cups are all taxed at a rate of 5.3 percent up to 6 percent in Northern Virginia, according to Capital News. Removing this tax would save women and others who need them at least a hundred dollars annually. That money could instead be put towards savings, investments, education and anything else rather than taxing products that are a known necessity. For a university that is 64 percent women according to US News, it’s understandable that the Mary Washington Student Government Association implemented a new campaign providing limited free pads and tampons back in the spring of 2017. SGA placed baskets in three women’s bathrooms on campus: the third floor of the Hurley Convergence Center, the third floor of the University Center, and on the first floor of the Fitness Center. For students who struggle to balance university tuition, classes, work, relationships, this idea is a fantastic one to reduce stress. People who
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menstruate don’t always know when they will need a tampon or pad in a pinch; it’s reassuring that there are some available nearby for free. However, there are some clear flaws in the current way the products are managed. The baskets themselves are in limited, inconvenient and frankly, odd locations around campus— a complaint raised by many students. “They are in super obscure places where they’re difficult to find. Nobody uses the third-floor bathroom in the UC. I have to go on an expedition to find a menstrual product in an emergency,” said senior psychology major Serena Freeman. Even if you are lucky enough to find one of the three bathrooms on campus that these baskets are located, an even worse issue presents itself: an empty basket. I have gone to both the bathroom in the Fitness Center and the HCC to find bare baskets. Senior Katherine Bartles echoed this experience: “Every time I’ve gone to the HCC or the UC the baskets have always been empty. I’ve never seen them full.” The baskets are hardly the resource they claim to be if they are not restocked on a consistent basis, despite SGA’s reassurance that they are refilled multiple times a week. Once the baskets are filled, the fact remains that they reside exclusively in women’s restrooms. This makes them inaccessible to men or nonbinary people who need the products.
Considering the number of genderneutral bathrooms on campus which they could be placed in, this is unacceptable. When asked about plans to combat student critiques, SGA president Matthew Good outlined plans for the program to grow in the future. “This is only the second year the program has been operational, and we’ve only expanded,” claimed Good. He also stated the SGA is “limited in what we can provide by state regulations and cost...”. Good said that they are looking at possibly adding the Nest and/or moving them around to be in gender-neutral bathrooms, if possible. This should not be a tentative move but a decisive one to better accommodate students. Spreading out products in a few specific, yet varied in both location and gender-assignment, bathrooms throughout campus would allow access and prevent the concentration of them to one or two awkward and unsuspecting places. Since menstrual products are not currently affordable or available for all people in our state, the SGA is attempting to support us where our state is currently failing. However, this support cannot be conditional. In order to adequately provide the crucial resource that menstrual products are, the SGA needs to reevaluate their plan and implement a rapid and sustainable expansion of the program. This time around with all students’ needs in mind.
Thursday,January February 2019 Thursday, 21,21, 2015
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Editor: Grace Winfield | blueandgray.views@gmail.com
Hip-hop transcends beyond outdated Grammys award system DRE CHANDLER Staff Writer
Nearing the end of this past decade, it isn’t a secret that the Grammys have yet to catch up with the modern shift in music. Possibly their most notable failure is the delay in recognizing hip-hop as its own genre, the new “pop” music of this generation, rather than a genre lumped in with Rap and R&B. But let me be clear- the Grammys don’t have a hip-hop problem, the Grammys ARE the problem. With rap and R&B surpassing rock as today’s most listened-to genres, it appears hip-hop needs the Grammys less than the Grammys need hip-hop each year. Let's look at two major moments during the show that the Grammys tried desperately to avoid. Both illustrate how far the Recording Academy has to go to retain any relevance with the modern day audience. Both instances using opposing figures on rap's spectrum of success, Childish Gambino and Drake. This year’s Grammys seemed to be overrun with hip-hop music. With performers like Travis Scott being nominated for multiple awards, and rapper Cardi B even winning Rap Album of the Year. This year we saw a huge lean towards R&B and hip-hop artists, though Kendrick Lamar and Childish Gambino went as far to as to not even show up. And why should they? Including this year, only 12 black artists have won the Album of the Year award out the 61 years it has been awarded and only four of the winners were hip-hop artists. People of all races and backgrounds listen to rap and R&B, but it doesn’t seem they are truly hearing the artists. Rather, it’s party music, hype music- and the content of it arguably isn’t taken as seriously as songs produced in other genres, and neither are the artists. The Grammys refuses to appreciate these genres, and black culture as a whole, the way it should be. And to be completely honest, it's going
to take more than one night of minimal “corrections” to fix the decades-old disconnect of an institution built around America's racial and cultural politics. Despite all the awards Childish Gambino’s "This Is America" won (including the only one it truly deserved: Best Music Video), it's clear that the Academy -and much of America- still haven’t really understood its meaning. The seemingly simple and repetitive song is actually a song declaring that black bodies are treated as commodities instead of humans in this country, the blatant exploitation of black trauma, and how black culture is gentrified as a distraction from, and an abstraction of, America's anti-blackness. If Gambino were to show up to "music's biggest night" and accept an award, or worse, to perform the song on the Grammy stage accompanied by shirtless choreography, it would have completely and utterly destroyed the entire message and intent of "This Is America." Drake, in a surprise move, decided to cross the picket line. After winning his Grammy he appeared seemingly out of thin air on stage to accept his Best Rap Song award for “God’s Plan.” Drake humbly accepted his award and began his arguably controversial speech. The Toronto rapper offered words of encouragement to fellow artists during his acceptance speech. "I want to take this opportunity while I'm up here to just talk to all the kids that are watching this, aspiring to do music," Drake said. "All my peers that make music from their heart that do things pure and tell the truth, I wanna let you know we're playing in an opinion-based sport not a factual-based sport. So it's not the NBA where at the end of the year you're holding a trophy because you made the right decisions or won the games." He also seemed to allude to the Academy's iffy track record with hip-hop and artists of color. "This is a business where sometimes it's up to a bunch of people who might
not understand what a mixed race kid from Canada has to say or a fly Spanish girl from New York or anybody else, or a brother from Houston right there, my brother Travis [Scott]. But my point is you've already won if you have people singing your songs word for word, if you're a hero in your hometown. Look, if there's people who have regular jobs who are coming out in the rain, in the snow, spending their hard earned money to buy tickets to come to your shows, you don't need this right here. I promise you, you already won." Without even the benefit of wrapup music, mid-sentence, the show cut to commercial, leading to a groan in the media room that could probably be heard all the way into the arena, where Drake was presumably still finishing his eloquent boycott of the Grammys. Whether he knew or not, Drake wasn’t in a hurry to leave; he was seen later enjoying a performance by friend Travis Scott. Social media timelines immediately began fill with tweets and posts
discussing the speech. Some claimed that Drake was sending subliminal shots at the award show, that in the past has generally not rewarded him with its most highly coveted awards. However, I don’t think this was the case at all. Drake spoke from his experiences and his heart, delivering a speech that the Academy and many watching at home needed to hear. After the show, a representative for the Grammys clarified to reporters that producers did not intentionally cut off Drake, but were under the impression that he had finished his speech. The allegations that Drake was sending shots at the Grammys are unwarranted, however his speech isn’t the protest. It wasn't even the spirited middle finger for which hip-hop is so notorious. It was hip-hop's message in a bottle, acknowledging that the dynamic has shifted, the tables have turned, and the culture is too busy ruling its own domain to be bothered to show up for the annual “retirement party,” that is the Grammys. Consider it a wake-up call.
Artist Drake delivering his acceptance speech at the Grammys.
Grammy.com
Staff Ed: New act gives those convicted of marijuana possesion a clean slate, reduces incarceration By THE BLUE AND GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) and presidential hopeful is under fire after admitting she has smoked marijuana. On Feb. 11, Harris shared her story with the hosts of the “The Breakfast Club” radio show of a time she smoked marijuana in college. Feeds on all social platforms flooded with debates over Harris and her controversial conversation. Some users have asked if she is lying about her experience; others have demanded to know if she was a prosecutor at the time she smoked. On a federal level, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I drug with a “high potential for abuse.” Other drugs which fall under this category are heroin, ecstasy and peyote. First and foremost, it is not fair to compare marijuana to these life-threatening drugs. Cigarettes are legal for purchase at age of 18 and are readily available just about anywhere. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking is
responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States, including more than 41,000 deaths resulting from secondhand smoke exposure. This is about one in five deaths annually, or 1,300 deaths every day. However, Harris supports a bill introduced by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), The Marijuana Justice Act.The bill would remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances and expunge the records of those convicted of marijuana use or possession. Harris said, “we need to research the impact of weed on a developing brain” and said measuring how marijuana impairs driving needs to be addressed. Cannabis in the medical field is something that few can argue with, as it is known to help patients with PTSD, epilepsy, cancer and multiple sclerosis. Marijuana has also proven to be economically beneficial and has created jobs. According to an article on money.cnn.com,
the marijuana industry employed 121,000 people in the year 2017. The Blue and Gray Press supports The Marijuana Justice Act and research into the effects of marijuana. More and more politicians, both Republican and Democratic, are supporting the legalization of marijuana, and we must support officials such as Harris and Booker that will enact change. While not all the negative effects of marijuana are known, it should not be considered in the same class of addictive and overdose-prone drugs like heroin, especially when it has been known to have medicinal properties. We need to do more research rather than using fear-mongering tactics and incarcerating its users. Government support leads to government funding, and more studies can release discoveries of the countless benefits of marijuana usage.
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LIFE
Editor: Lucas Burkholder blueandgray.life@gmail.com
Theatre production comments on childish behavior seen in adults
LINDSEY BROWN Senior Writer
Does anyone ever truly grow up? Does anyone ever fully mature? People are a mystery, and when they are pushed to their limits, they act like children sometimes. That is exactly what happens in Yasmina Reza’s “God of Carnage,” the latest UMW Theatre production that premiered at Klein Theatre last Tuesday. When the parents of two boys that got into a fight meet to figure out what to do next, things get a little hairy. The stage is set with a tasteful living room filled with modern furniture and pieces of African art on a wall behind the furniture. The scene begins with the parents of the boys convening. Michael and Veronica are the parents of Benjamin, the boy who got injured “God of Carnage” runs through Feb. 24 in the Klein Theatre. from the fight and they host the and all while adding alcohol to the mix. seemed to have the audience squirming meeting in their house. Alan and Annette This play is a riot in itself, and seeing in their seats. are parents of Henry, the boy who beat how unhinged people become from the Each actor did a great job portraying up Benjamin, and broke two of his teeth. strains of life, gives the audience a sense the immaturity and the development They discuss how to punish the boys, that they are not alone in their struggles. of the characters through their issues. who tattled on who, and if the boys With no intermission, the audience gets a They seemed to enjoy showing the real should meet and apologize. full-on laugh fest of the true problems in sides of people when they are pushed Alan (played by Jacob Dodges), is marriage and relationships in general. far enough. Julie Hodge’s set design a lawyer and he receives many calls on As the truth comes out about was impressive and gave the set its own his cell phone throughout the meeting. the problems in both marriages, the character. Gregg Stull’s direction was Annette (played by Olivia Whicheloe), characters start to tries to get her husband to be present realize that they for the meeting, and he continues to are the reason their ignore her. Veronica (played by Lydia children fought. Hundley) quickly gets fed up with Michael’s character how the conversation unfolds, while is the one that her husband, Michael (played by Neal changes the most Gallini-Burdick) tries to keep the peace, out of them all. In and make sure the conversation does not the beginning of the go south. The juxtaposition of four adults show, he seems like with respectable careers, that act like a level-headed guy. children when they deal with conflict, By the end of the gives the play an obvious comedic feel, show, he seems to be but also a pondering thought for the the most unhinged. audience. While the comedy As the conversation escalates, true was there, the colors are shown from the characters. awkward silences Limits are pushed, harsh words are said, were a bit much possessions are ruined, tears are shed, at times, and they Cast and crew of “God of Carnage”
Alan, played by Jacob Dodges.
Geoff Greene / UMW Theatre
Lydia Hundley (left) playing Veronica and Olivia Whicheloe (right) as Annette. Geoff Greene / UMW Theatre
Geoff Greene / UMW Theatre
spot on in displaying the way people act when put under awkward situations, and that children can be just like their parents. The detailed set, paired with the dedicated acting, was yet another wonderful production from the UMW Theatre department. The show runs from Feb. 14 to Feb. 24 in Klein Theatre.
Geoff Greene / UMW Theatre
Michael, played by Neal Gallini-Burdick. Geoff Greene / UMW Theatre
Thursday, February 21, 2019
LIFE
Rappahannock Scholars supports underrepresented students Photo Story By Ivory Ball
Robert West
The Rappahannock Scholars program helps bridge the gap from high school to college. It encourages students in the eighth grade to do their very best academically. However, the program also looks for qualities such as conduct, respect, honesty, dedication, and dignity. The program helps with scheduling to make sure that you have all the needed classes and supports students all throughout college. One of the incentives of being a Rappahannock Scholar is the number of different scholarships that you are eligible for like the Lalla Gresham Ball Pell Grant. There are monthly meetings that consist of checking in to make sure everyone is keeping up in their courses, going to office hours, and pacing themselves in a timely manner. There are periodic field trips to museums and parks. There is also a community service requirement to give back to the community.
Junior
“The Rappahannock Scholars Program has given me the extraordinary opportunity to be the first in my family to attend college. All the while relieving my family of the financial burden that college can put on a family. I could not ask for a better program or opportunity. I am truly grateful.”
Megan Sosnow Senior
“Without this program, I would’ve never been able to afford college in the first place. I come from a low-income family and my parents were not able to pay for me to go here. I work full time to help my parents out and go to school, so I really appreciate not having to worry about paying for school and books.”
Freddie Owens Sophomore
“Without the Rappahannock Scholars, my family and I would be in a lot of debt. Since its two of us, my twin brother and I, the college debt would be double the normal person. Alone a normal college student would probably have over $100,00 in debt. Not only did the Rappahannock Scholars pay for my college tuition but also the Rappahannock Scholars gives me resources and tips to get through college. Being with other students from the area I’m from we can relate to each other and we all go through the same struggles of being at the University of Mary Washington. ”
Ramon Owens Sophomore
“It has helped me because my twin and I going to college at the same time would have been a lot of money for my parents. My parents always pushed me to do well in school and go to college to make something out of myself. To think that it’s a program out there where they recruit kids from a low population area and where there isn’t a lot of success at is amazing to me. I see that UMW wants to make futures out of people, regardless of ethnicity. ”
“The program through a series of guided activities and relationship building exercise helps gifted students accomplish their academic goals and change the trajectory of their own lives and influence students from their communities, by changing their attitudes about success and their careers. They add tremendous cultural capital to UMW. They are involved in many activities. Some Rappahannock Scholars are in the Honors Program, many are on the President’s or Deans’ lists, multicultural activities, community service work, and admissions office events. Their passion is to give back to their communities. I am privileged to work with these amazing students as they continue their journey after college in the workplace and graduate schools.”
Dr. Rita Thompson
Khaila Nelson
Sophomore
“This program has been educating me with the mechanics and skills necessary to conquer higher education since my freshman year of high school... The academic and professional opportunities that I have been given here at this institution are incomparable. I proudly state that without this program I would not be able to fully enjoy my collegiate years. It has lifted a financial burden off the arms of my family and has provided me with an environment to excel.”
Mandy Byrd Freshman
“Through this program, I can focus on my academics and school activities that will help me to land a secure and promising career after graduation. It lifts a burden of my parents’ and I’s shoulders knowing they will not have to struggle to pay for school. I am being fully supported by students and staff involved in the program, many from my own area who can relate with similar struggles and experiences. This program is proof that students from poorer, rural areas can be successful and can prosper in college.”
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Weekend Events Thursday • God of Carnage @ Klein Theatre, 7:30 p.m. • Great Lives: Dale Carnegie @ Dodd Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. • High School Musical Trivia @ The Underground, 8 - 8:45 p.m.
Friday • Resistance Through Poetry @ The Underground, 7 p.m. • God of Carnage @ Klein Theatre, 7:30 p.m. • Ralph Breaks the Internet @ Monroe 116, 7 p.m. • A Star is Born @ Monroe 116, 10 p.m.
Saturday • Open House @ Framar, 12 - 4 p.m. • Open Mic Night/Karaoke @ Framar House, 6 - 8 p.m. • God of Carnage @ Klein Theatre, 2 and 7:30 p.m. • Step Show @ Dodd Auditorium, 7 p.m. • A Star is Born @ Monroe 116, 7 p.m. • Ralph Breaks the Internet @ Monroe 116, 10 p.m.
CONNECT WITH US NOW ON SNAPCHAT AS WELL The Blue & Gray Press
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LIFE
Death of NASA’s Mars rover Opportunity goes viral
Olivia Lehman Staff Writer
The last image transmitted by NASA’s Mars rover Opportunity looks to be a grainy, streaked photo of the night sky. It is magical, with beams of light shooting up from the surface of the red planet. It transfixes, as does the entire nature of Opportunity. While it looks beautiful, the streaks foreshadow the end. The photo is supposed to portray a region of Mars called Perseverance Valley. Instead, the static shows the deadly dust storm that finally put an end to Opportunity’s long mission, the longest mission of any space rover to this day. Opportunity— affectionately called Oppy—landed on Mars on Jan. 25, 2004. It was only supposed to last 90 Martian days (about 87 Earth days) and instead lasted 5,111 Earth days. Its mission was incredibly successful. According to Forbes, Oppy traveled over 28 miles and took 217,000 images over that time, many of which gave key insights to what Mars was like in the distant and not-sodistant past. “My battery is low and it’s getting dark.” In the few days since Oppy’s death, these imagined last words have gone viral. Memes, art, and a barrage of tweets (#ThanksOppy) followed the
announcement by NASA of the rover’s death. Someone even got a tattoo of the rover’s final words. The loss of Oppy had a clear and maybe surprisingly profound impact on people, as if they lost a friend. Many students on campus have been mourning Oppy, both online and offline. “The mars rover was the sweetest lil colonizer the human race ever produced,” freshman Aliza Haskal tweeted, a funny yet melancholy and succinct expression of this loss. The internet was abuzz with similar bittersweet descriptions as Haskal’s, of the rover as sweet, heroic, and even lonely. Senior Avery Vanden Berghe expressed their grief as well by commenting, “He did a good job, we’ll miss him,” when asked about the death of Opportunity. NASA officials showed how they too were both celebrating the magnificent life and mourning the death of the rover. The team behind the project, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, gave their own send off to Oppy, transmitting a final message of Billie Holliday’s “I’ll be Seeing You.” The multitude of responses works to personify Opportunity into a sort of lovable, noble hero rather than a robot. Even portraying the battery failure, the
Opportunity landed on Jan. 25, 2004 and ran for 5,111 days.
pummeling of dust and the subsequent loss of connection to NASA as a death humanizes the machine. This attachment to an inanimate but personified object could be a great tool for the future funding and success of NASA’s projects. It can also be a source of inspiration. In fact, many scientists’ lives have been changed by the project. In an article by Interest Engineering, deputy project scientist for the Mars Exploration Rover
CNN
(MER) Abigail Fraeman said “It was those first images from Opportunity that inspired me to become a planetary scientist.” In this way, the namesake and mission of the rover— Opportunity— lives on. The groundbreaking rover will continue to inspire and change the nature of space exploration for years and years to come.
Examining the trope of journalists in superhero comic books
HARRY FISHER Online Editor
One of the biggest tropes in comic books seems to be the journalist character. It seems like in every superhero story, there’s always the reporter or the photographer who’s there documenting the actions of the hero, and presenting them to the public in either a positive or negative light. Sometimes, the hero himself is the journalist, using his resources as a reporter to get closer to a problem that needs solving, or a potential villain that needs to be investigated. The image of Clark Kent investigating stories in his reporter attire is as iconic as him running into a phone booth to change into Superman. And of course, there’s the classic trope of Peter Parker taking pictures for J. Jonah Jameson, who ironically hates Spider-Man. But why is this trope of journalist characters so prevalent in comic books and other super hero media? What do these kinds of characters add to their stories, and why do they appear so often. Several UMW students had their own opinions on the topic. “I think that the journalist character in comic books acts as a narrator in a way, but also acts as a sidekick to the hero or even the villain. It is interesting to think that Clark Kent is a decoy in order to protect Superman,” said Jamie McGuire, a senior English and communication and digital studies major. “Being that a reporter’s job is to reveal secrets or identity, many comic books make their heroes have a dual identity as the reporter to protect the hero’s secret identity.” This is a good point about superheroes having journalist alter egos. Since Superman is secretly a reporter, he can prevent anyone from trying to investigate him and discover his secret identity. “I’m not really into comics and superheroes but I really like that many of them are journalists because it subtly tells the consumer that journalists are
smart, dedicated, and even valiant people,” said Ginny Bixby, a junior English and American studies major. “Especially in the current political climate where there is a lot of antijournalist rhetoric, it’s really great to see journalists portrayed in a positive light in pop culture.” This is quite possibly a big reason why the trope of super hero journalists is so popular. Journalists are often highly dedicated to bringing facts to their public audience, and they often have a positive impact on society because of it. Super heroes being portrayed as journalists is therefore a great way to show people just how “heroic” journalists can be. “When a superhero is a journalist, it sort of gives them an excuse to be closer to danger, and both the character and viewer get more information,” said Riley Doherty, a sophomore English major. “I think it makes Peter Parker a more conflicted character, since he’s helping J. Jonah Jameson write stories about himself. I also really like Karen Page from the Daredevil TV series, because she’s a pretty realistic portrayal of a journalist and she’s not afraid to bend the rules.” It’s true that super heroes who are journalists sort of give themselves a way to get closer to the action, since they’re able to use their alter egos to investigate potential threats and provide exposition in the story. But it can also create a moral conflict, as is the case with Spider-Man. Peter Parker doesn’t want to help Jameson keep publishing slandering articles about Spider-Man, but he doesn’t have much of a choice, since taking pictures for Jameson is his primary source of income in a lot of Spider-Man stories. “Journalists in comics tend to have a determination that I find admirable, but it is also what gets them in trouble,” said Lauren Closs, a junior biology major. “They are dedicated to reporting the truth, which is extremely important. They’re not the bad guys, but just as
Clark Kent, Superman, is an iconic superhero journalist.
they can cause some of the conflicts in comics, they are not always received favorably by the public in real life either. Nevertheless, they play an essential role in the plot and in the world.” “Some of my favorite journalists in comics are Ben Urich and Lois Lane,” she said. “They don’t shy away from complicated or high-risk stories, but they also have strong morals. I think they personify the idea of regular people having a huge impact in a world much bigger than themselves.” This is another good point, because comic book journalists aren’t limited to super heroes. Characters like Lois Lane and Ben Urich are prime examples of nonsuper powered characters who have a huge impact on the worlds they inhabit and often help the respective heroes they work with, due to the fact that they’re great journalists dedicated to the truth. I find that many famous comic
DC Comics
book universes would not be the same without these journalist characters. They add a certain real-world element to their stories, and often serve as a way for heroes to constantly be involved in the action of a story, even in their civilian lives. Additionally, these kinds of characters can add more tension to a story. But perhaps the most important aspect of these characters is that they offer both positive and negative portrayals of journalists. In the case of characters like Lois Lane or Ben Urich, they show us how journalists can be heroes who help people in their own way, even if they don’t have super powers. In the case of characters like J. Jonah Jameson, they show us what happens when a journalist has too much bias and how their selfish actions can harm people. But in both cases, it’s easy to see why these characters are just as iconic as super heroes themselves.
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NEWS
Required College of Education math exam causes concern
Amanda Smith Staff Writer
Some UMW College of Education (COE) students are concerned about the Math Praxis Core exam impeding on their careers as future teachers. The exam is 52 questions with a time limit of an hour. Students are tested on math skills ranging from basic fractions to detailed statistics problems, most which were taught in high school level math classes. “The Praxis exam is extremely difficult for those not in any math courses,” said COE student Taylor Nacole. “I personally have not done any of the math in several years nor will I use it in any of my studies towards my career.” According to the Virginia Board of Education, “Candidates who fail to achieve the minimum score established by the Board of Education may be denied entrance into the relevant education program on the basis of such failure; however, if enrolled in the program, they shall have the opportunity to address any deficiencies.” UMW requires any student that applies to the College of Education abide by these requirements with either a passing SAT score in writing, reading, and math or a passing score in a stateadministered test such as the VCLA and the Math Praxis Core exam. The College of Education at UMW does provide a provisional entry to students who do not have the minimum test requirements to become eligible as a full-time member of the COE. Students that have not fulfilled these requirements are allowed to take a maximum of three education classes before they will be suspended from the COE until entry exams are passed. “I think that by the COE making it a requirement to pass these tests hinders the students,” Nacole said. “I am currently at my limit of three education classes and I have not been able to go and take the test nor get help on the material. Having all major content areas take the VCLA makes sense because reading and writing comprehension is shown in everyone, but having an English or history major recall math they haven’t executed in several years is asking for failure.” Riley Wright, English major and College of Education student agreed. “The two biggest problems with this exam requirement is the price and the fact that we can only take three education courses,” he said. The Math Praxis Core exam is administered year-round and is available to be taken a maximum of six times. Over the past semester, some UMW students have had to take the exam three to six times to receive a passing score. Many students find the exam to be costly as well as difficult. “I’m going on the third attempt,”
said Nacole. “It is ridiculous how much the test is, especially for those who must take it multiple times.” The Math Praxis Core exam is provided by the state and costs $90 to take. According to their website, Praxis offers practice tests for $25, adding to students’ financial burden. “I know we had to pay for the SAT while in high school, but that was when I lived with my parents full-time and didn’t have to pay for tuition or groceries of my own,” said Wright. “I currently don’t have enough money in my pocket to pay for it.” Some students worry that the exam is more of a hindrance than a benefit to their future careers as teachers. “I think an entry exam is important, either the Praxis or the SAT,” said English major and COE student Benjamin Fancher. “However, doing well on the exam itself does not mean you’ll be a great teacher, and not doing well doesn’t mean you won’t be a great teacher. It’s complicated.” Students that have passed the requirements are also concerned to see their fellow classmates struggling to pass this one test to be able to continue studying education. Even though she had passing scores from the SAT, COE student Julianna Berry said “not all of us will teach math. I don’t think it’s beneficial to take this exam to any COE students.” Students suggested alternative metrics for measuring understanding and success. Some suggest getting rid of state administered exams and having them take content-area specific entry tests from the college itself. “It is important that future teachers understand fundamentals such as math and language arts, but I’m not sure if the Praxis core exams are the best way to do it,” Wright said. “Maybe the university could arrange a UMWspecific exam that is covered under tuition or requires specific classes for non-math majors that want to be teachers.” “Give students more help and attention for them to succeed,” Wright said. “Some subjects are really hard for people and they need more help than others and I don’t think that is a good enough reason to justify suspension from the COE and take students off their career path.” UMW has seen a decline in the student passing rate on this exam. In efforts to resolve this issue, the College of Education has responded to their students’ concerns by creating a tutoring program for the Math Praxis Core exam specifically. On Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m., tutors will come in and work with students on math questions that could be seen on the exam, and go over it step by step. These sessions are held in Trinkle Hall room 106.
“I currently don’t have enough money in my pocket to pay for it.” -Riley Wright
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UMW arts buildings are not currently compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Blue & Gray Press
Ten-year plan met with mixed reviews •MARSHALL | 1
would benefit many on campus, students have also expressed their concerns with the project. These concerns include the proposed location of the new theater. “I feel like a new theater is an awesome idea but maybe not in that location,” said freshman Jessica Dietrich. The infamously steep Marshall Hill is a factor in students’ opinions of the chosen spot for the building. “It kind of feels like they’re pushing theater into that corner of campus,” said theatre major Liz Fisher. “I lived in Marshall my freshman year and it’s pretty much hell getting up that hill.” Students have also expressed that other parts of campus should be given attention. “Instead of knocking down Marshall maybe they should renovate it,” said freshman international affairs major Killa Zadva. “I don’t think the arts department is big enough to make this expansion.” “I think a lot of the dorms need renovating especially Russell and Marshall,” said Dietrich. There are concerns that the demolition of a residence hall will create a shortage of space for students living on campus. But other parts of President Paino’s ten-year plan rely on the removal of Marshall. “If necessary, we can expand the number of beds currently available
in the University Apartments across the street,” said President Paino. “Currently those apartments have just over 300 beds, but we could easily expand to over 500 beds if we rebuilt new apartments at that location.” The master ten-year plan also includes the addition of a parking garage behind the UMW apartments. This parking structure will be used for both students and guests of the theater. According to Paino, the proposed changes to the lower half of campus and the fine arts buildings on College Avenue will allow the University to grow and benefit both theater and nontheater focused students. “We are a liberal arts school that offers students the opportunity to engage in a variety of interests and passions while attending school here,” said President Paino. “You can be an athlete, biology major, and still find the space to engage with the arts.” President Paino also said that the new theater will be a place that all students and community members can enjoy and will be hugely beneficial to the University community. “Creativity is critical for success in a 21st-century economy,” said Paino. “...the integration of these programs into our broader academic experience helps make the case for the valueadded of a Mary Wash education. The completion of the new theater project is scheduled to be finished in the fall of 2022.
New technology streamlines voting process
•POLLING | 2
Code of Virginia 24.2-602 exempts election equipment from certain purchasing and procurement requirements. After other localities were consulted about their experiences and recommendations, “the Poll Pad was determined to be the most secure, intuitive, user friendly and efficient,” Hoffman said. For $20,000, the city purchased 19 machines that the three-member electoral board, which oversees local elections, plans to deploy in time for the June 11 primaries. Poll workers scan registered voters’ valid ID cards on the Poll Pad to check-in them in. Each pad will have a poll book securely downloaded onto it with all registered voters’ information. An expired ID card—up to one year—will still be accepted at check-in. Voters with an expired ID past one year will be asked for a secondary card. If a voter is casting a Provisional Ballot, which is used when the voter’s
eligibility to vote is uncertain, the officer of election can mark said ballot provisional on the Poll Pad. The board of elections will later investigate the Provisional Ballot. “This is the future,” Rodriguez said. The process under Virginia law is: the voter approaches an officer of election with their qualifying ID card. The voter is asked to state their name and address which is then repeated back to them by the officer of election. The officer then marks that voter’s name in the EPB (Poll Pad) and the voter is given a ballot to mark per usual. “Right now, people have to sit in lines and wait for them to find your information,” said Fredericksburg citizen, Dora Bennett. “I think this sounds like a much more organized system that will benefit us as voters.” According to KNOWiNK’s website, Poll Pads are currently used in twenty-three states and the District of Columbia.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
NEWS
Willard Hall maintains historic integrity with updates
UMW Theatre students lead workshops part about leading the workshops is seeing people’s reactions when they start to recognize the value and the fun in what they are learning,” said Fortune. “It feels good to give that feeling to someone else.” The program has also had positive feedback from both the parents and the children involved. “In the world of community theatre, there is not a ton of opportunities for kids, especially kids who don’t have drama classes in their school, to learn theatre skills and techniques, so the workshops provide an opportunity to work on specific skills,” said Liss. One of the most popular workshops with the children, so far, focused on stage combat. This workshop has been a huge hit in Dr. Liss’s household. Her two children, Emily and Daniel, are constantly playing and practicing what they learned. After they perform a fight scene, Liss said they will turn to her and ask, “Did that look real?” Jess Elkins, a junior theatre major, is also involved in leading one of the workshops, focused on scene study, for ages 10-16. Her younger sister
•THEATRE | 1
UMW Theatre partnered with Stage Door Productions to put on workshops for children. Suzanne Rossi / University Relations
Jillian, who is 10, is enrolled in the workshops. According to Elkins, her younger sister “really enjoyed learning about stage combat.” Elkins originally got involved in the workshops because she wants to, “encourage young kids to pursue arts further,” while also, “giving what we learn [as theatre students at UMW] back to people younger than us.” Due to the program’s success, the hope is to continue the workshops into the future. “I hope UMW continues this program because I think it looks good on UMW theatre, on UMW as a whole, and on Stage Door. I think that this will encourage more artistic involvement within the Fredericksburg community,” said Fortune. “If we have kids growing up with these opportunities, then that will flourish and build more of a community within Fredericksburg.”
Willard Hall will open as doubles for freshman.
and a new,
•WILLARD | 2 interlocking metal roof.” “We are very excited about the Willard Hall renovation,” Landphair said. “A few weeks ago, I was given a tour and was thrilled to see how it is coming along. As our oldest residence hall, it will continue to highlight some of its original features but will of course be updated with an elevator, air conditioning, and spaces designed for learning.” The new floor plan includes a space for a “teaching kitchen.”
Ivory Ball / The Blue & Gray Press
“In fact,” Landphair said, “having various purposes aligns with its original intent to house students as well as have dining and other functions within its space.” “The communal kitchens have always had a bad reputation in my eyes,” Poust said. “I never want to cook in there because they seem out of date and cramped.” Some pictures from UMW Library’s Digital Collections show Willard Hall in its former glory, complete with a tea room and a dining hall in the basement.
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Thursday, February 21, 2019
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SPORTS
Editor: Jack Hagn | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com
Can’t stop, won’t stop; varsity swim wins CAC Championship
watch what they do in the coming years.” Justin Anderson, From Feb 14-17, all eight teams in alumni of UMW the Capital Athletic Conference came and current head together to compete for the top spot coach of the team, at the swim team championships. The shares Miller’s same University of Mary Washington swim beliefs. “Our strategy team is, again, the top swim team in the revolves around doing conference because of the win both the what puts the team men’s and women’s teams received. This in the best position puts the women at 29 consecutive CAC to win. All of our championship wins and the men at 19 focus throughout consecutive CAC championship wins. the season is on the This team has gone through many individual swimmers swimmers, and a few coaches, but one being physically thing does not change; their ability to and mentally win. With the change of coaching staff prepped for the this season to Justin Anderson, a UMW CAC championship. alumni and former swimmer, there Everything is built were questions of continuing the team’s around this meet.” This is the 29th consecutive CAC championship for the women’s varsity team and the men’s 19th. UMW Athletics legacy. The UMW women’s team is Anderson has his now on a nine meet winning streak with fair share of experience alum and I was a part of this program. think that brings lots losing only one meet at the beginning because of his background as a UMW So many people came before me to lay of opportunities for great racing,” said of the season. The men have won now swimmer. “I’ve been exposed to the last down the foundation of this team and Carney. seven meets, losing one at the beginning three coaches, who make up the past created a blueprint that we just need to Beth Kelly, another second year of the year and one right before the CAC 20 years of the swim team at UMW follow to be successful. We start with the swimmer majoring in psycholinguistics, championship. UMW has already swam because of my time here as a swimmer, small things and then continue to build feels some of the same emotions Carney against the seven other teams in dual so I definitely was able to watch and on those to be as successful as we’re and Miller shared. meets during the regular season, but learn to continue the success of the team. capable of being.” “I am most nervous about messing the championship brings all the teams The opportunity I had to work with all Megan Carney, a sophomore majoring up on my start or ripping my kneeskin,” together to see who will come out on top. of them as a student and a coach has in geography, is a second year swimmer said Kelly before the meet. Kelly swam Michaela Miller, a senior the 100 Backstroke, 200 Backstroke, swimmer majoring in psychology, and 400 Individual Medley, and her did not swim in the championships biggest competition is beating her because she is recovering from a personal best times. concussion. “I [am] helping keep “Mentally I have made sure to track of my teammates times, stay on top of my school work, no cheering them on super loud, and procrastinating, and taking time keeping the morale high,” she for myself to relax. I am physically said before the meet. She was also prepared from our taper that we’ve extremely confident that the two done over the past few weeks.” She teams will get another CAC title. doesn’t feel a lot of pressure for “While there was talk about York keeping the women’s team’s streak catching up to us, we definitely going and, “our goal as a team is proved them wrong during our dual to perform the best of our abilities; meets. We train very hard all year winning is just icing on top of the for this meet and I can’t wait to cake.” watch my teammates crush it in the The CAC championship is the pool,” Miller said. second biggest event the UMW As she is graduating after swim team will attend this season. this season, Miller has a lot of With two winning records and a sentimental feelings about leaving legacy of winning, the program UMW scored 1065 points throughout the tournament leading by 213 points from second place. UMW Athletics the team. “There is no doubt in my was a top competitor against the mind that the upcoming seniors will hold allowed me to mesh all of our strategies and swam three events, 200 Individual seven other schools and truly showed down the team,” she said. “They are together to do what is best for the team.” Medley, 100 Breaststroke, and 200 up by winning both the men’s and more than capable of a leadership that Regarding the winning streak, Breaststroke, at championships. women’s categories. The final meet of will grow us as athletes and individuals. I Anderson feels no real pressure from the “Our biggest competitor is York the season will be the NCAA Division am so grateful that I got the chance to be team or the athletic department. “I put College. Their team carries a lot of III Championships from March 20-23 in a part of this program and I am excited to more pressure on myself because I’m an depth and talent, but we do too so I Greensboro, NC.
MAGGIE MCCOTTER Staff Writer
Carley Vaughn won Athlete of the Year and Grace Nicolai won Rookie of the Year.
UMW Athletics
Jeffrey Leckrone was awarded Men’s Athlete of the Year.
UMW Athletics
Club Sports Scoreboard Club Field Hockey Feb. 23 vs Townson and Longwood TBA Thursday, February 21, 2018
Club Swim Feb. 23 @ Georgetown University TBA
Club Softball Feb. 23 @ George Washington University TBA 12