THE
BLUE &GRAY
THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER
PRESS
March 1, 2018
VOLUME 91 | ISSUE 17 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE
1922
White supremacist group leaves its mark Due to the recent politically charged messages that have been found on the Spirit Rock, there have been heightened On the morning of February 18, tensions among UMW students, and stickers promoting a white nationalist political clubs such as the Young Demorganization were found at sites across ocrats and College Republicans, both campus. A schoolwide email was sent of whom wasted no time in condemnfollowing the ing the stickers events by Anna the Patriot “The ideas espoused by the and Billingsley adFront. dressing the inThe Young Patriot Front are completely cident. Democrats reantithetical to UMW’s “Sometime leased a statebetween Februment on their community values.” ary 17 and 18, club Facebook stickers from and Twitter a group called page on the -Anna Billingsley the Patriot night of FebruFront appeared ary 18. at several sites on our Fredericksburg “The University of Mary Washingcampus,” Billingsley stated. ton Young Dems are outraged that white In her email, Billingsley condemned supremacist groups have put up propathe incident. ganda across campus again. This is the “The ideas espoused by the Patrimost recent episode in a chain of simot Front are completely antithetical to ilar events starting last year when hate UMW’s community values.” Billingspeech was posted outside of Madison sley continued, “as a community that hall,” the post read. resists bigotry, racism, and exclusion, Shawnya Peterson, Vice President Mary Washington has no place for of the Young Democrats, was the first groups such as the Patriot Front. person to report the stickers presence On the group’s twitter account, they to campus police. Peterson had noticed boasted of the stickers being placed on the first sticker around 11 a.m., and she campus, posting in a tweet, “#Patriotwent on to find another sixteen spread Front activists spread the message at the across campus until the last one would University of Mary Washington, Virginbe removed at 6 p.m. She described the ia,” the tweet read. stickers as,
TONY BENSON Staff Writer
The spirit rock was vandalized with the mesage “Trump 2020 MAGA.”
Daniel Arango / Twitter
The rules of the spirit rock Ginny Bixby Viewpoints Editor
When Natalie Johns, president of the UMW Firearms Club, painted the spirit rock with some other members on Feb. 14, she had no idea that the message she painted would cause such an uproar among students. The junior, with her club, had organized a concealed carry and personal safety class to be held that Friday, and she wanted to use the rock to advertise it to students and faculty. But a few hours after members of the club painted it, the news of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, broke. The nature of the advertisement involving firearms juxtaposed against the mass shooting stirred up controversy among students, especially on social media, with suggestions that the advertisement was distasteful. In less than 24 hours, the rock had been painted over with the message “18 school shootings in 2018”, and the name of the Firearms Club had been crossed out with black paint. It is still unknown who did this. But Johns said the timing was all a coincidence, and that she and her club had taken special consideration to fol-
low the rules of the rock as listed in the UMW Student Handbook. The handbook states, “Absolutely no profanity or vulgarity is permitted. The Student Code of Conduct applies to the Spirit Rock. Only latex paint is permitted. Freshly painted messages should be allowed to remain in place for 24 hours before being repainted by another individual or group. The Spirit Rock belongs to students, who are ultimately responsible for it. If students dislike a message on the rock, it is their responsibility to repaint it. Questions regarding the Spirit Rock should be addressed to the SGA.” “ W e planned to paint on Monday but it was raining,” Johns said. So the club rescheduled to paint on Tuesday. But then on Monday evening, UMW Theatre painted the rock with an advertisement for “Dead Man’s Cell Phone”, so the members made a decision to observe the 24 hour courtesy period and wait until Wednesday. “We started around 12:00 pm or 12:30 pm on Wednesday,” she said. Over the week, the rock continued to be repainted, with College Republicans and Young Americans for Freedom painting a message in support of the victims of the shooting, and •ROCK | 10 Young Democrats paint
“I think I can speak for the majority of the Firearms Club members that we were really surprised about the incident, especially since we were promoting a personal safety/gun safety class.” -Natalie Johns
IN THIS
ISSUE
Dog DAYS
•PATRIOT FRONT | 2
Warm weather, workouts, and work Kyle Clarke Staff Writer
As the end of February approaches, Fredericksburg has proceeded to get through all four seasons within the month. Whether it be a frigid 30 degrees with freezing rain or sweltering 86 degrees and sunny, the February weather has been inconsistent. These dramatic shifts in temperature beg the question, how has the warm weather affected the students of Mary Washington, on a social, physical and academic level? Freshman Chris Fuller shared his insights into why the increasing temperature may help some students focus and study harder. “I just feel as it gets hotter and sunnier outside, students are going to feel more inclined to workout,” Fuller said. “When I work out, I feel like a sharper and more focused person, which in turn helps me focus on my work,” Fuller continued, “I also feel that studying and doing homework outside in the warmth, is a lot more enjoyable then being cooped up in a small dorm with little to no sunlight, it just makes it feel like less of a chore.” This general thought process, seemed to be the consensus throughout the university when talking with other students.
GUN SHOW
Griffin Bower / The Blue & Gray Press Some professors choose to hold classes outside in the nice weather.
Freshman Wyatt Spage, had quite the interesting take on the recent Summer-like temperatures. “I enjoy the warmer weather a lot, it’s much more relaxing and you just feel more productive, mainly because you can go outside and do school work or just hang out with some friends,” Spage said. Spage was quick to point out one of the negatives of warmer weather however., “More people are outside, so that means there’s going to be more missionaries bothering and harassing you every chance they get,” he continued, “it seems like once the temperature hits a certain point, •WEATHER | 2
RE- LAX
ASA and Chinese Language host Chinese New Year event.
Inside the Firearms Club’s concealed carry class.
Women’s lacrosse dominates early.
LIFE | 6
VIEWPOINTS | 4
SPORTS | 3
NEWS 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 Kelly Emmrich
MANAGING EDITOR Tessa Cate
SECTION EDITORS NEWS Meaghan McIntyre Izzy Briones
VIEWPOINTS Ginny Bixby
LIFE Lauren Closs
SPORTS Ryan Brauch
ONLINE Es Hethcox
PHOTO Cayley McGuire Kyrstiane Urbaniak
Business Team Linda Fitzpatrick Janelle Behm
FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian
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Editors: Meaghan McIntyre & Izzy Briones | blueandgray.news@gmail.com
Students shocked by stickers left by white supremacist group “sick and heartless,” and said that they made her feel, “sick to her stomach.” Regarding the help of the campus police, she said that they were helpful in removing the stickers, but they didn’t help her search for them on the campus. The President of the Young Democrats, Sarah Mahmud, used similar language in describing the Propaganda stickers. Mahmud said that in response to the stickers, the Young Democrats painted, “Hate Has No Home Here,” on the Spirit Rock. They also plan on collaborating with social justice clubs from around campus and are also in the process of organizing events that aim to, “take direct action against hatred in our community.” The College Republicans also condemned the Patriot Front stickers that were found on campus. Rachel Hodges, the President of the College Republi-
•PATRIOT FRONT | 1
cans, released a statement in response to the stickers. “UMW College Republicans was devastated to hear about the Patriot Front stickers that were put on our campus. We condemn whoever did this and the message that they carry.” Hodges added, “We want to make it very clear
spoke of the University’s diversity and unity, even through times of tension. “Recent events on campus and in the community have reminded us if the difficult, but important work we have in front of us: To create a more diverse and inclusive community.” President Paino said, adding, “I want to remind you, that at Mary Washington we believe that our differences make us stronger, not weaker, but when you stand for this principle, there will from time to time be outside forces that will try to divide us and instill fear in us.” The stickers put up promoting the Patriot Front are a reminder of the political divides that there are in this country. The investigation into who are responsible for the putting up the white nationalist propaganda is ongoing, and the SGA is working on finding ways to help prevent further incidents of this sort from happening again.
“Recent events on campus and in the community have reminded us if the difficult, but important work we have in front of us: To create a more diverse and inclusive community.” -Troy Paino that whoever put these stickers up are not welcome at any of our meetings or events.” In a video released days after the incident, President Troy Paino gave a response to the stickers. In the video, he
Student productivity influenced by weather •WEATHER | 1
you can’t turn your head without someone handing you some kind of religious literature or trying to talk to you about their religious affiliation, which can get pretty annoying. But, even though it is a little irritating to be bothered like that, I still much prefer this warmer weather and hope it continues throughout the rest of the school year.” The positive opinions about the warmer weather are shared throughout campus. While walking around campus during one of the hottest days of the month, one can see how crowded the campus is with people reading, studying, talking and even throwing the football around on Ball Circle. One student, Freshman Antonio Hicks spoke of his enjoyment of the nice weather.
Kelly Evans Staff Writer
Over the course of 20 years, Mary Washington’s retention rate has been maintained at a steady rate; however a decline during the 2013 school year has caused this to be a topic of interest.
Griffin Bower / The Blue & Gray Press The warmer weather encourages many students to be more active and also get out of the dorm to do work.
“How small the class sizes are here is one of the thing keeping me.”
usually gets done at a faster and overall more enjoyable pace,” when compared to the traditional colder climate of
“I also feel that studying and doing homework outside in the warmth, is a lot more enjoyable then being cooped up in a small dorm with little to no sunlight, it just makes it feel like less of a chore.” -Chris Fuller “I enjoy just walking around in this weather, you can’t really just walk around when it’s cold and raining outside,” Hicks said. He continued sharing that he feels, “more productive in general,” with the warmer climate, and that, “more work
UMW retention rate fluctuates
February. It seems to be the general opinion of the Mary Washington public, that warmer weather is a greater catalyst for your overall social, physical and academic standing.
-Jordan Kinder According to the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia, In 2001 Mary Washington hit its highest retention rate at 88.6 percent. The lowest rate was 78 percent in 2013. During President Paino’s Stateof-the University address, the topic of increasing Mary Washington’s retention rate had been discussed. With the retention rate rising over the past three years, following the drop to its lowest point, President Paino continues to push towards creating an environment at UMW that allows students to thrive by removing arbitrary barriers to degree attainment. Over the past 20 years Mary Washington has •RETENTION RATE | 11 managed its
CORRECTIONS for THE Week In last weeks issue of the Blue & Gray Press, in the news article “Spirit Rock sparks controversy”, there was a repeated parapraph in the second to last paragraoh. This waas an error on the editors behalf.
PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO Kelly Emmrich, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu
Thursday, March 1, 2018
SPORTS
Students discuss the Christopher Newport rivalry
SARAH BOND Staff Writer
In the world of sports, rivalries are an integral part of the competitive nature which drives fans to stadiums and arenas. The opportunity to watch your favorite team defeat their rivals and have bragging rights is an experience that many sports fans look forward to. Specifically, on college campuses, rivalries with other colleges is an important part of one’s college experience. At the University of Mary Washington, the presence of a sports rivalry is unclear. On Wednesday, Feb. 14, students filled the Anderson Center to watch both the UMW Basketball men’s and women’s teams play Christopher Newport University for the second time this year. Mary Washington students often refer to the Christopher Newport
University “Captains” as our rival through sports. The history of the rivalry is unclear and there is many conflicting theories on whether the rivalry is legitimate and mutual amongst both schools. On campus today, it is evident that some students feel strongly about the rivalry. Students can be seen around campus with “Beat CNU” shirts and other previous shirt designs targeted towards the Captains. “I do think the CNU rivalry is legitimate. It definitely is not as intense as other intense Division I schools and it’s not taken as seriously as high school rivalries but given the size and division of our school it’s as strong as expected. I personally don’t have any emotional feelings against
CNU, I just enjoy how it drives the teams and energizes the atmosphere during the games,” said senior, Purity Muthaa. The presence of sports in the UMW community may impact the scale which the rivalry is taken amongst the student body. Some students enjoy the excitement and feelings which rivalries evoke. “The rivalry brings the school together. It brings the competitiveness out of the student body,” said sophomore, Nehemia Abel who frequently attends men’s basketball and soccer games. Rivalries have historically been important to the culture of sports and inviting a larger student turnout. On Wednesday, at the basketball game, the seats were filled with both students, community members and
families of the players. The first three hundred students were given free “Rise Up” t-shirts. The games with CNU usually garner larger crowds from the student such as the Fall 2017 women’s and men’s soccer Homecoming game. While there is a part of the student body who enjoys the rivalry, some students have a different take and question the legitimacy rivalry with CNU. “I feel like our rivalry with CNU is hilarious because they don’t recognize us as rivals,” said junior, Erin Maguire. The UMW men’s and women’s basketball teams both fell to CNU on Feb. 14 and may meet again during their playoff runs. So as for now, the CNU rivalry lives on.
Austin Hall drives past defense
UMW Athletics
Lady Eagles on defense
UMW Athletics
Swim teams plan to make a splash in championship
MAGGIE MCCOTTER Staff Writer
As the swimming season winds down, the University of Mary Washington mens and womens swim teams wait in anticipation for the annual CAC Swim Championship at St. Mary’s College in Maryland. Currently, the men’s swim team is second in the Capital Athletic Conference, only one loss behind York College of Pennsylvania. The women’s team is number one in the conference, leading with a perfect record of 5-0. The CAC Championship meet is Feb. 23-25, with all teams competing against each other before the NCAA Championships at the end of March. McKinzie Turner, a sophomore majoring in studio art and in the elementary education program, stated that the women’s team is “definitely
UMW swimmer swimming the butterfly
prepared for the CAC’s” and her favorite part of swimming is “having such a good team and coach that are like family.” The womens record is perfect in conference competition, so it makes sense that Turner believes “it is more nerve-wracking to be racing one of your teammates than someone from another team.” Turner is swimming the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke, as well as the 100-meter Individual Medley. Turner may be swimming some of the shorter length events, but Kolin Hoffman, a freshman business major, is slated to swim one of the longer events in college swimming. At the CAC Championship, he will be competing in the 500 and 200-meter freestyle on top of the 200-meter butterfly.
UMW Athletics
“I acknowledge the pain I’m about to feel swimming the race, but also extreme confidence that I can push past that,” said Hoffman when asked about his feelings before races. Long distance swimming is difficult, especially doing butterfly, which is the most taxing stroke, so it is important that Hoffman, as well as the men’s swim team prepares well for each event they are in. Hoffman and his team has prepared for this meet by practicing with the intensity of a meet every opportunity they can. Megan Carney, a freshman in the elementary education program, is also swimming the 500-meter freestyle, as well as the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke. Her favorite part of
Mark Dye takes a breathe duringin a race
swimming is “seeing yourself and your teammates go best times in meets.” She, and many other swimmers, appreciate seeing all the hours of hard work in the pool and in the weight room pay off. “When you accomplish something you never thought you could do, the feeling it brings you is so rewarding,” said sophomore accounting major, Carley Vaughn. Vaughn will be swimming the 100 and 200-meter butterfly and the 100-meter backstroke. The University of Mary Washington mens and womens teams are slated to do very well because of their current rankings. The NCAA Championship will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Mar. 21-24.
UMW Athletics
Weekly Scoreboard Men's Basketball
Feb. 20 vs. Frostburg St. (W) UMW: 82 Frostburg St. 78
women's Basketball
Feb. 20 vs. Salisbury (W) UMW:50 Salisbury: 42
Men's lacrosse
Men's Lacrosse
Feb. 17 vs. Shenandoah (W) UMW: 17 Shenandoah: 6
Feb. 24 @ Ursinus TBA
women's lacrosse
women's lacrosse
Feb. 21 vs. Shenandoah (W) UMW: 18 Shenandoah
Feb. 24 @ Lynchburg TBA
Men's basketball
Feb. 22 @ Christopher Newport TBA
women's basketball
Feb. 22 @ Marymount (Va.) TBA
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VIEWPOINTS
Students reacted inappropriately to rock controversy JESSIE WHITMER Staff Writer
On February 14th, 2018, the UMW Firearms club decorated the spirit rock in order to promote their “Conceal Carry and Personal Safety Course.” Hours later that day, a shooter walked into a Florida high school and killed 17 victims. Due to this coincidence, some UMW students decided to destroy the work of the UMW Firearms club on the rock and cover it with the words “18 school shootings in 2018” and crossed out the UMW Firearms Club name. The painting of “18 school shootings” was supposed to illustrate anti-gun use and the danger of guns. It is unknown who did this, and if the vandalization was from a club or organization or just a group of students. UMW is supposed to be welcoming to all students and this action is very heartbreaking. Stated on our UMW website, “The Principles that Guide Us: We strive to create a climate of genuine acceptance and will promote the values of diversity and inclusiveness. These values strengthen our community and are essential to our academic mission and institutional excellence. We value diversity in all forms— including diversity of age, culture, disability, economic background, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, opinion, political affiliation, race,
Kelly Emmrich/Blue & Gray Press
The UMW Firearms Club’s conceal carry class advertisement was painted over on Feb. 15, less than 24 hours after the club had painted it.
religious background, sexual orientation and veteran status.” Yet our students did not follow these values when they covered up an ad for a UMW club event. Again, nothing was posted on the rock by the UMW Firearms Club targeting anyone or anything; they simply wanted to advertise their event intending to share the importance of gun safety. According to a post by president Natalie Johns on the club’s Facebook page, “The Firearms club of UMW is a UMW Funded and NRA Collegiate Coalition affiliated group focused on firearm and related safe-
ty training and education, protection of the 2nd Amendment, increasing recreational firearm sport participation, and more.” The UMW Firearms Club did not deserve to have their work vandalized just because it happened to be displayed on the same day as the shooting. The artwork had no relation to the shooting, especially since the rock was decorated hours before before the Florida shooting. Furthermore, it was a public safety course to teach students how to safely handle a gun, not an event intended to be dangerous or offensive. The UMW Firearms
Club did not deserve the threats and the rude messages that they were receiving, and UMW students should learn to respect all students. I was very disappointed in the actions of my fellow students and the hate I saw all over social media. Students were getting into fights, making very rude and disrespectful comments to each other, and displaying hate to one another. Even though all of this was happening, the UMW Firearms Club consistently stayed respectful to all the hate coming their direction. They should be commended for being very respectful this whole time and trying to broadcast gun safety. The Firearms Club of UMW currently meets every Thursday. The club offers opportunities for students to learn about gun safety and help educate others. The president, Natalie Johns, is very respectful, kind, and enthusiastic, and I know she would be willing to have anyone she can come to her events. Even with all the hatred that has come her way, she has stayed positive and level-headed which shows how great of a President she is for the UMW Firearms Club. The UMW student body as a whole needs to respect other clubs and learn to support each other. We are stronger together. We do not need hate on our campus, especially against each other.
An insider perspective on the Firearms Club’s concealed carry class ARIANA BARRETT Staff Writer
On Friday, Feb. 16, UMW’s Firearms Club hosted a concealed carry and personal safety class. Many people turn their heads to any talk of guns, not realizing the importance of learning about them. Guns are a hot topic right now, and with all the violence and recent mass shootings in our nation, now more than ever it is important now more than ever for students to learn gun safety. The four hour class was given by Jodi Maki, founder of GirlOnFire. According to their website, their mission is to “provide people nationwide with prevention strategies and tools in order to decrease chances of becoming a victim.” The first half of the class was about personal safety. Maki started by delivering jarring crime statistics, to help us understand how dangerous the world is and why taking a class like this is vital. Maki explained how it is better to be proactive instead of reactive, by initially avoiding bad situations. But if you must be reactive, it is important to use non-lethal preventative measures first, such as pepper spray and door alarms for your home. Although it was a firearms class, Maki did a productive job reiterating that non-lethal actions should always be used first. It is always best to use a deterrence instead of a gun. The second half of the class was about the gun laws of UMW’s campus, the different states, and the federal govern-
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ment. But most importantly, we were taught how to properly handle a gun to minimize risk. According to the Center for Disease Control, from 2005-2010 there were almost 3,800 deaths from unintentional shootings, and over 1,300 of those were people under the age of 25 years old. This makes college campuses some of the most important places to teach gun safety because this affects our generation. Some of the gun safety topics covered, such as learning how to pick up a gun and how to check a gun before shooting, would’ve cut down gun accidents by more than half. Other topics included how to hand off a gun, what problems can occur when using a firearm and how to handle them, and much more. Since UMW does not allow guns on campus, a simulator gun was used instead. After learning about hypothetical situations, the next step is to practice shooting at a range, learning from an instructor. If an instance where you would need to use a firearm were to ever occur, it is vital to have muscle memory to assist you in a high stress situation. Even if you never plan on using a gun, it’s still beneficial to know how to. Guns are lethal and should be handled with extreme caution, but the only way to truly stay safe is to take a class like this one and learn from a certified instructor.
Girlonfire.life/Facebook
On Feb. 16, the UMW Firearms Club hosted a concealed carry and personal safety class in partnership with GirlOnFire’s Jodi Maki.
Staff Ed: Blue & Gray Press encourages students to be safe over spring break By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD
After seven rigorous weeks of the Spring semester, spring break is on the horizon for UMW students. This break is a great time to catch up on some sleep, reconnect with old friends, get ahead on schoolwork, travel and spend time with family. Using the upcoming week to escape the usual stress of the semester will be the best way to come back in March fully refreshed and ready to finish out the second half of the semester stronger than the first. Making sure to catch up on sleep and staying hydrated is pivotal in a successfully restful break. The everyday routine at Mary Washington puts wear and tear on the
body and the mind. While this break in action will be fun, it is important to have fun in moderation and to always be cautious, especially when consuming alcohol. Always make sure to set limitations before the night starts and to ensure there is always a designated driver or Uber available. Drinking water is also a major key to a successful night out. Regardless of your plans for the short break, the Blue & Gray Press encourages all students to be safe. Warm weather and the summer countdown await. It’s a great week to be an eagle.
Thursday, March 2018 Thursday, January 21, 1, 2015
VIEWPOINTS
Editor: Ginny Bixby | blueandgray.views@gmail.com
Finally snapped: Snapchat’s new update has ruined the app
MAGGIE MCCOTTER Staff Writer
A few weeks ago, Snap Inc. introduced an entirely new update to Snapchat and many users, including myself, were baffled at how the new update worked. The layout was confusing, stories weren’t in the same place, and ads were featured more than anything else. A petition went around during the first week of the release for Snap Inc. to revert back to the old layout, but so far nothing has come of it. The Discover page is full of things I don’t care about. There are a huge number of stories from companies and organizations that I definitely did not sign up to see and I can’t get rid of them. Every story that is public or is a celebrity has some sort of ad that I have to click through before I can see the rest of it. It gets quite annoying, especially when the same ads play over and over. Friends’ stories aren’t on a separate page from personal snap exchanges. I don’t personally send snaps to all of my friends on Snapchat. I actually talk to maybe 20 percentof them, but the other 80 percent I follow just to watch their stories. Now, I have to have every single friend that I’m snapping or not snapping on one page just to see their story, unlike the old Snapchat that had separate pages for messages and stories. Public stories are mixed in with celebrity stories. Yes, I follow a few celebrities on Snapchat. I mean, who doesn’t want to see Kylie Jenner’s new lip kit being swatched on her arm? I am here for it, people. But unfortunately, I don’t watch these stories anymore because they’re all mixed up on my Discover page and it makes it harder to find them. Friends’ stories are automatically played one after the other. This is something that
really grinds my gears. Like mentioned before, I don’t want to watch everyone’s stories. I just want to watch a few and then be done with it! Now, Snapchat just automatically plays the next story instead of allowing the user to stop watching stories. It is pretty excessive, especially when I skip through the majority of the stories I don’t care about. You also can’t tell who sent and who received your snaps. In the old Snapchat, the notification of a sent or received snap was large and easily seen. The update, however, made the notification insanely small compared to the Bitmoji icons and the friend’s name. The notifications have to get bigger for the app to stay user-friendly. Metro/Getty Images The Bitmoji icons make the screen too busy. It’s great that Snapchat and Bitmoji Snapchat’s new update has caused a lot of controversy and online discussion among users. have partnered together, it really is. Before in a little scroll box at the top that you figured it would stay that way because it the update, the little icons were cute next have to swipe through to get to the right makes more sense. Well, obviously we to the person’s name when you looked at group. It’s also so much easier to send were wrong because one of my friends who viewed your story. Now though, I a snap to someone you may not want to feel like it’s being shoved down my throat could post a story and I may not see it until I click through five other stories from because the boxes of friends’ names are so with every single one of my friends’ Bitclose together. This can turn into a pretty the previous day. No one wants this, we mojis staring at me from my home page. embarrassing or strange conversation that just want to see everything in the order it It’s creepy and unnecessary. both parties definitely don’t want. was posted. Adding to your story is a huge hassle. From what I’ve seen, Instagram stoYou can’t rewatch a story as easily as Last week I finally figured out how to ries are becoming increasingly popular, before. To rewatch a story, you have add to my story and see who viewed it. especially with the Boomerang feature. to search for the person and then click My little brother had to show me. That makes me feel about ten times older than I through their entire story to get to the part Many of my friends have entirely ditched Snapchat and switched to those stories, you want to rewatch. If I want to see a actually am, so thanks for that, Snapchat. but will that really last for long? Snapchat video of a dog on campus and try and figAlso, if you have multiple stories, you has become so ingrained in the social ure out where it is, I want to easily access have to tap on the “My Story” icon mulmedia world that I believe it will be very that so I can find the dog and pet it! tiple times just to make sure all of them difficult for it to become obscure. ChangThe “Send To” screen is confusing and are uploaded. All I want to do is show the ing a few things, like keeping a separate not organized. The Bitmoji epidemic world how delicious my food looks, why page for messaging and stories, would be strikes again. Those creepy little people does it have to be so complicated now? beneficial and keep users on the app. The are staring at me while I scroll through Stories aren’t in chronological order. company believes though, that users will trying to find the person I want to snap When Instagram switched to showing and the names are three times smaller than adjust to the update within two months. the most popular posts first, many people they were before. Group chats are also not Let the countdown begin. got upset, but the consolation was that included in your friend list, they’re now Snapchat stayed chronological. We all
Students have right to free speech, but should still respect university values LAURA TAYLOR Staff Writer
Free speech on college campuses should be allowed to the extent that given each situation, respect for other people’s opinions, race, religion, ethnicity, heritage, and safety remains the priority. At the University of Mary Washington, free speech is practiced in varying ways but often times, it goes too far and only demonstrates for the values that the university believes in. On February 18, a white supremacy group called the Patriot Front placed stickers with messages such as “America First” and “American is Dead, Long Live America: Fight for Rebirth” around campus, sparking reactions from students and from the university’s president, Troy Paino. President Paino’s reaction came in form of a statement in a video shortly after the initial notification of the Patriot Front’s actions on campus. “Yes, we believe in the First Amendment: freedom of expression, freedom of inquiry; but we also believe in creating a supportive, caring and safe environment for our students,” said Paino. “I want to encourage you to look for opportunities in the coming days and weeks for us to come together as
a community, inclusive because at Mary environWashington, ment on we are stroncampus. ger when we In the are united and statement, they draw refuse to be attention divided.” to the While this “several group has their own ideas and incidents opinions of regarding the Spirit what it is to Rock be American, the group is a Shawnya Peterson/Twitter recently white suprem- On Feb. 18, stickers from the Patriot Front, a white suprema- including acist group, but not cist group. were found on campus. and there needs limited to to be recognition that the campus in which instances of the Spirit Rock being defaced with spray paint.” they chose to spread their message opposes actions which jeopardize the “supportive, Opposing groups on campus have been caring and safe environment” that the unicrossing out each other’s messages on the versity works to create, and their messages rock in order to draw attention to their own indeed jeopardize this environment. political or philosophical agendas. This has sparked controversy by offending passerbys. The University of Mary Washington The Foundation for Individual Rights Student Government released a statement via email about maintaining a respectful and in Education, or FIRE, has been working
to protect the educational environment by helping to establish the line to determine when free speech has turned into pure hate speech. According to the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, schools including American universities and colleges foster the growth and development of unique ideas that students create while also supporting the competition of those ideas in a just and fair environment. Free speech becomes hate speech when there is a safety concern for the groups that are targeted, or aren’t targeting, in certain speech. In order to protect the inclusive, safe, and respectful environment that UMW is working to create, remembering to respect the opposition and agreeing to disagree will help develop the university as a united but diverse campus rather than a campus set in prejudice and exclusion. Maintaining respect on a college campus allows for the fostering of competitive ideas while also establishing the trust on campus that one’s own safety won’t become jeopardized because of opposing ideas that arise amongst those people on or off the campus.
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LIFE
Editor: Lauren Closs blueandgray.life@gmail.com
Students welcome Year of the Dog with Chinese New Year ALEXIS ERB Staff Writer
This past weekend the University of Mary Washington celebrated the Chinese New Year with the community of Fredericksburg. There was a big turn out with people from a variety of backgrounds and a plethora of Chinese food from restaurants, as well as food made by locals that attended the event. Having a large turnout was a big deal because of how small the Chinese community is in the Fredericksburg area. Some men and women were dressed up in traditional Chinese clothing. The venue was well-decorated in red with beautiful centerpieces, paper lanterns and a talented calligraphist painting Chinese characters under a monitor being projected on a wall, so guests could watch while eating. In addition to just hosting a fun event, however, the clubs also intended to educate and send a message to everyone that came. “We want the UMW community to understand the Lunar New Year, as well as involve community members with
the school,” said Penny Causarano, a Chinese Language and Culture professor at UMW, who was there to support the clubs, but to also help with the setup of the huge event. The Asian Student Association and the Chinese Language program came together to make this Chinese New Year celebration festive and fun. Sarah Jones, a senior in the Asian Student Association club, had similar views for the message they were trying to promote. “It’s an open event with a new year, new community and a new culture; it also brings the community together,” said Jones. Throughout the time of the event there were performances and games you could watch and play. One game called pachinko is the Chinese version of pinball, and then there was also chess. At the end of the games they had prizes for the winners. Some of the younger children made their own fun by running up on the stage when there wasn’t a performance and just dancing around. There were also big Chinese yo-yo’s Chandler Ballroom was decorated for Chinese New Year.
Students perform at the Chinese New Year celebration.
Cedric Rucker / Facebook.
that caught the eyes of the little kids and performances such as singing and dancing. Kali Chapman, a junior who has attended the event every year she has been here, did her first performance this year showcasing Chinese culture. Chapman stated that some of her favorite events were the “belly dancing and the Chinese yo-yo’s.” Causarano shared
Cedric Rucker / Facebook.
that her favorite thing about the Chinese New Year celebration was “the food, and the more people the merrier. Also having the students connect with the community members.” The free food not only looked great, but it smelled great too. The lines to get Chinese food was long on both ends of the table. As people would go to sit down, they had their plates piled high with fruit such as oranges as well as steamed vegetables and many noodle and chicken dishes that were offered. Even the University Center dining hall made a small tribute to the Chinese New Year by featuring Asian cuisine that night.
Center for Career and Professional Development offers services
DYLAN BURKETT Staff Writer
Did you know that there are people right here on campus who want to help you prepare for your professional career after graduation? Most students know about the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) here on campus, but how many actually know what can be gained from making an appointment? Located in suite 206 of the University Center, the Center for Career and Professional Development is composed of professional and student employees whom are ready to help anyone from the time that they step onto campus even until being an alumnus of the university. Although it is easy to believe that one may have plenty of time to put off visiting the center, Anna Talcott, a junior who works there advised that students “begin early. Start planning smaller things earlier on to make it less stressful. Over time you’ll produce more quality and end up being more successful.” What does the CCPD have to offer? How can they help better prepare you for life after school here? Resume review, help with cover letters, mock interviews, LinkedIn profile construction and Peace Corps prep are things that are all offered to professionally better students for their career search. Career and internship fairs are held quite often as well. Also,
CCPD is located in suite 206 of the University Center.
according to the Assistant Director, Kyle Danzey, “we even offer classes in career exploration, IDIS 191, 193 and 195.” Roadmap is a program that the center offers that is geared specifically towards first-year students. In this program, students are paired with a Career Coach and a Peer Career Consultant to explore any skills that intersect possible majors and/or career options. In simpler terms, this program is an assessment to see what majors and jobs are good fits for the individuals that go through it. To take advantage of all that the Career Center offers, appointments can be made by phone, email, walking in or through Handshake. According to Talcott, “most students do not know that
by attending the university, everyone already has a Handshake account.” This is one reason that you may receive so many emails. The center wants everyone to know that they already have access to this online job database. From my short time on the site, I personally found it to be rather confusing to create an appointment this way, but nevertheless, this is another thing that the Career Center can assist with. I also found out that if you are familiar with LinkedIn, Handshake isn’t really that difficult to adapt to. This may all sound like a “scary step” into the real world, and indeed it is, but with the help of the faculty, one need not feel too scared. The whole purpose
Shyan Murphy / The Blue & Gray Press.
of the CCPD is to hone students into people who are ready to step into the professional world. While talking to Talcott, I learned that learning how to present yourself in these settings is often a lot harder than what we may believe. In the end, the best time to take advantage of the Center for Career and Professional Development is as soon as you can. They are there to help anyone in any and every way possible. The integration of student employees with professionals makes it easier to feel less intimidated. In addition to helping each and every student, the center aims to help everyone attend more events while making more people aware of what is offered within.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
LIFE
Michael Benson joins theatre department as set designer
LINDSEY BROWN Senior Writer
Michael Benson grew up in the theatre and has been going to shows since he was three years old. His father was a high school English teacher that also directed the musicals at his high school. One of Benson’s earliest memories is when he saw one of his father’s productions, “Fiddler on the Roof.” He remembers being terrified by the character Fruma-Sarah. “She came in from the back of the auditorium and I wasn’t expecting that. My mom had to take me out; I was crying. My dad took me back to meet her afterwards. It didn’t matter, she was still in all her make-up, I wanted no part of it.” Theatre became something he shared with his father, and they did it together. When Benson’s father passed when he was 16, he almost gave it up. This is Benson’s first year at UMW as an assistant professor and designer. Benson moved here from Missouri where he was Assistant Professor of Scene Design and Technology at the University of Central Missouri. Benson chose to come to UMW because the program that he attended as an undergraduate was very similar to the program at UMW. “The theatre program is the same. Everybody is in everybody’s cups, which is a good thing and a bad thing at the same time. But it’s something you would never want to change. Boy, it’s just a great place. Why wouldn’t I want to come here?” When asked how he feels about the transition of coming to UMW, Benson said, “It’s kind of been akin to merging onto a fast-moving highway. You don’t want to stutter. You don’t want to stop. You don’t want people honking at you at the same time. It’s getting there. I have some great colleagues that are helping me through.” Benson designed “Little Shop of Horrors” this past winter. He worked mainly on the sets but also worked with guest designers Jason Arnold on light design and Tony Angelini on sound design. Benson’s first focus is the text when working on a show. The music in a musical brings out the emotion that is sometimes lost in plays. He also focused
on whose story the In North Carolina, he musical is based on. owned his own scenery In “Little Shop of construction business. At Horrors,” it is Seymour’s 35, he realized he wanted to story. Benson made the be a better designer, so he sets tall and dingy with got his master’s degree at a comic book feel. He Penn State. focused on bright colors “I came into design in the set, but dirtied them late. It’s one of the last up to add to the doomed things I stumbled into. It feeling in the show. The was a lot of fun [working giant plant dictated what at Pittsburgh Musical could and couldn’t be Theatre]. But I realized done in designing the early on, looking at the show as well. work I wanted to make it “In a musical when you better. I had my choice of have the music you can deciding whether I wanted listen to, or a recording to study technical theatre or of a song, it adds some design. I decided to study emotional content or design because it was an direction that otherwise area I wanted to learn more might be lacking. I wanted about.” the world to feel tight and Benson also brings oppressive.” something new to the Benson does not have UMW theatre department, a favorite show he looks and that is computer aided back on and declares his design. It is a software favorite. He feels that that allows you to three whatever show he is dimensionally model the working on at the time is scenery and theatre space. It Aaron Reynolds / The Blue & Gray Press. allows you to add textures his favorite. “Part of that is growth as an artist. As Michael Benson is currently designing the set for “Medea.” and theatrical lightning. a designer you have to constantly be and I saw the season, I hoped I would be Benson explains, “the 3D model can be looking for new ways to say things. So able to design “Medea.” The Greek plays used in a variety of ways. It is easier to currently my favorite show is “Medea.” have always had a special place for me.” general working drawings for the shop Benson explained that the show he Benson went to Baldwin Wallace for construction. It’s helpful to other is working on now, “Medea” takes well College outside of Cleveland for music designers in their design process as well. to concept. It works well with concept education, but soon learned he had to be We can even use the virtual model to 3D because the play is over two-thousand a part of theatre somehow. He studied print a physical scale model for display.” years old, and it has themes that are still acting at the Lee Strasberg Institute in Benson’s colleague and fellow relevant today. This makes it easier for New York City. He finished at Baldwin professor Julie Hodge, who has been contemporary audiences to enjoy and Wallace College with dual degrees working for UMW for 30 years feels relate the the story. Working with the in music and theatre. He worked as Benson has been a great asset to the director Helen Housley, Benson says an actor, until “I found out I really theatre department. she has very complex ideas about the liked things like shelter and food,” “He has this tremendous excited contemporary part of the show. The joked Benson. He knew he had to do energy and our students are picking up focus for this show is Post-Modernism, something else to stay afloat. on it and love it. We just really enjoy and his research involved contemporary Benson’s roommate was the first hand having him here with us. He brings new architects. The Polish architect Daniel at the Cleveland Opera and he would talents to our department, like computer Libeskind was a source of inspiration occasionally lend a hand with unloading aided design, which is really exciting for the design in this show. The setting trucks for sets. Benson was eventually for us. Where I’m old school, he’s new is meant to evoke to the audience how hired to help make modifications to the school.” Medea feels as a stranger in a strange sets. He soon learned that carpentry When asked his favorite part about land. was something that came very easily to this job, Benson said, “The students, “We wanted the set to reflect the him. Meanwhile, he worked as a sound always the students.” power of the family. We wanted it to designer around town in Cleveland. His next show, “Medea,” will run feel off-kilter, slightly oppressive and Benson moved around quite a bit from Apr. 12 to 22. cold,”said Benson. “This has been an working as a technical director, stage exciting one to do. When I was hired, technician and sound technician.
Staff playlist: pre-spring break vibes With the first half of the semester winding down, we at Blue & Gray Press have been looking for songs to keep us hype during midterm week with spring break in our sights. Enjoy this playlist we created during a long night of layout, with submissions from each editor, and finish out the week strong.
1. I’m Still Standing by Elton John
5. Human by Sevdaliza
2. Wolves by Selena Gomez
6. Santeria by Sublime
3. ZIPPER by BROCKHAMPTON
7. South by Hippo Campus
4. Havana ft. Young Thug by Camilla Cabello
8. Friend of the Devil by Mumford and Sons
submitted by Ginny Bixby, Viewpoints Editor
submitted by Izzy Briones, News Editor
submitted by Ryan Brauch, Sports Editor
submitted by Meaghan McIntyre, News Editor
submitted by Kelly Emmrich, Editor-in-Chief
submitted by Lauren Closs, Life Editor
submitted by Cayley McGuire, Photo Editor
submitted by Kyrstiane Urbaniak, Photo Editor
9. Boys by Charli XCX
submitted by Es Hethcox, Online Editor 7
Weekend Events
Thursday
• Great Lives Lecture Series: Prince Charles @ Dodd Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
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Friday
• Monroe Conversations First Ladies @ Monroe Hall, room 116, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday
• Happy Spring Break!
BlueandGrayPress
Sunday
• Happy Spring Break!
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LIFE
Disparity of race distribution in university faculty and staff MILEN MEHARI Staff Writer
I am a Black student attending the University of Mary Washington, a predominately white institution, so naturally my woes of racial inequity are to be expected. I did not come to this university disillusioned, expecting an experience resembling that of an HBCU, historically Black college/ university, because the disparity is quite clear. Consider the 2015 academic year wherein students of color made up 30 percent of the student body while professors of color were only 17.5 percent of the teaching staff. Furthermore, the only significant Black and Brown staff presence is either in the dining hall, cleaning or clerical staff. While the fact that throughout my education in the United States my teachers were overwhelmingly white and the school staff was overwhelmingly Black or Brown has not changed, the way in which I process this information has evolved. I’ve developed the language to speak about racial construction and socioeconomic disparities while at UMW. However, I have always been aware of my discomfort with the lack of melanin in academia and the overrepresentation in clerical positions. I feel socially validated in desiring greater visibility of professors of color, yet I’m wary that my wanting to have more Black and Brown professors as opposed to the non-academic staff feels like a pretentious and classist desire, especially as someone privileged enough to be a college student. I do wonder if the world of academia has groomed me to favor a capitalistic and uniquely American ideology of generational development. The idea of the American Dream for either yourself or your children is problematic given the systematic nature of racism and economic oppression. While I want to see an equal racial distribution in both
academic and nonacademic staff, for this reality to exist, social change is required. I have been fortunate enough to have three Black professors during my three years at UMW, and two of the professors taught a Black/Brown curriculum. I consider myself lucky because I have Black friends that have never had a Black professor. In the worst instances, I’ve had friends whose white professors didn’t feel comfortable talking about slavery or referred to it as a “chore.” I often wonder if universities are spaces for us to learn about agitating the systems that keep us in these unequal and inequitable social realities. An Audre Lorde quote comes to mind: “The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house. They may allow us temporarily to beat him at his own game, but they will never allow us to bring about genuine change.” Higher education propagates this narrative of social mobility, which is inherently oppressive. I can only be “better” in a context wherein someone continues to be “worst.” And this is a disheartening reality. Upon coming to this conclusion, I sought out the guidance of Dr. Danny Tweedy, an English professor and one of the three Black professors
I was privileged to study with. When I asked Tweedy about the impact of race on staffing he said the lack of representation of faculty of color affects “the perspective and credibility” of the courses that are taught. Furthermore, he stressed that the conversations that occur in the classroom are affected by the demographic of the class. During my conversation with Tweedy, I kept feeling pessimistic about courses and how the people that take racegender-class centered courses exist in a vacuum, as contrasted with students that don’t take these courses. Essentially, the white supremacist anti-queer patriarchal capitalist is not going to take a course that seeks to undermine his privileged state in this world. So naturally, I asked Tweedy if we should be looking to UMW, and any academic institution at that, as a space for our revolutionary thinking. He responded, quite adamantly, “Yes,” arguing that when you come to college, “you’re trying to develop three skills: critical writing, critical reading, and critical thinking.” Universities are meant to challenge you, and make you critically assess everything. In all honesty, I do see a space for the academic field in pursuing progressive means. After all I am a student, so at least in my journey I see the need for academics. Nonetheless, I’m still mad about the racial inequality in staffing. I’m still mad about slavery. And I’m still mad about colonization. Choice of the writer to capitalize Black and Brown.
How to keep a clean and professional social media presence
ALEXIS ZIRPMOULIS Staff Writer
Is your private life truly private? Whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat, most college students juggle multiple social media accounts. When you are fresh out of college and looking to leap into your career, it is important to have a squeaky clean social media presence, or as close to clean as possible. However, with several virtual personas to manage, maintaining track of your photographs, status updates and videos can become a challenge- and that unfavorable Friday night selfie can easily get lost in the chaos of your archived photos. Though social media may have been your favorite place to document your party pictures while living the college life, students’ social media accounts can appear to be far detached from their professional aspirations. Your social media accounts are often one of the first places your employer is able to view after you apply for a job. Employers want to know that you are professional and serious and in order to convince them, your social media presence needs to align with your career aspirations. Here are three tips to maintaining a clean social media presence:
and delete anything embarrassing, irrelevant or inappropriate. After you have managed your photos your profile should become clean of all inappropriate gestures, clothing and basically anything else that you would not want your future employer to see. 3. Check your blogs. If you have ever blogged online, read through your posts to view how they make you seem. Blog writing can be professional, thoughtful and can potentially increase your chances at landing a job. However, other blog writing can be profane, immature and inappropriate. If you believe that your blog falls under one of these categories, direct your mouse towards the delete button.
Your social media accounts should be a representation of who you are. Inappropriate posts or photos could look bad to potential employers. Pexel. Always try your best to refrain from 1. Have you ever tried to google will help retrieve the closest matching posting too much personal information yourself to see if anything, whether it results, as this process can be helpful for or inappropriate posts, but do not be be good or bad, appears within the first retrieving your online activity that may afraid to show your personality. The couple posts or images of the search have been forgotten about over the past bottom line is your social media accounts results? This is how you will appear to years. are part of the public sphere, where all such things you post are documented, potential employers. This should be your 2. Clean up your pictures. Some shared and judged. Always be mindful of first step, as it will show you where your of us millennials have been on social name appears across the internet. Using media sites since middle school and what you post as the internet is forever. quotation marks around your name it is well past time to venture back
9
NEWS
POLICE BEAT Controversy surrounding the use of the rock MEAGHAN MCINTYRE & IZZY BRIONES News Editors
Petit Larceny Between Saturday, January 27 at 10:47 p.m. and Tuesday, February 13 at 9:37 p.m., a debit card was stolen from Vocelli’s. This case is pending. On Thursday, February 22 between 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., a bicycle was stolen from the exterior of the University Center. This case is closed. The bicycle was recovered on Friday, February 23.
Grand Larceny On Sunday, February 4 at noon and Sunday, February 18 10:00 a.m., a bicycle was stolen from the Arrington Hall bike rack. This case is pending.
Assault and Batter On Sunday, February 11 1:30 p.m., an incident of assault and batter took place at the University Canter. This case is pending.
Assault On Friday, February 16 between 3:45 p.m. and 3:50 p.m. an incident of assault took place at the William St. sidewalk. This case is closed. The victim declined prosecution.
Hit and Run Between Sunday, February 18 at 6:00 p.m. and Monday, February 19 at 1:41 p.m., a hit and run incident caused vehicle damage at the Randolph Hall parking lot. This case is pending.
Vandalism On Thursday, February 22 at 10:18 a.m., a door was graffitied at the Anderson Center. This case is pending.
CRIME COVERAGE POLICY The Blue & Gray Press will publish the names of students who are formally charged by the University of Mary Washington Campus Police or the Fredericksburg Police Department to have committed acts of xtreme violence against members of the UMW community or pose a large threat to that community, when names are released to the public. The Blue & Gray Press will publish names and write articles about criminal acts on a case-by-case basis according to the aforementioned parameters.
10
•ROCK | 1
ing “Hate Has No Home Here” in response to stickers posted on campus by white supremacist group Patriot Front. But these messages were both vandalized with spray paint graffiti that read “MAGA Trump 2020” and led to a police investigation. “I was definitely a bit upset because my club members and I spent a lot of time working on the rock and we were really excited to promote our [course],” said Johns. “All of us painting the rock had a lot of fun and it was a great club bonding experience. I think I can speak for the majority of the Firearms Club members that we were really surprised about the incident, especially since we were promoting a personal safety/gun safety class.” Beyond the political controversy, these incidences brought about debate between students about what the rules for the rock even are, and if these rules should be more heavily policed. “There’s really not much information available concerning the rock so nobody really knows the rules,” said senior Robyn Huffman. “I’ve seen everything from a Happy Birthday message, a sports game or club event, to fraternities advertising themselves,” said senior Gloria Martin. “I have seen people cross out other people’s words or paint their fraternity symbol over someone else’s advertisement.” The topic of off-campus fraternities being able to paint the rock has also been controversial among students. Dean of Student Life and Student Government Association (SGA) advisor Cedric Rucker said that the rock is regulated by SGA and is an entirely student-led effort that administration does not interfere with. “The rock is for students,” said Rucker. “We have the statement of community values, and I would expect students to hold their behaviors in concert with the statement. The rock is a public forum. It’s not for me as an administrator to police what is written on the rock.” Rucker said that there have been only been a few situations where students addressed concerns about the rock with SGA and administration, and that the majority of the usage of the rock has been positive. Matt Good, SGA Director of Communications, said that while SGA is the contact point for questions regarding the rock, there are not specific guidelines set in place by SGA. “The 24 hour waiting period is a courtesy rule,” said Good. “It is not enumerated as having consequences.” Good said that because the handbook is clear that the rock belongs to the students rather than just clubs, SGA will not stop off-campus student groups such as unofficial fraternities and sororities from painting the rock. However,
if an off-campus entity that is not UMW student-led paints the rock, that is considered vandalism. Good confirmed that no clubs have precedence over other clubs in painting the rock, and clubs cannot reserve the rock. The University does, however, have the right to repaint the rock for University events such as open houses and Giving Day. “We have toyed with the idea of creating a formal system of signing up to paint the rock, but we haven’t passed anything,” said Good. In regards to the recent repainting controversies, Good said that the SGA does not want to police students’ right to free speech. “It speaks to the larger free speech [debate] in this country and determining what counts as free speech
“It’s not for me as an administrator to police what is written on the rock.” -Cedric Rucker
“ICA is expected to come to Finance Committee and request funds to purchase paint that clubs are allowed to use to paint the rock,” said Ruhlen. “Clubs are never expected to purchase paint themselves, and are supposed to request paint from SAE. SAE has paint bins, brushes, and rollers that they can use as well. I’m not sure if SAE has paint currently, but I know that ICA has not come to Finance Committee this year to request funds for new paint.” “I personally wish that paint would be provided,” said freshman Anna Beth Tanner. “I feel like there are clubs on campus that aren’t as well known, and don’t have as much money as other clubs, and I feel like that would really help make painting the rock more fair.” In response to the possibility of some of the vandalism coming from outside the UMW community, Rucker said that there is no way to police such instances from occurring without limiting students’ freedom. “I think students are good stewards of policing these things themselves,” Rucker said. “We are an open university and a public space.” He encouraged students to continue
“The rock is the ‘flag’ of our school. And we all have to remember that each one of us matters even though we are all very different. The rock is there to remind us that unity is important.” -Mckayla Washington and what counts as hate speech. The line can be really blurred a lot of the time,” he said. Another discrepancy over the rock is that in past years, the Office of Student Activities and Engagement (SAE) has provided paint for clubs to use to paint the rock. But this year, clubs have had to provide their own paint, and the reason why has not been made clear. Junior and Finance Committee Chair Alyssa Ruhlen said that there is a lot of confusion about paint being provided, and that paint provisions are under the control of the Inter-Club Association (ICA).
to discuss issues of free speech and the rock and to bring their concerns to SGA. “I think public discourse in all forms is important and beneficial, and I think that the students are empowered to act in ways which undergird who we are in terms of our collective community identity,” Rucker said. “The spirit rock is to signify unity instead of division,” said sophomore Mckayla Washington. “The rock is the ‘flag’ of our school. And we all have to remember that each one of us matters even though we are all very different. The rock is there to remind us that unity is important.”
Griffin Bower / The Blue & Gray Press The Young Democrats message of “Hate Has No Home Here” was painted over.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
NEWS Various factors impact retention rates
University Center Dining Schedule *The Underground- 11PM, March 1st *Qdoba, Vocelli’s, Blackstone, Jamba Juice- 4PM, March 2nd
The small class sizes are one of the factors that encourage students to stay at UMW.
•RETENTION RATE | 2
retention rate, varying in the 80 percent range. After dropping to its lowest percent in 2013, the school has bounced back to maintain a rate of 81.8 percent in 2014, 82.5 percent in 2015, and 83.7 percent in 2016. The 5 percent decrease since 2001 has brought up the question of what causes students to transfer from Mary Washington. The city of Fredericksburg provides a variety of activities for college students; however, it is difficult for freshman to explore with not being able to have their cars first year. According to freshman Jordan Kinder, a downside of UMW is “ how socially boring it can get at times over the weekend.” Another contribution toward raising the schools retention rate would be “better food” said Kinder. While the lack of social activities and quality of food can be considered a downfall, most students are content with the academics Mary Washington provides. While the idea of transferring has crossed Kinders mind, he says
*The Market in Eagle’s Nest- 3PM, March 2nd
http://cas.umw.edu/
“How small the class sizes are here is one of the thing keeping me.” Freshman Logan Bolesta said “ I didn’t have problems with the academics, all of my professors were very good and helpful.” While social factors such as lack of greek life and a football team have contributed to Logans consideration of transferring, the cost of UMW also contributes. “I would say the biggest reason was the price, even with a $8,000 scholarship I was still paying $15,000 per semester because I live out of state,” said Bolesta on his consideration of leaving Mary Wa s h i n g t o n after freshman year. “I think it’s fair to say that students identify four major reasons why they do not return after their first year: health, finances, academic preparation, and a desire to transfer,” said Tim O’Donnell, Associate Provost Academic Engagement Student Success. “The goals is for Mary Washington to have a retention rate that ranges in the upper 80’s through 90’s percent” said O’Donnell.
*Dining Hall- 10AM, March 3rd
“ I didn’t have problems with the academics, all of my professors were very good and helpful.” - Logan Bolesta
UMW Media Relations As Spring Break approaches, it is important for students and faculty to know when the dining options on campus close.
Student Government Beat Monday, February 26 - Friday, March 2
Executive Cabinet Mondays at 5 p.m. in the UC Capitol Room
Motions 02.14.01 and 02.21.01 passed. Motions 02.21.02 and 02.21.03 did not pass. SGA wishes everyone an enjoyable Spring Break! Our meetings and office hours will resume once we get back on March 12th. For more information, visit umwsga.org or contact info@umwsga.org Student Senate Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in Monroe 116
No new business was considered this week, as a general elections workshop was conducted to inform potential candidates for SGA offices. For more information, visit umwsenate.org or contact vp@umwsga.org. DETAILS PROVIDED BY MATTHEW GOOD
Thursday, March 1, 2018
11
SPORTS
Editor: Ryan Brauch | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com
NBA All-Star weekend successful after revisions
ZACK WOHLEKING Senior Writer
The NBA All-Star break always brings entertainment for hardcore and casual fans alike. This year in Los Angeles, All-Star weekend did not fail to disappoint us, as the NBA continues to find new ways to make the same events exciting. Kicking it back to Friday, Feb. 16 the All-Star festivities began at 7 p.m. with NBA celebrity game. The celebrity game always brings a few laughs here and there as we get to see some the most popular faces of pop culture play in an NBA regulated basketball game. This year, because of the location, both celebrity teams were split into team Clippers and team Lakers, the names of the two respective Los Angeles basketball franchise. Notable players in the celebrity were Quavo, Jamie Foxx and Olympic sprinter Andre Degrasse. Quavo and Degrasse led the night in scoring with a combine 36 points for team Clippers. Team Clippers ended up getting the win 75-66. The next event was the big one for Friday night, The rising stars game. The theme was again for the second-year USA vs the World. This brings all the top young up and coming players from the United States and all the top young international players against each other in an All-Star game setting. This game has always been seen to be more popular among hardcore NBA fans as it’s a great showcase of all the players that may be the faces of the league in a few years. The World team took this one shooting almost 60% from the field all game winning 155-124. Celtics forward Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 35 on 14/21 shooting. Saturday’s events were the skills, three point, and slam dunk challenges. All entertaining and fun events that always bring the flair and excitement to the weekend. These challenges are a great opportunity to possibly gain a little more fame among fans as well as further their brand. Winning one of these, stables you as one of the most skilled players when it comes to that
specific skill in basketball. The first event was the skills competition, which puts players through an obstacle course where they must pass, dribble, and shoot faster than their opponents. The winner was a fairly small named player out of Brooklyn, Spencer Dinwiddie, who has recently been playing well for the Nets. The next event was the three point contest, always an interesting showcase of the best shooters in the league. Players have one minute to hit as many threes as they can from five different spots behind the three point line. The young Devin Booker who is only 20 years old took home the title, hitting 20 of 25 shot attempts. Lastly the big one, the dunk contest, it is pretty self-explanatory and pretty famous, anyone who knows basketball knows of the dunk contest. Although it has lost some of its luster over the years, it’s still a great showcase of just how freakishly athletic some NBA players are. Larry Nance Jr. and Donovan Mitchell were the two standouts in this contest but Mitchell took home the win with some crazy dunks. The most notable being a windmill dunk thrown off a backboard that was not the backboard with the rim he ended up dunking on. Hard to describe you’d have to see it to believe it. Finally, the big show, All-Star Sunday. The sixty seventh annual All-Star game had a slew of talent like always. The set up for this year was way different then years past as this was the first year that instead of an Eastern Conference team against a Western Conference approach, each team would have a captain and that captain would then choose their team based on preference out of a pool of all star players chosen by fan voting and coaching selection. The two top vote getters would be the captain of each team, and to no surprise those two players were LeBron James and Steph Curry. This format is big for All-Star weekend, because it’s done in a sort of school yard pickup style, players take a little more pride in being a part of a chosen team by a peer.
It really showed during the game, as it was competitive throughout with a huge development, defense was actually played. Yes defense was played in an All-Star game and it was competitive throughout with team LeBron just beating team Steph 148-145. All-Star MVP being non-other than LeBron James. This puts another AllStar weekend in the books, next year Adam Silver and the NBA may have some new format changes to further spice up All-Star weekend.
NBA.com
Spencer Dinwiddie wins skills challenge
Utah Jazz rookie Donnovan Mitchell throws it down
Bleacher Report
Men’s baseball battles hard with Monclair State
MACKENZIE HARD Staff Writer
This weekend the baseball team went up against Montclair State University for their season opening. There were four games throughout the weekend with the Eagles coming out even, winning two out of the four games. “I am encouraged by our opening weekend. We showed a lot of heart and character and battled until the end in all of our games. We showed we are not going go down without a fight and when we are up, we will try to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said sophomore Business Administration major, Robert Cross. “Based off the first few games I think we will have a good season if the team continues to grow and play well together consistently throughout the season,” said sophomore Business Administration major, Garrett Lyons. “I think based off of the first six games, we are going to be a very competitive team. We are not going to dominate many teams, but we will absolutely make every game close and hard fought, said junior Computer Science major, Kevin France. Overall there are thirty-nine games that are scheduled for this season. “I think that I am most looking forward to facing our conference opponents,” said Cross. “For me, I am most looking forward to playing Salisbury and CNU this season,” said Lyons. “I also always look forward to playing CNU and Salisbury, they have been the two teams to beat since I have been here, and we beat CNU last year, so we are looking to repeat that,” commented France. The team will host CNU on
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Wednesday, Mar. 28 at 3 p.m. and will play Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland on Saturday, Apr. 12 at 12 and 3 p.m. This year there are twenty-eight players, three of which are seniors. With twenty eight people, there is a lot of support for everyone on the team. “The team is really close and connected this year and I think that will contribute positively to our success this year,” said Lyons. “One of my favorite pre-game rituals is cracking jokes in the dugout and favorite post game ritual is definitely Big Tarp.” “The team dynamic this year is fun. We are all young and get along with each other really well. Because everyone is so new, we are all developing our relationships really well,” responded France. “My favorite pre-game ritual would be saying a prayer to give thanks to God for the day and everything leading up to the day.” “The team mends well together. We all hang out together off the field and have fun together in every situation on or off the field. We’re all out there competing for each other and trying to accomplish goals. After the games, it’s always nice hanging with the guys and talking about the games. It’s nice to decompress with your best friends,” said Cross. Throughout the season, games will be hosted at the Athletic complex by the Tennis center - the trick is to get people out to the games. “I think we could get more people to come to games by opening the concessions more often, making more activities available for kids, and having family days with free giveaways
or promotions,” said Cross. Lyons agreed and said that, “having more promotions and activities for fans to stay involved in the game,” would encourage more people to come out. “Baseball is tricky to attract people to. How good the team is plays a part, but also the bleachers just are not the best to watch from. Because they are uncovered, it is always right in the sun, so it can be really hot and bright. I would also consider concessions or little mid-inning giveaways or something in the stands. Activities on the field could be hard because of the netting,” suggested France. The next home game will be Saturday Mar. 3 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. against Messiah College.
Ramsis Ruis up to bat
Joe Thompson throwing a pictch
UMW Athletics
UMW Athletics
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