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BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

PRESS

Students and faculty voiced their support for the Muslim community in the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings. Alex Sakes / The Blue & Gray Press

UMW holds vigil for victims killed in Christchurch shooting Kate seltzer News Editor

At 6 p.m. on Monday, more than 160 students and faculty members gathered on Ball Circle for a vigil held in honor of the 50 Muslims who were murdered by a white supremacist in Christchurch, New Zealand. “It was an attack on humanity,” said Sharjeel Ahmed, vice president of UMW’s Muslim Student Association (MSA). “It was worshipers who were

worshiping in peace. They did not have intentions of hurting anyone.” Students bore signs reading “You’ll never be forgotten,” “Islam stands for peace,” and “We are them and they are us.” Religious studies professor Mary Beth Mathews voiced her appreciation for the large turnout and called on students to take action against bigotry in their own lives. “I think it speaks well for Mary Washington that so many of you have come out to say no to hate, to say no to fear and to make it to stop,” she said.

March 21, 2019

VOLUME 92 | ISSUE 19 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

“The best way to fight this is to go beyond just standing here, but when you see people... express words of hatred, address that.” Sophomore Emily Voorhis echoed the sentiment. “I think that another thing we have to do. especially if you’re white, is step up and call out people being hateful, even if it’s a joke,” she said. “That’s something real people are dying from. It’s not harmless.” The shooting targeted two mosques and left fifty dead and fifty others wounded. Recent reports say that the shooter, who posted anti-immigrant rhetoric online before the attack, was on the way to a third mosque when he was apprehended. “We saw pictures of the cars that were left at the mosque that had no more drivers,” Ahmed said. “The youngest of the victims was three years old. Three years old. Some of us have children or siblings that are that age. Some of the victims were 25, 23, most of us are that age.” Zafrullah Malik, president of MSA, said that the shooting in Christchurch was the most recent of many Islamophobic attacks in his lifetime. “One time [when] I was in middle school, I came home, and I heard of an attack on a Pakistani mosque where my parents actually used to go,” Malik said. “There were over 100 people killed, and there was no news coverage. During that time, I didn’t know how to tell anybody or who to go talk to or who to turn to.”

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He said that feeling of hopelessness changed at Monday’s vigil. “Now, standing here today, with so many people here, so many familiar faces, so many people that I may not even know...that really means a lot to me.” Ahmed read the names of the twenty victims who had thus far been identified. “The Quran says that whoever kills an innocent life, it is as if he has killed all of mankind,” Ahmed said. “And whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of mankind. This attack was not on a mosque, it was on humans – our brothers and •VIGIL | 2

Monday’s vigil featured words from local faith leaders. Alex Sakes / The Blue & Gray Press

Students express concern after music professor contract not renewed his classes canceled for the rest of the semester. Students who weren’t at Tuesday’s class got word of the rumor, On Tuesday, Feb. 19, Michael Bratt, sending some confusion amongst the visiting assistant professor of music music department faculty. composition and technology, received “I didn’t even get a chance to an email informing him that his make an announcement. Before I contract would not be renewed for the had a chance to tell my colleagues, next school year. I was already hearing rumors,” said Tuesday Kuykendall. “I’m morning, around not sure how the 8:30 a.m., Brooks “I didn’t even get a chance word got out the Kuykendall, the to make an announcement. way it did,” he music department Before I had a chance to tell added. chair, got an email Bratt explained my colleagues, I was already that he was still from the dean while teaching on contract with hearing rumors.” a class. When the university Kuykendall got for the rest of the -Professor Kuykendall out of class at 9:15 semester. a.m., he sent the “There was no email to Bratt by announcement of 9:32 a.m. the department being shut,” said Bratt. After receiving the email 10 “I’m still teaching my classes for the minutes before his scheduled music rest of the semester. My position is composition class, Bratt made the going to be subsumed by adjuncts in announcement about his contract not the fall.” being renewed which sparked a level According to Kuykendall, the of hysteria amongst his students. At decision to not renew Bratt’s contract first, students spread the word that goes back to the time of his hiring. the music department was being shut “Wells •PROFESSOR BRATT | 2 down along with Bratt being fired and and Bratt

LAURA TAYLOR Senior Writer

IN THIS

ISSUE

Captain MARVEL

Dean Cedric Rucker was featured among figures like Arthur Ashe and Henry Marsh III on the RPS Influential African-Americans list. Emily Sanborn / The Blue & Gray Press

Dean Rucker recognized by Richmond Public Schools

Nicholas Vinson Staff Writer

On campus, he dazzles students with his smile, laugh and exuberant personality. On Halloween, he delights with his annual Winnie the Pooh costume, passing out candy to every student that asks. Now, Cedric Rucker, the associate vice president and dean of Student Life, is among those who have been recognized by Richmond Public Schools’ (RPS) Influential AfricanAmerican and RPS Alumni list. Rucker joins other big names,

BIBLE THUMPING

Cash grab film lacks compelling character.

GOP manipulates Christian voters.

LIFE | 9

VIEWPOINTS | 4

who also attended RPS schools in their youths, such as Arthur Ashe and Henry Marsh III. The honorees are all African-Americans who have made great strides in their careers, and made differences in their fields. Renee Carter, an administrative office associate for RPS, described the objective of the campaign, which she shared on social media throughout February. “We wanted to show our students that anything is possible,” and said that Rucker “is the epitome of a successful Black male as well as a trailblazer… •DEAN RUCKER | 11

WINNING RECORD

Women’s lacrosse ranks #4 nationally. SPORTS | 3

NEWS THE

BLUE & GRAY

Editors: Meaghan McIntyre & Kate Seltzer | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

Students and faculty grieve lives lost in mosque shooting

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

our sisters.” Other students, staff members and local faith leaders voiced messages of love and support. “Even in the face of this violence, and this hate, you should still have love and express love,” said Marion Sanford, director of the James Farmer Multicultural Center. “I also call upon each of us to be that light, that shining light, that will help drive out all of this darkness.” “I find that our greatest challenge is not to become numb and complacent,” said Sabrina Johnson, vice president of

•VIGIL | 1

50 people were killed and 50 others were wounded in the horrific shootings in Christchurch. Alex Sakes / The Blue & Gray Press

equity and access. She asked students for suggestions on how the UMW community can show up for victims of white supremacy and bigotry wherever we see it. President Paino was absent from the event, citing his attendance at the Women’s History Month keynote address at 7 p.m. “It’s not just the fight for MSA, it’s not just the fight for Islam,” Ahmed reiterated. “This is our fight together. We can’t be a diverse community until we drive out the hate that prevents us from doing what we need to do.”

Students question future of music department came in on oneyear visiting professorships,” said Kuykendall. “Visiting professorships can be extended for a maximum of three years.” When Bratt was hired in 2017, his contract was open for renewal for up to three years until the 2019/2020 school year. The music department didn’t know if the position would be continued for the third year but they knew it could not be renewed past a third year. “If Dr. Bratt were to remain, there would have had to be a new tenure faculty track line,” said Kuykendall. “We would have had to do a national search for applicants and Bratt would have had to be the successful candidate.” Kuykendall explained that when he was hired, he was asked which position he would do a search for and he chose choral director. The adjunct that was the choral director for 19 years was also working two other jobs at the time and wasn’t expanding the choir or taking them on tours. He said that with solidifying the choral program and bringing in more musicians, it would be easier to return to more fulltime professors. When there were six

•PROFESSOR BRATT | 1

positions five years ago, the budget for one of those positions got moved to another department, permitting a maximum of five music professors. Part of the hysteria that developed surrounding Bratt’s situation is the result of the close relationship Bratt has with his students. Several music majors expressed their dissatisfaction with the announcement of Bratt’s departure and questioned the manner in which the university lacked a formal announcement of his departure. Composition track music major Emmanuel Smith said that his initial reaction was “pure anger.” There are audition requirements for enrolling in the music program at UMW and some students felt that they would have to transfer to other universities and audition for new music programs. “I quite honestly am disappointed in the university,” said junior music major Emily Whelan. “I can’t help but feel poor budgeting is at play in this. Along with that, we did not get the news of his leaving until well after transfer dates, leaving students who feel transferring is their best option either begging schools to still consider them or being stuck at UMW for another semester before being able to

Professor Jon McMillan awarded with visual arts fellowship VICTORIA RICKMOND Staff Writer

Professor Jon McMillan always knew he wanted to be an artist, but it was during a high school behind-thescenes tour of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Virginia that his passion was further sparked. In what now seems like a full circle moment of his artistic career, the museum awarded him with a prestigious Visual Arts Fellowship earlier this month. “In retrospect, you can look back and pick out turning points,” McMillan said of that initial VMFA tour. “It’s a moment that sticks out in my memory. I was always making art since I was a very young child and by that point, I was looking to go to college to study art.”

McMillan, who is currently an associate professor and chair of the Art and Art History Department, was among twelve professional artists who were recognized. In his case, it was specifically for his work in ceramic sculpture. He said that he draws upon many inspirations for his pieces. “The influences are all recombined into these new forms and objects. I wanted to make references to many different things, and the way to do that is to abstract them to the point where they’re ambiguous but still suggestive. They become new objects that are just undefinable, but rich with a lot of connotations.” McMillan said that after taking a ceramics class in college, he never looked back. “I took an Intro to Ceramics class in college and that was

go elsewhere.” Kuykendall mentioned that two students were worried about having to transfer to another university’s music program. “A couple of students came to me concerned because audition dates had passed for some of the programs,” said Kuykendall. “I told them of course, they should always keep an eye open for other programs if they feel they aren’t getting what they need here.” The music department as a whole was saddened by Bratt’s departure. “The situation is not ideal,” said Kuykendall. “I would very much like to have Dr. Bratt here for the long term, but there is not the funding for that.” Should Bratt still be in the area, he could be hired as an adjunct professor to teach open courses. “It’s surprisingly difficult to find composition professors that uphold professionalism and healthy student to instructor relationships the way Professor Bratt does,” said music major Nora Whelan. “He has been an incredibly valuable resource for his students and gone above and beyond to help us find our voices in music. It’s very disheartening to see him go.” it. When I sat down on the potter’s wheel, I was fascinated and never wanted to stop.” He never has. After graduating from James Madison University, McMillan worked exclusively in pottery for both his own personal business and for various art fairs. After years of exploring the medium and materials, he discovered a curiosity for both sculptural works and for teaching during his graduate work at Southern Illinois University. “The demands of making art for a living were limiting my creative work Jon McMillan was awarded with a fellowship from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond. UMW Art History Blog

in a sense. I grew a little restless with that and started exploring the idea of teaching.” He said that UMW appealed to him for several reasons, including its being a small liberal arts college. “I’ve taught at large universities and there’s resources at those types of schools that smaller schools don’t •VMFA | 11

CORRECTIONS for THE Week PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO Lauren Closs, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu

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SPORTS

Woman’s lacrosse climbs national standings to #4

NICOLETTE VALLEE Staff Writer

The UMW women’s lacrosse team has had another impressive beginning to their season, with an overall record of 8-1. Throughout their time here, the current senior class has experienced growth of the program, thanks to the head coach, Caitlin Moore. Coach Moore has an impressive legacy at UMW. The university website describes her as “one of the greatest players in UMW women’s lacrosse history.” She graduated as Mary Washington’s career leader in points (303), single season record holder in points (143), as well as assists (81). This past month, Moore was honored for these achievements and inducted into the UMW Athletic Hall of Fame. This collegiate background helped shape her coaching success. From the time she began her coaching career here at UMW, Moore has given the women’s lacrosse team national prominence. The women’s lacrosse team has made it to the NCAA tournament the past four years, and even made the sweet sixteen last year. In addition to Moore, the team has been doing well because of the many talented women that make up the team. “It is all because of the talented student athletes with a strong work ethic.

We have a great team culture that requires daily attention, and a little bit of fun. There are some big personalities with this crew,” said Moore. Senior captain, Hope Lockwood, said “Coach Moore Woman’s lacrosse was ranked #4 in IWLCA National Weekly poll. UMW Athletics weight-lifting, classes, internships and conditions jobs, as well as other activities. It can be us to know exactly what to do on the difficult to handle all of those pressures, field and off of it. We all want the same while still being a honorable studentthing, and that is to get as far as we athlete. can while maintaining a strong team. When asked about the school-lacrosse Since freshman year we have become balance, sophomore player Kate Sovero accustomed to the expectations of this said, “It was pretty nerve-racking coming program, and I am so grateful to be a part in freshman year. But my upperclassmen of it.” In order to advance as far as they have and coach helped me understand the standards and I got used to it very from the past year, there have been some quickly. It doesn’t seem like a lot when changes on the field for the benefit of the we’re having so much fun and have so team. much support surrounding you.” Senior Savannah Boyd said, This past Saturday, the women’s “Not only has our coach built up our lacrosse team had a huge win over confidence, she also transformed our Roanoke with a score of 19-7. Their offense since my freshman year. She next game is Saturday, March 23 against focused on our individual strengths, and Meredith College at 3 p.m. at the UMW made us unscoutable.” Battleground. The women’s team balances practice,

Women’s tennis hosts Blue-Gray Invitational TAYLOR MOONEY Staff Writer

The University of Mary Washington women’s tennis team hosted the Blue Gray Invitational this past weekend. The Eagles competed Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, against Skidmore College, Southwestern (Tx.) University, and Kenyon College. Going into the Invitational, the Eagles were undefeated with a season record of 5-0. Their success this season allowed the women’s tennis team to move up to #19 in the nation according to the new Intercollegiate Tennis Association poll, which was released on Thursday, March 14. On Friday, March 15, the Eagles took on one of their rivals, the #11 ranked Skidmore College at the UMW Indoor Tennis Center. The Eagles started out strong by winning all three doubles, putting them ahead of Skidmore 3-0. UMW’s Olivia Moore and Sophie Dixon won the first point for UMW, winning their match 8-5. The second point went to UMW’s Lauren Quinn and Rachel Summers, who won their match 8-6. Danielle Mirabella and Claire Coleman were behind 6-5, but came back strong to get the last three points, winning their match 8-6, and gaining the third point for the Eagles. After the doubles, the Eagles extended their lead into the singles, with Rachel Cooper gaining a 6-1, 6-1 win at six, making the total score 4-0. However,

things took a turn for the Eagles as Skidmore came back strong and won the next four points. The Eagles were defeated at one, 6-3, 6-1; at three, 6-1, 6-3; at four, 6-2, 2-0; and at five, 6-3, 6-4. The match was now tied 4-4, with one remaining single at two. UMW’s Claire Coleman won the first set 6-3 but lost the second 3-6, leading into a third set. Coleman won the third set 7-5, giving the Eagles a win over #11 Skidmore, with a final score of 5-4. The Eagles remained undefeated with a season record 6-0. For freshman biology major Lauren Quinn, beating Skidmore was the highlight of her weekend. “We were all so proud of each other,” said Quinn. On Saturday, the Eagles were back on the courts, to compete against #38 Southwestern (Tx.) University at the outside Battleground Complex. In doubles, the Eagles had a rocky start, losing the first two sets, at three, 8-2, and at two, 8-5. However, Rachel Summers and Lauren Quinn pulled out an 8-5 win at one. Southwestern (Tx.) led the Eagles 2-1 heading into singles. The Eagles lost the first two singles, at one, 6-1, 6-1, and at three, 6-4, 6-4. However, Olivia Moore grabbed a point for UMW at six, 6-3, 6,1. Now behind by three points, the Eagles came back strong their last three matches. At four, Danielle Mirabella, 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (8-5), and Rachel Cooper, at five, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4, won in three sets. However, the Eagles lost at two, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, and ended the match with a loss to Kenyon, 5-4. Even though the Eagles had a tough loss Saturday, senior biology major Danielle Mirabella, had a great singles match. “I was in a third set and down 2-5. I ended up coming back

Women’s tennis won the first match against Skidmore. UMW Athletics

and winning 7-6,” said Mirabella. “The support from my teammates is what drove me to fight and win. We actually had a recruit come and watch and she said how supportive we were of one another and how much we wanted to win for each other is the reason she decided to commit the day after.” The Eagles returned to the Battlegrounds Sunday for their last day of matches against #22 Kenyon College. In doubles, the Eagles took the first point at three, with Olivia Moore and Sophie Dixon pulling out a strong win of 8-3. Kenyon came back for the next two points at two, 8-4, and at one, 8-6. Heading into singles Kenyon led UMW 2-1. The Eagles lost the first three singles, at four, 6-4, 6-2, at two, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), and at five, 6-1, 6-1. However, the Eagles persevered and won their first singles point at three. Lauren Quinn won in three against Kenyon’s Maggie Sweeney, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4. The Eagles followed with another two defeats at six, 6-1, 6-4, and at one, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 10-4. The Eagles fell to number #22 Kenyon College 7-2, finishing the weekend with a 6-2 season record. When asked about the team’s upcoming matches, Quinn said, “I’m very excited about competing in general. I love playing my heart out for my team and wouldn’t want it any other way. We have some tough matches coming up, but I’m looking forward to competing in all of them and representing Mary Wash on the court.” The Eagles will return to the courts this Saturday and Sunday, March 2324, for another weekend of matches. Saturday the Eagles will host SouthernVirginia University at 10 a.m., and the College of New Jersey at 4 p.m. Sunday the Eagles will host Frostburg State University at 10 a.m. and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at 4 p.m.

University of Mary Washington Sports Schedule

Men’s Lacrosse (5-5)

Mar. 13 L vs. Ill. Wesleyan (18-13) Mar. 14 W vs. Susquehanna (15-10) Mar. 20 L vs. Roanoke (20-8) Mar. 23 vs. St. Vincent Mar. 30 vs. Salisburg

Women’s Lacrosse (8-1) Mar. 12 W vs. Kean (18-6) Mar. 16 W vs. Roanoke (19-7) Mar. 20 W @ Stevenson (8-6) Mar. 23 vs. Meredith Mar. 30 @ Salisbury

Baseball (4-8)

Mar. 17 @ Salisbury (11-5) Mar. 19 L vs. Bridgewater (Va.) (13-8) Mar. 20 W vs. Marymount (Va.) (10-6) Mar. 22 vs. Southern Virgina Mar. 23 vs. Southern Virgina

Softball (7-8)

Mar. 14 W vs. Bridgewater (Va.)(8-5) Mar. 16 L @ Lynchburg (2-0) Mar. 23 vs. Gettysburg Mar. 24 vs. Shenandoah Mar. 27 @ East. Mennonite

Men’s Tennis (7-3)

Mar. 8 W @ Pomona-Pitzer (5-4) Mar. 16 W vs. Washington and Lee (7-2) Mar. 20 W vs. Centre (9-0) Mar. 22 vs. Bates Mar. 23 vs. Southern Virgina

Women’s Tennis (7-2)

Mar. 15 W vs. Skidmore (5-4) Mar. 16 L vs. Southwestern (Tex.) (5-4) Mar. 17 L vs. Kenyon (7-2) Mar. 20 W vs. Centre (6-3) Mar. 23 vs. Southern Virgina

Full Schedule not listed above. Most recent games included. Bold indicates home game.

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VIEWPOINTS Established Greek life would help more than hinder ALICEN HACKNEY Senior Writer

UMW is well-known for its academic focus. And, while the school does have smaller non-university affiliated fraternities and a sorority, the social life of many students is as quiet as the city of Fredericksburg itself can be. Without the social pressures that come with Greek life, the expectation has been that students would feel less stressed and be able to spend more of their time on academics. However, numerous studies-and the social climate of UMW--point to this issue being quite the opposite. Part of what makes it difficult to make and keep friends at UMW is that relationships here rely on schedules. Unless students live together with their friends in the dorms or off campus, students rely heavily on their class schedules to make availability for their friends. The two biggest solutions UMW offers to this issue are joining clubs, which is schedule and sometimes audition based, and taking discussionbased classes which tend to be upper level. While sororities and fraternities do have their own application processes, when they are in schools there are several to pledge for and they don’t rely on the student to have the perfect schedule to fit the group. Beyond that initial pressure are the fun and friendship-building group events, the

increased likelihood of acceptance and understanding through shared stressors and experiences, and of course, the positive effects of a shared living space. All of these Greek life pros truly boost the strong foundation a student needs in order to be successful in college and beyond. The hook for grades to be successful through Greek life lies with the university that houses it. Some universities have difficulty upholding high grades within Greek life, while some boast grade point averages much higher within Greek life than average students. What becomes necessary here is for the university to require a grade point minimum for joining, and continuing in, a sorority or fraternity. In a study conducted by professors from Harvard and Syracuse Universities, it was determined that Greek life had a positive effect on students’ educational lives, “if the values, missions and goals of a fraternities or sororities are aligned with those of the institution, then the fraternity/sorority communities can foster valuable out-of-class learning.” UMW boasts a high retention rate in the 80 to 90 percent range, which is higher than both the national average and Virginia’s average. While the lack of Greek life at UMW may not appear to directly affect the retention rate, it must be acknowledged that Greek life does contribute positively to raising retention rates among schools that have

it. In a study done by two professors from Middle Tennessee State and Niagara University, it was found that “the increased likelihoods of graduating on time may stem from Greek members having an added incentive to stay enrolled and keep a minimum GPA, so that they can continue to belong to the organization.” Considering UMW is continuing to strive for higher retention rates, it would be important to seriously consider opening lanes for Greek life to be a larger part of UMW life. Beyond student relationships, GPA, and university retention rates there are numerous other reasons for UMW to build a Greek life program. Most importantly, students in Greek life can build larger more connected networks and use this to their advantage in job searches later on in life. Greek life is intrinsically interwoven with networking events like dances, galas, volunteer/service

days, and general parties which all provide students with the opportunity to expand their studies and career ideals. The catch for Greek life to effectively and responsibly work at UMW lies in rules being written up for expectations and codes of conduct for membership. Otherwise, the pros to go Greek outweigh the cons, and establishing official Greek life on campus would improve students lives across the spectrum.

The Blue & Gray Press

Practice what you preach: GOP exploits Christian values to gain following Last weekend, President Trump travelled to a baptist church in Lee County, Alabama to raise spirits after a series of disastrous hurricanes hit the area. During the commencement, Trump pulled out a pen and began signing bibles. This act of celebrity speaks to the manipulation of the Evangelical voter by President Trump and the GOP. Trump’s most favorite book is the bible, but when asked to recite his favorite verse, he was unable to recall one. Donald Trump is a fake Christian. He pretends to be

in love with the Evangelical community while he stirs contention in the hearts of everyone else. Donald Trump is well known for his infamous recorded “grab them by the pussy” comment, his adulterous habit of cheating on his wives and for deferring prayers onto Vice President Mike Pence. His second favorite book is his autobiography, “The Art of the Deal.” Isn’t he humble? 81 percent of Evangelical voters voted for Trump in 2016. Why? Because Trump uses manipulative rhetoric intended to scare people into believing

Trump signing Bibles and other items, as he visits Providence Baptist Church in Smiths Station, Ala., Friday, March 8, 2019.

SAVANNAH ROBERTS Staff Writer

him. “Look at Syria. If you’re Christian, they’re chopping off heads. You look at the different places. Christianity is under siege,” Trump said, on the campaign trail in 2016. Perhaps those actions are anti-Christian, except we don’t live in Syria. This example is still a tactic that the GOP uses to scare Evangelicals into trading a “love thy neighbor” attitude for their “eye for an eye” mentality. Fear mongering is a part of how the GOP exploits Christian voters. The GOP also uses single-issue platforms in order to herd Christian lambs into specific political pastures. Abortion is the biggest platform that Republicans use to grow their Evangelical following. According to a 2018 Pew study, about 6 in 10 Evangelical Americans believe that abortion should be illegal in all or most cases. The Republican Party KentuckyToday.com believes that the 14th amendment--

which grants citizenship to all people born in the U.S.--should apply to unborn children. Republicans might believe in the pro-life movement, but it’s not at the top of their agenda in any way. Another Pew Research study conducted in 2019 found that Republicans highest priority is terrorism and the economy. All of this only further proves that Republicans are undermining and polarizing valued beliefs of Christian voters by pretending to care about abortion more than they actually do. Another way the GOP exploits Christian voters into voting right wing is by opposing gay marriage, and instead supporting the union between one man and one woman. Unsurprisingly, though no less disappointing, Evangelicals have the same belief: God created and intended for marriage to be between a man and a woman. The Republican party believes that marriage between man and woman should be enshrined by the Constitution of the United States. This notion helps explain the religious opposition that America saw in 2015 after gay marriage was legalized. Since then, Evangelical groups in Texas have challenged the Civil

Rights Act and believe that religious businesses reserve the right to turn away members of the LGBTQ+ community on the basis of religion. Additionally, West Virginia GOP lawmaker and Delegate Eric Porterfield compared LGBTQ+ members to “a modern day version of the Ku Klux Klan, without wearing hoods with their antics of hate.” Hate the gays? Vote Republican. Trump manipulates his audience by standing his ground at rallies and by using offensive language that he knowingly will provoke emotion amongst his target audiences--whether what he says is true or moral.. Trump signs bibles to show the Evangelicals that he cares about Christianity--while revealing that he is not above signing his name in the same book as Jesus’. Let us not forget the separation of church and state--and yet, the church and “Christian values” are used to aide the GOP’s strongest angle for voters, aside from blatantly spewed hate and disregard for the freedom of choice. Autographing bibles just goes to show that the Republican stronghold over the average Christian voter is tighter than ever. Sad.

Thursday March 2019 Thursday, January 21,21, 2015

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Grace Winfield | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Staff-Ed:

Named one of the “darkest days” in the country’s history, 50 killed and 50 injured in New Zealand mosque shootings By THE BLUE AND GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

Mucaad Ibrahim - 3

Hussein al-Umari

Daoud Nabi - 71

Maheboob Khokhar - 65

Husna Ahmed - 44

Ramiz Vora - 28

Lilik Abdul Hamid - 58

Asif Vora - 56

Sayyad Milne - 14

Ozair Kadir - 25

Atta Elayyan - 33

Zeeshan Raza

Amjad Hamid - 57

Ghulam Hussain

Ansi Alibava - 23

Karam Bibi

Ali Elmadani - 65

Sohail Shahid - 40

Naeem Rashid - 50

Mahboob Haroon - 40

Taha Naeem - 21

Abdus Samad - 67

Khaled Mustafa

Hosne Ara Parvin - 42

Hamza Mustafa - 16

Osama Adnan Abu

Linda Armstrong - 65

Kweik - 37

Farhaj Ahsan - 30

Abdul Fattah Qassim

Syed Jahandad Ali - 34

al-Daqqah - 59

Hafiz Musa Patel

Kamel Darwish - 38

Tariq Omar - 24

Munir Suleiman - 68

Syed Areeb Ahmed - 26

Ahmed Jamal al-Din

Abdullahi Dirie - 4

Abdul Ghani - 68

Atta Elyan - 30’s

Ashraf Morsi

Mohammad Imran Khan

Ashraf al-Masri

Junaid Mortara - 35

Matiullah Safi

Husne Ara Parvin - 42 These forty-four people and six others were killed in a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, police announced Sunday. Fifty others were found wonded, several of whom are in critical condition. They are victims of hatred, white supremacy, Islamophobia, racism and bigotry, who were murdered in their own places of worship. The Blue and Gray stands against those who propagate these ideas, and we extend our sincerest condolences to the loved ones of these victims and to the country of New Zealand during this devasting time. Victim information was acquired from Al Jazeera, The Washington Post and AP News.

Patch.com

If passed, Day on Democracy proposal would promote civic engagement and increase community ties In May of 2018, a petition was sent out to UMW faculty, staff and students, which stated, “To encourage civic engagement on campus and in the broader Fredericksburg community, I support a Day on Democracy at the University of Mary Washington, which would entail – among other things – the cancellation of all classes to allow for involvement in our democratic process throughout the day.” With a huge show of support, 625 members of the UMW community (548 students, 40 faculty, 7 staff, and 30 alums) signed the petition and set a chain of events in motion to bring the initiative to life. Now, after a formal resolution of support was issued by SGA, the proposal has made its way through the Academic Affairs Committee. The next step in the process is a vote at University Faculty Council, which will be held on Mar. 27, 2019. If the proposal passes UFC it will be ontrack for implementation by 2020 – possibly one of the most memorable federal elections our country will ever see. If UMW adopts the proposal by 2020, its community will be able to participate in civic engagement in a manner that is not usually possible at universities. The future of American democracy is threatened daily by polarization and apathy. Lack of time to address these issues creates a cycle of democratic inactivity, especially for

ASHLEY UTZ Contributing Writer

students. Participation in civic duties presents a challenge that cannot be tackled by reading textbooks or memorizing flashcards. This challenge is easily swept underneath mountains of homework, and lost in the sea of due dates, leaving students without the resources they need to participate in one of the pillars of democracy – voting. Voting is for all of us, but we must invest in it – and UMW could be a trailblazer among institutions of higher education by committing to civic engagement in the long-term. The Day on Democracy proposal, which is now a full-length report, aims to increase civic engagement among our community through a series of nonpartisan, election-based activities leading up to the Day on Democracy. On election day, classes would be cancelled to facilitate student involvement, both in election processes and with various community partners. For students who are unable to vote or do not wish to vote, alternative activities will be made available through nonprofit organizations in the Fredericksburg community, as well as paid poll-working opportunities through the Fredericksburg registrar for a limited number of students. Beyond the scope of civic engagement at its core, this proposal represents an opportunity for the

University to rebrand around a civic identity. UMW can carve out a leadership position, making headlines as a small school with a huge voter turnout and a powerful commitment to upholding the values of American democracy in a way that liberal arts institutions often overlook. Providing students with a strong foundation in political processes and democratic activities and a diverse course portfolio will generate well-rounded students with skill sets and mindsets not found elsewhere. This proposal also allows faculty and staff to get involved both on-campus and off-campus while simultaneously providing possible opportunities for special assignments or extra-credit related to voter engagement. Interested students, faculty and staff can read a full-length report on the core ideals of the proposal, plans for implementation, anticipated timeline, and logistical information on the 2/27 UFC Agenda page, or at https://ufc.umw.edu/ files/2019/02/Day-onDemocracy.pdf. UMW has a diverse student body, encompassing a multitude of beliefs and values. With our unique campus dynamic, we have the potential to do something truly amazing and make history with this initiative. All that we need to do is make the commitment to implementing the proposal – so let’s get to voting, Eagles.

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LIFE

Editor: Lucas Burkholder blueandgray.life@gmail.com

UMW alumnus introspective art featured in duPont gallery

ETHAN BLOUCH Contributing Writer

Late in January, I noticed something interesting located near the entrance to duPont: a small gallery of art dedicated to UMW alumnus Travis Head, who currently works both as an artist and as a professor of drawing at Virginia Tech. Inside, the first thing that drew my attention was the small model wearing what appeared to be a Boy Scout uniform covered in merit badges. There were also several notebooks on the wall directly facing the entrance into the gallery, or photographs of hands holding notebooks. What ended up taking up most of my time, however, was reading the text written on the many detailed graphite drawings on the right and left walls of the gallery. These drawings, which often shared the common elements of compressing or building up layers of materials, contained many quotes and titles from films and novels, with occasional references to family get-

togethers and other life events. On Feb. 28, I got the chance to speak with Head about his art at the closing night of the exhibit. I had initially believed that some of his works, such as Reading List_ Graphite Reactor and Reading List_ Spirit Level were in some way about the oversaturation of media in our culture, but when we met a few hours before closing reception he explained that this wasn’t the case at all. In fact, what he wanted to do was show all the things we do in life that are peripheral to our main experiences, and to display these experiences in an interesting way. He made a conscious effort to blend high and low art in these works, so when examining the small text you’ll find references to David Foster Wallace and Christopher Hitchens listed right alongside AMC’s the Walking Dead and the videogame Red Dead Redemption. As a child, he and his stepsister had been encouraged to document experiences in

More of Travis Head’s artwork can be seen at travishead.com.

Travis Head is a 2002 UMW studio art alumnus.

Ethan Blouch / The Blue & Gray Press

notebooks by their father, and is evident in every work in the gallery. His first work in the series exhibited was a large drawing that contained numerous GPS maps and other information related to a visit he made to a girlfriend a number of years ago, a visit which he says was the last time they were a couple. In his attempt to scramble meaning from information tangential to this experience, he hit upon something which he would combine with his talent for drawing anatomy and figuration into artwork. With his various journal-based artworks, he said that the pictures were an inside joke by which he would contact friends for a period of time. For example, one picture of him holding a journal with a drawing of brass knuckles was taken while he was in a canoe with another friend. Another theme in his work was related to his fascination with barn quilts, which inspired him to tell stories via showing various events from a year,

Ethan Blouch / The Blue & Gray Press

both broadcast and experienced, through quilt-like images. His most recent contribution to the exhibit was The Merit Badge Project, which was meant to comment on apps and achievements in modern day society that we connect with seemingly mundane achievements. As part of this exhibit, he framed quilted merit badges for strange goals that he set for himself, such as successfully wearing plaid clothes every day for December. Many of the people present at the closing reception thought very highly of Head’s work. “He’s a pictorial Proust,” proclaimed William Wachter, who had told Head during a Q and A that he particularly admired Head’s attention to anatomical detail. While observing the Graphite Reactor piece, Christine Goodwin said she was “fascinated by his sense of scale…with the way he makes compositions, it draws you in in a very personal way.”

Campus Rec Body Positivity Week promotes body acceptance DEANNA BIONDI Staff Writer

It’s no secret that college-age youths – ranging from late-teens to early twenties – very often struggle with body image and acceptance. Assistant director of Campus Recreation Brittanie Naff has been the lead planner for Campus Recreation’s current Body Positivity Week. She feels that “body positivity and positive self-talk are things that so many people struggle with, but it is not always addressed enough, especially on college campuses.” This thought led her to the idea for an event that emphasizes body positivity. She also stated that Campus Recreation “felt it was appropriate to initiate a positive conversation around body image to help Eagles practice acceptance and appreciation for the bodies they have.” Body Positivity Week began Monday, March 18, with positive messages being posted around campus, and will continue until Sunday, March 24. “Body positivity is all about accepting your body where it is and treating it well,” Naff said, “including giving it exercise. Taking the focus away from what we look like and putting it onto what our bodies can do is a step in the right direction for body acceptance.” Group fitness classes allow people to take care of and strengthen their

bodies in a positive and welcoming environment, and these began on Tuesday with a free yoga class. There will also be a Zumba class and a strength training class on Thursday, March 21 in Goolrick Hall, as well as Ladies Lift Night on Sunday, March 24 in the gym. All fitness activities are free of charge. In addition to these activities, there will be positive messages posted around campus throughout the week, and a positive affirmations booth located on the University Center patio on Friday, March 22, from 2 to 3 p.m. Also, informative messages about self-positivity will be posted on Campus Recreation’s Instagram page (@UMWCampusRec). While this is the first project focused on body positivity that Campus Recreation has put together, Ladies Lift Night has been an annual tradition at UMW for years. At Ladies Lift Night, the goal is to “emphasize the benefits of strength training, not from the aesthetic aspect, but from the positive effects on your daily functions, bones, muscles, and more,” said Naff. Ladies Lift Night is an opportunity for women to become accustomed to the strength training equipment in the gym in an inviting and comfortable environment. “When you finally feel like you know what you’re doing, strength training can be so empowering, much

like accepting your body can be,” Naff added, to explain why the decision was made to incorporate this long-standing tradition into the new Body Positivity Week. Body-positive tank tops reading “Every Body is Beautiful” will also be available for purchase during Ladies Lift Night. Students seem to be having an overall positive reaction to the event. Hannah Duncan, a senior majoring in communications and digital studies, shared her opinion: “Being body positive isn’t only about fitness and exercise, so I think they could go a lot further with this, but I like that they’re making an effort to spread a positive message about body image.” Another senior, Chenoa Forrester, who is majoring in business, shared a similar view: “Although every week

should encourage body positivity, it is nice to see an influential organization like campus rec embracing the diverse bodies that make up our student body.” As this is Campus Rec’s first time hosting an event focused on body positivity, students are anxious to see if it will continue in future years and how far the event will develop. Body Positivity Week is a first for Campus Recreation. Pending the turnout of this week’s activities, Naff and other staff members involved in planning hope to take it farther in the future. “We’re excited to collaborate with other offices on campus like Orientation, the James Farmer Multicultural Center, and Student Activities and Engagement,” said Naff. “We hope to make this an annual event that grows in size and importance each year.”

“Ladies Lift Night” is this Sunday, 8 p.m., at the Fitness Center.

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Thursday, March 21, 2019

LIFE

Taste test: chocolate chip cookies on campus, ranked Upon discovering nearly every dining location on campus sells chocolate chip cookies, and that they are actually different, I did the only logical next step- set out to find the best chocolate chip cookies on campus. After purchasing cookies from five different locations, the Blue & Gray Press editorial staff reviewed them with a special focus on texture, taste and overall experience.

1. Qdoba

Cost: $2.99 or 1 meal for 6 cookies In a shocking twist, Vocelli’s cookies are no longer my favorite. While I still appreciate their large and nicely distributed chocolate chips and chewy center, they fall short of Qdoba cookies. However, they are nice for sharing since they come in a 6-pack, and for using up extra meal swipes. Pro tip- use the microwave by the drink dispensers to warm your cookies.

Cost: $0.79 Situated in a basket by the registers of Qdoba, these chocolate chunk cookies are always warm with a gooey center and crunchy outside. If you wait for them to get cold, they become chewier in the center. With a good amount of well spaced chocolate chunks, these cookies have a well balanced and long-lasting flavor. They are also convieniently placed in the center of campus and cost less than the other cookies. The cookies are not huge, but this is also a good way to avoid the post too much sugar sickness.

4. Blackstone Cost: $2.25

3. Underground Cafe and Simply To Go Cost: $2.19

2. Vocelli Pizza

Cookies from five locations on campus.

Grace Winfield / The Blue & Gray Press

While we were not able to confirm this, we have strong suspicions the chocolate chip cookies from the Underground and Simply To Go are from the same supplier. They appear to be identical- rather large with small chocolate chips. They are the most buttery of the cookies we sampled, and suprisingly soft in the center considering the crumbly endges. We decided Simply To Go had a slightly better batch because the texture of the Underground cookies was a little remniscent of Play-Doh. They could be improved with more chocolate chips. They have a good flavor, but you feel a little sick by the time you finish the whole thing. The overall experience at Simply To Go is better as the cookies are always warm and you get to buy them from Dora, who is guarenteed to brighten your day.

Review by Lauren Closs

After much deliberation, we have decided that the cholocate chunk cookies from Blackstone are probably sugar cookies with chocolate chunks in them. While they do look like chocolate chip cookies, albeit rather large and unusually flat, they taste and smell exactly like sugar cookies. They even have a sugary glaze. While unexpected, they are still tasty and typically sell out many hours before closing. There are not enough chocolate chunks, however, and they’re weirdly chewy while still gritty and crumbly. They are siginifantly better if you ask for them to be heated. Some baristas automatically offer this and some do not.

PRISM Drag Show hosts “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Tatianna MEREDITH JENNINGS Staff Writer

song – a strong replication of the iconic scene. The room was pitch black, the Shouts and applause immediately audience on the edge of their seats. erupted in the audience as she hit the A disembodied voice cut through the chorus and the lights pulled up to reveal darkness. “C Minor! Put it in C Minor.” the rest of PRISM’s club leadership in As the first notes of Bonnie Tyler’s “I their own costumes. With every member Need a Hero” began to play, senior Erin of the “Shrek” cast now on stage and Shaw, president of People for the Rights the audience clapping along to the beat, of Individuals of Sexual Minorities PRISM’s annual drag show officially (PRISM), appeared, illuminated by began. a spotlight on center stage. She had Shaw said that the drag show is transformed into a perfect impression of PRISM’s biggest event of the year, and Fairy Godmother from “Shrek.” Shaw it requires a lot of work to put together. danced and lip-synced along with the Shaw was able to secure the talents of Tatianna, a famed drag performer known for her appearances on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the second season of RuPaul’s All Stars Drag Race. After seeing that JMU students were able to have Tammie Brown, a fellow RuPaul’s Drag Race star, Shaw was sure that a high profile performer could come to UMW as well. Because Tatianna is a Falls Church native and lives and performs in the D.C. area, Shaw knew that she would be the performer to contact. “We reached out last fall, and it was great because Tatianna was even looking forward to performing on a university campus,” Shaw said. Tatianna, a former competitor on “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, performed Drag has a rich history Cedric Rucker / Facebook at the event.

and culture. These types of performances were always a part of American culture, as there were still famous drag balls in the 1980s. It was during this time that members of the LGBT community banded together to form their own families since they were spurned by their biological family. Drag balls were social events that brought people who were on the margins of society together and provided a form of joyous entertainment unmarred by societal expectations of gender and sexuality. “I think drag is a key part of the LGBT community,” Shaw said. “Drag queens, and in particular drag queens of color have always been at the forefront for our movement when we consider events like Stonewall.” During the 1950s and 60s, the LGBT community was facing persecution through the various laws that were in effect at the time. Very few establishments were welcoming to the community, so bars like Stonewall were targeted by police raids because they knew they could easily arrest its patrons. Tensions between the New York City police and the gay residents of Greenwich Village erupted into protests the evening of June 28, 1969. From the Harlem Drag Balls of the 1920s to shows on campus, drag racing has always been about having a safe place to show off and explore one’s expression of gender. When Tatianna emerged on stage, the screams in the room were deafening, nearly drowning out the first notes of “Focus” by Charlie XCX. She was clad in thigh high silver boots and a sparkly emerald green bodysuit. Between her dance moves she peppered in personal moments as she moved from the main stage and walked in between the rows

and rows of audience members. Drag etiquette for live performances dictates that attendees give tips, and as she collected them all up with smiles and winks, she was getting ready for a mind blowing move. Taking all the dollar bills in her hands she threw them over head and dropped backwards to the sheer delight of the audience. “I am extremely proud of how the show went, we had a packed house and every performance was excellent,” Shaw said. “Tatianna was definitely a big factor in our ticket sales, but UMW students are also just excited about the art of drag. Since it’s becoming more mainstream, more people want the opportunity to go to a real drag show, and many can’t access them due to transportation, money or time. Having the opportunity to come to our show is really special.” Senior Jesse Thorne had nothing but positive reviews for this year’s performance. She has been to other drag shows in previous years, but she said this one was truly something memorable. Thorne has been a big fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race since high school and mentioned how she was impressed that PRISM was able to get someone so famous to come to campus. “It was amazing, everyone was having so much fun,” Thorne said. “I really loved the opening specifically since the e-board members really got into this year’s theme.” Tickets were completely sold out by time the show rolled around. Some people even paid extra for a VIP pass to meet Tatianna. Not willing to pass up such an opportunity, Thorne knew she had to go. “I was starstruck when I got up to go meet her,” Thorne said. “I couldn’t believe she was real.”

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Weekend Events

CATCH UP. Get Ahead. Take Something New.

Thursday

Did you know if you earn a grade of C- or lower in a class, and you repeat the same course in the summer, the summer grade replaces the earlier grade? And if you had to drop some classes, the summer credits can help you get back on schedule to graduate.

• Great Lives: J.R.R. Tolkein @ Dodd Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Friday • Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse @ Monroe 116, 7 p.m. • Aquaman @ Monroe 116, 10 p.m.

Saturday • Good Neighbor Day @ UC Patio and Ball Circle, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. • Dog Walk @ Ball Circle • Wild and Scenic Film Festival @ Chandler Ballrom, 6 p.m. • Aquaman @ Monroe 116, 7 p.m. • Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse @ Monroe 116, 10 p.m.

Registration opens March 11. Classes begin May 20.

PAPA JOHN’S UMW STUDENT SPECIAL Get a large cheese or 1 topping pizza for just $5.99 With valid UMW ID

Route 1 Papa John’s

540-­‐371-­‐7272 433 Jefferson Davis Highway. Offer valid at Fredericksburg location only. Call store and mention UMW when ordering. Valid for carryout or delivery. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Limited delivery area. Deliver fee may apply. Customer responsible for all applicable taxes. Offer valid 2018-­‐2019 school year. 2019 Papa John’s International, INC All rights reserved

LIFE

“Captain Marvel” soars at box office but is nothing to marvel at HARRY FISHER Online Editor

“Captain Marvel” is Marvel Studios’ latest attempt to prove to us that they still know what they’re doing. I didn’t have very high expectations for this film, since the last Marvel movie, “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” was a pretty big let down for me. I wasn’t expecting it to be as good as the masterpiece that was “Avengers: Infinity War,” but I still found it to be a big step down from the original “Ant-Man.” The movie instilled some doubt in me about the future of Marvel movies. Afterall, if they couldn’t make a good sequel to “Ant-Man,” a movie that was generally well-received by fans, how could they make a good movie out of Captain Marvel, a character who even fans of the Marvel comics don’t like? Still, I wanted this movie to be good. Afterall, this is the first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film with a female lead, and it could have been a great female empowerment film like “Wonder Woman” was for DC. I was hoping the movie’s plot would do something interesting with the character of Carol Danvers that the comics never did. But it didn’t. And as much as I hate to say it, “Captain Marvel” feels like a cash-grab, a rushed introduction for the character into the MCU to make a quick buck off of people’s hype for the upcoming “Avengers: Endgame.” The film stars Brie Larson as Carol Danvers, a member of a race of galactic law enforcers called the Kree, and the only human we see among them. It’s never explained if the Kree are one race or a conglomerate of alien races, but if they are one race, I have no clue why Carol never questions why she doesn’t look like any of the other Kree. She has amnesia and doesn’t remember being a human on Earth. She’s been training with the Kree on their home world for six years and has developed a strong friendship with Jude Law’s character, a Kree named Yon-Rogg. When Carol arrives on Earth in 1995 to pursue a race of alien shape-shifting terrorists named the Skrull, she meets a young Nick Fury, back when he was an

agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and not its director. The two quickly become partners as they work together to find the Skrull leader, Talos, and put a stop to his plans on Earth. Along the way, Carol begins to regain her memories of her life on Earth, how she used to be a pilot in the Air Force, and how she gained her powers and became a Kree soldier in the first place. The movie has a few positive aspects. For one, the entire supporting cast was great. Samuel Jackson delivered as Nick Fury, although he seemed kind of out of character, being friendlier and more optimistic than the tough and seasoned soldier we know him to be. At the very least, he’s funny and has a lot of great lines. Ben Mendelson as Talos serves as a pretty funny villain, and like Jackson, he has a lot of great lines. Jude Law does pretty well in his role, although I didn’t find his character to be particularly interesting or memorable. Lashana Lynch as Carol’s old Air Force friend and Akira Akbar as her daughter Monica both do well in their parts, and Akbar is a great child actress who has a lot of cute scenes with Larson’s character. Annette Bening also does a good job as Wendy Lawson, although her character is significantly different than Walter Lawson, the comic book version of the character who is actually the original Captain Marvel. The changes they make to the character here may upset fans of the classic Marvel comics. And then there’s Goose the cat,

the first act of the movie, she’s fine. Her character makes some funny quips and seems to have a friendly and likeable personality. But as soon as she gets to Earth, it’s like all the personality is suddenly sucked out of her, and she’s a piece of wood for most of the movie after that. Not only that, but she comes across to me as kind of smug and pretentious, as if she thinks she’s better than everybody else, and is only being a hero for the sake of fame and glory. She kind of reminds me of the D.C. hero Booster Gold, a character who tries to be a hero only to achieve “Captain Marvel” premiered on Mar 19, 2019. IMDB fame and fortune, except Captain Marvel doesn’t call nearly as in the grand scheme of things when it much attention to herself as he does. doesn’t cause her to undergo a significant Of course, this could have led to change or become a better person, like a an interesting character arc. Maybe good hero character should? Carol starts the movie being obsessed Why not have a scene where she with personal gratification, but learns saves the lives of the men who used to to be humble and use her powers for call her weak and helpless, to so that good, kind of like Thor. But the biggest she proves to them how strong a woman problem with Carol’s character is that can be, but also proves that she has she doesn’t have an arc. As we learn changed by developing humility and about her past, we learn that she’s spent mercy for the people who have done much of her life being talked down to her wrong? That would have made her a by men who told her she couldn’t be great, compelling female hero. But Carol never changes as a character or even shows that she’s a good person throughout the film. Instead, she just comes across to me as entitled, as if she thinks she automatically deserves these powers and that she’s better than everyone else because she has them. Of course, the Captain isn’t the only problem with the movie, and the other glaring flaws include the ridiculous amount of retcons this a pilot because she’s a woman. This movie makes to the MCU lore. If you’ve could have made a great story of female seen any of the trailers for this movie, empowerment, but it feels like they use you may have noticed that Nick Fury it as a cheap way to make us care about doesn’t have an eye patch in any of them. Carol when we know nothing else about Needless to say, since this movie takes her. place before all the others, we learn how We don’t know anything about he lost his left eye in this movie, and the Carol as a person, just that she was way it happens is beyond ludicrous. It’s oppressed. We certainly can and should completely disrespectful to the character feel sorry that she had to go through and takes away any sense of charisma such experiences, but we don’t learn or intimidation he had in the previous anything about her personality or why movies. I almost recommend not seeing she deserves to gain super powers and the movie if you’re a fan of Nick Fury, become a hero. Did she stand up to because this one single moment may just bullies for other girls as a child? Did she ruin the character for you forever. attempt to prove the strength women Basically, the retcons just make this have to her male peers in the military? whole movie feel rushed, as if they just There are no moments like these in any wanted to get it out there as quickly as of her flashbacks that would show us that possible and didn’t care how it fit in she’s always been a heroic female figure with all the other MCU movies. And who deserves to become Captain Marvel. really, the whole movie feels like that. With every other MCU hero, It seems like they didn’t care about including the heroines, we’ve seen them making a great female Marvel hero overcome their flaws or past mistakes with a compelling story. They just and learn to use their powers to become wanted to make a quick buck off of inspiring heroes. But Captain Marvel the fact that this is the first Marvel film doesn’t have any flaws, and because of with a female lead, as well as people’s that, she isn’t a compelling character. hype for “Avengers: Endgame.” Since She gets her powers by accident, and the Russo brothers have a knack for then I guess we’re just supposed to fixing characters who have been poorly assume she’s a good person who knows represented in other Marvel movies, how to use those powers responsibly, let’s hope that they use “Endgame” as an even though we’ve seen nothing in her opportunity to fix Captain Marvel and personality that proves that to us. And make her the great female hero her own yes, she does save lives and do heroic movie couldn’t. things, but what does any of that mean

“It seems like they didn’t care about making a great female Marvel hero with a compelling story. They just wanted to make a quick buck...” - Harry Fisher

who is seriously the best character in the whole film. The movie had some pretty funny moments with 90s pop culture jokes that came up here and there, but the fact that the film is set in the 90s really doesn’t add anything to the story. Other than the de-aging effects on Samuel Jackson, the special effects and action aren’t spectacular, but they’re on par with what we would expect from a Marvel movie. I wish I could say the movie is worth seeing for all the things it does right, but unfortunately, it’s bogged down by everything it does wrong. The biggest problem, ironically, is with Captain Marvel herself. For starters, Brie Larson’s The “Avengers: Endgame” cast will includes Brie Larsen as Captain Marvel, performance is all releasing April 26, 2019 IMDB over the place. In

9

NEWS

POLICE BEAT Students react to missionaries on campus Riley Doherty Staff Writer

MEAGHAN MCINTYRE & KATE SELTZER News Editors

Hit and Run Between Sunday, February 10 at 5 p.m. and Thursday, February 14 at 3:30 p.m., there was a hit and run accident in the Alvey Dr. parking deck. The driver failed to report. This case is pending.

Possession On Thursday, February 28 at 6:30 a.m., there was an incident of possession of drugs with the intent to distribute at UMW Apartment Building 2. Two arrests were made by the Fredericksburg Police Department, and two administrative referrals were given. On Sunday, March 3 at 10:40 p.m., there was an incident of marijuana possession at Dupont Hall. Two administrative referrals were given.

Vandalism On Wednesday, March 13 between 10:45 a.m. and 9:15 p.m., a vehicle was vandalized in the Marshall parking lot. This case is pending.

Petit Larceny On Friday, March 15 between 11 a.m. and noon, a purse was stolen from the Thornton St. parking lot. This case is pending.

Public Intoxication On Sunday, March 17 at 9:38 p.m., there was an incident of public intoxication and an individual tried to use a false ID in Randolph Hall. One administrative referral was given.

Mackenzie Hard, a senior and American studies major, was on her way to Madison Hall from Qdoba when she ran into a familiar group of religious missionaries. “I saw that there were Mormon [missionaries] practically lining both sides of Campus Walk in front of Trinkle Hall,” Hard said. As Hard made her way down Campus Walk, she tried to avoid drawing attention to herself to prevent an awkward exchange, but one of the missionaries engaged in conversation after a case of accidental eye contact. “He instantly jumped into a conversation with me about my Red Sox sweatshirt,” she said. “I didn’t give him a huge answer and I kept walking. He then asked me what was on my backpack, which are clearly buttons and ribbons.” Other students reported feeling uncomfortable being stopped by missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. “I was walking to class when they stopped me to talk,” said sophomore English creative writing major Molly Avery. “I told them I was going to class and couldn’t talk right now, but that did not stop them. When I tried to go around them, they blocked my path and continued to talk to me.” According to Avery, the conversation continued for another five minutes. “They wouldn’t move out of the way until I took a Bible and gave them my information,” she said. “The whole situation was ridiculous and made me late for class.” Parker Siebenschuh, a sophomore history and historic preservation major has had multiple run-ins with missionaries on campus. “They try to stop you when going to class and will try to talk to you even if you don’t want them to, even if you are clearly showing them that,” Siebenschuh said. “They get really pushy in their discussion with you.”

Students have reported seeing an uptick in missionaries on campus, particularly from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. “It has also gotten to the point that they are not just walking up and down Campus Walk, but now they are setting up a table outside of Trinkle and are sitting on both sides of Campus Walk,” Hard said. “I think that them being on campus is totally fine, but I think it has gotten a little out of control since we’re starting to see them all over campus and with them sending us friend requests and messages on Facebook.” Other students have reported the missionaries following them to dorms and interacting with students late at night. Elder Yen and Elder Lacey are two members of the Church who have been seen around campus. They explained their reasons for proselytizing. “I think the scripture in Matthew says it really well,” said Lacey. “It’s Matthew 28 verses 19 and 20: ‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost’... And I think it says it very specifically in the first few words it says ‘go ye therefore,’ so going and doing.” Yen emphasized the importance of his personal faith. “I’ve been able to find a cure for pretty much everything – any sadness, any hardship,” he said. “Why wouldn’t you want to go out and put yourself out there to help others find that?” Yen apologized for any discomfort

students feel in interacting with missionaries. “Our main goal is not to make anyone feel uncomfortable at all,” he said. “But if that does happen we’re sorry. We’re just trying to introduce people to the gospel and follow the spirit.” Chief Michael Hall said he had no knowledge of any reports or calls involving missionaries on campus. “It’s a free country, just because someone’s uncomfortable it’s not illegal,” Hall said. “Now going to a residence hall we get a little more latitude there, we can take some more actions there.” In addition to residence halls, the UC is an area where administration can take more action. “If there was a case where ABC individuals went into the University Center to eat lunch, then they started handing out material or engaging in conversation about it then they would be in violation of that policy up into having them removed from campus.” Chief Hall said this would only happen if groups started handing out material, because the University Center is a public space, so any individual is allowed to eat there. Chief Hall talked about the importance of calling when an event happens “If they call when it’s taking place then we can address it with the hard facts, versus he said she said, anytime we get any concerns from our students.” he said. “Sometimes quite frankly, it’s just ‘I’m sorry you feel uncomfortable but it’s a public place.’”

Missionaries frequently stop students along Campus Walk.

University Relations

President Paino engages with students about 2019-2020 budget EKATERINA SAVELYEVA Staff Writer

On Wednesday, March 13, UMW President Troy Paino spoke at a townhall event called “Can We Talk?” With fourteen students, two board members, and six UMW administrators in attendance, President Paino went over the projections for the UMW budget next year and took questions about tuition and fees for the following year, and the budgetary considerations they are connected to. “Can We Talk?” events happen periodically with various members of the UMW administration, but Paino specifically has been speaking at them every semester since the spring of 2018, when he discussed the same issues of tuition and fees that this particular forum focused on. “It’s always a challenge in terms of what’s the best way to get information but also how to hear from the students,” said Paino. “We try a variety of methods, and this is one we talked

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membership in the Association of Residence Halls (ARH) by bringing up the question of their future. “Our core mission is to make sure that our halls feel like home,” said Atkins. “We were wondering what is the university’s plan to ensure that the physical homes are a healthy “It’s always a challenge in terms of what’s the best way to environment.” Paino acknowledged the get information but also how to hear from the students.” importance of residence halls, mentioning his appreciation for the renovation of Arrington and -President Paino his excitement about the current renovation of Willard. He also covered the mold issues of this fall and the newly installed air conditioning incentives that have encouraged UMW planned increase in cost of attendance units in rooms. to increase state tuition by zero percent, of 2.4 percent for in-state residential “It’s a balancing act,” said Paino. while out-of-state tuition would students, 2.7 percent for out-of-state “In a fairly short amount of time, increase about two percent. In addition, students, and about four percent for we’ve taken on some pretty significant Paino stated that the university is commuters. renovation projects.” planning changes in relation to the The forum was then opened to While he acknowledged the distribution of fees, hoping to allocate questions, which gave students an financial difficulty of hall renovations, some money from the housing fee to opportunity to represent their own areas Paino stressed UMW’s commitment to the auxiliary fee instead. of interest and campus involvement. ensuring living space for its on-campus “What happened is that the revenue Senior business administration students. “Our goal is to from the housing was going towards all major Bryant Atkins represented his about with the SGA about helping to facilitate conversation with the students.” Prospective changes in tuition and fees and how they related to the budget were first outlined by the president. Then he delivered the news about state

those other things,” said Paino. “The problem with that is that it penalizes people who live in our residence halls to pay for things that people who weren’t living in our residence halls weren’t having to pay.” Together, these changes create a

•PAINO | 11

Thursday, March 21, 2019

NEWS

Students appreciate Dean Rucker’s work on campus

•DEAN RUCKER | 1

He has shown that he is dedicated not only to his profession, but to the students he interacts with as well as his community.” When asked about being named to the Influential list, Rucker was quick to thank his teachers. “I had teachers who dedicated themselves, who invested in creating a platform for me to have the sort of outcomes that I’m able to realize today,” said Rucker. He also noted that it was “amazing to be included in a group that includes Arthur Ashe,...and Henry Marsh, a significant leader in the Commonwealth, especially in terms of giving parts of the general population that had no voice, a voice...that’s significant. And we’re all products of the same school system.” From his community activities, to his everlasting optimism, to even his unique and inimitable sense of style, many UMW students have had a lot of positive things to say about him. “Whenever I see Dean Rucker, he always has a smile on his face and good advice to give,” said senior business major Bruce Williams. “Also, no one can pull sweaters off like him.” “You can just tell that he loves Mary Wash so much,” said Austin Myers, a senior communication and digital studies major. “When I transferred to this school, I noticed immediately that wherever he goes, he gives you a big smile that instantly can turn your day from bad to good.” Past UMW students also remember him fondly. On Facebook, class of 2001 alumnus Theresa Kennedy said that Dean Rucker “was easily one of the most adored people on campus.” Besides Ashe and Marsh, the former of whom he noted was one of his heroes, Rucker shares the Influential list with nanoscientist Ginai Seabron, who is Virginia’s first AfricanAmerican woman nanoscientist, and Jane Cooper, who is the first AfricanAmerican to integrate two schools in Richmond. In a Feb. 21 Facebook post by Richmond Public Schools’, Rucker is honored in full. One of five

children, Rucker grew up attending seven different Richmond schools because of his father’s job as a bank courier, as well as his contributions to desegregation in the 1970’s. In 1977, as a Mary Washington freshman, Rucker became the first AfricanAmerican male student to move into the school’s residence halls. He credits Dr. James Farmer, among others, and says his actions during the Civil Rights Movement helped “break down those doors, so that I and people like me could walk through.” After completing his undergraduate studies in 1981, Rucker earned his Master’s degree at the University of Virginia. While there, he also served as assistant dean of Admissions, before returning to Mary Washington to work in Student Life. Since then, he has worked to increase inclusion and diversity on Mary Washington campuses and in other communities. This is not the first time Richmond Public Schools’ has recognized Rucker for his service to students and their communities. The same Facebook post highlights that, in 2016, RPS named him a Living Legend. Then, in 2017, Rucker was recognized by NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (formerly known as the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators). To Rucker, these various accolades are all “very much in the same vein because I think what they’re recognizing is a system that created these opportunities for young folks, and I am one of them, who really did not know what the world would become for us.” He continued to further credit his grade-school teachers, saying, “the teachers, when I was there, tried to help you to imagine beyond the present conditions.” For his part, Rucker says he wants to provide for students in the present and the future what his teachers gave to him in the past, which he says is a “fortitude to keep moving forward, regardless of the obstacles, so that [they] realize the fullest range of [their] potential and prospects, without really seeing them on the horizon.”

McMillan plans to use the $8,000 fellowship award to enhance his personal studio.

UMW Website

Art professor plans to use fellowship during sabbatical

•VMFA | 2

have, but the trade-off is completely integrated with what is a sense of community we teach because they go hand in and interdisciplinary nature, and the hand. Having time and resources to fact that our department is a great size develop our professional work is really where we get to know our students on a important,” said McMillan. “Part of personal level.” teaching is not just showing students McMillan finds his students’ the technical skills or helping them to successes, both big and small, to be develop their own voice as an artist, the most rewarding aspect of his job. but demonstrating what it looks like to He recalled one moment in particular be a professional artist. In many ways, during a the exhibition ceramics and opportunities “I took an Intro to Ceramics pottery-oriented that an award class in college and that was it. like this comes art festival in downtown When I sat down on the potter’s with and the Fredericksburg kind of exposure wheel, I was fascinated and never that it brings is called the Sophia wanted to stop. Street Pottery an important Throwdown. part of teaching “By the and modelling a -Jon McMillan second year of career path.” the festival, I The VMFA think six or seven of the twenty-five fellowship also happens to line up booths were my former students who perfectly with McMillan’s plans for a were out making work for a living fall sabbatical at the end of this year in now and doing it professionally. Those preparation for another exciting event kinds of moments are the really big, in the art world. In March of 2020, rewarding moments. There’s lot of little the National Council on Education for ones along the way, like just seeing that the Ceramic Arts Conference will take moment of inspiration or seeing the place in Richmond and one of the main work really come together successfully, goals of his sabbatical, McMillan said, those are the best parts.” is to prepare to develop a body of work While McMillan plans to use the for a solo exhibition in the conference. $8,000 fellowship award for enhancing “It’s the biggest art conference in his personal studio and purchasing new the world, with 7,000 ceramic artists equipment, he also said that the award all in Richmond,” he said. “It’s a huge will undoubtedly impact his students opportunity for the region in terms of positively in the long run. ceramic art and in terms of promoting “Just like any professor in any our programs here at the university. discipline here, our professional And it’s my hometown, so it’s very research or professional creative work cool.”

Students participate in town hall with university president •PAINO | 10

provide just as many beds as students who want to live on campus.” Recognizing the need to cut the budget in other places to make space for minimized tuition increases, Alex Lee spoke on behalf of student scholarships. “I know that scholarships and grants are an incentive for a lot of students to come to the university in the first place,” said Lee. “I’m wondering how the budget changes are going to affect the amount for scholarships and grants for incoming classes.” Paino responded that student financial aid is an enormous investment on the university’s behalf, and that it is going to stay that way. The budget devoted 8.8 million dollars on student financial aid this year, and a projected

Thursday, March 21, 2019

9.6 or 9.7 million next year. While these costs are indeed impressive, Paino stressed that their maintenance is a high priority. “We’re finding places other than student financial aid,” Paino assured. “It’s an investment, and we certainly know that it’s important for students, both on a need-based and on a merit-based level.” During the forum Paino emphasized the importance of maintaining the things that make UMW special. “I know I’ve heard from students that they value small class sizes, the opportunity to get to know faculty, so that’s an area we have tried to preserve,” said Paino. “We think that one of the distinctive things about Mary Washington is that faculty-student interaction.” Over half of the students in

attendance spoke up during the discussion. After Paino closed the forum, many students stayed to talk to him, as well as to university administrators with insights on their particular issues. A particular issue many students confronted through information Paino presented was the uneven distribution of increases in fees. For instance, the nature of debt service for Eagle Landing and the UMW Apartments means that their rates will increase next year while the rest of housing stays the same. “If housing increases, that affects me,” said freshman digital studies major Kendall Resnick. “I was planning to live in Eagle next year, so it does make a difference.” Lisa Jamison Bowling, vice

president for Advancement and University Relations, was impressed with the conversation that had taken place. “I’m very pleased when I see student engagement and students asking such insightful questions, and really trying to look at the big picture of their education: not just in the here and now, but what the overall impact will be for the university,” said Bowling. Freshman American studies and historic preservation major Jessica Lynch was also satisfied with the forum. “I appreciated the style of the forum and Paino’s willingness to listen to the students,” said Lynch. “I can tell he really cares, and he explained complicated topics in an easy fashion.”

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SPORTS

Editor: Jack Hagn | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

UMW Quidditch hosts first tournament of the semester their company both off and on the field. After they played their assigned games they played a This weekend the UMW Quidditch “confetti match” where all the team played two grueling games against team members are mixed together, teams from VCU and William & Mary. and two elected captains pick Both matches were tough, with VCU- a teams and play a match entirely USQ Official Team who has often placed for fun. To the UMW Quidditch in regional and national tournaments, team, the fun of the game is what beating the UMW team 190-0. The game makes it worth playing. Still, they against William & Mary was closer, with hope to turn their luck around in a final score of 150-80. This match was Greensboro, NC next weekend, more competitive, with a score of 120 to where they are attending a tournament called the Greensboro 80 before William & Mary’s team caught Gauntlet. the snitch, ending the match in a victory UMW Quidditch team attends against UMW. UMW Quidditch played two games this weekend against VCU and William & Mary. Garek Hannigan tournaments like any other sports Despite the losses, the UMW team team. However, many who attend Mary did not walk home dejectedly, brooms by a bludger (a dodgeball). The game about us, and that what we do is a sport. Washington might not even be aware of between their legs. Instead they spent ends when the snitch, a neutral player Sometimes people join the team without what Quidditch really is. the day with the other teams, enjoying wearing yellow shorts with a tennis ball realizing they’re committing to a sports Quidditch is a sport inspired by attached to the back of them, is caught.” team. We used to have a guy who loved the fictional wizarding sport in the A game typically runs for around to play who had never even read Harry Harry Potter series. Katie Hartraft, twenty minutes, which is twenty minutes Potter,” Hartraft stated. chaser for the UMW team, gave a brief of nonstop running, blocking, passing UMW Quidditch team t-shirts used to description of what Quidditch is for the quaffle, being hit with bludgers, and be in the University Bookstore but were those who may not be aware of how the avoiding getting knocked to the ground not selling, as so few people knew about game is played. by other players. The athleticism needed the team. They thought it was a joke “Quidditch is a co-ed, full-contact to keep up with the game is the same similar to the UMW Undefeated Football sport with a unique mixture of elements as in other sports, and like other Mary Team shirts. from rugby, dodgeball and tag. A team Washington club teams they meet three Quidditch games are fun to watch is made up of seven athletes who run times a week for practice, with games as they go by fast and are full of with ‘brooms’ between their legs at falling on weekends. entertainment. From watching people all times. The goal is to score goals by The lack of recognition of Quidditch narrowly avoid a bludger to the face, to putting the quaffle (a volleyball) into as a sport on campus has hurt the team’s the wildness of a player running around one of three different sized hoops on recruitment. with a tennis ball strapped to them, the “I’d really like more people to know game is exciting to watch for any viewer. UMW lost 150-80 to William & Mary. Garek Hannigan the opposing side without getting hit OLIVIA LEHMAN Staff Writer

Bryce Harper signs second largest contract with the Phillies REINA DATTA Staff Writer

As the 2012 National League Rookie of the Year and the 2015 MVP by a unanimous decision of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America by age 23, you would think that Bryce Harper could do no wrong in the world of Major League Baseball. That is, until Feb. 29, when Harper agreed to a 13-year, $330 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, creating a buzz throughout the National League East. Harper had always been a baseball wunderkind, being dubbed “Baseball’s Chosen One” at the age of 16 by Sports Illustrated in 2009. He has also had a long-time relationship with the Washington Nationals, being selected as the first overall pick of the 2010 MLB amateur draft. In 2012 he made his official MLB debut with the Washington Nationals and did not disappoint.

Harper’s last contract was for $21.65M in 2018.

As his career progressed, his future as a free agent became more of a reality. Harper was not necessarily keen on the idea of being a free agent, and even said on his first day of spring training in February 2018 to reporters: “If you guys do [ask about it], or talk anything about that, I will be walking out the door.” In September 2018, he sounded more optimistic about the idea of his free agency, saying, “I’ve always said, if I’m in those plans I’d absolutely love to be here. But if I’m not, there’s nothing I can do about it.” He played his last game in Nationals Park on Sept. 26, 2018. Now, as a full-fledged free agent, it’s hard to imagine him on any team other than the Nationals. In fact, the Nationals offered him a 10-year, $300 million contract back in September. However, at the time, people thought Harper’s potential contract could reach $400 million, so Harper let it go. “Nothing’s really changed on our end,” said Nationals owner Mark Lerner. “We moved on. We had to. There’s no way we could wait around… we’ve filled our roster.” After losing the Nationals, he also lost the interest of The Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Francisco Giants, just to name a few. The Phillies seemed like the most logical choice for him. “In my opinion, Harper could do worse things than join a team like the Phillies,” said Rebekah Carrai, espn.com a senior majoring in biochemistry.

“I’m a Nats fan, and of course he’s considered the epitome of the Nats, but he has every right to make whatever business decision is best for him.” Some people considered him greedy for not wanting to take an amazing deal from the Nationals, just for the possibility of espn.com Harper now has the second largest contract in MLB history. a bigger contract. “He had a perfectly good contract Nationals. The Phillies contract is “frontlaid out for him on a silver platter, and loaded”, and a hefty signing bonus. So he let the fame and the gossip about him while it looked like Harper was being getting a bigger contract go to his head,” overly choosey, and potentially greedy, said Allison Morris, a senior majoring in upon further look it seems like not all psychology. these contracts are black and white. On March 1, after the fallout of Bryce Harper has already begun to Harper officially signing, rumors started be challenged, during a spring training flying about why Harper didn’t sign game against the Toronto Blue Jays, with the Nationals, and whether it was who displayed a brave, almost reckless actually a good deal. While the years defensive strategy. Harper said he’d and the dollars look great on paper, the never seen something like that. “If real deal is more complicated and the they start playing ball like that, it’s deferrals need to be assessed as well. definitely different.” Harper has longed According to someone with knowledge to be challenged, obviously becoming of Harper’s potential contract with the complacent during his many years of Nats, the contract was actually $100 fame. “Baseball’s a tired sport,” said million, and that Harper wouldn’t see Harper. “You can’t express yourself. You all of it until after he was 60 years old. can’t do what people in other sports do.” Whether or not that is actually true, it Maybe this is the push Harper needed to is true that Harper wouldn’t see all of diversify his repertoire, and continue to his money at once if he stuck with the make a name for himself.

Club Sports Scoreboard Club Softball Mar. 23,24 @ University of Virgina TBA Thursday, March 21, 2019

Club Fencing Mar. 23,24 @ William & Mary TBA

Club Womans Soccer Mar. 24 @ Lynchburg College TBA 12