THE
BLUE &GRAY
THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER
PRESS
September 27, 2018
VOLUME 92 | ISSUE 4 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE
1922
Students voice concerns over elevator breakdowns
ALICEN HACKNEY Staff Writer
“There have been 24 work requests concerning campus elevators since August 1, 2018,” reported UMW’s Facilities Director John Wiltenmuth. This means that at this point in the semester there has been the equivalent of a work order every two days for elevators on campus. On campus, six residence halls have elevators along with those in the Eagle Landing Apartments, and students have reported getting stuck in some of these on multiple occasions. “My roommate and I were taking the elevator up to our room on the fifth floor [of Mason Hall],” said junior environmental science major Shoshana Gordon. “When the elevator reached the top floor, it beeped to signal it stopped, but the doors didn’t open. We stood there for a solid minute thinking it would open eventually on its own, but it didn’t, so we had to press the ‘open doors’ button for it to actually work,” Gordon said. Later that same day, while Gordon was speaking with her suitemates, she found out that they had also been stuck in that same elevator on different occasions. “I was only stuck for a couple of seconds, but [my roommate] was stuck for about 10 minutes,” said junior psychology major Aidan McClanahan,
Students and Fredericksburg locals spoke at the rally.
Photo courtesy of Alex Sakes.
UMW speaks out against gun violence
Elevators across campus have caused issues for students. Zanab Farooq / The Blue & Press
Gordon’s then suitemate. Elevator malfunctions often involve troubleshooting issues, like buttons not working the right way or the elevator not stopping on certain floors for no apparent reason. “I was stuck for about fifteen minutes. The elevator kept moving up and down, but would not stop or open the doors. Eventually, it took me to the basement floor and let me out after I kept •ELEVATORS | 11
“There have been 24 work requests concerning campus elevators since August 1, 2018.”
-Director John Wiltenmuth
here [at UMW], which is why I’m organizing this event,” said Schneidawind. On Thursday, Sept 20, a small group Although, as a former firearms of UMW students came together to club member, he respects the debate rally against the issue of gun violence surrounding the second amendment in the United States. This rally, led by on campus, Schneidawind pointed out sophomore communications and digital that there is no ongoing conversation studies major, Andrew Schneidawind, focused on the violence surrounding it. was what he believed to be UMW “I want students’ first to bring up a time formally conversation “The goal of this event is not speaking out the second against gun to protest firearms, but to start that amendment violence as and its a conversation.” an organized supporters group. aren’t The purpose addressing,” -Andrew Schneidawind of this event said was to bring Schneidawind. attention to this problem, which He later continued to say, “the goal of Schneidawind does not believe is this event is not to protest firearms, but talked about enough. to start a conversation.” “There isn’t really enough of a conversation against gun violence •GUN VIOLENCE | 10
Sehar Jamal Staff Writer
Residents assigned to live with Resident Assistants as a result of housing shortage on campus Maggie McCotter Staff Writer
After Alvey and Arrington shut down for the semester, RAs, who typically have single rooms, were assigned roommates so that the campus dorms could accommodate as many students as possible. This has resulted in some unexpected changes for the residents reassigned to live with RAs. RAs are sometimes on duty, which means they have a cell phone in their room that any residents can call if there is a problem. This could potentially wake the roommate from
IN THIS
ISSUE
sleep or even keep them from getting any if the night is more eventful than usual. Patsy Deaton, a junior majoring in international affairs and a roommate
me a heads up when she’s on duty because she doesn’t want me to be surprised about the duty phone ringing,” Deaton said. She also mentioned that the phone
Miranda Turnbull, a sophomore majoring in biology who also lives with an RA, said, “Late rounds are after I’m asleep, so it doesn’t affect me in any way.” RAs also get a lot more visitors than some roommates may be used to. Wenzi Bobowiec, a sophomore majoring in computer science said, “the only difference [in having an RA as a roommate] is having to answer the room door more due to students visiting the room to talk to the RA.” Deaton agreed.“It’s not much more disturbances than it would be with a really social • RA | 10
“The only difference [in having an RA as a roommate] is having to answer the room door more due to students visiting the room to talk to the RA.” -Wenzi Bobowiec to an RA, said this has not been a problem. “She [my roommate] gives
Amish PROJECT
does not ring frequently. “If it does, I usually don’t wake up,” she added.
GIVING BACK
SERENA WILLIAMS
UMW theater’s riveting new show
UMW volunteers build a community
A look at the U.S. Open Women’s Finals
LIFE | 7
VIEWPOINTS | 4
SPORTS | 12
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 Lauren Closs
Associate Editor Ginny Bixby
Managing Editor Ryan Brauch
SECTION EDITORS NEWS Meaghan McIntyre Kate Seltzer
VIEWPOINTS Grace Winfield
LIFE Lucas Burkholder
Editors: Meaghan McIntyre & Kate Seltzer | blueandgray.news@gmail.com
Residence Life provides an update on the construction of Alvey and Arrington
Brian Harnish Staff Writer
In late June 2018, and then later in mid July, every student who was registered to live in Alvey and Arrington got an email from Residence Life stating that they would be relocated for the Fall semester. According to the email sent from Hunter Rauscher, the Associate Director for Residence Life and Housing, while a routine inspection and planned maintenance of Alvey Hall was occuring over the summer, the bathrooms were inspected. During the replacement of door frames, bath exhaust fans, and light fixtures, some pockets of mold growth were revealed. This unexpected turn caused the University to accelerate its plans of completely renovating Alvey; therefore, the design phase of Alvey’s renovation began immediately. Construction is slated to start in 2019. One of the students relocated from Alvey to Eagle Landing, undeclared sophomore Bradley Torrington said that one day he got an email from the school saying that Alvey was getting renovated. “The next thing I knew ResLife sent me an email saying that my roommate and I were being moved to Eagle Landing,” said Torrington. “I’m super happy about getting transferred to Eagle [Landing] because it has more space and all my friends are living there.” Likewise, during the inspection of Arrington Hall, mold was found in the bathrooms. The original plan was to remedy the mold during scheduled maintenance. Shortly after discovering the mold, however, as stated in a later email sent out by Hunter Rauscher, “the building suffered significant flooding from a major plumbing issue on an upper floor. The problem
Jack Hagn
ONLINE Ronic Ngambwe Harry Fisher
PHOTO
FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian
persisted throughout the weekend and was discovered when workers returned on Monday morning.”
A leak resulted in the flooding of Arrington hall. Noah Strobel / The Blue & Press
-Dr. Juliette Landphair
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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Noah Strobel / The Blue & Press
still plans to complete construction on schedule. “Hurricane Florence put us behind a week,” said Landphair. “We are working steadily to make up that time.” The students who were relocated to on campus living were permitted to keep their original meal plan. If the student was transferred to local housing complexes they were given the option of meal plans typically reserved for An examination of the building was senior residents and residents of the conducted and a decision was made UMW Apartments and Eagle Landing. to proactively address existing and The commuter meal plans were not potential issues in the residence hall, available as an option regardless of even though the repair time required how far away students were placed would extend beyond the summer from campus. A student who was “We are monitoring the to shuttle service for the students living in moved off campus the Cobblestone and Seasons Apartments housing and wished and will adjust based on usage and to remain anonymous, student feedback.” was upset that students -Dr. Juliette Landphair were not able to break, said the aforementioned email. purchase the cheaper commuter meal The project will entail removal and plan. replacement of all damaged building “I think it is unfair that the only materials, mold remediation as needed, meal plan available to those moved off and improvement of Arrington’s HVAC campus is the residential meal plan,” system insulation. Anticipated project said the student. “We are the very completion will be prior to the start of definition of commuter students”. the spring semester. Juliette Landphair discussed what Juliette Landphair, Vice President the university was doing to assist for Student Affairs, commented on the students in off-campus living and make progress of the renovations for the two the transition as smoothly as possible buildings. for them. “We have completed most of the “We are monitoring the shuttle demolition in Arrington and are on service for the students living in the track for the spring re-opening,” said Cobblestone and Seasons Apartments Landphair. “For the Alvey renovation, and will adjust based on usage and we have chosen an architect to begin student feedback,” said Landphair. “It work on the renovation.” is our goal to get our students back on While some uncontrollable factors campus as soon as possible.” have impacted construction, UMW
“We have completed most of the demolition in Arrington and are on track for the spring re-opening.”
SPORTS
Cayley McGuire
UMW plans to complete renovations on Arrington by spring.
SPORTS
Annual benefit show continues to support UMW riding ASHLEIGH GRIM Staff Writer
Have you ever seen a fellow students walk into your classroom wearing horseback riding attire with tall black boots, often with mud on them, and wondered why they are attending class dressed in this manner? They are likely a member of University of Mary Washington equestrian team, one of the school’s oldest sports teams. The UMW riding team is based out of Fredericksburg’s Hazelwild Farm Equestrian Center, and has been for over 40 years. The team is preparing for one of Fredericksburg’s most popular horse shows scheduled on Saturday Sept. 29. The horse show is an important fundraiser for the team who depends on outside contributions to fund the team’s expenses. Fundraising is an extremely important part of keeping the equestrian team alive and a part of the university’s athletic department. During the 2016-17 academic year, the team was in danger of being dissolved by the university. It came as a total surprise to the team members, many of whom chose to attend UMW because of the team, that the university could no longer afford to fund Hazelwild Farm as the sponsoring horse farm. “At first I was shocked that it was happening and then I was mad. Why couldn’t the university’s athletic department give our team more money
to help with the costs? The university affords maintaining many other teams that cost a lot of money. Why couldn’t that money be moved around to help us just temporarily?” said senior Alex Buchanan. “I was really sad and worried because the team is such a Equestrian team takes first place. big part of my college experience.” said junior Mary Margaret. riding teams are offered as only a club. Soon after the announcement, When the news got out, many prominent Fredericksburg’s local newspaper, The equestrian supporters, like Betty and Free Lance-Star, published an article Ernie Oare, stepped up to help come up about the impending loss of the team. with a solution. “The decision to downsize one This was how the benefit show got of [Hazelwild Foundation’s] many its beginning and helped to save the programs was difficult because of our team from being dissolved from the long-standing relationship with the university’s athletic department. All of University of Mary Washington,” said the proceeds go directly towards the head coach Teresa Seay in the article. UMW riding team, raising funds that go towards the team’s show entry fees and The article was posted on social buses to travel to the shows that are held media and was shared all over the at surrounding Universities. close-knit equestrian community, and “The school and the farm tried very astonished many horse lovers. Students hard to come up with a solution. But the from all over the nation come to athletic department just could not find UMW to join the well-known and well more money for the increasing costs of established riding team. It is the only the riding team. Hazelwild has to have an Virginia state university that has a riding extra 8-10 horses on hand for the team. It team that is sponsored by the university’s athletic department and has a stellar is expensive to feed and care for so many reputation. All other state university horses.” said Seay.
Assistant coach Michelle Mardeusz went on to explain that one very concerned alumni, who wanted to remain anonymous, was eager to come up with a creative way to keep the UMW riding team at Hazelwild Farm and suggested the benefit show. UMW Athletics Mardeusz went on to explain that the alumni did not want to be recognized because she did not want to take away from such an incredible idea. The benefit show is state and locally rated, earning riders winning points which help win year end awards. These shows also help local riders work towards going to VHSA and BHSA finals. Hazelwild offers similar shows all summer long, but the UMW benefit show is the only one sponsored by the university’s equestrian team. If you have ever been curious about horseback riding or how competitive horse shows work, the team welcomes you to come check it out at the end of this month. So put on some boots or shoes you don’t mind getting a little dirty and spend the day at the farm. There will be a great food truck at the barn if you care to bring a little cash with you.
NFL underdogs upset clinched games in week 3
RYAN BRAUCH Managing Editor
Week 3 of the 2018 NFL season seemed to be filled with easy wins for several playoff contenders. The Vikings, Patriots and Packers all seemed to have an easy route to their second win of the season, but there is a reason the games are actually played. Nothing is guaranteed and all three Super Bowl contenders took a loss on Sunday. Whether it was poor planning and preparation by the favored teams or great execution from the underdogs, it made for a thrilling Sunday. The week started with the Cleveland Browns earning their first win in nearly two years in a comeback against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football. After a shockingly slow and mediocre start by Browns’ quarterback Tyrod Taylor, head coach Hue Jackson chose to turn to the first overall pick in the 2018 draft, Baker Mayfield. Down 14-0 minutes before halftime, Mayfield got the most out of his team and led the team down the field for a field goal, to make the game 14-3 before halftime. Feeding off of their new quarterback’s energy, the team worked their way back into the game, winning 21-17 in front of an emotional Cleveland crowd. Although the Browns were three point favorites,
they were underdogs in the eyes of most NFL fans after enduring the long losing streak. By ending their drought, Cleveland lit a fire underneath some of the other underdog teams in Week 3. After an amazing Thursday Night Football game, the stage is set for the Buffalo Bills to take on the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis. The Vikings were 16.5 point favorites heading into the game, as they were about to kickoff against an 0-2 Bills team without starting running back Lesean McCoy. For a Vikings team that made it all the way to the NFC Championship round in 2017, this seemed like an easy win. Rookie quarterback Josh Allen did not hesitate in leading the Bills down the field for a touchdown on the initial drive of the game. Buffalo’s defense with the help of defensive ends Trent Murphy and Jerry Hughes had two back-to-back strip sacks on Vikings’ quarterback Kirk Cousins, allowing Buffalo to quickly increase their lead to 17-0. The Bills defense did not stop there, seemingly coming up with an answer for every look the Vikings’ offense gave them. When the final whistles blew, Buffalo was heading home with a 27-6 win, the first win in Josh Allen’s young career. Meanwhile at FedEx Field, the Redskins were warding off a Packers team led by Aaron Rodgers. Despite
being the away team, the Packers were three point favorites to win the game, but the Redskins attacked early in the game, riding a 28-10 lead at halftime. Amidst a third quarter push to get back in the game, Packers’ linebacker Clay Matthews had a big sack on Redskins’ quarterback Alex Smith that drew a penalty flag Josh Allen scores a touchdown Buffalobills.com for roughing the passer. This season NFL referees have been cracking with the Patriots in a variety of coaching down on the roughing the passer roles. What Patricia did not know, is that penalties, causing an uproar amongst this game would be even more crucial because his Lions were 0-2 heading into players and fans alike. This specific Week 3. Detroit was able to capitalize penalty cost Matthews a sack and on a New England team that just did allowed the Redskins to continue their not look like themselves, as coveted drive, wasting valuable time the Packers wideout Julian Edelman sat on the could have used to climb back into the game. In the end, the Redskins were sideline serving a four game suspension, able to snag a 31-17 home victory from alongside newly acquired deep threat a Packers team that looked flustered at Josh Gordon. The win was huge for times and struggled on third down. a Lions team that was starving for a To finish off the weekend of upsets, victory. the Lions were able to push past the Week 3 gave NFL fans far more Patriots to get their first win of 2018. questions than answers, as three playoff When the schedule was released for the contenders went down with a loss. In 2018 season, Lions’ rookie head coach a season where many thought they Matt Patricia had this game circled on had it all figured out, we are now left his calendar. Not only are the Patriots scratching our heads, as the league has an NFL superpower, they also happen begun to even out. These underdog to be the “alma mater” so to speak, for victories have certainly set a big stage Patricia who spent the last 14 seasons for Week 4.
Weekly Scoreboard Men's Rugby
Sep. 21 @ US Naval Academy (L) UMW: 14 Naval Academy: 15
Woman's Soccer
Sep. 26 vs. Shenandoah University (L) UMW: 1 Shenandoah: 4
Field Hockey
Sep. 25 vs. Catholic University (W) UMW: 1 Catholic: 0
women's Volleyball
Sep. 26 vs. Marymount (Va.) (L) UMW: 1 Marymount: 3
Men's Soccer
Sep. 29 @ York (Pa.) TBD
women's Volleyball
Sep. 29 @ Southern Virgina TBD
Woman's Soccer
Sep. 29 vs. York (Pa.) TBD
Woman's Golf
Sep. 30 vs. Gettysburg College TBD
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Know your neighbor: UMW volunteers better Fredericksburg community and make connections
ELISABETH DELLAROVA Staff Writer
It is important that UMW students be actively involved in the Fredericksburg community. Community engagement is an experience that impacts not only the students, but the community, in a positive way. Involved, compassionate students create a good reputation for the rest of the student body. Local residents, nonprofits, and businesses can teach students things that professors and administrators cannot. The UMW administration has recently been emphasizing the importance of community engagement. It is part of President Paino’s ASPIRE initiative, a list of principles and values for the UMW community. UMW’s Center for Community Engagement will officially launch in the spring, and there is a new Community Engagement designation for courses that require students to serve, work in, or study the local area. UMW’s student-run community service board, Community Outreach and Resources (COAR) has existed since 1990. COAR runs a variety of weekly volunteer programs in and around Fredericksburg. COAR’s mission includes “serving community needs through an active exchange of service and learning while continually striving to find solutions to problems that challenge
the community.” Jordan Chandler, a senior geography major, co-leads a program through COAR. She takes a group of UMW students once a week to Hazelwild Farm to volunteer at a therapeutic horseback riding program. At the program, the UMW students assist riders with physical or mental disabilities. Chandler has been leading the program since her freshman year. “I have gained a lot of experience working with different people, respect for those in the UMW community, and friendships with other students,” said Chandler. Chandler once took a geography class where the students spent time studying the local community. “As a student, it is important to make connections in the community since the community supports our school so much. Local residents are the ones who live next to students and we want to make a good impression of the school, as well as who the student body is.” The benefits of local involvement to students include networking opportunities. Whether it is through service, a job or an internship, relationships can be formed with community members or organizations. “Once we are finished with school, the local community has a lot of career opportunities, so you want to be involved to start making connections,” said
Chandler. Students who participate in the community through service often have a better understanding of the issues that face Fredericksburg, and a greater appreciation for city service projects. I volunteer at the Thurman Brisben Center, a shelter for people facing homelessness. Going there once a week really puts my own problems into perspective and helps build my compassion for members of the local community. Sophomore Hunter Christianson is a YoungLife leader at a local high school. He leads a weekly club for the students of the school. “We have a calling to serve,” said Christianson. “I’ve learned to appreciate the community and put others before me.” This semester, I am completing an internship for my honors service project at Downtown Greens, a small Fredericksburg nonprofit, Downtown Greens is a community greenspace that offers gardening and farming programs for children and adults. At Downtown Greens, I am primarily helping with fundraising efforts through social media and events. I work with a variety of interesting people, including some longtime Fredericksburg residents. From talking and working with them, I have learned about the history of not only Downtown Greens, but the neighborhood that surrounds it. I have also learned
Noah Strobel/Blue and Gray
some of the names and faces of local business owners. Because of this experience I have become more connected with my neighbors in the Fredericksburg community, and I think all UMW students should take advantage of the service. opportunities the city has to offer.
Upperclassmen deserve cheaper meal options SIERRA HORTON Staff Writer
Imagine you get into the college of your dreams, and you soon realize that your meal plan is only a few digits shy of being the same amount of your room and board. You are confused and upset, but you look forward to being an upperclassman because surely next year you’ll have more freedom of choice, especially with your meal plan, right? For the upperclassmen of Mary Washington, that’s not the case. Every upperclassman should be able to choose from the same list of meal plans, no matter where you live. “I feel like if you’re an upperclassman you should be able to pick any meal plan you want,” said sophomore and accounting major Rhiannon Smith. Because of the two-year housing agreement, every non-commuter student
The University Center.
is required to live on campus for at least their first two years here at Mary Washington. We all know this and we’ve learned to embrace it; however, one thing we haven’t embraced are the limited meal plan options, specifically, the meal plan options for upperclassmen living in residence halls. “I think there are definitely not enough meal plan options and they aren’t flexible enough to fit each students’ life,” said sophomore biology major Megan Westmoreland, who lives in a residence hall on campus. The reason I chose to live in a residence hall for my second year here at Mary Washington is simply because I, much like many other college students, am trying to save money in every way I can. Since it is less expensive, I am living in the Link where I assumed I would be able to choose the 75 meal block plan, which is the smallest plan
umw.edu
offered to on campus students. I hoped to buy groceries, store them in my mini fridge, and use the beautiful, modern kitchen provided in my residence hall. Despite this assumption, I quickly learned that I was not eligible for this meal plan because I don’t live in Eagle Landing or the UMW apartments and I didn’t have 90 credits, which are the two qualifications for choosing the 90 or 75 block plans. “I don’t understand how your amount of credits determines how much food you can or can’t eat on campus,” said sophomore psychology major Megan Hook. Not only are the meal plans for upperclassmen living on campus expensive, but they are also inconvenient. “I’m a vegetarian to I find it really hard to find food, but with a smaller meal plan I could eat more things that I prefer instead of tofu, beans, and salad at the UC every day,” said Hook. This inconvenience has made it especially hard for students taking certain classes that interfere with operation hours of food on campus. “It’s hard getting a set amount of meals per semester, especially since they don’t carry over and it’s difficult to budget it out throughout the semester when there are uncertainties. For example, you don’t always know when you are going home and things like that. I don’t like having to plan my schedule around when I can eat, just because the UC only has meals available at certain times. For instance, if you get out of lab at 1:45, by the time
you get to the UC there is nothing but bagels and toast, and if you have a night class, dinner only lasts a few hours, so you just have to hope that one of the other dining options on campus is open,” said Westmoreland. “I think the university should look at how many people are using meal swipes, take an average, and use that to make new meal plan options. Or take an overall survey and ask things like ‘How many meal swipes do you use?’ Not based on year, but everyone should have the same meal plan options, even freshmen. I remember when I was a freshman I used less than 225 meal swipes last year, but I was paying way too much for it. I just don’t need that many meal swipes and I shouldn’t be forced to pay for them,” says Hook. I completely agree with Hook’s suggestion and I believe the university should take action to get our opinions on meal plans since we are the one’s purchasing and using them. I suggest that the university send out a survey via email about meal plan pricing and requirements, instead of making decisions for students without our input, and I’m certain that the majority of other students would agree that our required meal plans are too large. The University can simply ask us and see that we are college students capable of cooking our own meals and we want the financial freedom to do so. All we want is the ability to choose from the same list of meal plans, no matter where we live or how many credits we have.
Thursday 2018 Thursday,September January 21,27, 2015
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Editor: Grace Winfield | blueandgray.views@gmail.com
Student evaluations benefit everyone ASHLEIGH GRIM Staff Writer
Pawel Czerwinski/Unsplash
UMW should encourage greener practices MACKENZIE HARD Senior Writer
Over the past century, there has been an increasing effort among the general public to become more environmentally friendly and responsible - but this has really picked up momentum within the last decade. This momentum has also been felt here on campus. Much of what the university can do to help this effort starts in our Residence Halls and classrooms. In Mason and Randolph Hall, a majority of the lights are connected to motion sensors and will turn on as residents are walking through the halls and stay off when there are no residents present. This is very helpful and can end up saving a lot of energy, while saving the university money on its electric bill. But to be even more environmentally friendly, the school should add more efficient lighting and encouraging more residents to turn off lights or fans before leaving for class. The school should also introduce rain barrels and solar panels for energy, and use reclaimed wood. This is something that our campus would be successful in doing. We recycle, we have recently started cutting back on plastic straws, and there are several water bottle refill stations across campus. However, we should definitely be looking at how much trash we are producing throughout a school year. Currently, UMW has sixteen ways and suggestions for the university as a whole to follow when it comes to being sustainable. Some of suggestions listed on the UMW Sustainability website are “all university and department newsletters shall be distributed electronically” and “Faculty, staff,
students, and administrators should make all reasonable efforts to reduce the number of paper copies being produced in printed publications or reducing pages in such publications.” So if these are some university guidelines for us as students and faculty to follow, then why are there still fliers all over academic buildings and residence halls? Why are students asked to print out readings to bring to class or turn in printed copies of assignments? Some of this might have to do with professors having a limited knowledge of how to work Canvas - especially for uploading readings or having a place for students to submit their work. As a student who wants to limit the amount of paper I use, it is very frustrating when professors request printed assignments and pages of readings just to bring to class. Instead, they should allow students to use their laptops in class, which some professors have strict rules against. If we want to becoming more sustainable and responsible for the imprint that we are causing on our environment, we need to start looking at the big picture and educate simple steps we can take to prevent future environmental issues. Part of learning what this looks like is through new classes, and part of practicing these tasks is through implementing them. These classes could include how our carbon footprints affect the environment, what happens to materials after they are recycled, and looking into the environmental impact that the everyday actions of the university has on the environment.
When student class evaluations roll around at the end of the semester, most professors have to beg and set aside class time for students to fill them out, nut students should take these evaluations seriously. The course evaluation consists of two types of questions. The first couple are about the professor- were they prepared and organized, did they have clear criteria for grading, and did they return their responses in a timely manner? The second round of questions are based on the student’s experience in the class: did you learn something, were you engaged in the class material, and were you prompted to think critically about the material? These questions not only give the instructors useful feedback, but are used to determine department success and promotions for the faculty. “I make changes to my courses based on student feedback,” said Dr. Marie McAllister, professor of English. According to the UMW web page for Institutional Analysis and Effectiveness, the results of course evaluations may be used in both faculty annual performance and the application for promotion and tenure. While the evaluations play a large role in how professors shape their lesson plans, these evaluations also play a large role in their future positions at the University. Content matter and the way courses are run all can be affected by the evaluations. Professors do admit some of the flaws in the evaluations, but ultimately see them as a positive resource to use. “Students evaluations are sometimes useful and sometimes they are not. I have used student evaluations to change the proportion of my class dedicated to lecture versus discussion and to reevaluate whether certain assignments worked,” said psychology professor Dr. Miriam Liss. “The best student evaluations are those with useful constructive feedback or specific praise about what worked well or how they benefited from certain assignments. Of course, general praise is lovely as well.”
Not only do the evaluations give professors useful information on class mechanics, it gives encouragement that the work they are assigning is useful and that their students are actually enjoying their time in class. As much information as the evaluations give, there is a gap in the usage by the students. “The overall response rate has been going up for several semesters. Right now it’s around 57% but I am hoping to get it above 60%. Many students want to do and are eager to do their evaluations. They often provide valuable feedback for the professor and for the department chair, although there are other important forms also, and they are the only anonymous way for students to provide feedback” said Dr. Debra Schleef, Professor of Sociology and Assistant Provost for Institutional Analysis and Effectiveness. There is some eagerness to do the evaluations, but only for a little over half of the school’s student population. Students like having the option to give anonymous comments and suggestions to professors. “I like that it is anonymous because it gives you a chance to be honest and show your opinion” said Christine Mears, a senior communications and digital studies major. These evaluations are a resource for students to have input on what is going right and what could be improved, while also giving them an opportunity to express how they felt about the class and some of the things that did and didn’t work for that semester. “I think that they are a useful tool to utilize, and that they are nice for the students to have. You can be anonymous and say what you need to on the evaluations” said Ryan Shircliff, a senior English creative writing major. The course evaluations are one of the primary ways that the student get to express how they feel about a class and their professors. It is an extra tool to give the students more of a voice on campus and give the professors the information they need to implement change in their classroom. Students should be sure to complete these and take them seriously.
Staff Ed: Kavanaugh allegations must be taken seriously By THE BLUE AND GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD On Monday July, 9, President Trump nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh to fill the empty Supreme Court seat of retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy. In the weeks that followed, this nomination instigated not only a political whirlwind but also an unexpected ethical debate. In a series of events that are still progressing, three individuals have come forward with claims of sexual assault on Kavanaugh’s end. First, in a letter that she initially sent
to Senator Dianne Feinstein, Dr. Christine Ford alleged that Kavanaugh pinned her down and tried to take her clothes off at a high school party. The second accuser, Deborah Ramirez, attended Yale University with Kavanaugh. According to a USA Today article, she states that during the 1983-84 school year he exposed himself to her at a dormitory party and thrust his penis in her face. The third woman, Julie Swetnick,
came forward with her statements on September, 25. Swetnick said she witnessed Kavanaugh drunk on various occasions at high school parties, where he proceeded to take part in engaging in verbal and physical abuse towards females. She stated that in approximately 1982, she was drugged and a victim of a gang rape at one of these parties and that Kavanaugh was in attendance when this assault occurred. Kavanaugh has categorically denied all charges. As new information continues to
Bernard Tuck/Unsplash
come to light, and the investigation and nomination processes advance, the editorial staff at the Blue & Gray Press supports an FBI investigation of Brett Kavanaugh and hopes he ultimately withdraws his name from consideration. We should not reward sexual assault with a position on the highest court in the land and a lifetime power to dictate policy. We believe Dr. Christine Ford, Deborah Ramirez, and Julie Swetnick, and we stand with all victims of assault.
5
LIFE
Editor: Lucas Burkholder blueandgray.life@gmail.com
CIE director helps study abroad dreams become reality
LAURA TAYLOR Senior Writer
Imagine traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where locals carry around little leather water carriers with herbs. Hot water is poured into the leather carrier and a hot tea is produced. This
UMW Abroad Fair is Sept. 29.
mate, as it is called, is prevalent in all aspects of Argentinian life from professional meetings to strolls along the street. For Jose Sainz, director of the Center for International Education and associate professor of Spanish, venturing abroad allows him to experience simple cultural norms that leave him desiring a connection with the culture and people even more. “The first time I had mate was with a group of people I had just met,” said Sainz. “As a way to welcome in a person into this meeting we were having, the host brought some cookies and some sweets and then brought some mate to make. Once they made it, they took a sip and passed it to the next person and I was not ready for that.” When it comes to dream locations for work and leisure, Europe is the ideal spot. “If the travel is for business, England is the dream location,” said Sainz. “If it is for vacation then anywhere in Spain.” Traveling around the world has allowed Sainz many opportunities to
create programs for students, experience culture norms people have no idea about, and provide him with new connections that he hopes will last a lifetime. “The part I like the most is to make those connections with other cultures and other University Relations Visit the CIE office in Lee Hall 413 for more information about programs. peoples,” said Sainz. “I also work and an effort to keep the abroad for four, five, six weeks,” said like creating opportunities for communication between the two parties Sainz. “They can shadow doctors in a students to then take advantage consistent. foreign country. This will provide them of those connections.” “It’s like long distance dating,” said the opportunity to learn about medicine Although Sainz travels Sainz. “You have to make an effort. in country, medical prognosis, medical mostly for business with the Making the effort to have the face to face ethics, prescription policy, and patient study abroad program at the care guidelines.” interaction by dedicating personal time University of Mary Washington Making these programs could to the relationships is what ultimately and recruiting international not have been possible without hard make these kinds of programs possible.” UMW CIE students to study in the United States at UMW, he continues making connections which he turns into opportunities for students. One of his new programs is an exchange nursing program abroad. “We just started an exchange program in Japan that was two years in the making,” said Sainz. “There is always some interest in participating in a bilateral exchange.” Sainz has also been working on developing other short-term programs with connections across the world. “This program is geared towards pre-med students UMW Center for International Education UMW Study Abroad offers a wild range of locatons. where they can go
UMW CIE First Prize photo winner.
UMW CIE Second Prize photo winner.
Arwa Abdel / UMW CIE
UMW CIE Third Prize photo winner.
Noelle Carlson / UMW CIE
Maggie Tuite / UMW CIE
Thursday, September 27, 2018
LIFE
UMW Theatre presents a modern drama,“The Amish Project”
HARRY FISHER Online Editor
Few plays are willing to tackle as much emotional subject matter as “The Amish Project.” Going to see this play is an experience in which everyone should partake, especially when it is being performed by our peers in the UMW Department of Theatre and Dance in Klein Theatre. When I went to see the play last Friday, I was completely blown away, not only by the heartbreaking and inspiring story of the play itself, but also by the beyond impressive talent of the wonderful cast. The story revolves around an Amish community in a small American town. From the very beginning, we learn that an armed man entered the community’s school house and opened fire. From there, the full details of the shooting, as well as the events preceding it and following it, are slowly revealed to us through the perspectives of seven characters. Although the play is fiction, it was inspired and partially based on a real-life shooting in the village of Nickel
Bill North as protrayed by Mitch Coomer.
Sheryl Local as portayed by Elissa Davis.
Mines, Pennsylvania. The plot doesn’t operate like that of a traditional play, with the events broken up into different scenes containing dialogue between the characters. Instead, the seven characters take turns talking directly to the audience, giving their perspectives on the events surrounding the play and allowing the story to be told through their recollections. The central conflict of the play lies in how the different characters “The Amish Project” runs until Sept 30. react to the shooting, and how it impacts did, as well as how the seven characters their own lives. However, it also react to this amazing forgiveness. revolves around the forgiving nature of Ultimately, the story of “The Amish the Amish community and how they are Project” will do much more than tug able to forgive the gunman for what he at your heart strings a bit. It will leave you questioning the very concept of mercy, and the effect it has on our lives. It will leave you wondering what you would do if you were in the place of each of the seven characters. By the time the play is over, there will be so many questions about morality floating around in your brain that you will be thinking about it for days on end, but it’s totally worth it. This play truly is an inspiring and even mind-blowing experience that is more than worth the price of admission. Part of the reason the play was such a great experience for me was the amazing acting of the UMW cast. The cast
Geoff Greene / UMW Theatre
includes Madison Neilson as Velda, Erin Foster as Anna, Sarah Green as Carol Stuckey, Jake Dodges as Eddie Stuckey, Mitch Coomer as Bill North, Lauren Esprit as America, and Elissa Davis as Sheryl Local. Each and every one of them is incredibly talented, and none of their performances come across as stilted or fake in any sense. They make their characters seem so real that it’s almost scary, and it really immerses you into the play. These actors also have incredible range, and know how to make you laugh, cry, sympathize with their characters and even feel resentment toward them. What amazes me most is how some of the actors made me put myself in the shoes of their characters, and had me wondering what I would do if put into their situations. All in all, I don’t think there could have been a more perfect cast to play these seven characters. If you haven’t already seen “The Amish Project,” this weekend is the time to do it. It’s more than worth the money for the story alone, but the wonderful performance of the UMW cast will leave you wondering why you hadn’t seen it sooner.
Geoff Greene / UMW Theatre
Geoff Greene / UMW Theatre
Velda as portayed by Madison Neilson.
Geoff Greene / UMW Theatre
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LIFE
UMW student musician inspires others through music
ALLISON TOVEY Staff Writer
For some people, music is just something they enjoy. For others, it is something that becomes a part of them. Such is the case for UMW senior Abby Steinberg. “Ever since I was really little, I’ve just had this connection to music,” said Steinberg, a music major in the education program. “I’ve always found it really difficult to express myself through words and so music was a way that I could express what I was feeling without needing to put it to words.” Beginning her foray into playing instruments at a young age, Steinberg’s grandfather taught her how to play guitar when she was in the second grade. From there, her passion for music grew. “You get into this mode when you’re listening to music, well at least I do, where all the stuff that you’re worried about, the stuff you struggle with, the times that you don’t feel good enough, it all just kind of disappears. I’m just in this zone and I feel like it’s what I was created for,” said Steinberg. In addition to the guitar, Steinberg plays the ukulele, the piano, and sings in two vocal ensembles on campus. As a primarily self-taught musician, Steinberg’s entry into the UMW music program was daunting at first. “I came into the music program knowing very little about music. Once I started the music program, I was a little overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I didn’t know I needed to know, that everyone around me already knew,” Steinberg said. “But, through the years, I have just been so blown away by the
passion and the ability of the professors in the music department. They are so willing to explain things in a way that makes sense to me. Not only that, but they have managed to somehow teach in a way that makes me constantly want to know more and I think that is really powerful.” Music education is a topic close to Steinberg’s heart as she studies to become an elementary school music teacher. “I would love to be able to inspire kids in the way that I was inspired as a kid with music,” Steinberg said. It was through Steinberg’s relationship with her grandfather growing up that she developed her relationship with music. “He would just play some music for me, whether it was a Bob Dylan song or he would just play guitar for me, and the moment the music started, all of that fear would wash away. We had this mutual understanding of ‘wow, this is beautiful, this is art’,” said Steinberg. “I think that was the first time that I realized that music has a deep impact on me. I would say that moment- he just turned on the music and I wasn’t anxious anymore, I just felt okay. I just felt like I understood this deeper meaning or something, even as a kid. I just knew there was so much more to life than this, just because the music was playing.” Bob Dylan continues to be a source of inspiration in Steinberg’s music: “He wasn’t afraid to go against the grain and I think I try to put that into my music,” she said. She also cites Sufjan Stevens and Debussy as influencers for her own music. However, the more she studied
Abby Steinberg playing guitar.
music in an academic setting, the more she began to take interest in all genres of music. “I think learning about music in classes here has given me more of an appreciation for it. Before school started, I was afraid that majoring in music would make me not like it or would make it too technical and it would lose its beauty, but it actually opened my eyes to how incredible it is, how much effort it takes to be a good musician, and to write pieces like Mozart and Bach did,” Steinberg said. “If anything, I have a deeper appreciation for music than I ever have and I’m definitely more open to music. I used to be a strictly folk/indie kind of girl and now I’ll listen to trap, R&B, country a little bit, anything.”
Abby Steinberg / Facebook
As Steinberg prepares to become a music educator herself, she reflects on the music department and what she’s learned from her professors at UMW. She said, “It’s super easy to over-teach a concept and make it not desirable anymore, to want to use whatever skill they’re training you in, but they’ve made it so that they teach me about something really random like post-tonal music theory, and I am actually inspired by it and I actually want to know more. I come into class everyday excited. I’ve loved being a music major. I love all of the professors in the department, they’re incredible, they’re amazing musicians, they’re just so kind and patient. I’ve just absolutely loved learning from them.”
Muggy weather raises student concerns about AC LUKE HILMER Staff Writer
Dean Dave Fleming, the assistant Dean of Residence Life and Housing said, “As far as complaints go, we September brought UMW students haven’t had any specific complaints so out of the frying pan, and into a far this year. I knew some work orders tropical depression. In the first week of had been placed, there are work orders September, students sweated through across campus for air conditioning the excessively hot weather, with and what-not, but they all seem pretty temperatures reaching as high as 95 isolated and some are user error.” degrees. With the passing tropical Director of Maintenance Service, depression Florence leaving humid Nolan Akau had this to say about the moisture all across campus, many claims: students have begun to question the “We have not received HVAC work integrity of the campus dormitory air orders that are not out of the ordinary when it is HVAC season. What we have conditioning. experienced is a huge reduction of work Eagle Landing resident Erin Stanton, orders that rooms are too warm during had a personal observation of the climate HVAC season with HVAC [having] been of Eagle Landing. “For dorms, Eagle is installed.” pretty bad, our air conditioning works, When asked to comment about but it’s always super humid...easily the rumors of Ball Hall running completely worst I’ve been in,” said Stanton. without air conditioning, Fleming denied the claims as being even possible: “They’re all windowed units, so if someone’s unit is not working, then it’s a specific unit that needs to be replaced... since they’re all individual units it couldn’t be a AC units line Custis Hall. Noah Strobel / The Blue & Gray Press systemic issue.”
In-dorm temperature is a common concern that students have around this time of year, in fact a similar article on this topic was published by the Blue and Grey Press last year on Nov 16, when the campus switched from air conditioning to heating despite the fact that temperatures were still in the AC was added in Fall of 2016 to Westmoreland Hall. Noah Strobel / The Blue & Gray Press high 60s and 70s. works with facilities to find out what’s The current campus policy regarding going on.” temperatures during the air conditioned Next week’s temperature is looking season states that a temperature of 74to rise up to the 80s once again, with 76 degrees must be maintained within high percentages of humidity starting on occupied dormitory spaces. Monday. With things heating up, students Fleming thinks it’s important for will need to make sure they’re able to residents to know where to go in the keep cool and hydrated. One student in case of an A/C issue: “Most of what particular, Abigail Slaughter, says that [complaints] we get works through our she has plans for escaping next week’s work orders system which goes through high humidity during her workout: the Facilities. Not directly into residence “I’m definitely going to go to the gym life. So where we get involved is if next week, the AC there is really good, response to those work orders is not and it will definitely be better than just being done. For instance when a student running around campus.” says ‘Hey I put in a work order and Students who are concerned with nothing’s happened yet, what’s my next their air conditioning performance can step.’ then that’s when we start finding get help by contacting the Facilities out about things. So then our office Department or Residence Life.
9
NEWS
POLICE BEAT MEAGHAN MCINTYRE & KATE SELTZER News Editors
Students and Resident Assistants adjust to unexpected living arrangements
Possession On Thursday, September 13 at 1:59 a.m., there was an incident of underage alcohol possession in the William Street Apartments. One administrative referral was issued.
Petit Larceny On Thursday, September 13 at 12:02 a.m., athletic equipment was stolen from the Battlegrounds track. The equipment was recovered, and three administrative referrals were issued.
On Tuesday, September 18 between 1:00 p.m. and 1:55 p.m., a parking decal was stolen from the 1500 block of College Avenue. This case is pending.
Between Thursday, September 13 and Tuesday, September 18, stones from the Zen garden behind Trinkle Hall were stolen. This case is pending.
Vandalism On Saturday, September 15 at 1:03 a.m., a door pane was vandalized in Russell Hall. This case is pending.
Resident Assistants across campus were placed with roommates as a result of Arrington’s closure.
•RA | 1
with an RA. “I was upset because I got separated from my best friend. We were living in Arrington and she was only a floor above me, so when it got closed down, we all moved to different dorms,” said Turnbull. Deaton said her first thought was, “Why me? It’s my first semester at a new school because I’m a transfer student and I feel like I’m going to be an inconvenience to her instead of a roommate.” After the two began texting, however, Deaton said she felt much better about the situation and was fine with the new living situation. “I thought RAs had single rooms to themselves and so I felt bad I had
to take up that room that rightfully deserved to be [the RAs] own,” Bobowiec said. “But I understood
Photo courtesty of UMW Relations.
going on within the hall, but I don’t talk about it.” Bobowiec also mentioned that
“I was upset because I got separated from my best friend. We were living in Arrington and she was only a floor above me, so when it got closed down, we all moved to different dorms.” -Miranda Turnbull due to the buildings being under construction that it made sense [and] there was limited space for students to be relocated to.” Deaton said she and her RA laid down some ground rules when they first began communicating with each other. “She makes it a priority to be a roommate before an RA,” Deaton said. “I usually know what’s
“She makes it a priority to be a roommate before an RA.” -Patsy Deaton
because her RA is accustomed to dealing with conflicts on her hall, she does a good job of resolving conflicts that arise between the two of them. In regard to other residents and their conflicts, “I think having that third person view on conflicts help[s] [resolve them easier],” saying that she can lend a hand when her RA is trying to figure out the best way to address an issue. The Blue and Gray reached out to several RAs. All declined to comment.
On Wednesday, September 19 at 12:27 p.m., a bulletin board was vandalized in Virginia Hall. This case is pending.
Grand Larceny On Monday, September 17 between 9:28 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., a motor vehicle was stolen from the Eagle Landing parking deck. One arrest was made and one Honor Council referral was issued.
Eagle Landing is one of the residents halls where students are roomed with RA’s.
10
Photo courtesty of UMW Relations
Thursday, September 27, 2018
NEWS
Students advised to address Resident Assistants in the event of elevator issues
•ELEVATORS | 1
the emergency buttons,” said junior psychology major Hailey Beavers about an incident an elevator in Monroe Hall. Students have also reported frequent shutdowns of the elevators in Trinkle Hall and the Eagle Landing parking garages. Over the last three weeks, the Eagle Landing parking garage elevator has had one 5-day long shut down and one 6-day long shut down. In between these two major incidents, students were trapped in the elevator, which led to another shorter closure. The Eagle Landing parking garage is five stories tall, and students cannot park on the first two floors.
on the second floor. [When] you hit utilities and space to be fixed. For “The elevator in Trinkle hasn’t elevator issues, contacting an RA in given me problems exactly, but it is the second floor button sometimes it the building even if it is not yours....is very shaky when it stops. I will give doesn’t get it, and the elevator goes the best way it this, though: the ‘open’ to get [it] and ‘close doors’ buttons said actually work immediately “RAs are the best way for common utilities and fixed.” Kreiger. after pressing them, which space to be fixed. For elevator issues, While definitely isn’t the case students can for pretty much any other contacting an RA in the building even if it is not contact other elevator,” said Gordon. yours....is the best way to get [it] fixed.” officials The elevator in Jefferson to get an Hall has also experienced elevator technical issues. “On the -Emily Kreiger fixed, their elevator RA or AC in can act quickly to ask for maintenance Jefferson, the to another floor. Sometimes it works, on an elevator that is in their area of second floor sometimes it doesn’t,” she said. While the Jefferson elevator has yet control. button rarely to be fixed, residents have not made However, if a student is trapped in works. [It] doesn’t complaints to Kreiger about this issue an elevator, they can call the campus’ want to stop on so it has taken a back seat to other non-emergency number (540-654second floor,” said issues this semester.w 1025), and a campus police officer and junior geology major Emily “Tell the RA about it so it can be the fire department can be sent their Kreiger, who is an seen if it is a common issue. The RA way. This is important in situations where there is a physical break of RA for the hall. can tell an [Area Coordinator], and the the elevator equipment like the door “I have to press AC can talk to maintenance,” Kreiger splits in half or if the elevator is stuck [the button] at said. least five or six times to get it to stop “RAs are the best way for common between floors.
“I was only stuck for a couple of seconds, but [my roommate] was stuck for about 10 minutes.” -Aidan McClanahan
Students and Fredericksburg locals come together to initiate conversation about second amendment controversies
•GUN VIOLENCE | 1
By spreading awareness on campus, Schneidawind hopes to reach out and call for responsible gun ownership. He opened his speech by explaining that “everyday 96 people die by guns, either by accident or on purpose, and it does not make the news.” After Schneidawind introduced the issue, he opened the floor for UMW students and local activists to speak on their experiences. Erin Shaw, senior psych major and president of UMW PRISM, spoke on how her club is 100% behind the issue.
“The LGBT community is a specific target for gun related crimes, and the transgender community is targeted
“The LGBT community is a specific target for gun related crimes, and the transgender community is targeted by guns every day.” -Erin Shaw by guns every day,” said Shaw. “This is not just about politics, it’s life and death.” Local Fredericksburg activists came to showcase their support as well. Charles Koch, retired Fredericksburg resident and full time activist, came to speak on his beliefs on the importance of common sense gun laws and what can be done to implement them. Koch likened the regulation of firearm licenses to driver’s licenses. “We require anyone who gets a driver’s license to do it safely,” said Koch. “If they make a mistake or have an accident there are consequences for that. Why don’t we have the same regulations over guns?” Schneidawind
agreed with Koch’s idea on gun regulations. “Laws and regulations do not affect responsible gun owners nor do they take away the right given in the second amendment, they just put sensible limitations on this right in order to help preserve lives,” said Schneidawind. Koch and Schneidawind also emphasized the importance of UMW students to vote in the upcoming election. “Being an activist and holding rallies can only do so much; you have to vote UMW students shared their opinions at the rally. for whoever you Photo courtesy of Alex Sakes believe in to make real change in the to get done until we get representatives government because nothing is going in office that are going to demand more and put rules in place,” said Koch. Schneidawind agreed, reiterating that “the most important thing I can tell you to do is vote.” From this event, Schneidawind’s goal is to “get a conversation started up that does not have a huge presence here and to hopefully create another movement.”
“This is not just about politics, it’s life and death.”
Different statistics and arguments were brought up at the rally. Photo courtesy of Alex Sakes
Thursday, September 27, 2018
-Erin Shaw
11
SPORTS
Editor: Jack Hagn | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com
U.S. Open Women’s Finals controversy explained
ADDIE HINTON Staff Writer
The world saw another scandal unfold at the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, New York, as Serena Williams entered center stage once more for this year’s finals match against Naomi Osaka. Williams, and many others it seems, attribute her outbreak to be less about unfair callings and rulings, but one about sexism. “There are a lot of men out here who have said a lot of things but because they’re men that doesn’t happen,” said Williams to the tournament director after being penalized a full game. “You’re gonna take this away from me because I’m a woman?” said Williams. This led people to question whether this incident was because of a sexist system in place at the U.S. Open, or
Serena and Naomi stand together.
USA Today
if Williams was simply throwing an unwarranted temper tantrum and using sexism as a crutch. Billie Jean King, a retired tennis legend, believes that sexism is exactly what Williams experienced that Saturday. She tweeted after the event, “When a woman is emotional, she’s ‘hysterical’ and she’s penalized Controversal cartoon by Mark Kent. for it. When a man does the same, he’s ‘outspoken’ and coaching,” said Williams’ coach, Patrick there are no repercussions. Thank you, Mouratoglou, in an interview with @serenawilliams, for calling out this ESPN. double standard. More voices are needed Despite admitting to breaking the to do the same.” rules, he claims that Williams did not While King believes sexism is still notice him and had no idea he was alive and well in the tennis community, coaching. While coaching and racquet many lost sympathy for Serena after she abuse are prohibited in tennis matches, began yelling at Carlos Ramos, the chair Mouratoglou says that everyone does it umpire. She demanded an apology and and that it is an unusual instance for any called him a thief after her third conduct player in a Grand Slam final to be given code violation. a warning about it. Once Williams was Throughout the course of the match, penalized a point even the announcers Williams received three conduct code can be heard saying that a point penalty violations. The first was from receiving in this situation is extremely rare. coaching, the second was for breaking Williams is not unfamiliar with her tennis racquet, and the third was for causing controversy at the U.S. Open. In verbal abuse against Ramos. 2009 she was penalized for crossing the “I don’t cheat to win, I’d rather lose,” plain of the court before making contact said Williams to Ramos following the with the ball on her serve, also known as first violation. a foot fault, which later was determined Once Ramos charged her with racquet to be a wrong call. In 2011 she was abuse and penalized her one-point penalized for shouting in the middle of Williams demanded an apology, claiming a point. Because of this, she does not that she has never cheated in her life. have the best reputation for maintaining Their conversation escalated, and composure on the court. For people like Williams eventually called him a thief. Mark Knight, an artist for the Herald Sun Immediately after she was penalized a in Australia, this reputation served as a full game for verbal abuse, putting her sort of inspiration for his next caricature. down 5-3 in the second set. Many found Knight’s picture of “Well, I mean, I’m honest, I was Williams to be racist and insulting, but
the people at the Herald Sun had a different opinion. In an article from the Washington Post, Michael Miller, the executive chairman of News Corp. Australia stated in response to the backlash, “Shows that the world has gone too PC (politically correct) and misunderstand the role of news media cartoons and satire. Poor behavior in any sport needs to be called out.” In the comic Williams is Herald Sun depicted with frizzy hair, big lips, a big nose, and a large figure. Many viewers were quick to point out this resemblance to Jim Crow imagery. While caricatures are supposed to magnify a person’s features, it’s not meant to magnify, “features that stand out when compared to white people”, as Darrin Bell an RFK Award-winning cartoonist states. Instead, he says that he would have focused on Williams’s, “eyebrows, and her outfit, as well as her cheekbones, which, together with her strong chin and jawline, give her a diamond-shaped head.” His caricature shows Williams as strong and depicts her breaking the “racquet of sexism.” At the end of the match, after Osaka had defeated one of her favorite tennis icons and won her first major title, the crowd started booing. It was obvious who everyone had been rooting for. With the composure of an experienced champion Williams is seen embracing Osaka during the award ceremony and telling everyone to stop booing and to instead congratulate Osaka. While many may look back at this match and only think of Williams, they must not forget that Osaka too made history on that court by becoming the first person from Japan to ever win a Grand Slam Tournament.
Tiger Woods makes a comeback to win PGA tour
SEAN BERMINGHAM Contributing Writer
After a year and a half of dealing with severe back injuries, and a fourth surgery hoping to recover just enough to play with his kids, Tiger Woods had his first victory in over five years last Sunday. His eightieth career win on the PGA Tour became a comeback story like no other. After several nail biting nearmisses earlier in the season, he came to play, showing signs of his old self on day
Woods hits the ball.
People
one at the East Lake Golf Club. Even a few misses early on Sunday could not keep him from the win, hitting one over par for the day and 11 under par overall securing the win over Billy Horschel by just two strokes. His eightieth win means that Woods is just two wins away from Sam Snead’s record. “Maybe I will keep chipping at that number,” says Woods, “and maybe surpass it.” “I just can’t believe I pulled this off,” said Woods as fans and fanatics swarmed him towards the eighteenth green and the final strokes that sealed his victory for the first time in half a decade. He talked with reporters from People magazine about this wins meaning as Woods had faced many personal struggles and challenges in the time since his last victory, including a divorce from his then wife Elin Nordegren, and many physical struggles with his health, having torn his ACL and undergone several surgeries. David L. Cook, a sports psychologist, talked about Woods to the New York
Times. He remarked that Woods is, “one of the most mentally tough golfers of all time.” Woods’ upbringing with his Green Beret father influenced Tiger to want to be known as mentally tough. Some of that WallStreetJournal toughness faded as Tiger Woods wins the PGA tour. raised the question of how much does Woods began hugging all the people Woods have left in the tank. One fan was who had supported him through the 18 excited because most believe Woods has holes including his caddy, his girlfriend, and some of his competitors. Everyone four or five good years left at the top was proud of the progress Woods has level of golf. made this year. He entered the year Tiger’s win had snowballing impacts ranked 1,199. He entered this Tour in other areas as well. NBC recorded its Championship ranked 21. highest telecast rating of a non-major Woods remained humble when asked golf championship. It was also the highest rated telecast of the FedExCup if this was the greatest comeback in Playoffs since its inception. This was up sports recalling the 1950 US Open and 206% since last year. NBC’s President Ben Hogan who won only 16 months for Golf, Mike McCarly, said that, after being in a horrific car accident with “Woods’ win at the Tour Championship a Greyhound bus. Hogan would go on was an unforgettable event in golf.” to win six of eight championships. This
Club Sports Scoreboard Club Women's Soccer Sep. 22 vs. Christopher Newport (W) UMW: 2 CNU: 0 Thursday, September 27, 2018
Club Softball Sep.29 @ Longwood University (Tournament)
Club Women's Frisbee Sep. 29 @ University of Richmond (Freshmen Play Day) 12