The
Weekly
The University of Mary Washington Student Newspaper Serving the community since 1922
Ringer
VOLUME 95 | ISSUE 19
MARCH 17, 2022
Faculty-led group travels to Poland during spring break
Mask mandate lifted with few exceptions
EMILY HEMPHILL Staff Writer Over spring break, a group of students and faculty traveled abroad to Poland for a Holocaust Memory and Polish Art and Culture program. Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, over half of the 21 students who originally planned to attend stayed home and completed an online version of the program. While the destination of the trip was Poland, the war in Ukraine made a substantial impact on those who attended in person. The group was in Poland from Feb. 26 to March 5, which was at the onset of the Russian invasion, so the impending influx of refugees had not reached the country yet. However, support for Ukraine and preparations for its fleeing citizens was already evident. Despite controversy over whether to move forward with the trip and last-minute changes, the faculty-led group was able to see firsthand some of the consequences that war has on citizens around the world, which opened the door to conversations about the refugee crisis and ethnicity. “We fully counted on encountering refugees,” said associate professor of German and modern languages department chair Marcel Rotter, one of the faculty members on the trip. “But that turned out to be a good thing for students to actually see how something like that works and what effects war has on people. It helps put the war in a different light, which was very impactful for them.” Senior international affairs and German double major Shannon Harmon noted seeing the Ukrainian flag everywhere: in the windows of businesses, on public transportation and even a massive flag draped over buildings in the market square in the city of Krakow.
CLAIrE COLEMAN Staff Writer
Two men standing in the street in Poland protesting the war against Ukraine. Photo Courtesy of Megan Rinald
“We walked by a refugee center at a Jewish community center in Krakow that had a big banner saying ‘Welcome Ukrainians’ in Ukrainian,” she said. According to Harmon, blue and yellow lights lit up the night. Posters and drawings covered various structures with statements like “Glory to Ukraine.” A Jewish community center in Krakow had been transformed into a shelter ready to welcome refugees. Evacuating Ukrainians were being housed at the group’s hotel. Harmon and a friend passed a peaceful protest of the war on their way out to dinner. One student on the trip, Katriel Lee, a sophomore political science and pre-law philosophy double major, was seated next to a young woman leaving Ukraine on a
SEE POLAND PAGE 7
As of March 11, the University of Mary Washington no longer requires students or visitors to wear a mask indoors, excluding healthcare locations, classrooms, labs and mass transit. On March 10, students received an email from Anna Billingsley, signed by University President Troy Paino, confirming that, with exceptions, masking indoors will be encouraged rather than required. This decision was made due to declining COVID-19 cases at UMW, as well as the CDC listing local transmission in Fredericksburg and surrounding areas as low. New CDC guidance released on Feb. 25, which explained that “the risk of medically significant disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 is greatly reduced for most people”, also played a role in lessening COVID precautions, according to a March 2 email signed by COVID-19 Director and Chief of Staff Jeff McClurken. While some throughout the UMW community are hesitant to stop wearing their masks, others are comfortable with the change. “Given the dramatic decline in COVID numbers, I am comfortable taking off my mask on campus, as long as we are not in close quarters,” said environmental science professor John Tippett. “But for now, I will probably keep it on out of consideration for others who may not be comfortable, or who are immune compromised.”
SEE MASKS PAGE 7
University Center to be renamed after retiring Dean of Student Life Cedric Rucker jOSEPHINE JOHNSON News Editor Following Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Life Cedric Rucker’s retirement in June, the University Center will be renamed the Cedric Rucker University Center. The UMW Board of Visitors voted unanimously on Feb. 18 to rename the building in his honor. Rucker was overcome with what he described as a “stunning surprise!” “I am truly humbled. This is not one of those things that one ever expects in one’s life,” said Rucker. “I’ve been in university settings for years and I know that buildings are named for a cross-section of individuals but you never expect that of yourself! Not in a million years. But I’m humbly honored, very much so.” Rucker graduated in 1981 with a major in sociology as UMW’s first Black male graduate to live on campus. In 1989, he returned to the university as the Dean of Student Activities. His favorite campus tradition is Devil-Goat Day. “All of those things make us who we
INSIDE THE
RINGER
News | 2
New associate provost for career and workforce announced.
are,” he said. “Also, the special connection that our students have to one another. I love the way that Mary Washington students celebrate each other. I watch as students come in as first-year students, and the evolution that occurs along the course of a four-year journey.”
“I am truly humbled. This is not one of those things that one ever expects in one’s life.” -Cedric Rucker Rucker admires the friendships between students that grow and develop over time. “They’re going to weddings, each other’s weddings and celebrating new jobs! Going to [graduate] school together! I mean it’s the coolest, coolest thing. I think we in higher education are so fortunate that we get to see the evolution of individuals over the course of the years, and I love that, to
Opinion | 3 HB 1009 gives parents authority over classroom content.
me, that’s uplifting.” Senior history major Anthony Adams posted to the UMW meme page on Facebook about the University Center’s renaming, as well as Anna Billingsley’s retirement the same year. The post pictured a cartoon crying about the news of Rucker’s and Billingsley’s retirement. “When he and Anna announced their retirement, I was sad a little bit but was overall happy and thankful for their time here at UMW,” said Adams. “I think I’ll miss their interactions with students the most.” He continued, “Ever since coming to UMW, Dean Rucker has always been a constant in the ever-changing scenery here. Just seeing him walk around campus and greet students was great to see and truly made me feel welcome here.” After his retirement from UMW, Rucker plans to join the Peace Corps. This has been a dream of his since he was a student. “When I was a student, an undergraduate here, I had a professor by
Life | 4
The Petrucci Family Foundation loans art to exhibition.
Dean Cedric Rucker pictured in UMW’s yearbook, The Battlefield, in his graduation year 1981. The Battlefield / University Archives
the name of Alice Rabson,” he said. “Alice Rabson was in the psychology department and we talked about service. Service has always been something that is important to me.”
SEE RUCKER PAGE 2
Sports | 8
Esports teams will begin at UMW in fall 2023.
News
Thursday, March 17, 2022
The
Weekly Ringer Editorial Staff Editor-in-Chief Jess Kirby
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Business Editor Erin Matuczinski
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Associate Editors Bernadette D’Auria Cosima Pellis
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Copy Editor Abigail Slaughter
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News Editors Josephine Johnson Scotti Mullen
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Opinion Editor Norah Walsh
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Life Editor Josephine Good
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Sports Editor Victoria R. Percherke
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Online Editors Maggie Mae Young Cameron Delean
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Corrections The Weekly Ringer strives for accuracy and will correct any inaccurate information printed in the newspaper. Please report any corrections to Jess Kirby at weeklyringer.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian at ssubrama@umw.edu.
Bell tower logo designed by Bernadette D’Auria ‘22
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Kimberly Young named UMW’s associate provost for career and workforce MADISON mCcallum Staff Writer Kimberly Young was recently named associate provost for career and workforce at the University of Mary Washington. “The position of associate provost for career and workforce was created specifically for Young, keeping her past experiences and work at the university in mind,” said Interim Provost Tim O’Donnell. Young has been with the university since 2017, serving as the executive director of continuing and professional studies. Assuming responsibility for adult and graduate admissions in 2020, Young was able to further connect with local employers of the region, aiding her further development of the professional development programs, all the while receiving more personal interactions with individuals to allow her to further assist their needs in the process. For the last five years, Young has held the title of executive director for continuing and professional studies. She has also been a member of the provost’s council. “I only saw an opportunity to present the best of what we have to offer to the external community,” said Young. “By the best we have to offer, I mean our students who will engage in internships, graduate work and full-time employment, and our faculty who create programs to develop skills in the existing workforce through degree and non-degree programs.” Young shared that she was originally drawn to UMW because of the university’s focus on the liberal arts, central location between Richmond and Washington, D.C., and the
opportunity for her to connect through educational programs to the surrounding community. “This change in title appropriately recognizes the evolution in her role and the work that she has been doing at UMW over many months and provides for some consolidation in our executive team,” said O’Donnell. “At the same time it serves as an important signal to external audiences in our region, but also in Richmond and across the state, that UMW is serious about career and workforce development and that our efforts in this space report directly to the Chief Academic Officer.” O’Donnell continued, “During this time, her work has involved building relationships with employers throughout the region and across the Commonwealth. Over this span, her visibility has expanded significantly because she is excellent at building relationships and forging innovative partnerships. She is now recognized throughout the region as a key UMW ambassador for external relations.” Young’s biggest passions in her life are coaching, mentoring and helping to develop others. This new position allows her to not only continue that passion, but assume responsibility for how other associates in the program approach mentoring, coaching and preparing students for their post-graduate lives after Mary Washington. However with this change, comes new goals for Young. “I want to see our students continue to be prepared to enter the careers that they have been working toward,” said Young. “What I know for sure is
that the first job out of college can set a student on a course for success and change the trajectory of their lives and that of their family—it is important. I take that seriously and am committed to continuing the good work that has been started through our credit-bearing programs as well as other programming that integrates various facets of what the university has to offer.” By this, Young hopes to not only aid a student with face to face interactions, but also assist them with establishing and further advancing their digital identity for their professional career. For instance, the University offers free access to Domain of One’s Own while enrolled in the school. Domain of One’s Own is a platform to assist students to create their own personal website through Wordpress. “The idea of helping students establish their digital identity at this stage in preparation for work and life is not only a good one, but doing so sets our students apart from their peers at other institutions and gives employers another dimension of our students who are their future workforce,” said Young. With over two decades of academic and industry experience, Young acredits herself as being a “lifetime learner.” Beginning her studies at Duke University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy studies, she then continued her education at Cornell University, earning both a masters in Business Administration (MBA), as well as a masters of hotel administration. She currently is working towards her doctorate in educational
leadership through Virginia Commonwealth University. Previously overseeing the Executive MBA program at the University of MissouriKansas City, Young was also responsible for her establishment of the Executive Education Center, where she assumed responsibility for multi-year relationships with global healthcare associations in a key collaborative role. Working closely at ARAMARK, a food, facilities and uniform service that does business in 19 different countries around the world, Young worked closely with global companies such as Coca-Cola, Boeing and Garmin, 3M Corp. and Eli Lilly. As an active member of the Fredericksburg community, Young currently is a part of many organizations and committees, including the Mary Washington Healthcare Citizens Council, the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees, Leadership Fredericksburg, the GO Virginia Region 6 Council, the Institute for Learning Innovation, the Links Inc. and the UMW Women’s Leadership Colloquium. Continuing and professional studies faculty member and assistant professor of business Kimberly Gower is happy to see Young advance to this new position. “As a ‘late to life’ academic who has worked in many areas of the business world, as has Dr. Young, and after working with Dr. Young on several projects, I am thrilled to see a career center director who can and will guide their team to providing the best in career preparation, based on their experience and knowledge!”
Dean of Student Life Cedric Rucker retires FROM RUCKER PAGE 1 Rabson also joined the Peace Corps after her retirement from UMW in 1985. “I’m a working-class kid; I couldn’t do that when I graduated … but it’s always been in my mind. It allows me to really pursue my passions which are service and travel,” said Rucker. Senior women and gender studies and philosophy pre-law double major Alexandra Polymeropoulos appreciated that she was able to talk with Rucker about queer history and culture. “I am lucky and privileged to have had the opportunity to learn from such a powerful, inspirational leader in our community,” said Polymeropoulos. “He is literally the greatest adult I know. I wish him the best of luck in the Peace Corps, where he will continue meaningful work across the world. Who retires and does that? He devoted his entire life to [serving] others and that is what I have always wanted to do.” Rucker believes in the importance of having supportive influences, such as professors and mentors.
“Students have been an important part of my life for a very long time and I have spent my career really trying to support student success,” he said. “Because I remember the journey myself. It’s always been beneficial to have someone who cared enough to take the extra step.” Many students are thankful for his influence. “I was honestly so sad to hear about Dean Rucker retiring. Most of my time at UMW was during COVID and having the certainty that no matter what I could rely on seeing his smiling face when we’re on campus was such a blessing and I’ll truly miss his energy on campus,” said Ainsley Rucker, junior philosophy and pre-law major. “Having the UC named after him is fantastic and it’s such a great way to continue his legacy at Mary Wash and make sure we never forget one of the most supportive figures in so many students’ lives.” Rucker taught as a professor at UMW for many years. He has experienced the university as a student, as a teacher and as an administrator. “One of the things that’s great is that we
started as a teaching institution and many of our students become teachers! They become educators themselves,” he said. The window of Rucker’s freshman dorm room has a view of the Cedric Rucker University Center. “It’s been a marvelous, marvelous journey,” he said. “When I was a student moving into Madison Hall 102 as a firstyear student, the first door on the righthand side of that hallway when you walked in, I had no idea what would unfold. And it’s really interesting that that room in 102 Madison faces Ball Circle and opposite that window is now what you all will call Cedric Rucker University Center—and that blows my mind!” Rucker plans to stay involved in the community after his retirement. “I am just fortunate to be a part of a very special community and that’s the community of Mary Washington and I’ve loved that connection,” he said. “I just hope any memories are positive memories because this has really been a positive place for me,” he said. “I still love Mary Washington—I’m a product of this place.”
Opinion
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Page 3
Letter to the Editor: The Weekly Ringer’s sex column makes unfair assumptions about UMW students’ sex lives
In reading The Weekly Ringer’s new sex column, I am wondering if this is necessary, appropriate and beneficial content for the student newspaper. The questions being posed are incredibly personal and the responses (although they may be helpful) are far too in-depth to be sharing with everyone. These are personal and intimate questions. Is it considerate to provide the answers to the entire community, or would it be more respectful and helpful to have this exchange in private? Having a sex column in the student paper could present the university and its community in a light which turns away potential students. While there are many people who are completely comfortable talking about sex with anyone and everyone, there are also many who are not. This is a topic which is thrust upon us all around campus, from classes to billboards. If I had seen this column when considering attending this university, I would not have come to UMW. It would have given me the impression
that everyone on campus is actively and openly engaging in sexual activity, and that this is the dominating topic throughout the community. As I am a student here, I know that this is not true. Have we considered how this column will impact potential students? In what light is the campus community presented, and is this an accurate and equal representation of the student body? Sex is a precious gift given to us as human beings. It is a way to give oneself to another in genuine love (not simply using someone for pleasure). It can result in procreation, a generous self-giving act which gives life to another. A common argument for being this open about sex is that many students feel that they did not receive adequate sex education before college. This argument also comes up as a source of problems such as sexual assault and failure to ask consent. But does the casual and open discussion of such intimate questions not take away from the personal and quiet beauty of sex? When we talk and
act as if everyone is doing it, does that not send a message that it’s not that serious and we can do whatever we want (with or without consent)? The casual nature with which we talk about sex trivializes this precious gift of love. We have become a culture that treats others as objects of pleasure and presents ourselves as a means to pleasure. Is it merely a coincidence that casual and normalized sex with no boundaries is a common theme in all these issues? I am not belittling the importance of this topic or the good intentions of those who are writing about it. As stated throughout this letter, I am concerned that the content is inappropriate for our student paper, that it could misrepresent the student body and that the approach we are taking to assist people with sex is harming the way that we treat each other and present ourselves. Jean Mondoro ‘22
Staff Ed: An explanation of Cosmy Pellis’ sex column and the importance of encouraging open conversation at UMW THE WEEKLY RINGER EDITORIAL BOARD The Weekly Ringer’s sex column emerged from a series of vulnerable conversations amongst our editors, where we realized that we all had received varying levels of inadequate sexual education. In these heartfelt and validating discussions, we found that many of us still had lingering questions and had been harmed by a lack of information about sex. Thus, The Weekly Ringer editorial staff stands by the sex column. College is often a time when students start discovering their sexuality. The sex column is intended to be a way for students who have never had candid—or any—conversations about sex to gain confidence and a lexicon to discuss it. This column doesn’t imply that every Mary Wash student is sexually active, and we recognize that having sex is a personal choice, just as reading the sex column is. Talking about topics that make people uncomfortable is vital to intellectual and personal growth. Whether you personally want to have sex or not, we believe it’s important to have enough information to make safe choices and honor your beliefs. We understand that there is a subjectivity to sex, and Cosmy responds to student-submitted questions in order to represent ideas that students have. Reducing a person to be merely a sexual object is problematic, yes; however, we aren’t encouraging that, nor is Cosmy supporting that idea with her column. People have sex for various reasons, and we’re not here to judge. If you want to have sex for the mere sake of pleasure or if you’re waiting for marriage, that’s your own choice. Cosmy is here if you have any questions that can inform whatever your sexual journey may be. Cosmy writes from a place of personal experience and she has educated herself about sex. As a queer woman and a rape survivor, these are topics that she feels passionately about. Education extends beyond formal settings, and talking about topics like sex is education. Because many of us had to educate ourselves, this column is a resource where Cosmy compiles that knowledge so that students are given information that she had to seek out.
Furthermore, you mention that the sex column seems to send a message that “we can do whatever we want (with or without consent).” We were surprised to hear your take on this, especially the implication that Cosmy is promoting sex without consent, as Cosmy’s sex column frequently mentions the importance of consent. Many of our staff members have experienced sexual assault, so we are aware of the importance of consent and will never encourage nor promote any activity, sexual or not, that occurs without consent. The column does promote sexual liberation (in which consent is inherent and mandatory), so perhaps this is a source of confusion about the sexual freedom Cosmy advocates for. For instance, the debut sex column firmly established the importance of personal boundaries during sex. It may be true that the column’s discussion does not have a boundary, but this is intentional. We are not going to let the harmful, taboo nature of sex scare us away from fostering a vital discussion about sex. This staff editorial was led by Norah Walsh and Cosmy Pellis.
Submit your questions about sex for Cosmy to answer in her column! Scan the code or use the tinyurl below. All questions will be anonymous.
COVID-19 Dashboard
UMW’s COVID-19 dashboard is located on the university website. These statistics are from Feb. 9, 2022—the most recent at time of publication.
230
22 of 22
Total cases as of March 15, 2022
Quarantine spaces available
4
119 of 120
Active cases
Isolation spaces available
0.57
125
7-day moving average of new cases per day
190
Total tests conducted at the Student Health Center since Aug. 1, 2021
0.00%
Percentage of positive prevalence tests returned from March 4, 2022 - March 10, 2022
Total prevalence tests administered from March 4, 2022 - March 10, 2022
0
Total positive prevalence tests returned from March 4, 2022 - March 10, 2022
26
Positive Student Health Center tests returned since Jan. 1, 2021
https://tinyurl.com/2d9apddm Past columns: The Talk with Cosmy Pellis: Navigating bisexuality The Talk with Cosmy Pellis: How to redefine losing your virginity after experiencing sexual assault
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Life
Page 4
Photo essay: Exhibition features African American art
Emily Warren Photography Editor The current art exhibition in both Dupont and Ridderhof Martin Gallery contains artworks from The Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African American Art. The Petrucci Family Foundation loaned over 30 works to both galleries to display the collection “Healing Through the Preservation of Our Histories and Our Selves.” This exhibition was co-curated by UMW students, faculty and community members. The Petrucci Family Foundation website states this is a “collaboratively planned exhibition approach that encourages reflection, healing and regrouping after enduring several years of national tension that filtered down to their community. From a portrait series that unpacks childhood trauma and radical forgiveness to a quilt that’s grounded in ancestral traditions, these works call on us to contemplate all that we’ve endured and how we can move forward as a stronger community.” Below are a few pieces that are currently on display in this exhibition. All of the following information is from the UMW Galleries catalog for the “Healing Through the Preservation of Our Histories and Our Selves” exhibition.
Sterling Shaw’s “God Bearer-Theotokos” from 2012 is acrylic on canvas (48 by 48 inches). The painting celebrates the Black female body by focusing on the back-side of a plus-sized woman. Shaw also explores motherhood within her artwork. Emily Warren / The Weekly Ringer
LaToya Hobb’s “Angelica” from 2012 is a woodcut print (49 by 33.5 inches) capturing a young Black woman as the main subject. Hobbs often explores Black women subjects, American beauty standards, cultural identity and womanhood. Emily Warren / The Weekly Ringer
Monica Ikegwu’s “Olivia” from 2020 is oil on canvas (48 by 36 inches). She often paints her family and siblings through beautiful colors, textures and composition. She says her family is often her inspiration, and she wants to capture them as they progress through life. Photo courtesy of the Petrucci Family Foundation
Sonya Clark’s “Afro Abe” from 2010 is mixed media—a $5 bill with peacock feathers (4.25 by 7 by 1.25 inches). Sonya Clark is currently a professor at Amherst College in Amherst, Mass. Photo courtesy of the Petrucci Family Foundation Natalie Erin “N.E.” Brown’s “Value Pyramid” from 2015 features 10 individual wood burning pieces reflecting on Brown’s personal experiences, empirical observations and her interest in narrating real stories of life and people (Overall: 50 by 39 by 2 inches. Individual: 8 by 6 by 1.5 inches). Emily Warren / The Weekly Ringer
The exhibit will be open until March 24 with a closing reception that day from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. The hours of both Dupont and Ridderhof Martin Galleries are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The galleries are closed during UMW holidays and breaks, and admission is always free.
Life
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Five tips on how to start your running journey
amber zipfel Staff Writer
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And don’t be afraid to change your training schedule as you work through each week. You may run into an obstacle or two, so you can adjust accordingly.
If you’ve thought about running but never have, or you tried it and found yourself frustrated, this is your sign to give it a shot. Running can offer so many benefits; it can enhance your mood, improve your health, boost confidence and motivation, reduce stress and connect you to nature. While it may be daunting to begin your running journey, there are ways to make it easier. So, before you start, here are five tips from a collegiate runner, a sales associate at a local Virginia running store and, once upon a time, a beginning runner. Tip 1: Figure out the why. So, you have decided to start running… but why? Why have you chosen this activity? Is it to get you outside more? To do cardio outside of the gym? To release stress, or maybe to race a local 5k with your family? As you begin your journey, I recommend sitting down and writing what you want to get out of this activity. What are your goals? What’s making you get out of the house and hit the pavement? Ultimately, knowing why you’re running can motivate you to start—and keep—doing so.
Tip 3: Get a pair of running shoes. When I started to run, I was wearing shoes that weren’t meant for the activity. Soon enough, I was feeling aches and pains. It’s important to get fitted for a pair of shoes that are specific for running because they’re built with technology that keeps your body healthy and able to run. I recommend trying different shoe brands so you get an understanding of what feels best, as it’s important to start out on the right foot.
Tip 4: Work your way up on mileage first, rather than speed. As you start out, it’s best to gradually build up your mileage and go for distance, rather than speed. A rule commonly used by runners is to increase our weekly mileage by ten percent. So, if you’re running ten miles this week, add one mile to the following week, making it eleven. While you increase your miles, don’t increase your speed. Running too far and too fast could give you aches, pains and injuries. Your body needs time to adjust before adding something new to the Tip 2: Research beginner programs and establish your own schedule. While you could table. just slip on trainers and head out the door for a run, it’s important to make a plan. You Tip 5: Try something new during your run to help stay on this journey. While I’ve loved can either create a short plan stating how many miles you want to hit each week or a running for over seven years, running can be boring sometimes. If you feel this way and detailed schedule outlining specific dates and goal times for each run. The decision is can’t seem to get yourself out the door, try changing one thing from your normal routine. up to you and what kind of goals you’ve made. You’ll want to create one plan that aligns You could drive to a different location, like a new trail outside of your neighborhood, and with factors such as your current fitness level, the available time in your weekly schedule explore what it has to offer. You could also incorporate a few speedy intervals during your and the number of miles you want to hit. run so you get a change of pace. Just doing even one thing differently can keep you hooked.
The Talk with Cosmy Pellis: Safe sex is more nuanced than just condoms and bananas
cosmy pellis Associate Editor
Q: As a woman who was formally straight, and is now a lesbian, I don’t understand what safe sex means for either sexuality. Do you think you could address this and give examples of safe practices? A: This is such an important question. While straight people often receive the bare minimum level of information through sex education, queer people are given nothing to work with. I can totally understand why you are unsure about what safe sex means in this context. Safe sex starts with consent. Consent does not just mean saying “yes” to having sex; it also requires enthusiasm and continued consent throughout the sexual act. Make sure that you and your partner are both comfortable and enjoy it all the way through. Open communication and consent work together. Sexual partners should have a healthy dialogue about their turn-ons, turn-offs, worries and kinks. It can feel awkward to talk about sex, but remember that if you’re already having sex with that person they should have no problem with you bringing up concerns. It’s also important to note that even if you consistently have sex with someone, you can tell them at any time that you aren’t “in the mood.” Consent is a continuum; your partner should respect your choice every individual time that you’re together. Most people know the importance of condoms, and in straight sex they are vital both for protection against STIs and unplanned pregnancy. There are other options, though, that aren’t often talked about, like female condoms and diaphragms. According to Mayo Clinic, a female condom is “a soft, loosefitting pouch that’s inserted into the vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.” A diaphragm prevents sperm from entering
Devil & Goat
Illustrated by D.K.
the uterus, and it’s “a small, reusable rubber or silicone cup with a flexible rim that covers the cervix. Before sex, the diaphragm is inserted deep into the vagina so that part of the rim fits snugly behind the pubic bone. The diaphragm is effective at preventing pregnancy only when used with spermicide.” These options are a good way for women to stay protected and take control of their sexual safety, especially if they are not on birth control. If unplanned pregnancy is the worry, using birth control is a smart way to stay safe. There are so many types, from pills to IUDs to injections, and every person who menstruates has a different, unique body that might work with one method more than another. It’s important to find what’s right for you. I also understand having hesitations about birth control—there can be some unwanted side effects—but solid research and a trusted healthcare professional can help you find the right form if you’re interested. When it comes to lesbian sexual safety, dental dams can prevent STIs. According to the CDC, “dental dams are latex or polyurethane sheets used between the mouth and vagina or anus during oral sex.” Many of them are flavored, and there are lots of different types to choose from. Unfortunately, I have never seen dental dams in stores, which really shows how excluded queer people are from access to safe sex practices. There are lots of really great options online, though! When choosing a brand, make sure that any flavors or sugars are safe for vaginal PH levels, as unsafe chemicals can lead to an infection. Getting regularly tested for STIs will also keep you and your sexual partners safe. The UMW Health Center regularly hosts free STI testing, which is a great resource. Some STIs can go undetected for a long time, so even if you don’t have symptoms, regular testing is a great practice. Along with these physical aspects of safe sex, it’s important to also consider the emotional safety of sex.
This circles back to the open communication that’s important to pair with consent. Casual sex can be a form of self-harm if it’s emotionally damaging to the person or if it’s done in an unsafe way (i.e. not using any type of protection). Sex is very vulnerable, and engaging in sexual acts without being prepared for that vulnerability can be extremely harmful. Continuing to have sex with someone who has violated your boundaries or treated you terribly is another way that casual sex can manifest as self-harm. Sexual assault survivors often experience hypersexuality, having a lot of casual sex as a way to reclaim the ability to consent. I personally have suffered from this, and after listening to my body and realizing the emptiness that these sexual experiences were leaving me with, I reevaluated how I should feel before, during and after sex. This thought process and period of reflection were so vital to my recovery from the assault. It was also extremely transformative in terms of understanding of what I actually wanted my sex life to look like. Think about why you are having sex and how it makes you feel after. Does the other person consistently respect you and your boundaries? Do you feel validated, safe and confident around them? Are they kind to you when they see you around, outside of a sexual context? Are you prepared for the vulnerability and intimacy that comes with sex? Are you in a mental space to have open, honest communication about sex with your partner? These are important questions to ask yourself when considering the emotional safety of a sexual relationship. If sex is fun in the moment but makes you feel empty or upset afterwards, it might not be emotionally safe. You should consistently feel happy and confident about sleeping with that person, or else it’s time to drop them.
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Opinion
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House Bill 1009 gives parents influence over sexually explicit material in Virginia classrooms JEAN MONDORO Senior Writer The recently approved Virginia bill regarding sexually explicit content in schools is not censorship but a necessary step in reinstating the role of parental guidance and decision-making in education. From as early as the 17th century, education has been viewed primarily as a parental responsibility. It began with private education within the home with supplementary schooling in public institutions. Over time, more control was granted to local towns and eventually state governments. Today, public schools have the power to distribute any content they wish, disregarding the tradition of parental input. Based on the summary of the bill passed in the House, parents now have the right “to review instructional material that includes sexually explicit content and provide, as an alternative, nonexplicit instructional material and related academic activities to any student whose parent so requests.” Sexually explicit content refers to any description or image of blatant sexual actions and abuse, as defined in the Virginia state law. Whether educational materials are appropriate should not be a source of concern or debate in schools. Parents put their children into public schools based on a certain level of trust that they will be educated suitably for their given age group. When this trust is violated and young students are provided with books and other materials which include graphic descriptions and mature themes of sexual activity and ideologies, it is no surprise that there are protests and calls for reform. The role of parents in their children’s education has been belittled to the point that these materials are being used in the classroom
without the knowledge and consent of parents. Not only is this disrespectful, but it can also be a way to force unwanted knowledge of sexual behavior and themes on teenagers. If explicit material is presented for a class assignment, students may feel like they have no choice except to be exposed to the content for the sake of obtaining a passing grade. With it being unfair to force sexually explicit content upon students, this force allows for a choice for parents to make a decision about what their children can be exposed to. Regardless of whether the student is willing to work with this material or not, research has proven that early exposure to sexually explicit content is harmful to teenagers. A study in the Journal of Adolescent Health described the direct correlation between exposure to sexual content and resulting sexual attitudes and behaviors. It found that “exposure to sexual media was positively associated with general sexual experience, and risky sexual behaviors and was negatively related to age of sexual initation.” This is detrimental because, as this study references, “Several studies suggest that exposure to sexual media is associated with higher levels of unprotected sex, unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and one-night stands.” Within the last year, there have been many instances of parents protesting certain material available to their children in school. One school district in Loudoun county unanimously voted to remove Maia Kobabe’s “Gender Queer: A Memoir” from the school library shelves due to the persistent depictions and illustrations of sexual activity between a boy and a man, masturbation and oral sex. Similar issues arose in Spotsylvania county when the school board initially voted to remove certain books and then overruled their decision. Considering the
proven risks, is it not reasonable for parents to be upset when they find out that their children are being exposed to harmful content? In speaking out, parents call for the school system to educate in a manner that they can trust. According to CNN, Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s campaign was largely based on promises to reform education, including greater parental involvement. Now that action is being taken, it is wrongfully being referred to as censorship. While “Gender Queer: A Memoir” was removed from the library in Loudoun county, thus censoring the content from the study body, this is not what House Bill 1009 establishes. Instead, what the bill creates is an opportunity for parents to have better knowledge and control over whether their children are exposed to sexually explicit content. The new bill recognizes and respects the role of parents in education and the responsibility they have to raise their children to the best of their ability. It simply provides a choice where there was not one before. Prior to this bill, students could be given course materials that exposed them to sexually explicit content, whether or not their parents desired that they see them. There was no choice involved. With this bill, the same materials can be used, but parents now have the legal right to be informed about the content of their children’s academics and, in turn, have a say in whether or not they are comfortable with their children being exposed to it. Nobody is being forced into exposure to sexually explicit content against their will and nobody is banning any books. Rather, the bill offers a middle ground that enables an open dialogue between parents and schools and allows for parents to make important decisions regarding the education of their children.
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Thursday, March 17, 2022
Crime Column JOSEPHINE JOHNSON & sCOTTI MULLEN News Editors
News
Students and faculty have mixed reactions to the university’s new mask policy
FROM MASKS PAGE 1
Riley Smith, a sophomore business administration major, agrees with the university’s updated mask policy. “UMW did not update the mask wearing too early; they waited a significant amount of time and chose a safe time,” said Smith.
Property Damage
“We should all continue to treat each other with On March 7 at at 2:15p.m., kindness and there was an incident of respect, particularly property damage at the as people make Battlegrounds. This case is individual decisions pending. about if or when to wear a mask.” -Troy Paino
Possession On Feb. 21 at 5:00 p.m., there was an incident of possession of Marijuana at the Ampitheater.
Larceny Between Feb. 12 and 13, there was an incident of larceny of auto parts at the UMW Apartments. This case is pending.
Trespassing On March 1 at 1:30 a.m., there was an incident of trespassing at Virginia Hall. This case is pending.
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Smith works for the university as a peer academic consultant and interacts with many other students and staff on a daily basis. She said she feels comfortable not wearing a mask around others while being indoors. Other students feel uneasy about removing masks in an indoor setting. Carson Berrier, a senior history major in the secondary education program, feels apprehensive about the recent changes. She is a member of the Washington Guides and gives weekly campus tours. “I am vaccinated and boosted
so I personally feel comfortable but am apprehensive about the change,” said Berrier. “I interact with large groups of people that are from all over the United States and I have no way of knowing if they are choosing to protect themselves and others.” The majority of UMW students, faculty and staff are vaccinated and boosted against the virus, with science suggesting the risk for COVID infections to be lower among vaccinated individuals. Other public universities are moving away from indoor mask mandates as well. On Feb. 22, the University of Virginia announced that it would end the indoor mask requirement in most indoor settings, excluding classrooms, healthcare facilities and mass transit. Virginia Tech followed suit and announced that masks will no longer be required in public indoor spaces with some exceptions. According to the New York Times COVID-19 tracker, Fredericksburg has a daily average of five cases as of March 15. At UMW, there are four active cases as of March 15 following spring break. “Overall, I definitely think the changes were a good decision,” said Smith. “UMW supports those who still feel more comfortable wearing masks, but it is nice to have the option not to wear them since our university’s COVID cases
UMW is following other universities in Virginia changing its mask mandate to optional except in classroom settings. Xingyue HUANG / Unsplash
“UMW did not update the mask wearing too early; they waited a significant amount of time and chose a safe time.” -Riley Smith have remained low.” The March 10 email also stated that masking would no longer be required at large indoor events, and there will no longer be restrictions on vaccine or testing status at indoor public events. UMW is still offering KN95 masks upon request for no
cost at the University Center’s information desk. There also will continue to be weekly testing at Bushnell Hall for those who want to get tested if they believe they were exposed to the virus. Home test kits are also available for pickup at Bushnell Hall. “We should all continue to treat each other with kindness and respect, particularly as people make individual decisions about if or when to wear a mask,” said Paino in the email. “We also encourage members of our campus community to put on a mask if another individual requests they do so, particularly in smaller, indoor settings.”
Less than half of planned students attend the Poland study abroad spring break trip FROM POLAND PAGE 1 flight from Munich to Krakow. The two were able to communicate some, and Lee learned that the woman’s husband, also from Ukraine, was currently working in Seattle and she was on her way to the U.S. embassy in Poland to obtain a visa. Lee admitted that while she is thankful that the U.S. and so many other countries have readily opened their borders to Ukrainian refugees, it is also heartbreaking as the refugee crisis is much greater than simply Ukraine. “The fact that we are so quick to accept people that have light skin and blue eyes into our country when they have a crisis, but we see so many crises all the time, I think it points out a very glaring problem we have with race,” Lee said. Poland has currently taken in over a million Ukrainians in the past few weeks, but this contradicts their strong anti-refugee sentiments in recent years, especially with those from African and Middle Eastern nations, according to an article in the New York Times. However, this hypocritical treatment of displaced persons is not a uniquely Polish issue, but worldwide, according to the BBC. “In this country there are plenty of refugees too,” said Rotter. “But they are hidden, they are not really visible to our students.” While being close to Ukraine altered
certain aspects of the trip, no changes had to be made to the trip itinerary. The group spent time in both Krakow and the capital city, Warsaw, and visited famous sites such as Wawel Royal Castle, Auschwitz, the Jewish quarters in Warsaw and many more places. Ultimately, nine of the original 21 students attended the trip in person. “I think a lot of students were very nervous,” said Sarah Moran, the study abroad coordinator for faculty-led programs. “It looks very scary when you look on a map and see here’s Russia, there’s Poland and Ukraine is in the middle. Unpredictability is a very difficult thing to wrap your head around.” Some students decided not to attend in the days leading up to the trip and even on the morning of departure. “It was really difficult because I really wanted to go, but I didn’t think it was the right decision at the time,” said Ella Krygiel, a senior English major who decided not to attend the Poland trip. “I was really disappointed, but with everything going on and the uncertainty at the time it didn’t feel right.” This year was the first time the Holocaust Memory program has gone to Poland. The course cycles through different countries to visit each year, such as Germany, Austria and Hungary. The Polish Art and Culture class was also connected with the Poland trip, so students could receive credit from
either class. The Center of International Education and the two professors associated with the trip, Rotter and associate professor of German Jennifer Hansen-Glucklich, tried to accommodate all of the students. Hansen-Glucklich stayed back to set up a virtual class for those who decided not to go so they could still receive the academic credit. Most of the museums and other sites that the students would have toured had virtual experiences.
“It looks very scary when you look on a map and see here’s Russia, there’s Poland and Ukraine is in the middle. Unpredictability is a very difficult thing to wrap your head around.” -Sarah Moran Because of the late cancellations, it is unlikely that these individuals will be able to receive full refunds on all of the expenses such as airfare, accommodations, education abroad, faculty director cost, food and tours, according to Moran. However, she is hoping to get around $800 back per person from refunding flights, insurance premiums and the education abroad fee.
Sports
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Athletics plans to launch esports in fall 2023
tabitha robinson Staff Writer
On Feb. 17, the department of athletics announced that electronic sports, otherwise known as esports, will be coming to UMW in the fall of 2023, according to the UMW Athletics website. The program will include a competitive group of approximately 25 student-athletes and a casual group of approximately 75 student-athletes. “Gaming and athletic participation have always been popular at UMW,” said Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator Caitlin Moore. “The opportunity to expand and enhance students’ co-curricular engagement, career development and friendships with an esports program reflects our unique student culture.” According to Moore, esports has many of the same features of traditional sports. It is made up of many teams competing in virtual or face-to-face video game tournaments. Like traditional sports, esports has winners and losers, teams, standings and prizes. Players test their skills in a competitive environment. Moore believes that an esports team will benefit students of all gaming levels. “This is a great co-curricular engagement opportunity, from the casual to the competitive sides of the program,” Moore said. “The casual program will be open to those that have an affinity for gaming, but not an interest in dedicating significant time each week.” The competitive group is for students who are more serious about competing. Sophomore computer science major
Stephen McCarthy notes esports’s less physical nature as one of its strengths. “I didn’t really know esports existed until I started playing League of Legends in 2016,” said McCarthy. “What’s so great about esports is how accessible it is. You don’t need to be really strong or in peak physical condition; you just need to be willing to learn. It gives people like me, who don’t really enjoy playing or watching traditional sports, a way to enjoy their best aspects in a field they’re more comfortable with.” McCarthy also sees esports as a way to connect people within the constraints of the pandemic. “Being part of a team is a really powerful experience, and that’s been very challenging these past few years,” said McCarthy. “Esports are a great avenue to provide that experience to a much wider range of people.” The athletics department will also be hiring a director of esports in the summer of 2022. According to the UMW Athletics website, “This position will be responsible for all facets of the program, including but not limited to strategic planning, recruitment and retention, grade monitoring … and practice and game preparation.” According to Moore, the esports program will be able to use several spaces on campus for practice and competition. Moore believes that Mary Washington can provide large spaces to host tournaments, fostering relationships with other universities and even high schools. “In addition, the University boasts several spaces that can welcome spectators for competitive events, including the hosting
of high school tournaments,” said Moore. “With esports, UMW is introducing a program that aligns strategically with university culture and has high potential to address a top priority: the attraction and retention of students.” However, junior biomedical sciences major Ryan Meek does not think adding an esports team is helpful to the school. “I personally do not see why we added esports instead of other sports,” said Meek, who participates in club volleyball. “The guys on the club volleyball team have always wished for more opportunities to play their sport, so I do not understand why this is our new addition.” However, McCarthy believes the esports program will attract future students. “Esports are the future of sports and getting in early is a really good idea,” said McCarthy. “So UMW having an esports program is going to attract many potential students. I don’t know yet how our esports program is going to work, but I’m looking forward to being a part of it in any capacity I can be.” Senior biomedical sciences major Bennet Varghese also believes an esports team will be beneficial. “I think this creates more space for people to express themselves and create community,” said Varghese. “I think we do a disservice to our peers when we only market and press into the most well known athletic sports like football, basketball, soccer, etc. But what about people who don’t enjoy that? We should be catering to all people and making it known that they belong here too!”
Kinsey Brooks advances to the NCAA nationals
University of Mary Washington
Spring Sports Schedule
Josephine good Interim Sports Editor
Baseball (11-6)
Mar. 13 L vs. Juniata (6-12) Mar. 13 W vs. Juniata (6-4) Mar. 14 W vs. FDU (7-6) Mar. 15 vs. Bridgewater (7-4)
Softball (8-9)
Mar. 11 L vs. Bridgewater (1-5) Mar. 11 L vs. Bridgewater (2-11) Mar. 15 L @ Averett (0-1) Mar. 15 W @ Averett (5-4)
Men’s Tennis (5-2)
Mar. 2 L@ Pomona-Pitzer (1-8) Mar. 3 L @ Redlands (4-5) Mar. 13 W vs. Washington College (6-3) Mar. 13 W vs. Averett (8-1)
nathan jamerson Staff Writer Kinsey Brooks, a sophomore nursing major and athlete on the women’s swim team, will be competing in the NCAA Division III National Championships in Indianapolis, Ind., from March 16 to 19. She’s set to compete in three events: the 200-yard individual medley, in which she’s seeded third, as well as the 100 breaststroke and 200 breaststroke. If successful, Brooks will be the Eagles’ first female individual national champion in swimming since Shannon Hutcherson in 1993. While her team’s season is over after winning the Metro Swimming Conference Championship in Camden, N.J., Brooks is still training for the national championships. “As I prepare to compete in the NCAA Division III National Championships, I try to keep an open mind and keep as positive as possible,” she said. “It has been hard training by myself, but I have had some amazing teammates and coaching to cheer me along through tough practices. The best advice I was given was by alumni Anthony Pederson: swim fast, have fun. That is what my goal is going into this meet.” Brooks’s swimming career first started in her early childhood when she joined a summer league in Lake St. Louis, Mo. She joined a year-round team when she was 8 years old, initially just hoping to have fun with her friends. “It was when I moved to Virginia when I was 10 that I decided to be more dedicated with my swimming,” she said. “My parents always believed that every kid should be able to swim in case of an emergency, but they never imagined that 15 years later I would be on a collegiate team, nevertheless going to NCAAs.” Brooks struggled with breaststroke the most growing up, but now she’ll be competing it at nationals. “Growing up, my worst stroke was breaststroke and now I have to say it is my favorite by far,” she said. “It is just a very technical stroke, and I enjoy that every day my breaststroke can feel and be different.” Throughout her time swimming at UMW, Brooks said she’s made a lot of new friends, and she uses the encouraging words from her teammates and coaches to always do her best. “Coach Anderson has always been encouraging and pushes me each time to do my best even in the toughest times,” she said. Justin Anderson, the head coach of the men’s and women’s swim teams, is complimentary of Brooks as well. “Kinsey has been a hugely impactful swimmer for our team this year,” said Anderson. “Besides winning her three individual events at our conference championship, she contributed to two first place relay finishes. She also broke three team records and five rookie
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Women’s Tennis (4-1)
Feb. 28 W @ Chapman (5-4) Mar. 2 W @ Occidental (8-1) Mar. 5 W @ Redlands (7-1) Mar. 13 W vs. Averett (9-0) Kinsey Brooks swimming the breaststroke.
UMW Athletics
records.” Brooks’s teammates also recognize her skill and determination. “Kinsey is one of the most talented people I’ve ever met,” said senior business administration major, Kolin Hoffman. “But it’s her hard work and dedication that have gotten her to this point.” Brooks has dominated since joining the team last year. She placed first in eight individual races across the three-day Franklin and Marshall College Invitational, where she swam a 2:03.50 in the individual medley, breaking both the meet and UMW records for the event. Brooks is coming off a strong performance at the Metro Collegiate Swimming Conference, where the women’s swim team won the conference championship. In addition to achieving multiple best times, Brooks was awarded both Female Rookie of the Meet and Female Swimmer of the Meet. “I am more than happy with how I did,” Brooks said. “Swimming in those big meets can be very stressful, but nothing beats the reward we got as a team by bringing home the championship title for the women’s team.” According to Anderson, Brooks has been preparing by “honing in on her top events and focusing on areas she can improve in those races.” In the week before the championships, Anderson said “we’re starting to take it easier in practice so she is well rested and will be able to physically perform at the highest level she can at NCAAs.” Brooks offered advice for other swimmers looking to qualify for the NCAA championships in the future. “Having a good mentality and trusting the process is the biggest thing, keeping your stress levels low and just having fun,” she said. “Racing at NCAAs is the fun part because you’ve already put in all the work to get there.”
Track & Field
Mar. 19 vs. UMW Opener April 1 vs. UMW Invitational April 2 vs. UMW Invitational April 9 @ Christopher Newport Invitational
Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletics webpage Full schedule not listed above. Most recent games included. Bold indicates home game.