Top Stories: N: Alabama’s abortion bill O: LTTE: Student org leaders call for change A&L: Major key alert
DU Clarion [www.duclarion.com]
May 28, 2019 Volume 126 Issue 8
Weather Wed: cloud, 61° Thurs: sunny, 68° Fri: ckoudy, 72° Sat: rainy, 73° Sun: cloudy, 72° Mon: sunny, 76° Tues: cloudy, 78°
We must humanize immigrants by listening to their stories
Victoria Valenzuela | Clarion
A
Grace Carson | Executive Editor Emeritus
few weeks ago, I came across a post from my friend, Alex Aleman. The post stated, “I just met a wonderful Sodexo employee who shared her story with me and how she had to flee to the U.S. because of domestic violence. I don’t want to give too much detail, but if anyone is a journalist here, please hit me up. She wants her story to be heard.” As a student journalist at DU, my interests were piqued, so I reached out in hopes of finding a story. Two weeks later, I sat down with the Sodexo cook, and she told me her story. By the end of it, I was in complete awe of her strength and bravery. As I listened to her story, I realized that this was why I had originally chosen to be a journalist: because stories like hers matter and need to be heard. People like her need others to uplift their stories so that their experience may be heard and better understood. The cook, who wishes to remain anonymous, cannot speak English and I am unable to speak fluent Spanish, so Aleman translated for me during our interview. The worker, as she explained, is an undocumented immigrant who fled from a small town in Mexico because of her violent partner, leaving her children and many other family members. She explained that when she was 16-years-old, she was kidnapped by the police chief in her town, and was kept hostage for 22 years. Because he was the police chief, no one would or could help her. During those 22 years, she was abused and raped. She had nine children with the man. Seven daughters and two sons. The physical abuse she endured was extreme. He once broke her
leg with a rock and another time broke her nose. At one point, he kicked her back so hard that he damaged her kidney to where she couldn’t urinate for days and had a life-threatening fever. Luckily, a family friend was able to take her to a doctor for coal miners, and they were able to help heal her. After she went to the doctor, she finally left at age 37 after her older son bought her a small house. Initially, she had taken all of her children with her, until the man took them from her. The man used her neighbors to harass and threaten her. He used his title as a police chief to see her and say she was breaking the law. Her younger son began to defend her from this violence, until one day the man had her neighbors shoot and kill the son. When her son died, the woman was so terrified that she moved in with her mother. The man forbade her from seeing her daughters, so she would leave notes and money in the town for her daughters to secretly take. She was being watched, and the man began threatening that he was make her “disappear,” so her mother urged her to escape to the U.S. And so, she and her oldest son left for the U.S. In order to get to the border, they had to cross a large river. Her son didn’t know how to swim, but they went anyway because they knew they had to escape in order to survive. After crossing the river, it was late and dark, and the woman didn’t see the canal that she needed to jump over, falling over and breaking her leg. They were then guided by a coyote, a person who helps guide people living in Latin America to the U.S., through a muddy cornfield. She explained that with every step she took, it was incredibly painful. At one point,
they needed to run from the police, but she couldn’t, so she and her son hid in a junkyard for days until a man found them and helped them. She stayed at this man’s house for about a week while her sisters gathered the $5,000 needed to get her to where they lived in Denver. She finally arrived in Phoenix and rode in a semi-truck to Denver. When she arrived to Denver, her sisters took her to a house with people who knew how to fix her leg so that they wouldn’t have to amputate it. Since arriving in Denver, she has worked as a cook, housekeeper and custodian to survive. She is now 57-years-old and is currently in a happy, healthy relationship she’s been in for several years. Her kidneys still hurt from the abuse she has endured, and she has had to have surgery on them a few times while in the U.S. She works hard to send money back to her parents and daughters in Mexico. She said, with pride, that her daughters are well-educated, with one being a teacher, another a police woman and one a lawyer. She told me that she likes to work hard and is a team player. She will work hard to get anything she needs to accomplished. She remains optimistic despite her trauma and is trying to learn English in order to become a higher cook in Sodexo. Recently, she was notified that her plea for asylum in the U.S. was not accepted, and her lawyer is working hard to fight for her to be able to stay in the U.S., but they won’t know for sure until two years from now. After she told me her story, I told her a little bit about my family. I told her that I came from a grandmother who died crossing the U.S.-Mexico border to create a better life for her children and descendants to
come. I told her that I am deeply grateful for my grandmother and the life she has created for me, and that I, too, honor her own courage to risk her life to create a better life for her and her son. I truly cannot imagine anything more brave and courageous. It’s a strength that I, and many others, do not have. This woman’s story also made me think about how easy it is to make the “issue” of immigration and immigrants in the U.S. about numbers, crime and money, and to ignore the people—the very real human beings with feelings and experiences and lives— who are immigrating to the U.S., many of who are seeking refuge. Most recently, there was an outrage in Colorado over the 55 migrants from Central America seeking refuge in state. The comments on the news articles announcing this were full of angry comments questioning the legality of their entry into the U.S., and the burden this would cost on taxpayers. Many people voiced that they didn’t believe these refugees had the right to be here. But I argue that seeking refuge is a human right for all. Instead of demonizing immigrants for coming into the U.S., I ask that we take the time to listen to the stories that they have to share, such as the woman who told me hers. After listening to their stories and realizing the humanity in each and every migrant entering the U.S., we begin to realize that these immigrants are people who are deserving of safety, just like we are. When we begin to humanize the “immigrant,” we begin to have compassion for them—compassion that they deserve.
2
DU CLARION
| NEWS
M AY 2 9 , 2 0 1 9
Alabama and their new abortion bill
O
n Tuesday, May 14, Alabama lawmakers passed a measure effectively banning all abortions in the state in an effort to bring the case back to the Supreme Court. Their goal with the bill is to ban abortions in Alabama and eventually overturn Roe v. Wade in the whole country. Roe v. Wade is the Supreme Court ruling that the unreasonable restriction of abortions is unconstitutional.
The bill, HB 314 The Human Life Protection Act, mandates that women in Alabama must give birth in all cases, except if it poses a “serious health risk” to the mother. Women who have abortions will not be litigiously punished. However, there are strict punishments for doctors who perform abortions. A doctor who performs an abortion will be convicted of a Class A Felony, the same category of crime as rape and murder, and the punishment ranges from 10 to 99 years in prison. A doctor who attempts to perform an abortion would be convicted of a Class C Felony, which is punishable by
one and 10 years in prison. Lawmakers struck down an amendment that would make abortion permissible in cases of rape and incest. As it stands now, a women is mandated to give birth even if the unborn child was conceived through rape or incest. The bill will go into effect six months after the passage of the bill. However Governor Kay Ivey conceded in a statement from the governor’s office that, for the time being, the law is “unenforceable” because of Roe v. Wade. However, proponents of HB 314 are hopeful Because they intend for the law to challenge the federal law. Republican Representative and co-sponsor, Terri Collins said that HB 314, “is about challenging Roe v. Wade and protecting the lives of the unborn . . .” Opponents feel endangered by the law, and their intent to keeping women safe. Stacco Fox, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood said in a statement that, “In the coming days we will be mounting the fight of our lives
ABOUT US
-- we will take this to court and opponents are now waiting to ensure abortion remains safe see how courts handle Alabama’s and legal. For now, Planned abortion ban. Parenthood’s doors are open for the many patients who need access to care.” Proponents and Isaiah Jakab | News Editor
DU Clarion EDITORIAL STAFF
HANNAH BRANIT, Editor-in-Chief VICTORIA VALENZUELA, Executive Editor TARYN ALLEN, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus GRACE CARSON, Executive Editor Emeritus The Clarion is the official student newspaper of the University of Denver, serving as the “Voice of the Pioneers.” Founded in 1899, it covers campus and local stories with the highest level of journalistic integrity possible. 1000 copies are distributed each Wednesday afternoon (throughout the academic year) across the DU campus, and every article is also published at duclarion. com. The Clarion does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty, staff and/or administration of DU, and the opinions expressed by columnists and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of the Clarion. Reproduction of the Clarion in whole or part in any form written, broadcast or electronic without written permission of the Clarion is prohibited. The opinions expressed by columnists and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of the Clarion. The Clarion reserves the right to reject advertising, stories, columns or letters to the editor that it deems graphic, obscene or that discriminate on the basis of race, culture, gender or sexual orientation. The Clarion welcomes letters to the editor. Those who submit letters must limit them to 500 words. Some letters may not be published because of space limitations, overly-libelous content or similarity to past submissions. Please submit letters to duclarioneditor@gmail.com.
HOW TO JOIN The Clarion is open to contributors of all years and majors at DU, including both undergraduate and graduate students. There’s no application necessary; all you have to do is show up to one of our weekly meetings, which are held every Monday at 6 p.m. (during the academic year) in the Hub. Can’t make it to a meeting? Send an email to duclarioneditor@gmail.com and we’ll do everything we can to get you published.
ISAIAH G. JAKAB, News Editor LAWSON MONTGOMERY, Sports Editor ELIZABETH LOCHHEAD, Opinions Editor NINA PETROVIC, Arts & Life Editor CAITLAN GANNAM, Photo/Video Editor SARA LOUGHRAN, Copy Editor MAYA PINON, Copy Editor CHELSIE FINCHER, Illustrator HALEY BIRT, Paper Delivery Person SYDNEY KAPP, Business Manager ANDREW MATRANGA, Faculty Adviser Masthead graphic design: David Fain
CONTRIBUTING STAFF MEGAN COONEY
HALEY PAEZ
GRACE GANZ
CONOR CHAPMAN
M AY 2 9 , 2 0 1 9
DU CLARION
OPINIONS | 3
We must prevent shootings, not just address the aftermath
T
wo weeks ago, the Douglas County school board met to discuss the recent shooting at Highlands Ranch STEM School. In the meeting, they discussed adding more radios and resource officers to stop future shootings. But why only stop the shootings after they occur? Why not stop them from ever happening? I sadly have close connections to a number of shootings. The first one I really remember was Virginia Tech. As my father went there, I went with him to deliver an American flag that flew over the embassy in Afghanistan, where he worked at the time. The flag was an offer of condolences from the staff of the embassy and Marines from the shooting. The next one I remember is the Sandy Hook shooting. This occurred when I was able to understand what was happening more. I still remember thinking, “This should be the last one.” I was wrong. The next one was Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. I live 10 minutes away from Parkland, and a few days after the shooting, I was supposed to go to the school for a band competition. The following week, I was supposed to play against their lacrosse team to open the lacrosse season. Instead, I, along with the rest of my school, the survivors of Stoneman Douglas, and most of the world mourned and asked: “How has another one happened?” Finally, there was one this year at the University of North Carolina
Charlotte, where someone I knew had to hide, as a student went around trying to shoot whoever he could find. Most of the solutions that are being discussed to end school shootings are to help aid in stopping the events while they are unfolding. Arming teachers, more radios, an alarm system, etc. are all ways to stop the shooter, but after they started shooting. People could be injured or killed before those measures would be effective. While some members of Congress, including Ted Deutch and Kirsten Gillibrand, have pushed for more gun control laws (such as stricter background checks and allowing police to take away guns if a complaint is put in), none has passed federally. Pro-gun rights groups and believers have said that the focus should not be on the guns, but on the mental health of the individual. However, when legislators want to take away the guns from those suffering from mental health issues, the NRA has lobbied against the action. It seems like in America, people have given up on ending school shootings. It is like it is something we have to live with, as it is something that just is going to happen. The politicians on both sides of the aisle have moved on to other topics to bicker over, instead of protecting the next generations. I don’t have an answer to solving school shootings and mass shootings in general. All I want is to focus on adressing the cause of the shootings, not the aftermath. Conor Chapman | Contributing Writer
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Letter to the Editor: Student organization leaders call for changes
T
o the DU Chancellor not align with the university’s and Administration, values of inclusive excellence and further perpetuates othWe, the leaders ering of undergraduate and and members of the student graduate student populations. organizations at DU, are frusThe lack of action in trated and disappointed in addressing these and many the policies, management and other issues and concerns as oversight of student organi- they are brought forward to zations this past school year. the Student Organizations’ This has culminated in diffi- Comptroller Office, adminisculties and frustration in our trators in the Office of Student ability to operate and have Engagement, the Undergradupositive impact at DU and ate Student Government and greater community. the Department of Campus Student organization finan- Life and Inclusive Excellence cial policies are being incon- is unacceptable and upsetting. sistently administered and do We want student organinot align with the university’s zation financial policies and financial policies. Student the Student Organizations’ organization members have Comptroller Office to be to wait six weeks for reim- brought in alignment with the bursement, which has placed university financial policies an unjust financial strain on and procedures. This would students. There are difficulties mean providing transparency accessing purchasing cards, of in our account activity and which there are very few avail- current balance statement in able for student organizations a timely manner. Reimburseto utilize. Further, disorgani- ments would also need to be zation of the Student Organi- completed within ten business zations’ Comptroller office has days of submission, per the lead to large gaps in updated university’s policies, to elimiaccount balances, lost forms nate the unfair financial strain and receipts and difficulty placed on students. We also ask obtaining consistent access graduate students be allowed to funds. the opportunity to become We also feel that the Under- members of our student orgagraduate Student Government nizations. Lastly, we are also policy to disallow graduate requesting easier avenues for students to be full members addressing the concerns and of student organizations does problems experienced by stu-
dent organizations, as well as timeliness in resolving them. We hope bringing these concerns to the highest level of the DU administration will result in addressing the above issues in a swift and efficient manner, so the integrity and values of DU are upheld. Additionally, the resolve of these issues promotes the university’s mission to support its students who are working to further their education through their participation in student organizations and bettering the greater community as a whole. Sincerely, the members of the following student organizations, Max Pivonka, President, Alpha Phi Omega, National Service Fraternity June Churchill, President, Queer Student Alliance Ester Phenna, President, GlobeMed at DU Carrie Hicks, DU Debate
President,
Ryan DU EMS
President,
Hyde,
Marius Rosu, Pre-Health Club
President,
Taryn Allen | Clarion
4
| ARTS
DU CLARION
& LIFE
M AY 2 9 , 2 0 1 9
“Father of Asahd” has got the keys
I
magine: you put on that fresh album release and a catchy, trap beat slips into your headphones. You’re just beginning to settle into the first 10 seconds of the song, expectations rising, and theeen… sigh. “We the best music!!” and “DJ Khaled!!” blasts through the track at a volume seemingly 50% louder than the rest of the song. A tale as old as time, a producer tag more obnoxious than any other in the rap industry. So when you suggest to someone that they listen to DJ Khaled’s newest album release, “Father of Asahd,” are you even surprised that they roll their eyes and say, “Oh yeah sure I’ll listen to ‘anotha one’”? DJ Khaled has somewhat of a “meme” reputation in pop culture. He is a music mogul and Snapchat motivational speaker, both endeavors which are notorious for his best trademark slogans and famous friends. But, does he even do anything except use his superstar collabs as a vehicle to put his name on what he doesn’t really deserve?
Yes, he does a lot of everything, and it’s time to clean up his tainted reputation. Khaled has a better ear for hits than most who could be randomly picked from the music industry’s highest ranks. Featuring virtually all of the biggest names in rap and hip-hop right now, his latest 15-song album proves this in its banger-after-banger sequence of tracks. Almost every song sounds as if it could be a single. The album’s opener and closer, though, provide a refreshing take on Khaled’s typical music, which tackles more unique artists, choppy samples, less radio-esque sounds and reggae legend Buju Banton’s excellent features. The point of Khaled’s albums are not to create an intricate concept or storyline. They are compilations of hits and avenues for all the best of hip-hop to flex and collaborate. While the songs “No Brainer” and “Just Us” proved to be surprising disappointments, the rest of the album makes up for it. Travis Scott and Post Malone team up on “Celebrate.”
STORING FOR THE SUMMER? WE'LL PICK UP YOUR STUFF! With a 3 month stay we will move your items to our facility for free! Go to 12denverstorage.com for details and pricing, or call (303)777-7179
Malone’s smooth R&B verses seamlessly interchange with Scott’s hard-hitting chorus and second verse. Lil’ Wayne and Gunna unite to make “Freak N You,” exchanging light-hearted, clever verses over a pitched up, accelerated sample from Jodeci’s 1995 hit “Freek’n You.” Other especially successful songs include “You Stay.” Post-prison and better-than-ever Meek Mill works with J Balvin, Lil Baby, Jeremih and a humble yet driving beat. “Higher” takes the prize of the triumphant outlier for the album, featuring John Legend and posthumous verses from Nipsey Hussle. Both artists shine all throughout the three minutes, and the song gives a soulful, meaningful approach to this album as it discusses “God’s grace” in times of familial struggle and police brutality. However, perhaps the most memorable feature on the entire album is Cardi B. Holding nothing back on a characteristic Tay Keith trap beat thick with 808s, she delivers a classic unfiltered and empowering verse of provoca-
tive one-liners. So, back to the original question: did DJ Khaled actually do anything on this album? Of course. He curated all of these hit sounds, assisted in every step of the production and serves as the mastermind behind putting all of these collaborations on one album. He embodies a true entrepreneur, a man who knows how to buy the right beats and what to do to make them better. He’s a true fan of rap who knows which people to put in the same room at what times and how to make the most commercially successful song possible. DJ Khaled is the backbone of his own operation and its biggest contributor along with his son, Asahd, who sits in on every studio session. Even if it’s obnoxiously loud at the start of every one of his songs, his name more than deserves to be on the tracks. Orchestrated and made possible by an expert of the music industry, “Father of Asahd” should not be underestimated. Major key alert.
Grace Ganz | Contributing Writers