January 23, 2024

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January 23, 2024

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PAGE 2 January 23, 2024

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BLACKSBURG COMMUNITY URGES FOR CONTINUED INVESTIGATION OF TEEN MURDER-SUICIDE Jane park | news editor

Community members say Blacksburg High School offered little support to the deceased teens.

A Blacksburg High School parent created a petition calling on the Montgomery County Public Schools School Board to conduct an independent investigation of the murder-suicide involving two students last November, according to WDBJ7.

“We believe that there are serious questions surrounding the actions of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in relation to this tragic event,” the petition said. “It is crucial for our community’s safety and trust in our education system that these questions be answered through a thorough and independent

investigation.”

A commenter on the petition by the name of Madison Moris said that as a former Blacksburg High School student, they saw little support for mental health at the school. “... I am not surprised by the lack of mental health resources and support offered in MCPS, and specifically at the high school,” Moris said. “While I can’t say for certain, I believe had more been done, this tragedy could’ve been prevented. I’ve had my own experiences at MCPS and its apparent lackluster response when it comes to mental health, as well as transparency

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surrounding issues impacting the MCPS community. I know firsthand how important mental health is, but the lack of help and support available for students is extremely disappointing. I hope that change will occur and that MCPS and BHS will be held accountable.”

The family of Serenity Hawley, one of the deceased teens in the car, said that her ex-boyfriend shot and killed her before taking his own life.

Wendy Eckenrod-Green, who created the petition, said her son was friends with Hawley.

“Watching Serenity’s friends struggle and grapple with their grief ... it’s been very challenging and difficult,” EckenrodGreen said to WDBJ7. “And they have questions and are concerned and confused about what could have been done to have prevented it.”

Eckenrod-Green said that students went

to school administrators with concerns over Hawley’s safety. However, they were dismissive.

The petition reads that along with seeking justice for those directly affected by the murder-suicide, it is meant to ensure the safety and well-being of students across Montgomery County.

“Independent investigations are normal responses to school shootings,” EckenrodGreen said. “And although this murdersuicide did not occur on Blacksburg High School campus, I believe that there were mechanisms in place that would have or should have prevented the murder-suicide.”

Hawley ’s parents have expressed support for the petition. It currently has 1,218 signatures.

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OPINIONS collegiatetimes.com

January 23, 2024 PAGE 3

THE RENAISSANCE OF TRUE POLITICAL PARRHESIA Juan Bonilla | opinions contributor

Extreme polarization and overflowing information make the protection of free speech crucial for maintaining democracy.

D

emocracy beats strongest when its citizens freely express their thoughts, like the lifeblood of a nation. We stand on a seismic shift in 2024, poised for a political landscape that amplifies the importance of speaking up, demonstrating respect and safeguarding the sacred right to free speech. In a world intricately woven with technology and social media, self-expression has become a nuanced dance Exercising free speech transcends mere terminology; it’s a superhero duty.

In the impending year, every citizen must recognize the extraordinary power embedded in their voices. Citizens are indispensable tools essential to sculpting the political narrative and keeping elected officials on their toes.

Speaking up is no longer confined to traditional town hall meetings and campaign rallies. The digital era has transformed social media platforms into modern soapboxes — an elevated stage where individuals can stand and deliver an unplanned speech, frequently centered around political matters. On such platforms, anyone can contribute, engage in discussions and drum up support for their favored candidates. However, in this age of information overload, wielding your voice comes with responsibility. As we’re faced with a deluge of misinformation on a daily basis, fact-checking before hitting the share button becomes a necessity.

Respecting free speech doesn’t entail endorsing ever y opinion. A vibrant democracy thrives on the convergence of diverse perspectives, where ideas clash, evolve and contribute to the collective growth of society. The echo chambers of social media have escalated political polarization to unprecedented levels. Tolerating diverse viewpoints is not merely a moral imperative; it ’s a strategic necessity.

Citizens must actively seek out and engage with opinions that challenge their

own and foster an environment of open dialogue and understanding. By promoting moderate discourse , citizens play an active role in dismantling echo chambers, paving the way for a more discerning and understanding electorate.

Political leaders, the major players in this democratic drama, must set the stage for respectful discourse. Election campaigns should pivot around substantive policy discussions rather than descending into personal attacks. A commitment to respectful engagement from politicians has a cascading effect, permeating down to the grassroots level and creating an environment where citizens feel empowered to express their opinions.

Political leaders hold considerable weight in shaping public opinion through social media. Think of platforms like X, formerly Twitter, and Facebook as their direct megaphones, allowing them to share messages quickly and widely. This immediacy gives leaders the ability to set agendas, influence stories and connect with people in real time. However, the open nature of social media brings challenges, as leaders might spread misinformation or play on emotions. It’s crucial for leaders to use these platforms responsibly and strategically to encourage informed discussions. In today’s digital age, political figures navigate a landscape where shaping public opinion is both a tool for democratic engagement and a potential source of false information.

While engaging in conversation and respecting free speech are indispensable for a robust democracy, protecting free speech is akin to providing it with a shield and armor. In an era where information travels at warp speed and the boundaries between public and private discourse blur, safeguarding free speech becomes a challenge.

Protection doesn’t equate to encasing citizens’ rights in a fortress. It is a balance of

limiting harmful speech and preserving the democratic right to express dissent. Any attempt to muzzle free speech through censorship is similar to hurling a wrecking ball at the very foundations of democracy.

William Blanco, Philosophy and Social Studies Professor at Karl C. Parrish High School, touches on philosophical subjects such as the Socratic Method. The virtue of asking questions and trying to understand the truth from those was of fundamental gravity to him.

“The virtue of asking questions is like a doorway to a new way of living,” Blanco said.

We, as citizens of the world, need to seek and attempt to apply this in our lives. The truth, even though hard to find because of politics, is what should be the principal priority in any scenario of life. Politicians and elites from both sides may declare the truth as a primary concern when they are the same individuals who use the mechanisms provided to them to prohibit the free flow of truth.

Free speech, as advocated by the ACLU, forms the bedrock of political discourse.

However, Michael O. Keefe and Peter L. Munk underscore that truth is its linchpin, guarding us against misinformation.

Responsible political communication, supported by media literacy, becomes imperative. In navigating this delicate balance, a commitment to transparency and fact-checking is paramount. Ultimately, the synthesis of free speech and truth is the cornerstone of a robust democratic system.

Addressing the rise of misinformation necessitates arming citizens with the tools to discern truth from falsehood.

Educational initiatives and media literacy campaigns become indispensable in empowering citizens to critically evaluate information and make informed decisions.

Po liti c a l sp e e ch , th o u gh fo un dational, carries the potential for harm and defamation. In pursuit of

objectives, misinformation can poison public discourse, eroding trust. This dual nature underscores the challenge — how to preserve the democratic ideals upheld by free speech while mitigating the risks of its misuse in spreading falsehoods and damaging narratives.

As we brace ourselves for the tumultuous 2024 political scene, speaking up, showing respect and guarding free speech emerge as the bedrock of a resilient democracy.

Citizens must grasp that they are the architects of the political narrative, using their voices like virtuoso performers in the public arena. Respecting diverse views becomes essential to dismantle the walls of polarization and shape a community of informed, empathetic voters.

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PAGE 4 January 23, 2024

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TATTOOS AND THE WORKPLACE TABOO Gwen Lee | opinions contributor

Self-expression through body art should not hinder employee success in the workplace.

“Tattoos” is a word that deeply divides different generations, especially when it comes to work environments. According to the University of Houston, tattoos have historically been associated with rebellion — whether to some that means teen angst or even criminal activity. While body art has become more widely accepted, society must ensure those with tattoos aren’t denied opportunities or put into boxes.

As a child, I had little reason to care about workplace appearance in general, but some conversations stick with me to this day. Grandad would always talk to my father about how he should present himself, specifically about how my dad would have to shave his facial hair to find work. My dad was already employed and hasn’t kept it shorter than a full beard since.

This is not to discredit my grandfather, but the rules of employment have changed since my grandfather’s last job interview.

The place for tattoos in the working class is shifting as well, but ink still catches more attention than a beard ever has.

For potential employees with tattoos, workplace attitudes towards body art can vary depending on the profession.

The University of Houston states that while tattoos are more widely accepted across employment fields, blue-collar jobs and artistic-based white-collar jobs show unconscious positive bias towards employees with ink.

Why is it that some professions don’t get the ability to express themselves in the same way others do? It would be understandable for inappropriate or controversial tattoos, but as of 2019, 30% of the U.S. population had tattoos. This prejudice seems to harm a significant number of those who have uncontroversial body art.

According to CNBC, labor shortages have started to force employers to relax the rules and regulations surrounding remote work, dress codes and body art. One such company that faced big changes was UPS. Carol Tome, UPS CEO weighed in during an interview with CNBC.

“Our tattoo policy was more restrictive than the U.S. Army,” Tome said.

CNBC shared that UPS proceeded to adjust their policies to allow the display of tattoos, specifically those without offensive language or imagery. These changes came in April of 2021, following research, surveys and interviews with employees.

Nadedge Harrison, an employee for the Airline Pilots Association International, has an array of tattoos and piercings and describes her experience navigating the workplace.

“My supervisor at my current workplace has told me to cover my tattoos when pilots are in the building or around. It’s understandable. I don’t mind, I love my job. However, it is fully due to the stigma attached to tattoos,” Harrison said.

The Princeton Legal Journal cites studies stating that tattoos were not significantly associated with job and hiring discrimination. In contrast, a Colorado State study showed that tattoos even had a part to play in workplace discrimination, especially against female employees or applicants.

These discriminations include lower pay and fewer promotion opportunities.

As a society, we are starting to become more accepting toward people with body modifications, whether they are piercings, tattoos or even hair dye. Not everyone is leaning into that negative stigma, and some have even started celebrating the individuality that comes along with such aesthetic choices. As the younger generation takes the lead, things will continue to change in the right direction.

“Amongst the boomer generation there has been no change. In my workplace I never see (tattoos),” Harrison stated. She goes on to say “The younger generation is more tolerable to body modifications.”

Harrison also shared that on days she does have her tattoos visible at work, people tend to have a “noticeable” reaction. Not all negative though, as she referenced the numerous compliments she

has received.

While a compliment from your colleague and positive feedback from your friends is wonderful, how can we truly embrace the individuality that society tells us to celebrate? The idea that tattoos are unprofessional is completely unfounded. They are art. People put their hearts, souls and sometimes just cool imagery onto their bodies. By associating tattoos with such a negative connotation, society is asking those with body art to shy away from creative expression.

Tattoos aren’t for everyone, and that is okay. Whether you have them or not, tattoos are becoming a normal part of society. The professional world needs to get with the program and embrace creative expression.

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January 23, 2023 PAGE 5

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LIFESTYLES

2024 CADETS VERSUS CIVILIANS SNOWBALL FIGHT RECAP Emma Duncan | Lifestyles staff writer

Lifestyles writer Emma Duncan covers the Hokie tradition of a first-snow war on the Drillfield

ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES Cadets versus Civilians Snowball Fight, Jan. 17 2022

On Tuesday, Jan. 16, Hokies were welcomed back to campus by two inches of snow. To most, this weather meant a colder walk to class, but to others, it meant war.

The time had come for the traditional cadets versus civilians snowball fight. It had been two years with no significant snowfall during the 2022–2023 academic year.

“I just love a good snowball fight! I also love the fact that the annual Cadets versus (Civilians) snowball fight is a school tradition. That ’s an awesome tradition worth supporting,” said Chloe Byrd, a sophomore majoring in national security and foreign affairs in the Navy ROTC. “I’ve got a couple of freshmen I’m in charge of, and when formation ended on snowball fight day, I told them, ‘Skip class, throw snowballs.’”

This snowball fight has become a key part of Virginia Tech’s culture. Not only does it boost morale, but students leave encouraged to keep finding the fun moments that college life in Blacksburg offers. It also builds a sense of community between civilians and cadets, two groups who are usually separated, but now have an event to remember together.

As a whole, students seem to believe the snowball fight makes campus feel connected, lighthearted, and more like home. It is viewed as a rite of passage for Virginia Tech students, just like jumping in Lane Stadium and meeting the Hokie Bird.

“I decided to go to the snowball fight because I remember being told about it during my tour of Tech and being from California, I’ve never really experienced

snow,” said Bella Guereca, a freshman majoring in physics. “I thought it would be super fun to get involved this way.”

During the fight, some students relived their childhood and absorbed all of the fun.

“I think my favorite memories from it were the massive charge at the cadets and hitting a couple when I got close to the front,” said Chloe Stockli, a freshman majoring in clinical neuroscience. “It brings people together for a goal. Even a silly one like beating the cadets at a snowball fight.”

The cadets approached this tradition with a specific game plan.

“We formed a cavalry line and charged, and those in the back got some time to make as many snowballs as possible before the battlefront caught up,” Byrd said. “The problem is that there were so many more

civilians and as we charged we got thoroughly surrounded and subsequently pushed back to the Pylons. And even then, some of the (civilians) had ... snowball guns? We’re definitely going to need some of those for next year.”

As Byrd said, the civilians also had some tricks up their sleeve.

“My strategy was to make sure I did not get hit in the face,” said Keller Johnson, a freshman majoring in civil engineering. “I tried to hit the cadets in the face because that’s the worst place to get hit! We pelted the cadets with snowballs until we had won.”

After her victory with the civilians, Guereca can’t wait for the next battle.

“I would 100% go to another snowball fight like this,” Guereca said. “It’s super fun and everyone gets so excited and it’s just a wonderful vibe to be around, and something every student should experience!”

“Better luck next time,” Johnson, a civilian, said.

The cadets had some words for the civilians as well.

“We had fun lobbing snowballs at you and getting pelted in return. You guys are particularly good at headshots! A lot of you must have siblings,” Byrd said. “Hopefully y’all had just as much fun and enjoyed the bagpipes. We’ll see you next year, and make every effort to acquire snowball guns and a working snowball fight strategy.”

With Blacksburg’s unpredictable winter weather, no one knows if this next fight will recur in one year or five. Regardless, both teams seem to be ready.

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PAGE 6 January 23, 2024

SPORTS

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SWIM AND DIVE MEETS NEW PRS IN TRIUMPHANT SENIOR DAY TRI-MEET Ellen Muldowney | sports staff writer

The Hokies recognized eight seniors for their time on the team.

THOMAS BRAY / COLLEGIATE TIMES Virginia Tech’s Lee Naber gathers himself after competition, Jan. 20, 2023.

Virginia Tech swim and dive was back in the Christiansburg Aquatic Center on Jan. 20 with a double-sided win against Princeton and Penn State. The men swamped Princeton, 198–102, and Penn State, 208–92. The women followed suit, defeating Princeton 162–138, and clearing Penn State 218–82.

Most importantly, the Hokies were back in their own water for their annual Senior Day. Seniors Abraham Apfel, Emma Atkinson, Lauren Barakey, Caroline Bentz, Allison Henry, Alexander Neff, Collin Myburgh and Chase Travis were all recognized for their years of diligence and dedication to the team and coaching staff.

As if the day could not already have highlighted them enough, Travis and Bentz had to show out for their last official

splash in the Christiansburg pool — and they delivered without a doubt. Kicking off the individual events, Travis took an early victory with a new personal record in 1000-meter freestyle, dropping over a second to finish with a 9:43:61.

Freshman Sydney Starnes followed behind her with another PR, dropping 19.6 seconds to finish second with 10:01:79.

Travis also placed first in the 500 freestyle with 4:47:74, continuing her season reign over the distance events.

Bentz also saw some PRs Saturday afternoon, dropping 0.28 seconds in the 50 freestyle to leave her with a winning time of 22.43. Her second win came in the 100 freestyle, where her 1.02-second drop had her finishing in 48.73.

The men also brought the heat on Senior

Day, kicking off the meet with a pool record in the 200 medley relay. Youssef Ramadan, Carles Coll Marti, William Hayon and Brendan Whitfield finished in 1:23.81 — the country’s sixth-fastest time this season.

Ramadan finished first in the 50 freestyle with a time of 19.51 and the 100 butterfly with 45.58.

Sophomore Nico Garcia placed first in the 200 backstroke and 1000 freestyle, dropping over six seconds in the latter event to secure a win in 9:05.35.

As for the dive team, sophomore Grace Austin placed first in the women’s platform after scoring 244.50. Miah Fisher, her junior teammate, also placed first in the three-meter, scoring 268.00, further solidifying the Hokies’ overall wins against the Tigers and Nittany Lions.

With the last regular meet of the season coming to a close, the Hokies will be back in the Christiansburg pool Feb. 2 to 4, for the Virginia Tech Invitational. That will be their last stop before heading to Greensboro, North Carolina, for the ACC Championships later that month.

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January 23, 2024 PAGE 7

HOT SHOOTING HELPS MEN’S BASKETBALL PICK UP FIRST ROAD WIN AGAINST NC STATE Brennan Weiss | sports staff writer

Tech committed 20 turnovers but still pulled out a win.

On the road again, Virginia Tech men’s basketball traveled to PNC Arena to face off against NC State. Star Wars Day at PNC Arena had the Hokies, winless on the road, playing the role of the Rebel Alliance, making the Wolfpack the Galactic Empire.

NC State clawed back in the final minutes, but Virginia Tech held on as they secured their first road win of the season, 84–78.

“It’s huge,” said Virginia Tech guard Hunter Cattoor. “It’s tough to win road games in the ACC, we knew we had to go take it if we wanted it.”

The first half got off to a hectic start, with more turnovers than baskets made in the first 10 minutes of the game. The Hokies (11–7, 3–4 ACC) were barely ahead at the half, with their lead cut to one by a threepoint make from Breon Pass at the buzzer.

Pass hadn’t played in a game for NC State (13–5, 5–2 ACC) since Dec. 23, but he was

ready when his number was called for the out-of-bounds play.

Wolfpack guard Casey Morsell made a three with 3:45 left in the first half. His shot was the first three-pointer NC State hit in a week; they beat Wake Forest on Wednesday while shooting 0-for-8 from behind the arc. On Saturday, NC State shot 6-for-19 from three compared to Virginia Tech’s 9-for-19.

The Wolfpack played with ferocity on defense and had more control than they did in their game against Wake Forest. On Wednesday, they picked up five technical fouls and coach Kevin Keatts was ejected in the first half.

Hokies center Lynn Kidd bounced back from his off-game against Virginia, delivering 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting.

Kidd and backup forward Mylyjael Poteat fought hard on the block against NC State big man DJ Burns Jr., who the Wolfpack

often ran their offense through. They were effective, limiting Burns to eight points and three assists and keeping the 275-pound center in foul trouble all game long.

The second half went much like the first, with a close back and forth contest defined by turnovers and fouls. Just when it looked like the tide would go NC State’s way, veteran guards Cattoor and Sean Pedulla led the Hokies on a 17–4 run, when they combined to shoot 6-for-6 from the floor.

Pedulla took advantage of defensive guard Jayden Taylor playing with three fouls, driving past him to the rim on back-to-back possessions and stifling an electric home crowd.

Up six points with 11 seconds left, Pedulla turned the ball over to Taylor but recovered quickly and drew a charge.

Cattoor, injured on the previous play, caught the inbounds pass and hobbled down the court to put the game away at the

free throw line.

“Yeah, I had to stay in there,” Cattoor said after the game. “We had to finish that off.”

The Hokies embodied that toughness all day long, not letting 20 turnovers — one short of their season high — hold them back. Instead, they forced a season-high 18 turnovers out of the Wolfpack and refused to let the home team set the tempo.

Virginia Tech will come home to defend Cassell Coliseum on Tuesday against the Boston College Eagles, led by senior Quinten Post, the ACC’s 2022-2023 Most Improved Player. On Wednesday, NC State travels to John Paul Jones Arena to face the Virginia Cavaliers, looking to do what Virginia Tech could not.

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HAMAD ALHENDI / COLLEGIATE TIMES Virginia Tech Hokies center Lynn Kidd (15) shoots the ball from the layup, Jan. 10, 2024.

PAGE 8 January 23, 2024

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KITLEY’S PRODUCTIVE DAY HELPS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HANDLE CLEMSON Thomas Bray | sports editor

Georgia Amoore missed her first game since 2020 after sustaining a head injury on Thursday.

In front of a white-out crowd of Hokies, Virginia Tech (13–4, 4–2 ACC) got back in the win column with a 74– 62 victory over Clemson (8–10, 1–5 ACC). Georgia Amoore did not play but Elizabeth Kitley’s efficient day helped the Hokies handle Clemson without their star guard.

Cayla King kicked off scoring for the Hokies with a three-pointer and they jumped out to a 7–0 lead. Clemson did not go away, however. They went on a run of their own to bring the score to 16 –12 entering the second quarter.

Clemson, more specifically Dayshanette Harris, began to attack Virginia Tech’s youth in the backcourt. Harris had 17 of the Tigers’ first 27 points and they went on a 10–0 run in the second quarter.

Defensively, the Hokies switched things up, and Matilda Ekh believed it played a part in their 7–0 run to close the first half.

“In the beginning we played a lot of man, and she was just going off,” Ekh said.

“She’s a good player. She’s a quick player and we switched to playing zone just to have a little bit more help inside.”

The Hokies went into the locker room with a 31–29 lead. Kitley had a team-high nine points, and Olivia Summiel’s six first-half rebounds were crucial.

Heading into the second half, Clemson’s game plan never really changed. They wanted to get the ball inside. In fact, they did not make a three-pointer until around the three-minute mark in the third quarter.

Kenny Brooks never got that runaway run that we have seen before, but their prolific shooting masked the 20 turnovers they had as a team.

After starting 1–7 from beyond the arc, the Hokies shot 6 –9 in the second and third quarters and led 53–45 entering the final frame.

The fourth quarter added another element of adversit y to Amoore ’s absence. King, who had nine assists running in the point guard role she played in school, went down with a knee injury after a collision with Harris.

Cassell Coliseum was quiet as Brooks’ coaching staff carried the Greensboro,

HAMAD ALHENDI / COLLEGIATE TIMES Virginia Tech Hokies center Elizabeth Kitley (33) attempting a jump shot, March 17 2023.

North Carolina native off the court.

As a team, they knew they had to stay composed and finish the game.

“A lot of us were just feeling for her in that moment but we also knew that we had a game to play and a game to finish,” Kitley said after another 30-point game with an impressive 15–22 field-goal split.

They did exactly that. In the final five minutes, Virginia Tech’s lead ballooned to as much as 13 before the clock hit zero in their 72–64 win.

Without Amoore, Ekh’s 16 points and King’s nine assists were vital in supplementing some of her production, Looking ahead, the Hokies may be without Amoore and King for their game against Georgia Tech on Jan. 25.

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