Issue 7 | Volume 101

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College

Latinx term banned

Arkansas released an executive order earlier this year to ban the term from alll state documents

Lilyana Kovacheva

Senior Writer

Earlier this year, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas announced an executive order to ban the word “Latinx” from state documents.

“Ethnically insensitive and pejorative language has no place in official government documents or government employee titles,” Sanders said. “One can no more easily remove gender from Spanish and other romance languages than one can remove vowels and verbs from English.”

YOUTUBER’S VIRAL VIDEO GENERATES CONTROVERSY AT METROPOLIS CAFE

Charlotte MaClane, a junior psychology major, says that the term is an example of societal changes and acceptance.

“People should have the choice to identify as they seem fit to themselves,” MaClane said. “If there is a population of people who identify in the same way or label themselves similarly, then that population should be acknowledged. It shouldn’t affect others as easily as they’re allowing it to.”

See LATINX | Page 2

restaurant with a sign reading “God bless the homeless veterans.”

Gray in the video, questioning him about his identity and intentions.

Youtuber and first amendment auditor Jeff Gray stirred recent controversy at Metropolis Cafe in downtown Milledgeville. In mid-February, Gray posted a video on his channel, “HonorYourOaths Civil Rights Investigations,” where he posed outside the

MARCH MADNESS LIVES UP TO ITS’ NAME

Drew Bogumill Staff Writer

March Madness is in full swing and college basketball fans are now looking back at what the 2023 tournament has looked like.

Arizona State’s Desmond Cambridge Jr. and Michigan’s Hunter Dickinson kept their teams on the NCAA tournament bubble with miracle shots two weeks ahead of Selection Sunday.

The Sun Devils and Wolverines were among a handful of teams trying to squeeze into the Field of 68 for the 2023 men’s basketball tournament, and those shots

kept them in the mix.

This year’s Final Four is April 1-3 at NRG Stadium in Houston, and fans now have a chance to see which four teams will get to compete in the national championship.

The last four teams were Mississippi State, North Carolina, West Virginia and Oklahoma State. The first four out were Clemson, Utah State, Arizona State and Michigan.

Entering the tournament, Alabama secured their top spot for the South region, while Purdue took the East region. Houston got the number one seed for the Midwest, and Kansas took

it for the West region.

Houston opened with the best odds to win this year’s March Madness at +550, according to the BetMGM sportsbook. However, an injury to star Marcus Sasser cast some doubt on the Cougars, leaving it to be anybody’s tournament to win.

Alabama (+800) and defending champion Kansas (+800) were next in line, followed by Purdue (+1100). The second tier of UCLA, Arizona, Texas and UConn were slightly sneakier bets to win it all, but still had the high-end talent to erase the chalk.

See MADNESS | Page 6

The video shows Gray addressing people as they exit the restaurant, or as they pass him on the street. Most who passed by acknowledged him with a nod after he would exclaim “God bless the homeless veterans.”

An officer from the Milledgeville Police Department confronted

Gray insisted that since he was not being detained, he was not constitutionally obligated to release that information.

Gray repeatedly stated it was his Constitutionally protected right to stand outside Metropolis Cafe under the privilege of freedom of speech, freedom of religion and

freedom of assembly on a traditional public forum.

Metropolis’s landlord, David Bernard Simmons, quickly arrived on scene and informed Gray that he could not pose outside the restaurant. It resulted in Gray being criminally trespassed from the entire block of N Wayne St. Most of the buildings on this street are owned by Simmons.

See METROPOLIS | Page 7

TAYLOR SWIFT IS A MUSICAL INSPIRATION

Hannah Adams Asst. Opinion Editor

Since the start of her career, Taylor Swift has been a huge role model for young girls and women globally. As a young artist, she took the world by storm by dropping her country music albums that touched the hearts of fans and connected to the lives of teenage girls. Swift has never shied away from creating music that is personal, raw and real. Her songs dig deep into the authentic emotions and heartbreak that so many young women feel and experience in their youth. She has never refrained from talking about the difficult experiences and has a way with words

that is truly incredible.

With the Eras Tour being in full swing, I have been thinking back on my personal connection with Swift and the impact her music has had on my life. I can still remember getting my first Taylor Swift disk and playing it constantly on my CD player. My mom always made a spe-

cial effort to get tickets to her concerts, and as a young girl, I was able to see both Fearless and Red live in Atlanta. It is still a vivid memory to me, listening to her after my first heartbreak, my first kiss and other integral experiences of growing up and going through being a teenager.

Taylor Swift

Katherine Futch Editor in Chief

Anjali Shennoy | Digital Media Editor

Metropolis Cafe in Downtown Milledgeville

LATINX

Continued from page 1

More recently, a group of Hispanic lawmakers in the state of Connecticut has proposed that the state follows Arkansas’s lead and introduce legislation to ban the term “Latinx” from their governing documents. Their reasonings differ, in that their consensus is that the “Americanized word disfigures the Spanish language and is an act of cultural appropriation.”

“In the terms of government documents, I think that they make us check enough boxes and fill in enough blanks, and it’s only up to whoever is filling it out to put what they’d like,” McClane said.

The group of lawmakers called the term offensive to Spanish speakers.

One of the five Hispanic Democrats who added their name onto the legislation to ban

the term is state Representative Geraldo Reyes Jr., who is also the bill’s chief sponsor. He said that the term is not a Spanish word but is instead a “woke” term that is offensive to Connecticut’s large Puerto Rican population. In his interviews and announcements, Reyes said that though his motivations differ from Sanders’s, he believes that her decision was the right one.

“I’m of Puerto Rican descent, and I find it offensive,” Reyes Jr. said.

The term’s increasing usage has been a subject of right-wing mockery. Still, most Hispanic Americans reject it, and the broader debate over the term and its usage does not fall solely along liberal-conservative lines.

“Banning the use of the term ‘Latinx’ takes the decision out of Hispanic Americans’ hands

Editorial Board

Katherine Futch..............

Cale Strickland................

Claire O’Neill...................

Rebecca Meghani..........

Lily Pruitt............................

Hayden Flinn....................

Brennan Schmitz...........

Jennifer Crider.................

William Van de Planque..............................

Abigayle Allen..................

Hannah Adams...............

Anjali Shenoy................

Marissa Marcolina.........

Connor Patronis.............

Robert Trotter...................

William Burke..................

who believe in the term,” said Daniela Hernandenz, a senior public health and Spanish major who serves as president of the Latin Student Association. “While some Latines may prefer to use the term “Latinx” as a way to be more gender-inclusive, others may find it to be unfamiliar or inappropriate. I personally use the term ‘Latin’ as the gender-neutral version, as it takes away the neo-colonialism aspect of the Latinx term.”

A popular argument is

how Hispanic Americans need the word “Latinx” to include trans people. Many feel as if it is transphobic, and some argue over why people use “Latinx” when they could use the “gender-neutral version,” “Latin.”

“Latin isn’t actually the gender-neutral term for people who have Latin American roots and/ or origins,” Hernandez said. “‘Latin’” is the dead language that gave birth to the majority of the languages spoken today in Latin America. ‘Latin,’

therefore, is never used as a term to describe people from Latin America nor people who have roots from Latin America. Hence, there stems the debate whether to use the term ‘Latine’/’Latinx’ as the gender-neutral version of ‘Latino’/’Latina.’”

Hernandez continues to discuss how cultural evolution plays a significant role in this issue.

“The decision of whether or not to use the term ‘Latinx’ should be made on an individual basis, taking into consid-

eration the preferences and experiences of the people being referred to,” Hernandez said.

“Language is an integral part of culture, and it is natural for language to evolve over time along with the changes in culture. In fact, language and culture are so closely intertwined that it is difficult to separate them completely. As cultures change, new concepts, ideas and technologies emerge, and the language needs to adapt to accommodate these changes.”

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders

Newly proposed bill leaves controversy over voting rights for inmates

Katherine Futch Editor in Chief

Inmate and felon voting rights are once again under debate with Minnesota passing HF 28 earlier this year. This bill restores the right to vote for individuals convicted of a felony upon completion of any term of incarceration imposed.

The right to vote while incarcerated has been an ongoing debate. In 2020, Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders and former president Donald Trump argued over this matter. Sanders was in support of the right to vote for inmates – even those who had committed the most heinous of crimes.

“I think the right to vote is inherent to our democracy,” Sanders said at a CNN Town Hall event in 2020. “Yes, even for terrible people because once you start chipping away - you’re running

down a slippery slope.”

In light of this new bill passing in Minnesota, other states are revisiting their voting rights policies. California is proposing a new constitutional amendment to reinstate prisoners’

even while incarcerated.

The bill was introduced in early February by Assembly Member Isaac Bryan, who said it was time to open voting to all citizens of California, even if they are imprisoned.

the Associated Press. This amendment is currently under review.

In order for it to be added to the State’s constitution, two-thirds of each chamber of the state legislature must vote yes for the bill to appear on a ballot

along with 14 other states, revokes the right to vote for felons who are currently serving their sentence. That includes parole, probation, fines, fees and restitution.

However, when a sentence is completed, an

graduation. She believes that Georgia’s felon voting policy should be implemented nationwide.

“When someone has completed their sentence, they are given the majority of the rights back,” Newlin said. “I think they should be treated as functioning members of society.”

However, Newlin does not agree with the proposition of California’s new amendment and does not believe it will be implemented.

voting rights. If passed, California would join Washington D.C., Maine and Vermont as the only states where felons never lose their right to vote,

“I think we’re having a deep discussion on what it means to have voting as a right for every citizen,” Bryan said in an interview with

as a proposition. Then, voters have to approve it by a simple majority for it to be added as a constitutional amendment.

Currently, Georgia,

automatic restoration of the right to vote occurs.

Liz Newlin, a junior mass communication major, aspires to attend law school upon her

The RESTRICT Act to be passed in Congress

In early March, twelve senators introduced a bill that would give the federal government power to restrict technologies that are Chinese-based. This could lead to these technologies being potentially banned. The RESTRICT Act is motivated towards all technologies that are Chinese owned, but it has received major attention because of TikTok, which is a very pop-

ular app among U.S. kids and teens. This legislation was brought on by the bill’s main senators, Mark Warner and John Thune.

The RESTRICT Act is very similar to other legislation, meaning that it could change a portion of the Berman Amendment. These amendments allow the free flow of informational material from “hostile” countries. TikTok was able to invoke these amendments in a court effort to block

a ban by the Trump administration. Now, this new legislation would allow the president to ban foreign apps and other technologies, such as AI and other software.

“It is safe to assume that if the Chinese Communist Party is willing to lie about its spy balloon and cover up the origins of the worst pandemic in one hundred years, they will lie about using TikTok to spy on American citizens,’

Thune told reporters,” said Brendan Bordelon, a reporter for “Politico.”.

Many wonder why the U.S. has suddenly followed in the Trump administration’s footsteps with the ban of this particular app. Lawmakers are worried that TikTok could give information of U.S. users to China. They are also worried that the makers of the app have the ability to intentionally show certain content to go along with their views.

“For example, some Congress members say they are concerned TikTok could promote the Chinese government’s preferred American presidential candidate,” said Stu Woo, a reporter for “The Wall Street Journal.”

GC students see it in a different way.

“I think the bill in the Senate probably could be a ploy by the Republicans to endorse Trump in a way, but I am not sure it will be seen that way,” said junior Dennis Woolfolk, an English major.

“I strongly believe that California’s bill will not pass,” Newlin said. “I think that if someone is convicted of a crime, it is because they did something to damage another person, whether that is physically or financially, or in some other way. While in prison, I don’t think they should have the right to vote like a law-abiding citizen.”

This comes with differing opinions, especially with those that use the app.

“I do not think it matters if it is banned or not,” Woolfolk said. “It is not TikTok that is the problem; it is all social media. But it is not fair to citizens, because they should have access to anything of such.”

This new legislation comes about just months after President Joe Biden signed for a TikTok ban on all government devices. This also comes just days after TikTok released their new features, including a 60-minute daily screentime limit for users below the age of 18. Teens have the option to enter a passcode to extend this limit, while those under 13 will need

-Dennis Woolfolk

a parent or guardian to enter a passcode to receive an additional 30 minutes of screentime.

“The company said it settled on the 60-minute default limit after consulting academic research and experts from the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital, though Keenan added that ‘there’s no collectively-endorsed position on the “right” amount of screen time or even the impact of screen time more broadly,’” said Joe Hernandez, a reporter for “NPR.”

U.S. citizens are still waiting to hear what will happen with this new legislation to ban Chinese-based technology and if they will lose their time-consuming pastime.

It is not TikTok that is the problem; it is all social media

TikTok could be banned from the U.S. with this new legislation

Lily Pruitt

Asst. News Editor

Major spotlight: public health

Kate Verity Staff Writer

When GC students think of the College of Health Sciences, popular majors, such as nursing and exercise science, may spring to mind. One lesser-known major in this department is public health.

Isabel Henson is a senior public health major. She started out her undergraduate career at GC as a nursing major. She added minors in both global health and public health but soon realized that she did not enjoy nursing as much as she had anticipated. Rather than remain on the nursing track, Henson switched her major to public health and dropped her global health minor.

“I would say if you aren’t passionate about something now, you’re not going to be passionate about something later,” Henson said. “If you don’t enjoy or feel like you’re relating to what you’re learning, then I would probably switch.”

Henson’s decision to study in the College of Health Sciences was

greatly impacted by the careers of her family. Her family members work in a range of healthcare professions, including occupational therapy, physical therapy and nursing. She also explained that she has always felt like the “mom” of the group among her friends and enjoys taking care of people.

GC’s Public Health

B.S. webpage states that, “Public Health is a holistic learning experience specializing in faculty-mentored undergraduate research and cross-disciplinary engagement within the classroom and community.”

Courses in the public health major work to prepare students for their careers after graduation. One way is through a course where students have to go out and get hands-on experiences.

“So, I think with all of the classes, they’re very — they teach similar things, but they’re also very diverse,” Henson said. “And one of my classes actually had me go into the community and do work. That’s when I did my volunteer work

at the nursing home last semester. I think they prepare you very well for the world around you and what you’re going to have to do.”

One professor that helped Henson to figure out where to focus her efforts was Dr. Ernie Kaninjing. However, Henson emphasized that she felt that she knew many of her professors well and that they were always a good source of advice.

“Since the public health major is small, you really get to know each of your professors,” Henson said. “I’ve had a lot of them repetitively, so I feel like a lot of the professors in public health have kind of helped me shape and develop what I want to do.”

Additionally, public health students have to complete an internship in order to receive their diplomas. Henson will be completing hers this summer at High Hopes Children’s Therapy in Alpharetta, Georgia. After completing her internship, Henson hopes to work in the realm of community health.

“It really just depends on which organization

I go with,” Henson said. “I’m looking at, like, a community health worker or health educator. Maybe when I get my master’s, infectious disease analysis. There’s really a lot of options, and it’s kind of hard to pick one.”

Community health is one of the subfields of public health. GC’s

undergraduate public health program does not offer specific concentrations; these are focused on more at the master’s degree level. Other subfields include epidemiology, disaster relief and environmental health, to name a few.

With the recent COVID-19 pandemic,

The future workplace: four-day workweeks

Grace Robertson Staff Writer

The pandemic made several changes within the framework of our daily lives: relationships, politics, health, economies and jobs.

Now, three years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many jobs are changing with the growth of the four-day workweek.

The five-day workweek was first implemented after advocacy in the early 1900s that resulted in the creation of the weekend and the eradication of the six-day workweek.

As time continues, more people have fought for less days and less hours, a sentiment confidently forecast by individuals like German philosopher Karl Marx and English economist John Maynard Keynes.

Keynes may have predicted the 15-hour workweek in his 1930 essay “Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren.”

“For three hours a day is quite enough to satisfy the old Adam in most of us,” Keynes said.

Although many jump to despising or praising the four-day workweek, there are two concepts commonly implemented using the term.

When enacted, some

workers may continue working a typical 40hour workweek and work 10 hours a day, while others may work their traditional hours — eight hours a day — while only working for four days.

In 2022, 61 businesses in Britain offered their employees four-day workweeks as part of a

the four-day workweek enactment may only influence the lives of some employees.

“If it only applies to salaried workers, I don’t know that it changes anything in a meaningful way,” Clark said. “If it applies to hourly workers, it has meaningful impacts in terms of

argue that the enactment of these arrangements would not benefit companies or the average employee.

Criticism of the fourday workweek also describes the possibilities of short-lived morale boosts, burnout and fleeting optimism, all of which could lead to a

when it comes to choosing where I want to work, if one place has a four-day workweek, I’d rather go with that than a five-day workweek,” Jones said.

Researchers wonder how the changes will affect the state of employment and how the enactments will affect workers.

“Rather than the

working in the field of healthcare has proved more important than ever. Often, healthcare is associated solely with nurses, doctors and other hospital staff, but the importance of those working behind the scenes to better the health of the community cannot be diminished.

est in the concept of the four-day workweek.

“I think the pandemic definitely contributes,” Clark said. “Some people got used to working from home, and they understood that they could do their work with different modalities to get the work done.”

Rep. Mark Takano of California recently introduced a bill to reduce the standard workweek to 32 hours.

The bill includes workers who are typically paid hourly and would mean employers would need to hire more workers and employees would arrange higher wages and alter labor conditions.

pilot program, and 56 of the companies said they would continue with the four-day workweek.

Those companies explained their interest in continuing due to factors like consistent revenue over the trial period, no or minimum loss of productivity and employee retention.

Dr. Chris Clark, an economics professor at GC, explained how

productivity, but if you maintain the amount of hours worked, the output stays roughly the same.”

Supporters of the movement have argued that the implementation would result in increased productivity, more commitment from employees, employee satisfaction, mental health benefits and positive environmental impacts.

However, others

decrease in productivity.

“As a society, we kind of have to ask, ‘Are we willing to give up some income?’” Clark said. “Essentially, that’s what it boils down to.”

Freshman Em Jones, an English major, explained how the change may affect the future.

“I want to be an editor for a publishing house, so I imagine I will have a standard workweek, and

whole country switching tomorrow to a fourday workweek, what would probably happen is people who prefer a four-day workweek would pick a job that aligns with that,” Clark said, “The economy just evolves based on that.”

The pandemic illustrated other possibilities for the workplace, which may have caused workers to seek inter-

“The Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act would improve the quality of life of workers, meeting the demand for a more truncated workweek that allows room to live, play, and enjoy life more fully outside of work,” Takano said.

The future of the fourday workweek is fairly unknown, as it has not been implemented enough to know how society would react.

“I could see this generation being one of the generations that pushes it.” Clark said. “Generation Z can change and decide.”

Courtesy of Isabel Henson

MLB implements new pitch clock rule

Bruce Smith Staff Writer

The MLB has installed a new rule to test out during this spring training.

They have implemented a 15-second rule in between pitches, meaning the pitcher has to throw the ball in those 15 seconds, or the batter will be penalized with a ball. If the batter takes too long to get into the box, they will be awarded a strike.

This new rule is known as a “pitch clock.”

The pitch clock has already stirred up controversy around the league, and we have not even made it through spring training.

Many people are up-

set with the new rule, and it has not gotten the best feedback from fans and players of baseball.

“I never thought anything like this would happen,” said Trent Harris, a former GC pitcher. “Throughout all the baseball I have played and watched, I never once saw a problem with the length of games and how long it took for the pitcher to pitch, especially in college.”

We have not seen it implemented into the world of college and junior college baseball yet. However, it is likely that we may see it in the near future.

The problem that the MLB is trying to fix with the new pitch clock

is the length of games.

The average game last year was a little over three hours, and during this season’s spring training, we have seen the average game time below two and a half hours, a significant drop from the regular-season runtimes of recent seasons.

The shortened game times not only affect the players, but it can also have an impact on the fans as well.

Former GC club baseball player and intramural legend Josh Hammond felt that the fans would take the biggest hit from this due to less of a positive atmosphere at the games now.

“I love going to games

with my family, and can understand how games might seem to take a little longer than everyone would like,” Hammond said. “But, usually, people that do not want to

another opportunity for the umpire to ruin the game by ending it in a pitch clock violation.

“I can imagine it right now: game seven of the playoffs ending without

league into an uproar, and they are either going to get rid of the rule or get rid of umpires.”

With the pitch clock being implemented this season, it does, how-

be there for three hours end up leaving early, so I do not see the need to shorten games.”

With umpires around the league already taking heat about their bad calls, all this does is put

a pitch being thrown,” said Connor Coursey, a GC club baseball pitcher. “I just know that this upcoming playoff is going to have one game end that way, and it is going to send the

ever, bring extra press into a sport that has the longest regular season out of any sport, and it could make for what could be the most exciting MLB season ever.

Evan Cowan wins PBC Freshman of the Week.

Emily Henderson Staff Writer

The GC baseball team has had a number of players this season show up and show out when needed. With numerous recognitions from GC Athletics and the Peach Belt Conference, Evan Cowan adds a PBC Freshman of the Week title to the list with his spectacular performance against Augusta University.

The Bobcats played four games the week of March 13, winning three. Cowan hit leadoff in all four games that week, hitting .471 and scoring five runs. During the three-game series against Augusta, Cowan hit for an average of .636 to help the Bobcats sweep the Jaguars.

“I changed my swing midseason — about, like, two weeks ago,” Cowan said. “I think that is part of why I have been doing so well. The other part is just being a lot more relaxed. Baseball is a mental game, so being relaxed and confident is huge.”

Cowan went 3-for-4 in game one of the series, scoring two runs with a huge double in

the fourth to put him in scoring position. In the next two games of the series, Cowan tallied two more hits. He finished the week with an on-base percentage of .522 and one stolen base.

to lead a team in the future, since I am already doing it — somewhat — as a freshman. It helps a team as a whole, in my opinion, because it is good to have someone you can rely on, and I

six hits for the Bobcats, including three in game three, with an RBI helping the team win one game of the series.

“He just brings a spark to the team,” said head coach Nolan Belcher.

Cowan’s freshman season, he has stood up to the challenges he has faced. It is not every day that a freshman starts his college career hitting leadoff for his team. Cowan is currently the only

“My mom comes to almost every single home game. She’s my good luck charm, and I just want to impress her. My brother and I have always been so competitive, and he might come here next year for baseball, so I just want to be one step ahead of him, beat him in batting average, beat him in doubles, you know — brotherly competition.”

Cowan looks to maintain his position in the starting lineup for the rest of the season. This comes with hard work on the field, which is shown with his continuous outstanding performances, but also off the field as well.

According to the PBC website, Cowan has the No. 9 batting average in the conference after his performance this week.

“It means a lot to me, to have been playing so well this year,” Cowan said. “It kind of gives me hope that I will be able

hope that I can continue to be a player that my team can rely on.”

Cowan continues to stand out as the Bobcats leadoff hitter. Despite two tough conference losses against Georgia Southwestern this weekend, Cowan produced

“Everybody respects the way he works, and they are all aware of his talent on the field. So, I think any time he is in the box, or when he is chasing the ball down in the outfield, he provides a spark to the team.”

With this only being

freshman in the starting lineup for the Bobcats, with fellow PBC Freshman of the Week John Raines being a consistent relief pitcher for the club.

“My mom and my brother have really helped me get to where I am today,” Cowan said.

“I think his ability to lead by example, with the way he carries himself, the way he interacts with umpires and teammates and just continues to always improve in those areas is great,” Belcher said. “I think Evan can continue to work in the weightroom and get stronger. I think that would help his game moving forward, but he works really hard in all phases, and I expect great things from him this season and in the future.”

The new pitch clock can be seen in the bottom right corner behind the plate and resets after every pitch.

Marissa Marcolina | Digital Media Editor

Freshman outfielder Evan Cowan steps into the box ready for his at-bat versus Southern Wesleyan on March 21.

MADNESS

Continued from page 1

As always, everyone tried to predict which upsets would take place in the first round of the tournament, the two front-runners being Oral Roberts and Charleston.

Oral Roberts took on the mighty Duke Blue Devils in the first round with the line opening at Duke -6.5, but ultimately fell. Oral Roberts ranked third in the nation in points per game (84.2), and they committed just 9.4 turnovers per game at that pace, not to mention they had a 7-foot-5 center, Connor Vanover, who was a big matchup problem for anyone.

Charleston had San Diego State in the first round and the opening line was San Diego State

combination. San Diego State defeated Charleston and advanced.

Both Oral Roberts

“I have Alabama winning it all,” said sophomore business major Michael Larruso. “As long

tana State taking down 3 seed Kansas State,” said junior accounting major Tucker Sutton.

first day with a bunch of my friends,” said junior mass communication major Christian Castillo. “It is always so fun to see whose bracket gets busted right away, and it makes for a very entertaining day.”

-5.5. Coach Pat Kelsey led No. 12 Charleston to the NCAA tournament in his second season, and senior guard Dalton Bolton alongside 6-foot10 Ante Brzovic were a tough inside-outside

and Charleston were 12 seeds in this tournament. In the past 40 years, there have been 53 12-over-5 upsets, and at the same time there have only been 55 11-over-6 wins and 56 10-over-7 results.

as Brandon Miller plays I do not see anyone taking down the Crimson Tide.”

“I have a couple of big upsets this year. I picked 13 seed Furman to beat 4 seed Virginia and I also have 14 seed Mon-

Many people have traditions for watching the March Madness tournament, whether it be watching it with friends or eating certain foods while watching.

“I always watch the

Hudgins earns Bobcat Athlete of the Week

Emily Henderson Staff Writer

One recognition for the Bobcats this season was senior pitcher Josh Hudgins after his amazing performance against conference rival Flagler College.

Hudgins was the starting pitcher for game one of the three-game series against the Saints. He was able to produce seven shutout innings, helping his team get the win over Flagler.

Over his seven innings pitched, Hudgins only gave up two hits and one walk while striking out seven Flagler Saints. With little run support from the Bobcats, Josh was able to maintain pitching composure with runners in scoring position to keep the Saints shutout.

“Josh has been lightsout for us all year long,” said senior catcher Trey

Ham. “He has been a guy that we can count on every time he takes the mound on Friday nights. He is lightsout every time. It is his fifth year, and he could not have started it off as a stronger year.”

Hudgins began the season injured for three weeks. This performance against Flagler was his second start of the season. Since coming back, Hudgins has had five pitching appearances, averaging 10.24 strikeouts per game and having only a .176 batting average against him.

“It was a good feeling to perform that good against Flagler,” Hudgins said. “Going into it with an open mind. That was only my second start after being on the shelf for three weeks because of an injury, so I was just trying to have a high-level focus. We played good

defense, so I just wanted to take care of my job and control what I could.”

Hudgins has been an important part of the Bobcats’ starting rotation for a few seasons, being one of the veteran pitchers on the team. With this being his final season for GC, there has been a lot of work put in by his pitching coach and him to allow him to finish his career on a high note.

“The biggest improvement made in the offseason is Josh’s breaking ball,” said head coach No-

lan Belcher. “The slider also has come a long way. That was kind of one of his weaker spots last year, but he improved these over the offseason and is showing up this year.”

Not only is Hudgins a key part on the field for the Bobcats, but he is also a veteran player that leads by example on and off the field.

“Being the fifth-year guy that he is, he just fully accepts that role as a captain,” Ham said. “He embraces it in every characteristic that a person can.

The 2023 men’s NCAA tournament will continue Saturday, April 1, with the first game between Florida Atlantic University and San Diego State University. The second will be between the University of Miami and the University of Connecticut. Fans can now only speculate as to who will be the final team standing on April 3 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

I mean, you really could not ask for a better guy than Josh Hudgins to be a captain on your team.”

GC is currently ranked No. 2 in the Peach Belt Conference despite their 12-12 record. With the rest of the season filled mainly with important conference games, the pitching for the Bobcats will play a key role in how the rest of the season plays out.

“It is really important to me, after each start every Friday, to have a full reset, mentally and

physically,” Hudgins said. “Also, going about my routine every week to bring that high level of competition and drive every single weekend. It takes a lot of hard work in the weight room and on the field and mental work as well to stay sharp, so I can bring my best the rest of the season.”

Watch Hudgins and the rest of GC baseball back in action at home, Friday, March 31, at 6:00 p.m. against University of North Georgia.

Courtesy of GC Athletics Hudgins throws the pitch

Metropolis

Continued from page 1

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances,” Gray wrote in the video’s caption.

The video, which has almost 135,000 views, put Metropolis under public scrutiny. GC student and Metropolis waiter, Joseph Pabian, said the

restaurant received numerous threatening messages and phone calls.

“It was scary,” Pabian said. “We had so many phone calls threatening our employees’ safety, not to mention people accusing us of hating veterans and the homeless. I just think they did not realize that it was not our decision to remove Jeff from the property.”

Metropolis staff released a statement on social media following the controversy and threatening phone calls.

“The owners, management and employees of Metropolis Cafe were

in no way involved in the trespassing of Mr. Jeff Gray. Metropolis Cafe rents space from the building owner, Mr. Simmons, who chose to trespass Mr. Gray from all of his properties along North Wayne Street. As the property owner, this decision was his and only his to make and was not encouraged or endorsed by Metropolis Cafe.

Metropolis Cafe continues to support veterans in our community by welcoming them into our restaurant as guests and employing them as members of our team. We appreciate Mr.

Gray’s dedication to the rights of free speech and public expression and would like to extend an invitation to him to join us for a meal anytime. Veterans are always welcome at Metropolis.”

Following Metropolis’s online statement, Gray commented on his Youtube video, asking people to not harass employees or the business.

“Please DO NOT call the Metropolis Restaurant as they were not the ones pushing the trespass. The person pushing the trespass was the property owner David Bernard Simmons…not the

restaurant,” Gray wrote.

While Pabian says that the backlash has mostly ceased, Metropolis still is occasionally harassed.

“We will sometimes

Breaking Down the Oscars Dominance

How did “Everything Everywhere All At Once” manage to win Best Picture?

get a random call from someone harassing or threatening us, but it has mostly calmed down,” Pabian said.

Cale Strickland Managing Editor

As predicted by many critics and awards pundits, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert’s “Everything Everywhere All at Once” won Best Picture.

The night’s highest honor was nothing more than the film’s victory lap, though. It absolutely dominated the ceremony, taking home Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing — and winning in seven of the 10 categories in which it was nominated. The film garnered a total of 11 nominations, but two were for Best Supporting Actress; Jamie Lee Curtis, who won, and Stephanie Hsu were both nominated. Yet, despite its stellar

awards-season performance, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is not a typical Best Picture winner by any stretch of the imagination. Equal parts psychedelic and zany, the family drama is a far cry from the stuffy, down-the-middle period pieces the Academy has a soft spot for.

But the Academy of today is not the Academy of decades past, the result of a years-long effort to — finally — diversify and update the organization’s identity.

In 2012, “The Los Angeles Times” conducted a survey of the organization’s membership, finding the average member of the awards body was a 63-year-old white man.

In 2015, activist April Reign started the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite, as none of the year’s 20 nominated actors

were people of color, calling on the Academy to recognize the work of non-white performers and filmmakers.

Soon thereafter, the organization began expanding its membership, not only in terms of race, but also age and nationality.

Two years after Reign’s comments, Barry Jenkins’s “Moonlight,” a movie about a young man’s journey with his sexuality, won Best Picture — defeating Damien Chazelle’s rosyeyed love letter to Hollywood, “La La Land.”

The Academy crowned a film about a gay man, directed by a Black man, featuring an all-Black cast, as the movie of the year, rejecting the traditional, down-the-line musical about “movie magic.” Not to say “La La Land” would have

been an undeserving winner; both films are exceptionally well-made. But, in a 50-50 race, the awards body’s choice was — when compared to the standard set by past ceremonies — surprising, to say the least.

It seemed to be a watershed moment — until Peter Farrelly’s “Green Book,” a self-congratulatory white savior story, won just 24 months later.

Each of the following three Best Picture winners made history. Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite,” a tense thriller centered on class division, was the first non-English-language film to win the award; Chloe Zhao’s “Nomadland,” an account of a traveling, working-class woman’s struggles, became just the second female-directed film to receive the show’s highest hon-

or; “CODA,” a chronicle of a young woman’s experiences as the only hearing member of her family, was the first film featuring a predominantly deaf cast to take home the night’s top prize.

Still, all three films are serious dramas; “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is a bright, flashy, blend of action and comedy, two genres the Academy is notorious for neglecting.

It does not add up — because the film’s success can not be traced back to “Moonlight” or “Parasite” or “CODA.” “Everything Everywhere All at Once” was a perfect awards-season storm.

The film premiered at the South by Southwest film festival in March 2022, meaning members of the Academy who were not on board with the film at first had

nearly an entire year to give it another chance.

Additionally, Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis, who both just won their first Oscars, were at risk of retiring without being recognized by the awards body. Ke Huy Quan’s comeback story — finally landing a big-time gig following his years-long struggle to find work after playing Short Round in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” — is genuinely inspiring. Stephanie Hsu is an emerging star in Hollywood. Kwan and Scheinert are fresh faces making wholly original content, a hot commodity in an age dominated by intellectual property.

Factor in the film’s universal appeal, a moving story about a dysfunctional family, and you have yourself a true titan of a Best Picture winner.

Anjali Shenoy | Digital Editor

Cales Cinema Critiques:“Spring Breakers” 10 year anniversary

Cale Strickland Managing Editor

I stumbled upon Harmony Korine’s “Spring Breakers” at the height of the pandemic. I was sitting in my dorm room, mindlessly scrolling through the deluge of streaming services in

break trip to Florida. Strapped for cash, Candy, Brit and Cotty rob a mom-and-pop restaurant in town. Shortly after arriving in Saint Petersburg, the group is arrested — not for robbery, but for drug use — at a house party. Penniless, they spend a night

twentysomethings partying on Florida’s shores — set to Skrillex’s “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” perhaps the perfect encapsulation of the early-2010s music scene, of course. It is perfectly fitting, as Korine directs the film as if it is a feature-length music vid-

On first viewing, it was a bit much for me. I was not a fan — at all — and I was not alone. As I am writing, the film holds a Rotten Tomatoes Audience Approval Rating of 38%. Fast-forward 24 months, and I read the film was celebrating

ple. Maybe it is because I have grown older — or because my debt has grown substantially — but I sympathized with Faith and her friends. I, too, am a broke college kid enticed by the prospect of cheap thrills. You have got to break out of the malaise of post-pan-

knockoff Riff Raff and Gucci Mane is a bit anticlimactic. The writing is simple and shallow. But the vibes are off the charts, and I do not think we would have gotten the psychedelic, glammed-out, moodover-plot phenomenon

Team Selena vs. Team Hailey

Why does the media always pin famous women against each other?

Grace Roberts Staff Writer

The final breakup of Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez in 2018 left fans upset. The annoyance fans faced only increased after Bieber married Hailey Baldwin, model and daughter of actor Stephen Baldwin, just four months after his breakup with Gomez.

In February 2023, five years after the young couple tied the knot, a TikTok-driven feud between Baldwin and Gomez erupted.

The on-and-off relationship between Bieber and Gomez began in 2011, with the two breaking up multiple times between then and 2018.

During a breakup in 2016, Bieber and Baldwin began dating for a three-month period but split in March.

Baldwin and Bieber had met multiple times before through fan events, movie premieres and the Australian megachurch Hillsong Church.

At the time, Baldwin was known as one of Bieber’s biggest fans and tweeted in support of his relationship with Gomez, which a now-deleted tweet from May 2011 reflects.

“I don’t care what anyone says but Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez together is the definition of a teenage dream! #word,” Baldwin said.

After this brief relationship in 2016, Bieber rekindled his relationship with Gomez for the last time, as the two broke off their bond in March 2018.

Two months later, Baldwin and Bieber were spotted together at a Miami nightclub, starting rumors that the two were attempting to “get back” at both of their recent exes, Shawn Mendes and Gomez.

News broke that the pair got engaged on

July 7, 2018, and the two were married in a New York City courthouse that September.

Bieber addressed the hate he and his now wife were receiving via Instagram in April 2019.

“I absolutely love and loved Selena, she will always hold a place in my heart, but I am head over heals in love with my wife and she is absolutely the best thing that has ever happened to me, period,” Bieber said.

On October 23, 2019, the pop star made her highly anticipated return to music with the No. 1 single “Lose You to Love Me,” which calls out Bieber’s choices in its lyrics.

“In two months, you replaced us, like it was easy,” Gomez said.

34 minutes after the song’s release, Baldwin posted to her Instagram story with a screenshot of Summer Walker’s song “I’ll Kill You (feat. Jhene Aiko),” causing fans to speculate Baldwin’s post was a response. However, she later denied this.

The two women began frequently making comments to magazines in order to combat the social media feuds caused by their fanbases.

In May 2021, the married couple attended the Met Gala, where fans gathered to repeatedly shout Gomez’s name, and fans speculated that Baldwin began crying, as Justin comforted her.

After years of comments and speculations, Baldwin made a TikTok in April 2022 begging fans to leave her alone.

“Leave me alone at this point,” Baldwin said. “I’m minding my business. I don’t do anything. I don’t say anything. Leave me alone, please. Enough time has gone by where it’s valid to leave me alone.”

After four years of marriage, Baldwin decided to finally formally

address the controversies on an episode of the podcast “Call Her Daddy.”

“It’s all respect,” Baldwin said. “It’s all love. There’s no drama, personally.”

At the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, in October 2022, Baldwin and Gomez took a photo together in an attempt to express their friendliness.

After all the hassle and photo-taking, the internet did not waste time in creating more drama for the girls.

In January, Baldwin shared a TikTok she made with fellow model Kendall Jenner, in which the two lipsync to a popular audio.

“I’m not saying she deserved it, but I’m saying God’s timing is always right,” Baldwin and Gomez said.

Fans immediately connected the now-deleted video to Gomez, assuming the audio was referencing her drama with the singer.

In a repost of the clip, Gomez commented to dismiss fans’ speculation.

“It’s ok,” Gomez said. “I don’t let these things get me down! Be nice to everyone! x.”.

Fans realized that the pop star and makeup mogul Kylie Jenner were in a battle to become the most followed woman on Instagram.

On Feb. 22, Gomez shared a TikTok story of her makeup, stating she had accidentally laminated her eyebrows too much.

That day, Jenner posted a zoomed-in photo of her eyebrows with the caption “This was an accident?????” along with a photo with close friend Baldwin.

Jenner and Gomez responded in the TikTok’s comments section, saying that the incidents were not underhanded and that the stars

supported one another.

After the interaction, social media users broke loose in sharing past clips and statements from Baldwin.

In the comments of TikToks that refer to Baldwin as a “mean girl” and call Jenner and Baldwin’s behavior “disgusting,” Gomez expressed her love for the videos.

Following the comments, Gomez announced her departure from social media due to the “silly” drama.

Macy Lynn McDowell, sophomore mass communication major, explained her thoughts on the social media drama.

“I am Team Selena, but I will say, looking into the receipts, Hailey does kind of seem to be in the right,” McDowell said.

In the following week, Gomez gained 17 million Instagram followers, while Baldwin lost 500,000 followers.

On March 1, Baldwin shared a tribute in celebration of her husband’s birthday, and the comments pointed out the alleged feud.

Although these women have publicly denied laments of one another, the public has garnered

an obsession of a dispute between the two.

Kathleen Gibbs, sophomore mass communication major, spoke about the narratives supported by the TikTok crowd.

“I just think some of it’s probably taken way out of context,” Gibbs said. “It seems really suspicious because, obviously, you can put anything like that out, and people will believe it.”

People often speculate feuds between famous women are typically over a man.

One of the most popular of these feuds between female celebrities surrounding a man is the neverending media frenzy around the actors Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt.

After Pitt and Aniston filed for divorce, he began dating Jolie, and Jolie and Pitt were accused of cheating.

Despite denial of cheating rumors, the couple admitted that they fell in love on the set of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” a film they starred in while he was married to Aniston.

After the actors coupled up, media outlets created narratives around the famous women

and compared their careers, similar to Baldwin and Gomez’s situation.

In 2010, Shira Tarrant, an associate professor in the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at California State, Long Beach, discussed the actresses’ debates in “Forbes.”

“It’s not about their accomplishments,” Tarrant said. “It’s who won the prize of Brad Pitt.”

Although Hollywood has adapted to the waves of feminism, the traditions of patriarchy are not lost.

Patriarchy places male celebrities on a pedestal, compares women’s strengths and flaws and decides whether they are worthy of him.

In a manner similar to Pitt, Bieber’s role has not been questioned in the situation. This further supports the idea that the purpose of these dramas is to pit these women against one another rather than find the details of the matter.

Social media’s obsession with #TeamHailey and #TeamSelena is a fun spectacle, but is the petty drama another account of the destructive works of sexism?

J.K. Rowling’s ‘legacy’ tainted further

Controversy centered around the author resurfaces after release of Harry Potter videogame.

Shaw Coggin Staff Writer

The new and highly anticipated game “Hogwarts Legacy” debuted last month, launching to the top of the sales charts. The game, which is the newest edition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, also rekindled some controversy with the creator of the franchise, J.K. Rowling.

The controversy dates to 2018, when the famed author liked a tweet that inferred that transgender women were “men in dresses.” Though this did raise eyebrows, Rowling did not really come under fire until June of 2020, when she posted controversial tweets criticizing the transgender community.

“If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction,” Rowling said. “If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love

trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.”

“The idea that women like me, who’ve been empathetic to trans people for decades, feeling kinship because they’re vulnerable in the same way as women – i.e., to male violence – ‘hate’ trans people because they think sex is real and has lived consequences – is nonsense,” Rowling said.

These statements caused much scrutiny for Rowling. Even those involved in the franchise, like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, spoke out against her. Since then, Warner Bros. Pictures, who owns the Harry Potter franchise, has slowly cut ties with Rowling, limiting her involvement in future projects.

Recently, Rowling has

not steered away from expressing her controversial thoughts more often. This includes her identifying herself as a trans-exclusionary radical feminist (TERF) as well as taking part in events that challenge the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

The controversy has led to hesitation from fans of the franchise to play the newly released game. Though the game’s developer, Avalanche Software, has come out and said that the author was not involved with the game’s development, many players and organizations are standing by their words of not purchasing the game, as it inadvertently supports Rowling’s creation.

GC students like freshman mass communication major Bella Mccomis, who has been a fan of the wizarding world since she was 11, weighed

in on the situation.

“I think people have a right to be angry, but I think that fighting hate with hate will never work,” Mccomis said. “I feel like you can separate artist from art. There are so many good things about Harry Potter. It’s so nostalgic. I love it, and it’s so attached to so many good things for me.”

omore rhetoric major Claire Kosobud, too, had thoughts on the subject.

Rebecca Meghani News Editor

“I don’t really think that one opinion that people disagree with should minimize the way that the industry and book series has impacted people,” Kosobud said.

watching the movies, was never necessarily portrayed — because of that, I think I would still be a fan of the books,” Arps said.

“I understand not wanting to agree with her, but because she’s not writing a whole specific book about that topic, I think it’s a little different,” Arps said.

Other GC students, like freshman mass communication major Kassie Arps and soph-

Should GC offer peer counseling?

Paige Blakemore Staff Wrriter

College students are no strangers to the pressure, lack of sleep, and rigorous coursework they endure during “the best four years” of their life. With increasing demands and expectations, mental health concerns for college students begin to rise as well.

The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that during the 2021-2022 school year, more than 60% of college students

experienced “at least one mental health problem.”

To help combat this crisis, many schools have adopted different methods to care for their students.

Hamilton College, a private liberal arts college in Clinton, New York, has started sending its students with mental health problems to other students. The university trains close to a dozen undergraduate students a year to serve as peer counselors.

Hamilton College has clarified that this ser-

vice is not a substitute for therapy, but rather an alternative resource available to students.

When talking to GC staff and students, many had optimistic insight as to what an initiative like this would look like for current and future Bobcats.

“We have actually mentioned getting student peer counselors as part of the new Quality Enhancement Plan [QEP],” said Rachel Pope, a GC alumna and university health educator.

The new QEP will

focus solely on mental health and student life. Previous plans have only been housed in academic improvement.

“It definitely could be there,” Pope said. “We haven’t ironed out all of the fine details of that. I’d love to know if students would feel comfortable talking to other GC people, or if they felt like our campus is too small.”

Pope says, ideally,, there would be five to 10 students trained to promote the QEP and to be available to other students, either virtually or in person. However, it is a massive time commitment, both for faculty and interested peer counselors, with extensive, indepth training required.

According to a survey by Higher Education Today, one out of five

“I think that their opinions are valid, but just because she has an opinion that — from reading the books and

On top of their statements, both students said that they were still interested in playing the new game.

college students say they have participated in peer counseling, and 60% of participants found the service beneficial.

“I think it would be a

Luiz. “A lot of students drop out because of mental health. If we help the students from the get-go, they’ll probably be more willing to stay in school.”

good idea because sometimes, it can be scary going to somebody older who doesn’t really understand what you’re experiencing right now,” said senior Taylor Luiz, a music therapy major. “So, having students who are in your same shoes, also doing that, would be a little bit more accessible.”

Luiz also pointed out how offering group sessions could be beneficial to students by showing them they are not alone.

“Obviously, this school’s primary focus is helping the student’s well-being, but also, it might help with retaining students as well,” said

“It depends on what kind of mental health issues,” said junior Alexis Snyder, a psychology major. “If it’s something really extreme, it probably shouldn’t be a peer, because you don’t want to hurt anybody, and you don’t want to damage anybody — on either end.”

GC already offers various mental health resources for students and employees through their partner Christie Campus Health. Peer Support with Togetherall is a version of peer counseling offered to GC students that pairs students with a safe, anonymous face online to give and receive support. Additional resources are available 24/7 at no cost, such as TeleHealth, in-person and virtual counseling

vices and Silver Cloud.

-Taylor Luiz

If we help the students from the get-go, they’ll probably be more willing to stay in school.

A SIX-VOTE SUPERMAJORITY REQUIREMENT IS THE KEY TO DE-POLITICIZING THE U.S. SUPREME COURT

Adam Lamparello, J.D. Asst. Professor of Criminal Justice

The United States Supreme Court is struggling to maintain its institutional legitimacy. A recent poll showed that only 40% of Americans approved of the Court.[1] Three factors arguably explain the reasons underlying the public’s negative perception of the Court.

1.Chief Justice John Roberts

Chief Justice John Roberts is a brilliant and accomplished jurist, and by all accounts a good person. But Roberts has contributed substantially to the Court’s compromised legitimacy. This might appear surprising at first glance, considering that Roberts cares deeply about preserving the Court’s legitimacy and is dedicated to ensuring that the Court is not viewed as a political institution.

Sadly, that very concern is precisely what has politicized the Court. The reason is that, in many cases, Roberts decides cases not based on a reasonable interpretation of a constitutional or statutory provision, but on what he believes will preserve the Court’s legitimacy, which essentially means that Roberts decides cases based on how he subjectively believes the public will react.

The problem with that approach should be obvious. It completely divorces the justices from the law, and from their obligation to reach outcomes based on a reasonable interpretation of constitutional and statutory text. In so doing, it enables nine unelected, life-tenured justices to reach outcomes based on their subjective views regarding what outcomes will be viewed as politically

“legitimate.” The result is that the Court’s decisions are ipso facto political.

Roberts has been a disappointment on the Court. His approach betrays the rule of law and the judicial role. Put differently, when the justices base decisions on the desire to appear apolitical, they inherently politicize the Court. And Chief Justice Roberts is the Court’s most political actor.

2. The Shadow Docket

The Court’s shadow docket, in which it decides cases and important legal issues without oral argument.

For example, in Whole Women’s Health, et al. v. Jackson, the petitioners applied for an order enjoining enforcement of a law in Texas that banned all abortions after six weeks, and that gave private citizens, not the government, the power to enforce the law. The Court denied the application, holding that it did not satisfy the standards required for granting a preliminary injunction. Although this interpretation was not incorrect, it showed that the Court couldn’t see the forest from the trees.

Any person with a pulse would recognize that, whatever one’s views on abortion, the law obviously violated the Court’s poorly-reasoned decisions in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, both of which manipulated the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause to hold that a woman has the right to terminate a pregnancy before viability (i.e., approximately twenty-four weeks). Thus, because Texas’s law was so ridiculous, the Court should have voted unanimously to invalidate the law. Had the Court done so, it

would have sent the message that the justices are not motivated by their policy preferences. Instead, five members of the Court held that the Petitioner failed to satisfy the standards required for granting injunctive relief and allowed the law to go into effect. It should come as no surprise that the usual suspects – those who are almost certainly pro-life – signed

tice Kagan supporting restrictions on samesex marriage? No.

And don’t be fooled when the justices claim that their decisions reflect differences in interpretive philosophies. Uh-huh. It’s interesting – and amazingly convenient – that the justices’ interpretive philosophies so often comport with their policy preferences. That isn’t an accident.

here and now.”[2] That approach, which the Court has embraced at times, explains in substantial part why the public doesn’t view the Court favorably.

The Solution

onto this decision (Alito, Barrett, Kavanaugh, Thomas, Gorsuch).

So, when the justices express surprise and indignation that the Court is viewed as a political institution and claim that decisions are not based on the policy predilections, it is hard not to laugh.

3. The Justices’ Political Views

If you believe that the justices don’t base their decisions on personal policy predilections, then you probably believe that the United States faked the moon landing or that most law schools are deeply committed to ideological diversity.

Think about it: could you imagine Justice Sotomayor ever invalidating an affirmative action program? Could you ever imagine Justice Thomas or Justice Alito relying on stare decisis to uphold Roe and Planned Parenthood? Could you ever imagine Jus-

This fact does not make the justices bad people. It just means that they are human. It means that their personal views impact their decisions, which is precisely why it is so critical for the Court to base their decisions on a reasonable interpretation of constitutional or statutory text. It is why the Court should refuse to hear most cases where the Constitution is silent or ambiguous, and instead defer to the democratic and political process. Doing so minimizes the risk that personal preferences will triumph over the law, and decreases the likelihood that constitutional meaning will depend on whether the Court’s majority is comprised of liberals or conservatives.

Otherwise, justices will feel free to roam unconstrained in the Constitution’s penumbras, seeking to discover new rights that reflect the “heady days of the

Chief Justice Roberts is not the solution. Expanding the Court, for obvious reasons, is not the solution. The solution is to require a six-vote supermajority to affirm or reverse a lower court decision. This solution would have several benefits that would preserve the Court’s legitimacy, protect the separation of powers, and promote democratic choice regarding issues upon which the Constitution is silent. Specifically, 5-4 decisions have been and continue to be the source of substantial disagreement and division. The Court’s decisions in National Federation of Independent v. Sebelius, Obergefell v. Hodges, Shelby County v. Holder, and Bush v. Gore are perfect examples. A six-vote majority would reduce the frequency with which the Court issues divisive, controversial – and politicized – decisions.

Furthermore, requiring a six-vote majority would almost certainly lead to incremental, rather than drastic, changes in the law and minimize the risk that the Court’s

decisions will be perceived as political and illegitimate. To achieve a six-vote majority, the justices would be forced to compromise and reach a middle ground concerning decisions that affect, among other things, civil rights and liberties. As such, the influence of ideology or policy preferences in the decision-making process would likely be minimized.

Finally, a six-vote majority might incentivize litigants to stop seeking social change through the courts and instead concentrate their efforts on effecting change through the legislature. Doing so would limit the Court’s power in a principled way. The Court would still decide cases that involved violations of specific constitutional or statutory guarantees, but a six-vote majority requirement would make it difficult, if not impossible, for the Court to create rights based on implausible interpretations of the Constitution and thus engender public backlash. Without principled reforms, the public perception of the Court will likely remain negative, and with several controversial issues on its current docket, the Court’s legitimacy is likely to go anywhere but up.

Front row, left to right: Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Associate Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr., and Associate Justice Elena Kagan. Back row, left to right: Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett, Associate Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, Associate Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, and Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

The banking crisis of 2023 vs. college students

Abigayle Allen Opinion Editor

What is the banking industry as a whole?

The banking industry is a crucial component of the global economy, providing financial services such as lending, deposit-taking and investment management to individuals and businesses. In recent years, the banking sector has undergone significant changes, driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes and changing consumer behavior. One notable trend in the banking industry is the increasing adoption of digital technologies, such as mobile banking, online payments and blockchain. Many banks are investing heavily in digital transformation to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance customer experience. In terms of regulatory changes, the banking industry has faced increased scrutiny in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, with regulators implementing stricter capital and liquidity requirements to ensure the stability of the finan-

SWIFT

Continued from page 1

Now, in my twenties, I feel as if I have grown up with the singer. As she began writing more mature and adult music, it was at a time where I, too, was growing up and entering adulthood. Although I am a bit younger than Swift is, there was still always that connection to her, and, in a way, she has always been a figure I look up to.

Music is a powerful method of communication. It allows for artists to portray some of their deepest feelings in a way that can touch the

cial system. Additionally, the emergence of new financial technologies and non-bank players, such as fintechs and big tech firms, has challenged traditional banks’ dominance and prompted regulators to rethink the regulatory framework.

Furthermore, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the banking industry, as banks have had to adapt to the changing economic environment and support customers affected by the pandemic. Many banks have implemented loan payment deferrals, waived fees and increased lending to support individuals and businesses during this challenging time. Overall, the banking industry is undergoing a period of rapid change and transformation, with digital technologies, regulatory changes and external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic driving innovation and adaptation.

So, what would happen if we were to undergo a banking crisis?

A banking crisis can have a significant impact

hearts of listeners and even help a person get through a difficult time in life. Swift’s writing abilities have always distinguished her. She has proven over time that she is a multi-talented musician, tackling a variety of genres while also bending the standards of her writing. But it is more than just her writing and musical skills that have set Swift apart in the industry. It is also her attitude towards her fans and the lessons she has taught young girls about standing up for themselves and being fearless in expression.

on the economy, causing financial instability and uncertainty for individuals and businesses alike. College students, who are already facing a number of financial challenges, could be particularly vulnerable during such a crisis. First, a banking crisis can lead to a decrease in available credit, making it harder for students to obtain loans or credit cards to help pay for their education or living expenses. This could result in a reduction in the number of students able to attend college, or force them to work more hours to make up for the lack of financial support. Moreover, a banking crisis could lead to a decrease in employment opportunities, as businesses may be forced to lay off workers or reduce their hiring. This could make it harder for college students to find part-time or summer jobs to help pay for their expenses, potentially leading to financial hardship or a delay in their academic progress. Additionally, a banking crisis can cause a decline in the overall value of investments

It has never felt as if the fame changed her or that she was exhausted of her fans, even when she sometimes had the right to be. Being famous and constantly under the public eye is a challenging concept, and the lack of private life for massive stars like Swift is staggering. Although she has taken personal time in her career and gone off the grid, there has never been a moment where she was ungrateful for those that love her and her music. That alone has always made the connection to her more personal.

and savings, potentially impacting the financial aid available to college students. If endowments or scholarships are affected, students could see a reduction in the amount of financial aid they receive, making it harder for them to afford their education. In summary, a banking crisis could have far-reaching effects on college students, making it harder for them to obtain credit, find employment and receive financial aid. It is important for students to be aware of the potential impact of a banking crisis and to take steps to protect their finances, such as building up savings and seeking out alternative sources of funding for their education.

What is going on now with our banks, and how could this potentially affect college students?

The recent banking crisis has been a major concern for the Federal Reserve, which has already been raising interest rates for the past year to combat inflation. The Fed’s decision to raise interest rates again, coupled with the ongoing banking crisis, is expect-

At the beginning of her career, during her first Grammy Award speech, Kanye West famously interrupted her on stage in front of a massive audience to express that he felt Beyoncé was deserving of the award. Swift was forced, as a 17-year-old girl, to stand there and be publicly humiliated, and to have the joy of having a Grammy taken from her. Instead of lashing out towards West or demanding any retribution for herself, Swift held back from saying anything negative about West. She even admitted to being a fan of

ed to further slow down the economy. Higher interest rates make it more expensive for companies and households to borrow, limiting their access to cash and restricting their ability to spend. This could lead to a sharp pullback in bank lending, which, in turn, could further slow the economy. The banking crisis is also expected to have a significant impact on college students. As the economy slows down, it will become more difficult for students to secure jobs and internships, as companies may cut back on hiring. Additionally, it may become more challenging for students to secure loans to pay for college tuition and other expenses, as banks may tighten their lending criteria. This could leave many students struggling to make ends meet, potentially forcing them to drop out of school or delay their graduation. The recent banking crisis has already led to tighter credit conditions for households and businesses and has weighed on economic activity, hiring and inflation. Economists

his and acknowledged that his album was one of the first she purchased.

Watching this unfold was outraging, and I can not imagine what it must have been like for her, especially at the age of 17. She had every right and every reason to retaliate, and yet, she got her vengeance through her success and by continuing to win awards, even to this day. She taught me how to pick myself up after being wounded and to continue to work hard, even when people make me feel unworthy. She also taught me to stand firm in what

at Goldman Sachs have raised the likelihood of a recession in the next 12 months, given the tightening of lending conditions and widespread recession fears. The uncertainty surrounding the situation makes it difficult to predict the full extent of the impact on college students and the broader economy. It is clear that the banking crisis will have far-reaching consequences for many people, including college students. It is essential that policymakers take steps to address the issue and prevent further damage to the economy. This could involve measures such as increasing government spending or providing targeted support to banks and other financial institutions. By taking action to address the banking crisis, policymakers can help to mitigate the impact on college students and ensure that they have the resources and support they need to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.

I believe in as a young woman in today’s world.

This is not a feeling towards the singer that is unique to me. Women across the world hold the same, or a similar, affinity to Swift. She truly has helped raise a generation of strong women and created a method of art that will always be available and attainable.

Because of the art that Swift has created and allowed fans to have access to, young girls have an outlet of music that helps them feel understood and related to.