Issue 8 | Volume 101

@GCSUnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College April 3, 2023

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GOV. KEMP VISITS MILLEDGEVILLE TO DISCUSS STORM RELIEF IN RESPONSE TO EF-1 TORNADO Lily Pruitt Asst. News Editor

On March 26, an EF-1 tornado hit the surrounding areas of Milledgeville and Baldwin County. The winds on an EF-1 tornado can get up to 100 mph.

In response to the storm, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp spoke in Baldwin County just two days later.

Kemp began with thanking local law enforcement and federal law enforcement for jumping in to help with the storm damage and working so diligently during this time.

Kemp mentioned his tour of the Atrium Health

Navicent Baldwin hospital in the hours prior.

“They are managing very well under the circumstances,” Kemp said.

“They obviously had roof and water damage.”

Kemp continued on to mention the community as a whole and what was being done to help restore order.

“Around 10 businesses and around 20 homes were hit in the local community, and we will continue to work with our federal partners on response and potential aid, depending on qualifications, as we continue to do the assessment,” Kemp said.

The governor highlighted his depart-

ment’s main goals within the restoration of counties in Georgia.

“Our main goal right now is making sure that we are keeping everybody safe, and we are helping our private sector partners in the local government to restore normal operations,” Kemp said.

Kemp introduced Georgia Emergency Management Chief of Staff Mike Smith. Smith began with thanking local law enforcement and federal law enforcement, who have been brought in to help. He also thanked Kemp for his time and aid to the Baldwin County community.

“We were extremely fortunate that here, in

this area, there were no fatalities,” Smith said.

At the end of the speech, Kemp opened it up to questions. He was asked what the general reaction was to all the storm damage.

“Well, it is unbelievable,” Kemp said. “You do not really think about what size of the storm it is. There is a lot of damage here, and as Mike mentioned, we are very lucky there was no loss of life.”

Many residents in Baldwin County have been receiving help from the community in order to help them fix roofs on their homes and stay financially stable.

See KEMP | Page 3

COIN Q&A

News Editor Rebecca Meghani and A&L Editor Jennifer Crider sat with COIN before their perfarmance at GC’s first Spring concert Rebecca Meghani

A: Chase Lawrence: We all watched this documen-

News Editor

tary around the time we started making it called “Al-

Q: Uncanny Valley is one of your most experimental records to date and explores what it means to be human. What was your inspiration be-

Lily Pruitt | Asst. News Editor

Kemp addresses the crowd at the old Baldwin County Health Department for a media briefing

BRAVES SEASON OVERVIEW Hayden Flinn Sports Editor The 2023 MLB season is officially underway after opening day took place last Thursday, March 30.

The Braves had a tremendous year a season ago. They recorded their first 100win season since 2003 and won their fifth straight division title.

Despite their 100win season, many Braves fans felt the team did not play to their best potential after their World Series victory in 2021. A couple of injuries to some key players came back to haunt the Braves in the playoffs.

“A lot of players un-

phaGo,” and it’s about this robot that plays this game called Go which is like chess but times a thousand like there are a million permutations you can play.

hind this, and how did it help create this album?

See COIN | Page 8

derperformed last season and we were still able to win 101 games, so I’d expect the Braves to pass this mark this season,” said senior marketing major Jacob Revell. “As long as the team can stay healthy, the Braves look poised to make a run at the World Series.”

Coming into the season, the Braves had the second-best odds, at +800, to win the 2023 World Series behind the Houston Astros.

The Braves had one of the best offenses in all of baseball a year ago. They were second in the league in homeruns, and they were third in total runs scored.

See BRAVES | Page 5

SOCIETY AND EMPATHY Abigayle Allen Opinion Editor

Anna Leavitt | Campus Photographer

COIN performs for GC Students in the Centennial Center

Growing up in a progressive society introduces changes that people must adjust to.

Due to the skyrocketing success of many social media platforms, many people have the ability to address issues or other people they may be in contact with anonymously, or

NEWS | PG. 2

SPORTS | PG. 4

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 8

President Joe Biden’s executive order aims to expand background checks and secure gun storage.

This is the first year in Premier League history to observe Ramadan.

A new bill backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis puts transgender individuals’ bodily autonomy, and discussions of female anatomy, in jeopardy.

EXECUTIVE ORDER TARGETS GUN SAFETY

PREMIER LEAGUE OBSERVES RAMADAN

FLORIDA BILL DICTATES SEX, GENDER

from the comforts of their own homes. Due to these changes, many people have forgotten their humanity and, in turn, forgotten how to be empathetic. As college students, we are very in tune with what may be “trending” or “popular” on social media. treated poorly, and that up to 6500 of the workers have died in the process.

See EMPATHY | Page 10

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 10

U.S. CITIZENSHIP TESTS In-depth citizenship tests are a rite of passage for immigrants. But can natural-born citizens even pass these tests?

2

REBECCA MEGHANI, NEWS EDITOR LILY PRUITT, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

04.03.2023

NEWS

Biden’s recent gun ownership executive order Grace Robertson Staff Writer In early March, President Joe Biden issued an executive order which aimed to increase the number of background checks to buy guns and promote secure firearms storage.

Biden elaborated on the goal of the executive order.

“My executive order directs my attorney general to take every lawful action possible to move us as close as we can to universal background checks without new legislation,” Biden said.

The order directs federal agencies to improve public awareness and promote the use of “redflag” laws, and instructs the attorney general to release more information about federally licensed firearms deal-

ers who violate the law.

Red-flag laws are gun-violence-prevention acts that permits state courts to remove firearms from individuals who may be dangerous to themselves or others but have not committed a crime and do not show signs of need for mental health hold.

The executive order mandates that the president’s cabinet works on a plan to better structure the government to support communities suffering from gun violence.

The plan also calls on Attorney General Merrick Garland to shore up the rules for federally licensed gun dealers so that they know they are required to do background checks as part of the license.

Matheson Sanchez, an assistant professor of criminal justice

at GC, discussed how the executive order will impact Americans.

“I think that what this executive order does is that it actually expands the circumstances around which those laws can actually be enacted and have the confiscation of firearms executed more freely, and that won’t bode well with conservative voters, and it won’t bode well with Republican and conservative legislators either,” Sanchez said.

The concepts of gun control have led to controversies across the political spectrum, and this new order is no different.

“Gun control is something that representatives of conservative constituencies are not going to want to get on board with, because that’s political suicide for them,” Sanchez said.

“On the other hand, you know, I think that the majority of the more sort of liberal or progressive representatives and voters, those folks, the majority are probably going to be behind it.”

Despite the polarizing sides, recent polls show that many Americans are in favor of stricter policies.

According to a February Gallup poll, 63% of Americans are not satisfied with the country’s gun laws.

Sanchez explained why an executive order may be easier than legislation, in terms of gun ownership.

“It’s a multi-billion-dollar industry, and we have too much money wrapped up in the manufacturing sale of firearms in this country for it to be something that Congress is liable to get

Biden delivers remarks on the administration’s strategy to prevent gun crime

on board with, despite the fact the majority of their constituents might want it,” Sanchez said.

Rebecca Jones, a junior mathematics major, spoke about gun control and the causes for its interest.

“I think it needs to be stricter,” Jones said.

“Obviously, with school shootings, that’s something that we could definitely improve on as a country. It’s really not even a debate.”

The executive or-

der questions the future of gun ownership in the nation.

“It’s hard to say what future legislation will look like,” Sanchez said.

“I can only say that it seems like the issues that we’re trying to address here — with mass shootings, specifically school shootings — aren’t getting any better, and I think that, in terms of gun laws, America tends to be a little antiquated, and we tend to hold on to tradition.”

Drug shortages create limited resources for treatment Lilyana Kovacheva Senior Writer In the last year, new drug shortages have increased by nearly 30%.

Michigan Senator and Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Gary Peters has spoken up about the recent shortages.

“These shortages, which peaked at 295 individual drugs in shortage at the end of 2022, have left healthcare professionals grappling with limited resources to treat patients in need,” Peters said. “These underlying causes not only present serious concerns about providing adequate care to patients, but they also represent serious

national security risks.”

The recent committee report highlights that neither the federal government nor the pharmaceutical industry can assess the full supply chain. From the starting materials to the finished dosage and to purchasers and providers, there is more than officials are able to fully assess and amend.

Many students are not directly affected by it.

“I’m not directly personally affected by it, at least not to my knowledge,” said sophomore marketing major Dylan Anderson.

Despite not being directly affected by it, many students know those who are and are aware of the reality behind not being able to get medicine.

“I haven’t been affected by the shortage in the sense that I’m still getting my medication, and I’m still getting it on-time, but that can’t be said for everyone,” An-

It is reported that many drug manufacturers have moved overseas over the last several decades because foreign governments have offered tax and logisti-

derson said. “My mom is a diabetic, and as far as I know, she’s getting her medication on-time, but it’s scary to think about what would happen if she wasn’t getting it.”

cal incentives as well as fewer regulations. This recent shortage will push an increase in manufacturers moving overseas.

Maddison Farmer, a junior management

VOLUME 101 | NO. 8

information systems major, says that she has not been personally affected by the shortage, but she has noticed it among her friends.

“I’ve heard my friends complain about not getting their prescriptions on-time, and some even have to wait as long as a few weeks without their meds,” Farmer said. “It’s insane that someone who is medically prescribed has to wait more than a few days to receive those necessary pills.”

In a recent poll of GC students, 68% of students polled are currently on prescribed medication. Of the students on medication, 40% are currently affected by the national shortage.

“It’s not just students that are on Vyvanse or

@GCSUnade

Adderall that’s affected,” said nursing student Aimee McMullen. “There are patients in hospitals right now who are suffering from this shortage.”

A total of 295 different types of drugs, from sedatives to Adderall to children’s flu medicine, were in short supply during the year 2022, and the numbers are expected to worsen this year.

The drug shortage is affecting everyone, from children to seniors, and it may only get worse.

“It’s a harsh reality to be on both sides of this,” McCullen said. “I see it in person, how it affects others, and I’ve felt it myself as a person, not just a student, that relies on my prescription,” said McMullen.

@TheColonnade

Editorial Board

Katherine Futch..............Editor in Chief Cale Strickland................Managing Editor Claire O’Neill................... Art Director Rebecca Meghani..........News Editor Lily Pruitt............................Asst. News Editor Hayden Flinn....................Sports Editor Brennan Schmitz........... Asst. Sports Editor Jennifer Crider................. Arts & Life Editor William Van de Planque.............................. Asst. Arts & Life Editor Abigayle Allen..................Opinion Editor Hannah Adams...............Asst. Opinion Editor Anjali Shenoy................ Digital Media Editor Marissa Marcolina.........Digital Media Editor Connor Patronis............. PR Manager Robert Trotter...................Ad Sales Manager William Burke.................. Faculty Adviser *All Opinion columns are the opinion of the columnist, not of The Colonnade.

The Colonnade is looking for staff writers, editors, designers, videographers, and more.

Contact thegcsucolonnade@gmail.com for more.

If you’re interested in writing for The Colonnade, email thegcsucolonnade@gmail.com.

Ad Disclaimer The Colonnade is not responsible for any false advertising. We are not liable for any error in advertising to a greater extent than the cost of the space in which the item occurs. The Colonnade reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising copy submitted for publication. There is no guaranteed placement of ads. The Colonnade does not accept advertising concerning firearms nor guarantee ads concerning alcoholic beverages.

Corrections

If you feel anything we’ve printed or posted online has been reported in error, please send an email to thegcsucolonnade@ gmail.com.

Copyrights

All stories and photographs appearing in this issue and previous issues, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted by The Colonnade.

Contact Us Office: Terrell 301 thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com bobcatmultimedia.com

3

REBECCA MEGHANI, NEWS EDITOR LILY PRUITT, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

04.03.2023

NEWS KEMP

Continued from page 1 Interim Vice President of Student Life Dr. Daniel Nadler informed the GC community of a GoFundMe and a supply drive. Monica Jones’s mother, Trina Hartry, lost everything in the storm, so she set up a GoFundMe in order to help her mother regain some of her belongings.

“One home belonged to one of our own GCSU employees, Ms. Monica Jones,” Nadler said.

The GC community organized a supply drive in order to help those in need, such as Hartry and Jones.

“I am reaching out to you today to consider participating in a supply drive tomorrow [Friday March 31] to help those community members that have been affected,” Nadler said.

The supply drive was set up during a Bobcats Speak Out town hall meeting so that students could easily drop off any donations. Donations included fruits, vegetables, boxed items, canned items, bottled water, Gatorade and personal care items.

The Milledgeville community and Baldwin County area are continuing to recover from the storm and are consistently aiding one another, bringing the community closer than ever.

Research Day at GC Lily Pruitt

presenting and introduced the Student Re-

Asst. News Editor Wednesday, March 29, was GC Research Day. Research Day is a campus event where students present their own research and support their peers who are presenting. Several clubs and organizations around campus also got involved to provide fun activities for students.

Mentored

Under-

graduate Research and Creative

Endeavors,

or MURACE, ran this year’s

Research

Day

and added “Inclusive Excellence

Keynotes,”

which gave students the

opportunity

to

hear different speakers.

Tuesday, March 28, was filled by a women’s and gender studies symposium in the Pat

Peterson

Muse-

um Education Room.

Visiting

engineering

search Poster Session in the Magnolia Ballroom.

President Cox’s welcome speech spurred a whole day of fantastic presenters, who educated thousands of students and faculty throughout the day.

At noon, Student Life co-hosted a Picnic with the Wellness Center. Several booths were present, allowing students to make keychains reflecting how familiar they are with culture, make paper

fortune

tellers

and get flyers on health and wellness promoting ways to improve physical and mental health.

This event also included a buffet for students and faculty to enjoy.

“We are out here to provide a wellness resource opportunity for all of campus, but we wanted to touch on all

and public safety pro-

eight pillars of wellness,

fessor

Destenie

so we are representing

Nock gave a keynote

physical activity and try-

address

afterwards.

ing to promote just tak-

The following morn-

ing baby steps — several

Dr.

Cox

things that people can

gave a warm welcome

incorporate in their day

to everyone who was

and build off of to even-

ing,

President

Courtesy of Anna Leavit | Campus Photographer

Overview of President Cox at Research Day in Magnolia Ballroom

tually have some really meaningful and beneficial lifelong habits,” said Amy Whatley, Associate Director of the Wellness and Recreation Center.

Throughout the day, there were many 50-minute sessions where students had the opportunity to present their work. From posters and PowerPoints to speeches and recordings of songs and instruments, the GC community was well-informed.

Haley James, a junior English major, and Ashley Beaty, a freshman data science major, worked the booth outside the Arts and

Sciences Auditorium.

“We are working for MURACE, giving people their name badges and certificates for Research Day,” James said.

“They offered this opportunity for honors students, and I took it because it is service hours,” Beaty said.

One particularly popular research presentation was the women’s and gender studies symposium. Shelby Carpenter presented “Feminism and the Happy Housewife” in the Pat Peterson Museum Education Room at 3 p.m. Carpenter’s speech was very enlightening

for many in the room and opened the floor up to several questions.

“For me, I always found this very interesting and promoting, and I think a lot of people think of housewives that cannot have both, so I think it was interesting to explore that,” Carpenter said.

Overall, GC’s Research Day had a great turnout that informed many students and faculty about all kinds of information they may have never known.

“Next year, present at Research Day if you did not do it this year,” James said.

Tennessee criminalizes public drag Paige Blakemore Staff Writer At of

ally is infringing on that

the

beginning

March,

Tennessee

Gov. Bill Lee signed into law legislation that will

criminalize

pub-

lic drag in Tennessee.

Tennessee is the first state in the country to initiate restrictions on

drag

performanc-

es, with Senate Bill 3.

While

not

explicitly

mentioning “drag,” the bill targets “male and female The

impersonators.” state’s

Senate

passed the bill along party lines to limit “adult cabaret

sidered an industry, it re-

performances”

on public property so as to shield them from “grooming”

children,

threatening

first-time

violators with a misdemeanor and repeat of-

laissez-faire, capitalistic economy that we have,” said Sam Paton, a political science major. “In the future, I don’t really know what the effects of this bill could be. The idea behind the bill was a little flawed, and I don’t think it’s the government’s responsibility to tell the public what they can and can not show their children. I think the overall intention was to protect minors, and the trans community just got wrapped up in it.”

Tennessee’s legislation has led many within the theater community to be

Courtesy of NPR

upset. Under the restric-

A public protest against SB3 in front of the Tennessee State Capitol.

tion, well-known musi-

tive

effects

that

the

into law, which bans mi-

allowed

ban

could

have

on

nors from obtaining gen-

ue

cals, such as “Hairspray” and “Chicago,” can no longer

be

performed

creative

expression.

der-affirming

surgeries

publicly within the state.

“Once we start making

and certain hormones.

things up to be wrong,

“It is not just a per-

be held within 1,000 feet

to

contin-

should be in the hands of

treatments.

young children, who are

Many claim that with-

so influenceable, con-

their

trans-

sidering the age of social

“As Georgians, par-

gender people are more

media,” Hall said. “As a

anything can be wrong,”

ents and elected leaders,

susceptible to depres-

Christian, I don’t sup-

formance, but a perfor-

Kent said. “We lose any

it is our highest respon-

sion, anxiety and suicide.

port drag performances.

of public parks, schools

mance for the intention

ability to tell important

sibility to safeguard the

and places of worship.

of expression,” said Alma

stories.

bright

Tennessee has also

Kent, a theater major. “It

passed House and Sen-

fenders with a felony.

Under the bill, these performances are not to

out

treatment,

have

It goes against my basic

fu-

been signed by gover-

Christian beliefs and val-

being lost continuous-

ture of our kids, and SB

nors in South Dakota,

ues. However, I believe in

gets its push a lot from

ly. It’s aligned with cen-

140 takes an important

Mississippi and Utah.

American freedom. Peo-

ate Bill 1, which bans

theatrical work. There’s

sorship of books, and

step in fulfilling that

Colin Hall, a po-

ple should have the right

gender-affirming

care

a big risk that villainiz-

it’s all the same thing

mission,”

Kemp

said.

litical

for transgender youth.

ing drag could seep into

in the bigger picture.”

Minors

who

have

jor,

showed

Ten other states have

villainizing other shows.”

On March 21, Geor-

already

started

hor-

for

Senate

proposed similar laws.

Kent continued on

gia Gov. Brian Kemp

mone

therapy

before

“Because drag is con-

to discuss the nega-

signed Senate Bill 140

the initiation will be

Something

is

promising

Similar

bills

science

masupport

to express themselves.”

Tennessee’s

Sen-

Bill

140.

ate bills and Georgia’s

“I

definitely

don’t

Senate Bill 140 will go

think

that

decision

into effect on July 1.

4

HAYDEN FLINN, SPORTS EDITOR BRENNAN SCHMITZ, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

04.03.2023

SPORTS

Malirz takes Bobcat Athlete of the Week Christian Castillo Staff Writer Sophomore Karol Malirz had an outstanding week on the court in matches at Spring Hill College and the University of West Alabama. His play found him landing both the GC Bobcat Athlete of the Week and the PBC Player of the Week awards.

The award sweep was well-earned through extremely solid performances in tough matches. Malirz saw his way to both awards by posting an undefeated record of 3-0 over the two-match span.

At Spring Hill, Malirz played alongside Enzo Sergi in a doubles match for the Bobcats. Malirz and Sergi would take the match with a dominant performance, earning a shutout victory.

In the match at West Alabama, Malirz played and came out on top of both a doubles and singles match for the Bobcats. Once again paired with Sergi, the two secured a doubles victory.

Malirz would also win in singles against Nuuti Jokinen, 6-0, 6-7, 6-3.

“I’ll try to keep up the hard work me and my teammates put into every practice we have on the

court and in the weight room,” Marlirz said.

During a tough stretch of games for the Bobcats, Malirz showed how this hard work can result in success on the court.

The recognition of these awards helps his confidence going forward.

“They are kind of like a reward for the last couple matches,” Marlirz said. “So, in a sense, they can be a little confidence boost.”

His hard work and success on the court have earned the respect of his teammates and put him in a leadership position.

“He has had an amaz-

Courtesy of GC Athletics

ing impact this season,” said senior Jack Sorel. “He matured a lot from last season, and it’s resulted in wins for us. His work ethic in practice makes him a great teammate, and it’s great to have him

Premier League observes Ramadan Rebecca Meghani News Editor There are many Muslim athletes across the world and as we are in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Those athletes are actively participating in Ramadan during their sports season. In 2023, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is

observed

between

March 22 and April 21.

This month, the Ummah (Muslim community) will wake up before dawn for Suhoor (the meal eaten in the early hours) to prepare for a full day of fasting before

Muslims are able to give up food which has been designed to benefit us, they are shown that they have the ability to leave harmful habits that have a negative impact on their souls.

The importance of Ramadan this year has been emphasized by England’s professional refereeing body, the PGMOL, who has issued a guidance for game match officials to find a natural pause in the game so that players can observe Iftar during the evening matches.

This jump started last year during a match between Burnley and

sea Foundation who is working with the Ramadan Tent Project, a UK charity dedicated to bringing communities together and expanding the knowledge of the holy month.

This is the first ever occurrence for the club and a Premier League stadium.

Last year, Blackburn Rovers Football Club became the first British club to host an Edit Jamaat in their stadium, Ewood Park.

“Sometimes playing football has been hard because Ramadan has been in the summer and during pre-season,” said

The Premier League has worked to provide drinking liquids, energy gels or supplements to their players for energy diminished by a full day of fasting before the game.

While the response to the introduction of fasting breaks in the Premier League has received positive attention among fans and players, other football organizations have responded negatively to this idea.

On March 23, French sports daily L’Equipe said that the France staff allegedly recommended for their Muslim players to postpone their fasting

as one of our leaders. He set a great example for the new guys this year.”

Malirz and the Bobcats will continue their season on April 1 against Lander University, a tough conference op-

ponent.

holders to enforce it.”

This has only further pushed criticism and controversy globally towards France’s negative attitude and treatment against Muslims that has existed prior. The Federal Commision of Referees (CFA) sent an email to referees further emphasizing the ban.

“These interruptions do not respect the provisions of the statutes of the FFF,” the email said.

“Disciplinary and/or criminal proceedings will be subjected to anyone violating the provisions.”

Members of the CFA and coaches have crit-

there are a limited num-

ending their fast after the

show

sive. The Bobcats will be grateful to have Karol Malirz on their side.

ber of matches where the pause in the game would be implemented.

Still,

the

Premier

League

has

contin-

ued efforts for their Muslim

athletes.

“We are a big community with lots of supporters from different backgrounds and we want to honor, respect and share the joy of every single fan,” said Dowshan Humzah, advisory board member of the Ramadan Tent Project. “This is about saying yes to love, inclusion,

community

and yes to everyone who

tar and something we are extremely proud about.”

mankind, and as clear that

Lander would be mas-

club to host an Open If-

re-

vealed as guidance for signs

victory against No. 11

the first Premier League

madan is the one which was

ing 0-2 in PBC play, a

It is very special to be

“The month of RaQuran

start-

wants to be a Chelsea fan.

sunset, known as Iftar.

the

After

The event was also a

the

part of Chelsea and the

right way and distin-

foundation’s “No To Hate”

guish between right and

campaign against rac-

wrong” (Quran 2:185).

ism and discrimination.

Fasting is an act of

Ramadan

worship and is one of the

is

being

observed by Muslims

five pillars of Islam, in addition to declaration of

all over the world and

faith, prayer, charity and

Premier

Hajj (pilgrimage). This

tions have been praised.

is a time for Muslims to

There has been a glob-

strengthen their relationship with God through practicing pline,

self-disciself-reflection

and spiritual reflection.

As we tend to lose sight of our purpose and why we belong in this world throughout the year, Ramadan is a way for Muslims to leave the month with a stronger connection with their mental, physical and spiritual being.

Fasting is not just a month of restriction but is meant for breaking unhealthy

habits

and

replacing them with patience and understanding towards others. If

Southampton where they paused during the first half to allow players to break their fast. In 2021, during a game between Leicester and Crystal Palace, the game was paused to allow them to break their fasts after sunset.

This was the first occurrence of pausing the game for Muslim players for the Premier League.

Premier League clubs have been putting forth an effort for their Muslims players like London club Chelsea FC. The club hosted an “Open Iftar” at the side of the pitch at Stamford Bridge, organized by the Chel-

Abdoulaye Doucoure, a central midfielder for Premier League club Everton. “But I have always been lucky to practice Ramadan and there have never been problems with my physical condition – I am grateful for that. My religion is the most important thing in my life – I put my religion first, then comes my work. You can do both together and I am happy with that.”

Doucoure praised the Premier League in their efforts to let their Muslim athletes enjoy Ramadan and has not worked against the Muslim faith.

so that their performance would not be negatively affected during the EURO 2024 qualifiers.

Additionally, according to a leaked email, the French Football Federation has allegedly sent a warning email to referees to prevent them from pausing the match for Muslim players to break their fast.

“Football takes no account of the political, religious, ideological or trade union of its actors,” the FFF email said. “This principle is binding on everyone: authorities, clubs, licensees, referees. It is up to all stake-

icized the idea of allowing pauses during matches, stating that there is no room for religion in sports.

“Nobody cares that they don’t do it, because we are not in a Muslim country,” said Didier Digard, the head coach for Olympique Gymnaste Club Nice Côte d’Azur.

“You have to accept the country you live in.”

Breaking a fast does not take a substantial amount of time but French officials insist that it disrupts the integrity of the matches.

As sunset tends to fall after 8 pm in Europe,

League’s

ac-

al encouragement for other sports to follow suit for the benefit of their Muslim players as the season continues.

Muslim players, especially, have made it known about the importance that these pauses in the matches mean to them.

“Just wanted to thank the

Premier

League,

as well as Crystal Palace Football Club for allowing me to break my fast tonight in the middle of the game,” said Wesley Fofana, a defender

for

Chelsea

F.C. “That’s what makes football

wonderful.”

5

HAYDEN FLINN, SPORTS EDITOR BRENNAN SCHMITZ, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

04.03.2023

SPORTS BRAVES

Continued from page 1 The team returns eight of their nine hitters from that lineup a season ago.

one, winning on Thurs-

Albies and Austin Riley

is to come this season.”

and stole 29 bags. The

tial and make a strong

day, 7-2, and winning

all tallied multiple hits

Last year was a dis-

years prior to his in-

case for MVP to help

on Saturday, 7-1. They

throughout the series.

appointment for super-

jury, through two sea-

lead the Braves back

came up short in game

“I think the Braves

star Acuña Jr. The for-

sons, Acuña Jr. hit for

to the World Series.

three of the series, 4-1.

are going to have an-

mer top-five player in

an average of .286 and

The Braves will face a number of challenges

The only departures in-

throughout the year, es-

clude shortstop Dansby

pecially with the pieces

Swanson, who held the third-highest

that other NL East teams

batting

picked up this offseason.

average for the Braves, and

catcher

The New York Mets

William

added former Cy Young

Contreras, who rotat-

Award

ed in with Travis d’Ar-

winner

Justin

Verlander to their al-

naud every other game.

ready dangerous pitch-

“I think the biggest

ing rotation, and the

struggle for the Braves

Philadelphia

this year is figuring out

added All-Star shortstop

who’s going to be their

Trea Turner to their line-

long-term solution at

up after coming up just

shortstop,” said senior

short to the Astros in

management

the 2022 World Series.

major

Mitch Ledford. “We exBraves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr.

tended Orlando Arcia for three years, but I think

Phillies

The NL East will be one of the most compet-

Through the first three

other solid showing this

baseball returned to the

averaged 33 home runs

itive divisions in base-

games, some players have

year,” said senior public

diamond in 2022 after

per season, 82 RBIs and

ball, but for the Braves,

already shown some im-

health major Jack Beers.

tearing his ACL in the

26 stolen bases. He also

the biggest challenge will

provement from a year

“They came out hot with

second half of the 2021

came extremely close to

be

ago. In recent history, the

the bats in the first two

championship

season.

putting up the first 40-

through

Braves have been known

games, although they

Acuña Jr. severely under-

40 — 40 home runs and

The Braves are back

swer for the future.”

to start off slow and heat

dropped the final one

performed at the plate

40 stolen bases — sea-

in action this week, as

The Braves have al-

up in the second half

to

This

compared to his previ-

son since Alfonso Soria-

they take on the St. Lou-

ready played their first

of the season. This was

may not mean much, as

ous years, when he was

no in 2006. He was only

is Cardinals for a three-

series

season

not the case in this first

Washington is one of the

in the running for MVP.

three stolen bases away.

game road series, and

against the Washington

series, as players like

worst teams in baseball

In 2022, Acuña Jr.

This year, he will be

are looking to better

Nationals.

took

Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt

this year, but hopeful-

batted .266, hit 15 home

looking

the series two games to

Olson, d’Arnaud, Ozzie

ly it was a sign of what

runs, drove in 50 runs

his

he will just end up being a role player. I think Braeden Shewmake or Vaughn

Grissom

will

end up being the an-

of

the They

Washington.

to

rechannel

superstar

poten-

remaining 162

healthy games.

their record throughout the course of the season.

GC softball falls 2-1 in series versus Lander Drew Bogumill

four hits, all but one com-

Staff Writer

ing in the first inning.

The GC softball team

Junior Jana Shellhorse

is in the middle of their

pitched well in the loss,

season and in the heart

as only half of the runs

of conference play. The

were earned, and she

team has shown tre-

struck out six batters.

improve-

Game two saw a late

ment from a year ago,

rally for GC that end-

already

10

ed up falling just short.

more wins than last year.

It was Lander’s turn

The team was 19-

to score early, scratch-

10 heading into their

ing across a single run

three-game series versus

in the first frame. It

Lander.

Unfortunately

was not until the sixth

for the Bobcats, Land-

inning that the Bear-

mendous

recording

er took the series 2-1.

cats added to their lead

The Bobcats scored

with three more runs.

first in game one, driv-

The

Bobcats

came

ing in a pair of runs in

alive in the bottom of the

the first inning. Third

sixth, loading the bases

baseman Kam Caldwell

on a hit by pitch and two

recorded an RBI-single

singles. The Bobcats had

to drive in the game’s

the tying run on the bas-

first run, and left field-

es in both the sixth and

er

seventh but could not se-

Mackenzie

Martin

drove in the second with

cure a hit to tie things up.

ten hits in the second

es-loaded error to push

petitive in each game and

“I think there was a Marissa Marcolina | Digital Media Editor

Junior utility player MacKenzie Hoffman slap hits the incoming pitch versus Lander on Friday, March 24.

couldn’t

the first run around to

come out with a win in

major adjustment in our

string much together.

score. Senior Shea Zweif-

game three of the series.”

mindset between the first

Junior Shelby Jones

el picked up her first RBI

took the loss, as she

contest

but

went all seven innings with four earned runs and

three

strikeouts.

Game three was all GC. The Bobcats took

Infielder

Jessica

two games and the third

of the contest, drawing

Owens said the three-

game,” said utility player

a walk to push the sec-

game

taught

Divina Checo. “We made

ond run of the game.

her the importance of

a lot fewer mistakes, and

With this win the Bob-

each of her teammates.

the team was, overall, just

cats achieved their first

“It’s not the start-

locked into the game in

20-win season since 2019.

ing lineup that makes

order to secure the win.”

“I think the team

the team; it is every-

The softball team will

performed well against

one,” Owens said. “One

now get ready for anoth-

Lander

this

week-

individual

can

make

er three-game series, this

end,”

Lancaster

said.

or

a

season.”

time against Augusta.

series

shortstop

down Lander 7-2 to

Lander held GC score-

Sydney Lancaster went

avoid the series sweep.

less for the remainder of

3-for-3 in game two

The story of the af-

the game, tying the game

with a steal, and senior

ternoon was the sev-

“Throughout the series,

In order for a team

The Bobcats will hope

in the fourth and taking

first

Jessica

en-run

inning

there were several differ-

to find success, adjust-

to come away victorious

the lead in the fifth. The

Owens went

2-for-4.

for the Bobcats. Owens

ent players who stepped

ments must be made

in the series as the sea-

Bobcats were held to just

The Bobcats rattled off

reached base on a bas-

up in order to stay com-

throughout the season.

son gets closer to its end.

a double to center field.

Freshman

baseman

third

break

6

HAYDEN FLINN, SPORTS EDITOR BRENNAN SCHMITZ, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

04.03.2023

SPORTS

GC baseball falls to UNG two games to one Emily Henderson

the Bobcats, as they were

tried to produce runs

The Bobcats produced

GC flushed away what

back, losing the game 5-7.

Staff Writer

unable to put up a score-

but failed. Junior Palmer

back-to-back home runs

happened in the first

“Games like the first

less inning defensively.

Sapp launched a ball to

by Hunter Baker and

game and bounced back

one show us how we can

The first two batters got

deep center field with a

Knowles in the bottom

in the next two games.

bounce back as a team,”

on base with a single and

runner on base, but with

of the seventh. This was

The Bobcats won game

a walk before an even-

a leaping catch over the

Knowles first career ho-

two of the series after

know, we could have

tual RBI-single drove

center-field wall, UNG

mer for the Bobcats.

taking the lead early with

let down and lost these

in a run. Hudgins kept

prevented the Bobcats

Bobcats

two singles by freshman

next two games, but we

his composure, striking

from tying the game up.

got cold, the Night-

Evan Cowan and Sapp.

pushed back and al-

out the next batter and

Finally, in the bot-

hawks were still hot.

A bases-clearing double

most won the next two.”

pitching into a double

tom of the fifth, things

UNG scored four more

by senior Trey Ham gave

The Bobcats are in the

to try to win the series.

play to end the inning.

started

out

runs in the top of the

the Bobcats extra sup-

final stretch of the sea-

In Game 1, the top

Early game struggles

for GC. Junior catcher

ninth, including an in-

port to win the game 6-2.

son, with important con-

of the first inning was

continued in the top of

Trevor Knowles perfect-

side-the-park homerun

Game three of the

ference games against

rocky for starting pitch-

the third inning for the

ly placed a hit right be-

due to an overthrown

series was a close battle

tough teams coming up.

er Josh Hudgins, who

Bobcats after a leadoff

hind the third-base bag,

ball to the catcher, end-

between the Bobcats and

“We just need to con-

started the game by

home run from UNG

putting him in scoring

ing

12-3.

Nighthawks. The Bob-

tinue to do the things

hitting the leadoff bat-

making the score 2-0.

position at second base.

“This game was not

cats rallied back in the

that we always preach,”

ter. Hudgins’ bad luck

In the bottom of the

With the help of a wild

up to the standard that

bottom of the ninth af-

said head coach Nolan

continued after an error

third, GC tried to put

pitch, Knowles advanced

we hold here at Geor-

ter being down 2-5 with

Belcher. “We need to

was committed on a po-

numbers on the board.

to third before scoring

gia College, myself in-

a single from Ham, a

get leadoff hitters out,

tential double-play that

The Bobcats had back-

on an RBI-groundout

cluded,” Hudgins said.

bases-loaded walk and a

stay in good counts,

was dropped by third

to-back

from Dominic Arienzo.

“I needed to be a bet-

fielder’s choice from Ma-

play good defensively

baseman Ben Tuten. De-

the runner was thrown

inning

ter strike thrower. We

son Spivey. Unfortunate-

and grind out at-bats.”

spite this start, Hudgins

out at third, strand-

was not the best work

needed to stay on the

ly, after two throwing er-

got out of the inning

ing a runner on first

from the Bobcats, giv-

attack the whole entire

rors off of a bunted ball,

Bobcats as they host Em-

without

damage.

as the inning ended.

ing up two walks and

game. But, overall, that is

two runners scored for

manuel College for their

The second inning

Again, in the bottom

five hits, making the

not who we are, and we

the Nighthawks, and the

tailgate tour game Tues-

was not much better for

of the fourth, the Bobcats

score

will bring it tomorrow.”

Bobcats could not come

day, April 4, at 5:00 p.m.

GC baseball hosted one of their conference rivals, the University of North Georgia Nighthawks, in a three-game series starting Friday, March 31. After a tough first game for the Bobcats, they fought back

any

singles,

but

The

working

sixth

8-1

for

UNG.

While

the

the

game

Knowles

Come

said.

support

“You

the

7

JENNIFER CRIDER, A&L EDITOR WILLIAM VAN DE PLANQUE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

04.03.2023

ARTS & LIFE

Things get ‘Stranger’ with stage play prequel Popular Netflix series gets theatre production spinoff Shaw Coggin Staff Writer Streaming giant Netflix has found wild success with their hit show “Stranger Things” ever since it premiered in 2016. The show is

of Hawkins, Indiana, during the 1950s. Written by “Stranger Things” writer Kate Trefry and directed by three-time Tony Award-winning director Stephen Daldry, the prequel play will cover storylines relating

They are going to have the ability, if they do it right, to capture some really sincere moments in a way they can’t through the Netflix series -Ben McPherson

now on its fourth season, and rumors of spin-offs have never been more prevalent.

To the joy of those hoping for more stories from the Upside Down and Hawkins, the show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, have announced a prequel play that will open its doors in London’s West End later this year.

The play, titled “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” will be set in the fictionalized town

to the characters of Jim Hopper, Joyce Byers and Bob Newby during their high school days. It has also been announced that the show’s current villain, Henry Creel, will have some kind of involvement in the story.

Though many fans are looking forward to the continuation, many are made hesitant by comments from the Duffer Brothers, who said the play was not originally part of their plans for the series.

“I think it’s a bad idea,” said Kylie Noles, a sophomore art major. “I think it’ll lose its magic and will be disappointing because there’s so much great about the show.”

A common thread between “Stranger Things” fans on GC’s campus is the struggle between the shift from a TV series to a stage play.

“It is kind of a gamble ‘cause — usually — when you go between mediums, it tends to be kind of a bit off,” said Collin Nebiker, a junior marketing major. “I do think that it would be neat to see it if it does translate.”

Ben McPherson, a freshman management major, has been involved in theater since his sophomore year of high school and has since taken his stage skills to GC, providing him with perspective on the medium of theater in storytelling.

“It opens up a lot of opportunities for a new audience,” McPherson said. “They are going to have the ability, if they do it right, to capture some really sincere moments in a way they can’t through

the Netflix series.”

The concept of seeing younger versions of their favorite characters from the Netflix series seems to interest fans the most.

“I think it will add more character development — in a previous sense,” McPher-

son said. “Being able to give context to the past is really important.”

“I think it’ll be nostalgic, in some way, for people who think this is a good idea,” Noles said. “We’ve learned to love these characters and the people who’ve

been casted for the show, and I think these actors just won’t be able to do them justice.”

“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” will open on December 14 before the show’s fifth — and possibly final — season premieres next year.

Courtesy of Netflix

Online diet culture: what to expect and what to avoid Kody McClary Contributing Writer OPINION

The modern-day influencer’s lifestyle choices gain more and more psychological real estate in the minds of impressionable consumers as social media becomes increasingly sophisticated.

Short-form content

deny posts’ validity. So, how exactly is online fitness and diet culture influencing us, and what can we do to combat it?

Earlier this month, actress Gwyenth Paltrow went on the “The Art of Being Well” podcast, where she talked about her personal eating habits with the host, Dr. Will Cole. According to Paltrow, she waits until noon to have coffee

lack of substance. The backlash garnered a response from Paltrow about a week later, in which she claims that her nutritionist, Cole, the host of the podcast, recommended this bone broth diet to combat her “long COVID” because it is anti-inflammatory and has “all kinds of protein.”

In Paltrow’s defense, she did claim she does not eat like this every

Gwenyth Paltrow

The actress has received backlash from the wellness community for her eating habits.

incentivizes creators to churn out as many clips as possible, allowing for misguided fluff to seep through the cracks at a rate faster than what our brains can effectively process. We are constantly consuming personal anecdotes about lifestyle and wellness choices, and most of us are not wellread on these subjects or even have the time to accurately confirm or

and the optional bone broth soup to not spike her blood sugar levels.

This “lunch” is a part of her intermittent fasting regimen, where she only eats one large meal, “lots of vegetables,” a day.

The podcast clip of her discussing her eating habits made its rounds in the wellness zeitgeist and faced the criticism of many qualified nutritionists for the diet’s

day, but that was only clarified until after the backlash and not during the podcast where she made the initial claims.

What is interesting about Cole and Paltrow’s relationship is that they seem to act more as business partners and less like a doctor-client relationship, considering both of them are selling a book called “Intuitive Fasting.” This book aims

to sell you the same diet information that Paltrow talked about in the podcast, giving context as to why she went to clarify her diet claims not long after the backlash.

What is even more interesting is that Cole is not even an MD. He is a doctor of “natural medicine” and a “functional medical practitioner,” meaning that most of his work is holistic and is not backed by decades of medical research like most conventional medicine normally is.

This means that he is just about as qualified as your local chiropractor rather than a fully licensed MD. Cole’s titles allow him to pose himself as being more qualified than he is to those who are unknowing of what his qualifications accurately entail about his expertise.

This relationship represents the business model that has misguided the online health industry for years now.

Plaster the face of a conventionally attractive influencer or celebrity that fits a certain body image and market their influence towards a product or book that claims to fast-track you to achieving some health or fitness goal. We see it all the time in products like Sugarbear Hair, Prime, Chris Hemsworth’s fitness app, NLE Choppa’s BBL pills, weight loss

pills, and the list goes on.

Knowing that this business model exists, any health advice provided by an influencer should be taken with a grain of salt because most of these influencers’ bottom line is to make money off of your engagement, especially if there is a product behind their claims. For them, they have no incentive to push you towards your wellness goals. In fact, the opposite happens.

A meta-analysis of 63 studies from the Department of Psychology at Ryerson University regarding social-media-borne body image issues suggests that simply using social media is not what is altering one’s body image. In fact, it is how people use social media and what behaviors they tend to engage in — such as “appearance-focused social media use” — that has a negative impact on their body image. Due to social media still being relatively new, most of the research is not developed enough to statistically confirm any causation of social-media-borne body image issues, but considering the frequency and popularity of the influencer-backed health regimen products, beauty filters and face-tuning apps, it is safe to say that there is clearly a large market for people who struggle with their physi-

cal self image, specifically within young women.

The content we consume predicates how online fitness and diet culture affects the individual. Albeit avoiding appearance-focused social media is easier said than done because most social media is inherently appearance-focused, regardless of whether you are consuming fitness or diet-related content or not.

So what are your options in avoiding the negative ramifications of online fitness and diet culture? Number one: Know when you are being sold to. If someone is giving you health advice online, dig deeper and figure out if they are attempting to sell you something along with it.

If they are, then question its validity. Number two: Only consider what qualified nutritionists and doctors, and their studies, have to say about health-related facts and diets. They have the resources and experience to make these claims, not some random celebrity. Number three: Limit your media usage. If you notice your timeline is cornering you into lifestyle choices through the content it recommends, then block those accounts, ask the app to not recommend those videos, log off and recalibrate.

8

JENNIFER CRIDER, A&L EDITOR WILLIAM VAN DE PLANQUE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

04.03.2023

ARTS & LIFE

COIN

they created technology

Continued from page 1 A lot of the best Go players just say the best moves. Sometimes, it just feels right. They

to emulate human intuition, and we reverse-en-

it means to be human.

Q: Will you continue

they make it, because it’s

in the music you’re

paralyzing to think about

creating

A: Joe Memmel: TBD?

feels like the right move.

Matt We’re

Martin: soul

searching.

bum that makes it dif-

life is to become better

ing it out, you know?

ferent from previous

than you were yesterday,

albums,

specifically

slightly more clarified

with the connection of

today than you were the

learning and loving?

day before, and I think

A: Chase Lawrence:

you just do that until

We’re not the ones to

you die. I think that’s the

talk about human mean-

closest we’ll ever get to

ing. We’re all just trying

an answer to what this

to figure this out, but I

life is. Just getting better

you hope your listen-

think that we all came

every day. That’s the goal.

ers got from this al-

to this conclusion that

Joe

the point of this whole

Learning

all

just

-Chase Lawrence

currently?

what you can do. It just

unavoidable.

figur-

We’re

The point of this whole life is to become better than you were yesterday.

whole album about what

to build on that theme

Winnen:

It’s

gineered that and made a

don’t even know why

So, I like this idea that

Ryan

Joe all

Memmel: tied

It’s

together.

Chase

Q:

What

do

Lawrence:

Memmel: and

loving.

Sentencing a teenage killer: the murder of Tristyn Bailey Kate Verity Contributing Writer

to take Fucci’s age into

are written. That was the

ed States judiciary chose

Some believe the prac-

without parole or life

consideration when de-

case up until 2012. In

that death row should not

tice is a suitable pun-

with parole. The sooner

livering

sentence.

2012, the Supreme Court

be an option for minors.

ishment for individuals

you insert a child into

was a tragic Mother’s

This is because there

said kids cannot receive

“The Supreme Court

who

committed

the prison system rather

Day for Florida moth-

are many laws in place

mandatory

with-

has said, in two different

dark and heinous crimes.

than the juvenile delin-

er

She

to protect children that

out parole. They must

cases, that we are ethically

Others see it as a prac-

quent system, it’s going

awoke to find that only

are being tried in adult

be given a ‘meaningful

required to consider how

tice that strips people

to further impair them

four of her five children

criminal court. One no-

opportunity for release’

juveniles are different

of their right to life and

from

had made it home safe

table difference is that

[Miller

Alabama].”

from adults,” Cook said.

ought to be abolished.

the night before. Bailey

children can not re-

Based on the nature of

“The Supreme Court in

kind of behavior fixing

Chad Helton is a ju-

spent what should have

ceive the death penalty.

nior at GC double ma-

been a joyful holiday

Dr. Alesa Liles is an

joring in criminal justice

scouring the county with

associate professor of

and political science. He

law enforcement, des-

criminal justice at GC.

is against capital punish-

perately searching for

She explained how this

ment in general, so he

any sign of her young-

protective

measure

is certainly against any

est child. At 6:06 p.m.,

came to exist. Specifi-

notion of putting minors

her daughter’s body was

cally, major court cas-

on death row. Helton ex-

found, lying lifeless, near

es throughout the last

plained that he, ethical-

a retention pond. Tris-

two decades have led to

ly, finds Fucci’s life sen-

tyn Bailey, a 13-year-old

these restrictions in sen-

tence to be appropriate,

girl, had been brutal-

tencing and have forced

considering the crime.

ly stabbed 114 times.

judges to take a child’s

Tristyn Bailey’s kill-

age and lack of develop-

er was one of her class-

Sunday, May 9, 2021,

Stacy

Bailey.

the

life

v.

have

developing

any

or behavior corrections.”

Furthermore, according to Cook, Florida is the leading state in the nation in terms of trying minors as adults.

“It’s an interesting case because Florida leads the nation with waivers to adult court,” Cook said.

“It’s, like, almost double or more than double the second-leading

state.”

Tristyn Bailey

But he also raises con-

Fucci’s crime, he was set

Roper said states aren’t

cerns about over-sen-

ment into consideration.

to be tried in adult court

really doing this [juve-

tencing minors as adults.

mates, 14-year-old Aid-

“In 2005, the Supreme

rather than as a juvenile.

nile death penalties] any-

“I mean, he [Fucci]

en Fucci. Two years have

Court decided that juve-

In 25 years, a judge will

way. They’re not sending

premeditatively

passed since the crime

niles were ineligible for

review his sentence, thus

people to death row who

this girl, so in this case

was committed. In Feb-

the death penalty [Roper

fulfilling the obligation

were

when

specifically, I think it was

past 20 years, Ameri-

ruary, Fucci chose to

v. Simmons] ,” Liles said.

to provide “meaningful

they committed their

a very fair sentencing

cans have seen two ma-

plead guilty. This past

“So, if a kid committed a

opportunity for release.”

crime. So, they’re recog-

to do life with a 25-year

jor cases go through

week, he received his

death-eligible offense, in

Dr. Carrie Cook, GC

nizing that as a practice

examination,”

Helton

the Supreme Court that

sentence: life in prison

most states, that meant

professor

criminal

that our society isn’t re-

said. “If it was some-

have been making an ef-

with a review in 25 years.

they would receive an

justice, also referenced

ally comfortable with.”

thing minor, like drug

fort to protect children

automatic

life-with-

Roper v. Simmons and

Death row alone is

possession or something

from being treated with

tried as an adult. Nev-

out-parole sentence be-

Miller v. Alabama when

a point of controversy

like that, I don’t think

overt harshness or scru-

ertheless, the judge had

cause that is how the laws

explaining why the Unit-

among many Americans.

we should be doing life

tiny by the legal system.

Fucci, now 16, was

of

juveniles

killed

The potential for reform in the United States prison system has long been a topic of political debate. However, in the

9

JENNIFER CRIDER, A&L EDITOR WILLIAM VAN DE PLANQUE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

04.03.2023

ARTS & LIFE

Florida bill limits discussion of female anatomy in school

What age should students be taught sexual education?

Hannah Adams Asst. Opinion Editor In March 2023, the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis extended the limitations on conversations regarding sexual orientation and gender identity to the eighth grade.

The bill will take extra measures to restrict the rights of transgender people within Florida, as well as limit school curriculum concerning sex and female anatomy.

For example, the bill explains that menstrual cycles can only be discussed between students above the age of 12. The parameters of this bill have also created more accessibility for parents to challenge the curriculum being taught in

their children’s classrooms and the guidelines of discussions between teachers and students.

The bill was passed by a vote of 77-35 in the primarily Republican house and distinguishes that the use of any pronouns that differ from the biological sex of the individual is false.

The DeSantis administration made many moves against the transgender community after a series of policies that were initiated last fall.

This included two state medical approved board rules that banned transgender minors from receiving hormone therapies and some surgeries.

In an article from NBC, a woman referred to as Jane Doe expressed her concerns in a news release for her daughter now that this

bill has been enacted.

“Our daughter is a happy, confident child but denying her access to the medical care recommended by her doctors would completely disrupt her life,” Doe said. “I’m devastated by what this will mean for her physical and mental health.”

Along with the other restrictions enacted by this bill, it is also disclosed that schools cannot educate students on menstruation until they are above the age of 12. In general, young women get their periods sometime around the age of 10. The initiation of this bill will force teachers to refrain from teaching on the topic to their students, regardless of whether or not menstruation has started for them.

GC junior psycholo-

Lana Del Rey album review

gy major Christy Garlock felt that these parameters were unjust.

“I think that the law shouldn’t even be a discussion,” Garlock said.

“Girls should be learning about this stuff as early as necessary so it doesn’t come as a surprise later.

Also, I can’t stand when a man is the one creating laws surrounding the anatomy of a woman.”

The enacting of this Florida bill will further open the door for parents having more extensive input on their children’s curriculum.

Teachers will now have to filter out any discussions pertaining to topics of sexual orientation, gender identity, certain female anatomical functions and sex. In an article regarding these administrative actions, Human Rights Campaign

Cale Strickland Managing Editor

Renowned singer songwriter Lana Del Rey released her ninth studio album, “Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd,” on March 24, 2023. Since the release, the album has had the largest streaming numbers on opening week in the United States since Del Rey’s release of “Honeymoon” in 2015.

This most recent album has risen to the top 10 of Billboard 200 and celebrates 28,000 SEA units, which translates to 36.14 million on-demand streams. This makes “Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” Del Rey’s biggest streaming week to date, surpassing all prior albums.

The public also gets to taste a large variety of featured artists, like Father John Misty, Bleachers, SYML, Jon Batiste, Riopy and Tommy Genesis.

This wide range of featured artists brings new, inventive sonic cohesion that has never been seen

by Del Rey until “Ocean Blvd.” Everything from an old gospel sound in her family homage piece, “The Grants,” which emphasizes John Denver’s mystical wonderment to “Peppers” featuring Tommy Genesis, which introduces a contrasting mix of slow and hyper beats, is displayed beautifully throughout the album.

The listener also gets an insight to vulnerable and unseen emotions that Del Rey has yet to display in her work. Motifs of childhood sorrow, experience with sexual

If you have taken a film class, chances are you are familiar with Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo.”

Many film critics and historians consider the hypnotic, Technicolor noir one of the greatest films of all-time.

It has received the same treatment as Orson Welles’s “Citizen Kane,” another classic synonymous with all the bells and whistles of a film deemed worthy of scholarly analysis: countless essays, books upon books, anniversary screenings at stuffy repertory theaters across New York and Los Angeles.

So, when I sat down to write about “Vertigo” for a film noir class I took last spring, I was pulling teeth to say something original.

My paper was nothing more than an exercise in paraphrasing scholars of decades past; my “voice” was nowhere to be found among the sea of citations which littered its pages.

But if there is one thing Hollywood loves more than movies, it is Hollywood itself — the mythology of making movies.

Filmmakers love filmmakers. Just look at a handful of the

violence and yearning for her own family are revealed as Lana’s natural lyricism thickens throughout the album.

In the song “Fingertips,” Del Rey pours her heart into the intense writing that portrays each of these harsh elements. Although the lyrics are heartbreaking, Del Rey finds a way to turn her sorrow into magic.

This metamorphosis of emotion is considerably recognizable in other songs on “Ocean Blvd,” like “Sweet,” “Fishtail” and “Candy Necklace.”

The unique ability to translate sadness into serenity is something I have always admired about Del Rey. Having been a fan since I was only 12 years old, my expectations for this album were completely blown away when I got to listen to “Ocean Blvd” in one sitting. This is solely based on the rawness of her lyrics and how much of her soul is woven into this album.

However, in terms of stylistic choices for sound and beat cohesion, it is not my favorite. After the release of “Norman F***ing Rockwell” in 2019, it is hard for me to fully accept

the new wave of music Del Rey is producing.

Although we see similarity when comparing “Cinnamon Girl” from “Norman F***ing Rockwell,” and “Sad Girl” from “Ultraviolence” to “Fishtail” on this album, there is something so different in the way songs on “Ocean Blvd” read to the listener than her previous albums before “Norman F***ing Rockwell.”

As each new album progresses, Lana continuously focusses more and more on her writing than the production value of her music. Del Rey has always emphasized the fact that she identifies more as a writer than a musician, which is something I truly admire about her.

That being said, I can not help but miss the days in 2014 when “Ultraviolence,” my favorite album of all-time, was in its prime. Although I often let my nostalgia dictate my opinion on Del Rey’s new work, “Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” is truly a remarkable album that explores her life in a way no other album she has released has.

writer Delphine Luneau elaborated further on what these limitations will mean for the future.

“The Stop WOKE Act limits protected speech in workplaces and classrooms by censoring honest dialogue about systemic racism, gender, and race discrimination,” Luneau said. “The legislation also changes Florida’s employment discrimination statutes to give employees the ability to file discrimination claims against an employer engaging

in trainings or discussions about Black history, LGBTQ+ issues, and other concepts of injustice and discrimination.”

Florida is now one of eight states to restrict healthcare pertaining to transitional procedures and the transgender community. This bill has been paired with an identical rule passed by the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine. The standards of this bill will be upheld via HB 1223, which states that sex is inextricable from biology.

Dear, Hollywood. No more remakes.

Collin Zabroske Contributing Writer

Lana Del Rey

Gov. Ron DeSantis

Academy’s recent Oscar nominees, for example: Steven Spielberg’s “The Fabelmans,” Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast,” and David Fincher’s “Mank.”

In back-to-back-to-back years, films about film have been present at the biggest, self-congratulatory, party in Hollywood, and by no mistake.

Now, Paramount, the studio behind “Vertigo,” is looking to one-up itself, as a remake of the film has been announced.

Robert Downey Jr. will star, presumably as James Ferguson, the peculiar private eye originally played by the late, great James Stewart. Stephen Knight, who is best known for his work on the Netflix series “Peaky Blinders,” will write the film’s screenplay.

At the time of writing, it is unclear who will direct the film, or who will play Madeleine Elster, the famed femme fatale originally played by Kim Novak.

Of course, I can not judge the film until I have had a chance to see it. God, it seems cynical, though. When the golden age of Hollywood is being mined for golden-coated intellectual property, or “IP,” you begin to wonder what — if anything — is off-limits from being remade or spun off.

Hell, with Welles long gone, Warner Bros. Dis-

covery just might set its sights on “Citizen Kane.”

And while remaking “Vertigo” may not be as money-hungry of a move as studios pumping out mindless, unjustified sequels, it is still lazy, unoriginal storytelling.

I am sure the idea of working on a remake of “Vertigo,” or any other historically significant film, as the director, as an actor, is attractive.

Maybe Downey, who just ended his years-long journey as Iron Man in Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe, thinks a serious drama is just what he needs to regain the respect of the industry’s toughest critics.

It must be thrilling, and terrifying, to attempt to emulate Hollywood’s legends — but you are also, undoubtedly, setting yourself up for failure. Because no matter how great Downey Jr.’s performance is, no matter how well-made the film is, the “Vertigo” we end up getting in 2024 or 2025 can not — and will not — stand toe-to-toe with Hitchcock’s original. Sure, audiences may enjoy it, which certainly matters. But critics and scholars will never hold Downey Jr. in the same regard as Stewart, or the director in the same regard as Hitchcock, and why should they? Pretension comes at a price.

Robert Downey Jr.

10

ABIGAYLE ALLEN, OPINION EDITOR HANNAH ADAMS, ASST. OPINION EDITOR

04.03.2023

OPINION EMPATHY

to tragic incidents and

There is an empathy

negative news on social

deficit in America, which

media leads to “com-

is exacerbated by the

passion fatigue,” which

current situation with

can desensitize people

the pandemic, racial in-

to the suffering of oth-

justice, economic insecu-

ers. Additionally, social

rity, political polarization

media often promotes

and

confirmation bias, where

Empathy is a fundamen-

people seek out informa-

tal human need that is

tion and opinions that

essential for individu-

ators that may entertain

confirm their own be-

als to feel understood

me. In doing so, I get a

liefs and demonize those

and cared for by others.

front-row view to the

who do not. This can

However, empathy is a

lives that other individ-

lead to arguments and a

complex concept that

uals live, including the

lack of empathy towards

means different things

opinions of other people

others.

media

to different people, and

and of society in general.

also contributes to a cul-

it is not always easy to

Due to the convenience

ture of comparison and

understand or measure.

of social media, creators

perfectionism,

which

To address this empathy

are able to post their be-

can negatively impact

deficit, individuals can

liefs and opinions with

self-esteem and create

take several steps. First,

the tap of a finger and

an atmosphere of judg-

it is important to ask

little regard to how this

ment

others.

others how they are feel-

could negatively affect or

Cyberbullying is another

ing and to listen actively

offend another person.

way social media can im-

to their responses. This

This poses the ques-

pede empathy, as people

involves putting oneself

tion: What is the impact of

can hide behind screens

in their shoes and trying

social media on empathy?

to pass judgment onto

to understand their per-

Social media has been

others without thought.

spective. Second, it is es-

shown to impede empa-

What is empathy, and

thy in several ways. First, the constant exposure

Continued from page 1 As for myself, while I may have time settings stationed on my most used apps, I find myself scrolling aimlessly on social media providers to keep up with my friends or content cre-

Social

towards

misinformation.

Courtesy of Art Director | Claire O’Neill

problems and may not

important to understand

ate and caring society. It

have the energy to think

what it means for those

is important to recognize

about others’ issues. Fi-

around us. By taking

nally, individuals should

these steps, individuals

sential to remember that

recognize that empathy

can begin to bridge the

how can we combat the

many people are strug-

means different things to

empathy deficit and cre-

ful force that is essential

loss of it within society?

gling with their own

different people, and it is

ate a more compassion-

for humans’ well-being.

that empathy is not just a concept but a power-

THE U.S. CITIZENSHIP TEST IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO PASS. THAT NEEDS TO END. NOW.

Hannah Adams Asst. Opinion Editor

When the U.S. legislative

of the entire world — to

first language. The test

confuse those that are

He noted that the citi-

test ended up being the

know where we came

is also longer and more

learning or do not speak

zenship test had remained

same level of difficulty,

from and the history of

challenging than before.

English is a tragic and

I was frustrated. There

our ancestors’ shapes,

“The new citizenship

awful attempt at working

unchanged since 2008.

really is no purpose in

who we are and the

test that went into ef-

against immigrants. The

people needing to know

changes we need to make

fect on Tuesday is lon-

majority of U.S. citizens

obscure

random

as a new generation.

ger than before, with

do not have a clue about

facts about a Georgia

Despite this, there is no

applicants now required

in-depth historical facts.

marsh to get their college

justification for forcing

to answer 12 out of 20

There is no justification

diploma in a degree that

people to learn hyper-ob-

questions correctly in-

for expecting those try-

country can not seem

is completely unrelat-

scure and random facts

stead of six out of 10. It

ing to gain citizenship

to escape the superior-

ed to history. When ex-

that they will not retain

is also more complex,

to know them either.

ity complex of singling

pressing these concerns

in the long run just for

eliminating simple geog-

The New York Times

out those trying to gain

to a friend, we began to

the sake of doing it. Ac-

raphy and adding dozens

article further explained

wonder if these are the

cording to the New York

of possible questions,

the motive behind this

citizenship and putting

types of questions asked

Times article, “New US

some nuanced and in-

new test according to

are required to take a

on citizenship tests. It

Citizenship Test is Lon-

volving complex phras-

Eric Cohen, executive

course to compensate.

also prompted me to

ger and More Difficult,”

ing, that could trip up

director of the Immi-

After my first take of

think whether these tests

by Simon Romero and

applicants who do not

grant

the Georgia legislative, I

should be necessary at all.

Miriam Jordan, the new

consider them carefully,”

Center in San Francisco.

was shocked to find out

To some degree, it will

citizenship test is more

Romero and Jordan said.

“There is no legal rea-

of facts such as these until

how difficult and oddly

always be important to

difficult for those that do

The addition of ques-

son, no regulatory reason

they are prompted to seek

specific the exam was.

understand the history

not speak English as their

tions that are meant to

to do this,” Cohen said.

them out themselves.

Within the past few months, I have been required to take the Georgia and U.S. legislative tests that are required by state law to be completed by students pursuing higher education.

Students must pass the test with a 60 or above to gain credit. If they fail in passing this test score after three attempts, they

and

Legal

Resource

“They

decided

on

their own that they have to change it for political reasons,” Cohen said.

It is sad that this

them through a test that asks them unnecessary and silly questions. It is also a sad fact that many U.S. citizens are unaware

11

ABIGAYLE ALLEN, OPINION EDITOR HANNAH ADAMS, ASST. OPINION EDITOR

04.03.2023

OPINION

The Trump Indictment Adam Lamparello, J.D. Asst. Professor of Criminal Justice

Donald Trump has been indicted. Although this is not a surprising development, it is not a good day for the rule of law or for public confidence in our institutions.

To begin with, a grand jury indictment is not nearly as significant as some in the media would have you believe. As the saying goes, grand juries would indict a “ham sandwich” because the threshold for securing an indictment is not high, and the defense’s ability to test the prosecution’s case is limited. Furthermore, the investigation occurred in New York City, where liberals substantially outnumber conservatives, and where Trump is, to put it mildly, not admired. When you combine these factors with a district attorney – Alvin Bragg – who seems hellbent on indicting Trump (as evidenced by his public statements and legal theory) you have the perfect storm for an indictment that appears more political than principled.

Indeed, Bragg appears to care more about convicting Trump than addressing the approximately 22% increase in various crimes in New York City. As Harvard Law Professor Dershowitz, who did not vote for Trump, explains: When a district attorney who ran as a Democrat and promised to “get” Donald Trump indicts the candidate running for president against the incumbent head of his party, he had better have a slam dunk case. Although we don’t know exactly what the Manhattan grand jury indicted Trump for, it seems likely, based on what we know, that this is a very weak case which would never have been brought against anyone else.

Put simply, the case against Trump is not strong. In fact, if media reports are correct about the charge Trump is facing, it is incredibly weak. As George Washington law professor Jonathan Turley states, Bragg “is attempting to bootstrap [a] federal crime into a state case,” and “if that is the basis for the indictment … it’s illegally pathetic.” Likewise, former Whitewater deputy counsel Sol Wisenberg characterized the legal case against Trump as “preposterous.” Even some liberal commentators agree that the case against Trump is not strong. For example, Elie Mystal asserts that “the odds that the path to real justice, let alone prison time, runs through the Manhattan DA’s office still seem very, very long.”

Specifically (and again, if media reports are correct), the charge against Trump is falsifying business records, which requires, among other things, an intent to defraud. The legal theory, apparently, is that Trump falsified business records (characterizing them as legal expenses) when reimbursing Michael Cohen for paying Stormy Daniels $130,000 to conceal Daniels’ affair with Trump (to be clear, paying “hush money” to another is not, in itself, a crime). In New York, this is a misdemeanor, and it only becomes a felony “if it was in service of another crime,” which Bragg allegedly “posits is a [federal] campaign finance violation.”

Importantly, the Southern District of New York, which investigated this matter, declined to prosecute the case. Also, former Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance, did not pursue an indictment.]

And for good reason. Why would a prosecutor try to convict a former president for a misdemeanor, particularly where the Southern District of New York declined to prosecute, the case is so weak, and where doing so would appear politically motivated?

None of these factors seem to matter to Bragg, a Democrat who in his campaign for Manhattan District Attorney promised to focus on investigating Trump, stating that it “merits the attention of the DA personally.” Apparently, Bragg is attempting to connect Trump’s alleged misdemeanor-level misconduct to a federal campaign finance violation, which is a felony, by alleging that the payments to Cohen constituted an illegal contribution to the Trump campaign.

Such a creative and novel legal approach suggests that Bragg is searching for some way, however untenable, to bring a felony charge against Trump.

But it is unlikely to succeed. As Mark Pomerantz, a former district attorney, stated, Bragg will “have to argue that the intent to commit or conceal a federal crime had converted the falsification of the records into a felony. No appellate court in New York had ever upheld (or rejected) this interpretation

of the law.” In other words, the “intent to defraud” must include “an intent to commit another crime or to aid or conceal the commission thereof.” That alone will be difficult to prove, as Trump may argue that the payments were intended to prevent his wife Melania from discovering the affair, not to cover up another crime (an illegal campaign contribution).

Furthermore, if reports from the media are accurate, the primary witness for the prosecution will be Michael Cohen, a disbarred lawyer who pled guilty to, among other things, tax fraud, who served time in prison, and who has lied countless times, including before Congress. If you doubt this, listen to the statements by Robert Costello, who testified recently before the grand jury. Also, one must wonder how Trump can be prosecuted for a federal campaign violation in New York state court, why such a prosecution should be pursued when the Southern District of New York declined to do so, and where the optics of such a prosecution suggest a political motive.

Such creative lawyering (tying a state law misdemeanor to a federal felony), rather than being a legitimate purpose of the criminal justice system, suggests that the Bragg wants to weaponize the legal system to “get” Trump. As Dershowitz explains: This is a case of targeting an individual and then rummaging through the statute books in search of a crime. Prosecutors seem to have come up with nothing under established law, then made up a misdemeanor and then piggybacked it on another alleged crime to create a felony. But one plus one does not equal 11, and zero plus zero

equals zero. That is what we seem to have here.

Simply put, this is a weak case that appears as politically motivated as it gets. Indeed, it is quite concerning that, as Bragg has reduced 52% of felony charges in New York to misdemeanors, he now seeks to raise Trump’s alleged crime from a misdemeanor to a felony. Perhaps Bragg’s personal attention should be devoted elsewhere, particularly given the 22% rise in certain crimes in New York City.

Ultimately, no matter what you think of Trump, everyone should, hopefully, believe that the law should be applied in an equal and even-handed fashion. Think about it: if the defendant were anyone other than Donald Trump, would Bragg be pursuing this? Of course not.

Well, maybe if it were Richard Nixon.

In essence, Bragg is going after the person (Trump), not the crime. That, in a nutshell, is the point – and the problem.

After all, let’s be honest about what is happening here.

Bragg probably despises Trump. Furthermore, when (and before) Donald Trump was elected in 2016 as an anti-establishment candidate, the mainstream media hated him. Indeed, the mainstream media, which has as much, if not less, credibility than Michael Cohen, did nearly everything in its power to discredit and, quite frankly, destroy Trump, as evidenced by, among other things, the now-debunked allegations of Russian collusion.

Additionally, the establishment, including individuals such as James Comey and Peter Strzok, hated him. Furthermore, universities, which are overwhelmingly liberal and who employ professors who believe that diversity of thought is more deleterious than the coronavirus, have almost uniformly condemned Trump and unapologetically rejected a free marketplace of ideas. If you doubt this, look at what happened to Fifth Circuit Judge Stuart Kyle Duncan at Stanford Law School, where students and Tirian Steinbach, the Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, shouted down Duncan for views that they did not share. Or observe the circus-like shenanigans of students at Yale Law School, where they ridiculed Kristen Waggoner, an attorney and

Supreme Court litigator. The commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (and free speech) obviously exists only in the abstract at these schools.

The consequences that Trump’s prosecution will have to our institutions – and the rule of law – will be substantial. The legitimacy of our institutions depends in substantial part on the perception that our elected officials apply the law equally, fairly, and even-handedly, without regard to political affiliation or personal animus. If the rule of law is perceived as a political weapon (see, e.g., North Korea, Russia), the law itself will be reduced to nothing more than a tool for politicians to use against those who threaten their power.

And there is no bigger threat to liberty and equality than a rule of law that is administered based on politics rather than principle, and opportunism rather than objectivity. The rule of law – and the American people – demand much more and should accept no less.

Put differently, people need to believe that you will never be prosecuted or targeted based on what you believe, what your political affiliation is, or who you are. It should be based on what you did, and whether those actions would result in a prosecution for most, if not all, individuals, regardless of status, who engaged in similar conduct. That is simply not the case here. If the defendant were Joe Biden rather than Donald Trump, there would be no prosecution.

It’s no wonder why the American people have lost faith in our institutions, academics, and elected leaders. Years ago, individuals such as Walter Cronkite, Robert C. Maynard, and Peter Jennings exemplified the standards to which journalism – and our institutions – should aspire.

Now, the American people are treated to the folks at CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, few of whom can even remotely compare to the journalistic integrity that the former individuals embodied.

Even a few seconds of listening to Bryan Stelter or Joy Reid, or Glenn Beck underscores this point.

Indeed, Bragg’s conduct – and the conduct of many political leaders, prosecutors, and pundits – leads to one ineluctable conclusion.

They are political actors. Their goal is to advance a political agenda.

And they don’t even hide it anymore. As Professor Dershowitz stated, “[w]hat matters greatly is that DA Alvin Bragg has weaponized the justice system to target a political opponent based on a nonexistent or, at best, an extremely weak crime.”

Unfortunately, this nonsense is not without precedent. In 1998, the Republicans spent millions of taxpayer dollars to impeach Bill Clinton (in the House of Representatives) over a consensual affair (and alleged perjury and obstruction of justice) that, while not, to put it nicely, the best exercise of judgment, could not reasonably have been construed as a high crime and misdemeanor. And Ken Starr did everything in his power to degrade and humiliate Clinton with a report laden with salacious details that no sensible person would have included. Well, here we are again: a criminal indictment against a former president and leading candidate for the Republican Party’s nomination based on an affair with a porn star. Not to mention, the United States Supreme Court manufactured out of thin air a right to abortion in Roe v. Wade, and approximately fifty years later, overturned Roe for no other reason than that the political persuasions of the Court had changed.

What’s more, it is nearly impossible to have a civil conversation with those with whom you disagree or to debate issues with others in an atmosphere of civility and respect. Alvin Bragg’s decision makes this situation worse, not better and makes the country more divided, not united. Put simply, Trump’s indictment is an unsurprising, quite unoriginal, and obviously predictable continuation of this unfortunate chapter in American history.

Ultimately, almost anyone can respect the rule of law, promote diversity of thought, and remain committed to fairness when they are surrounded by people who agree with them. But true leaders – and people with character and integrity – have the courage to be fair to every citizen, particularly the ones that they despise, just like the First Amendment depends on tolerating speech that you find offensive.

That is what the rule of law – and a society dedicated to liberty, fairness, and equality – demands, and what every citizen deserves.

That includes Donald Trump.