The Chronicle, January 22, 2019

PAGE 3: Lower temperatures mean lower moods for some students

PAGE 7: Witches, werewolves and Weasleys welcome at Harry Potter event

PAGE 4: Columbia students see Yellow Vest riots firsthand PAGE 10: Editorial: Starbucks’ needle policy on right track, but more can be done Volume 54, Issue 15

January 22, 2019

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» MIKE RUNDLE/CHRONICLE

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editor’s note

Looking ahead at what to expect for the spring semester » ARIANA PORTALATIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

E

ach semester at Columbia brings new developments that impact our community and shape the college’s future.

Much of what occurred during the Fall 2018 semester—administrative changes, tuition increases, tense relations between administration and campus— set the stage for this semester. With that said, here are some highlights from last semester and expectations for the spring: Provost search: Stan Wearden announced his departure as senior vice president and provost in April 2018. While it was originally announced he would step down from his position in June 2019, Wearden instead left in January for Methodist University.

Suzanne Blum Malley was appointed interim provost while the national search for a permanent successor continues. Two finalists were selected and will visit Columbia Jan. 31 and Feb. 7.

Strategic Plan updates: Columbia is nearing the end of its fourth year of Strategic Plan implementation, which is scheduled for completion in 2020.

Construction of the student center, a component of the plan’s student success goal, is scheduled to be completed this summer. The South Loop has watched the center be built from the ground up since November 2017, and students will get to see the center come together as the semester continues.

Additionally, Columbia will be hosting events about specific Strategic Plan goals: enrollment and diversity.

According to a Jan. 14 email, President and CEO Kwang-Wu Kim said the college has a goal of reaching 8,000 students by 2025. Plans will be discussed Jan. 29 with new Vice President of Enrollment Management Michael Joseph.

Kim also announced a split of diversity, equity and inclusion work between two committees and said initiatives will be discussed during a Feb. 14 forum.

New faculty and staff benefits: A Dec.20 email from Kim announced new benefits for full-time, non-union employees, including additional insurance options, expanded bereavement and 2 THE CHRONICLE JANUARY 22, 2019

MANAGEMENT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITORS

Ariana Portalatin Blaise Mesa Molly Walsh Zack Jackson Micha Thurston

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AD & BUSINESS MANAGER

REPORTERS

NEWS EDITOR REPORTERS

Miranda Manier Bridget Ekis Knox Keranen Kendall Polidori Katherine Savage Yasmeen Sheikah Kaci Watt Alexandra Yetter Jay Berghuis

OPINIONS EDITOR

parental policies and the ability for depen

dents and spouses or partners to take

COPY CHIEF classes at the college tuition-free regard COPY EDITORS less of whether they are degree-seeking.

In October 2018, Faculty Senate discussed increased healthcare costs combined with a lack of cost of living

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS adjustments. The 2018 faculty survey showed faculty were not satisfied

with salaries. The Senate had plans to continue discussions on this through December and have possible administraSENIOR PHOTO EDITOR tive action by the end of the 2018-2019

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS academic year.

COPY Kristen Nichols Eden Bunna Margaret Smith

GRAPHICS Patrick Casey Grace Senior Shane Tolentino Fernanda Weissbuch

PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Rundle Ignacio Calderon Steven Nunez Halie Parkinson Orlando Pinder Patrick Reponse

Relationship between administration, students and faculty: A major event during the Fall 2018 semester was the call for Kim’s resig MULTIMEDIA REPORTERS nation in October by the C-Fac union, OurColumbia and supporters. This followed separate demonstrations in December 2017 and April 2018.

The faculty survey also showed fac MEDIA SALES REPS ulty were displeased with college administration and policies. Only 24 percent with the BRAND MANAGER of respondents were satisfied college’s implementation of policies and

38 percent reported being satisfied with how changes were communicated.

WEBMASTER A lack of shared governance has also been discussed several times with Faculty Senate. Faculty members were unhappy with an April 2018 announceGENERAL MANAGER ment from Kim and Wearden of the

FACULTY ADVISER possible discontinuation of several academic programs without input from faculty members.

With many more changes to be expected this semester, it will be interesting to see how the campus reacts as the college works to get ahead of challenges in higher education. @c cchronicle

aportalatin@columbiachronicle.com

@c cchronicle

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Campus mourns death of radio professor » ColumbiaChronicle.com

Counseling Services concerns continue for students during colder weather » MIRANDA MANIER NEWS EDITOR WHEN SOPHOMORE INTERDISCIPLINARY

documentary major Maple Sullivan came to Columbia in Fall 2017, the transition to a big school full of new people was hard.

After her first semester, things only got more difficult, and between the dropping temperatures and the gray skies of a Chicago winter, her depression started to worsen.

“The winter was really rough for me last year,” said Sullivan, originally from New Jersey. “It’s pretty rough this year, too. You spend so much time trying to avoid the outdoors, which is a big thing for me… I love being outdoors. Being forcibly cut off by the cold [is hard for me].”

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression most likely to appear during someone’s late teens or early 20s, especially in young people who have recently moved from a warmer climate to a colder one, according to a 2010 study done by the Bates College Health Center.

When her depression got especially bad last winter, Sullivan said she attended two appointments with Columbia’s Counseling Services before she was told she needed to start seeing an outside therapist.

“They gave me referrals and helped me with that,” Sullivan said. “But it felt pretty obvious the school wasn’t really equipped to handle mental health problems that were semi-serious or serious.”

Sullivan eventually started going to intensive outpatient care, which required her to attend 10 hours of therapy a week on top of classes and a part-time job. She received little support from the college during this time and had to contact professors individually to try to get accommodations for her schedule and mental health struggles, Sullivan said.

S.A.D. is not considered a unique diagnosis, but rather, a type of major depression that recurs during specific times of the year, typically between December and February, according to a 2015 article written by Sherri Melrose, a professor of Health Disciplines at Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada.

Joyce Marter, founder of local therapist group Urban Balance, explained that decreased sunlight, lower temperatures and the drop-off after the social buzz of the holidays can make people feel isolated and unmotivated, particularly college students.

“I wish [Columbia] offered help with getting extensions because, legally, depression is a disability, so you are entitled to help,” Sullivan said. “I wish they explained that and helped you through that process of getting doctor’s notes.”

The Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office coordinates accomodations for students with physical, psychological and learning disabilities. Students may register with SSD to receive support.

Senior musical theatre major Chloe Adamo also sees a shift in her depression, depending on how gloomy it is outside.

“It makes it harder to get out of bed,” Adamo said. “If the sun wasn’t rising, I was just going to stay in bed.”

Her sophomore year, Adamo said she attended one appointment with Counseling Services before she was told to seek outside help. Although someone from the college emailed her professors explaining her situation, she still felt frustrated with the lack of resources Columbia provided.

The Chronicle previously reported on students’ criticism of the college’s Counseling Services in a May 7, 2018, article.

Associate Dean of Student Health and Support Beverly Anderson said in a Jan. 15 email to The Chronicle that she advises students to attend a weekly group counseling session offered

by Counseling Services.

According to Counseling Services’ website, students might receive a recommendation to attend an individual therapy session or be directed to outside resources after a group session.

Karen Cloyd, one of five staff therapists in the Counseling Services Office, said students are limited to 12 individual sessions through Counseling Services per academic year. Based on therapist availability and each students’ personal needs, they may

be referred to an outside therapist before students are able to take advantage of all 12 possible sessions.

Cloyd added that due to limited time and availability, the earlier in the semester a student is able to ask for help, the more likely they are to receive the support they need.

“It’s a frustrating time for students when they’re experiencing emotional distress and crisis,” Cloyd said. “The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can help people get connected to [support].”

According to Marter, regular exercise and intentional socialization can help the isolation often associated with depression.

She also advises being mindful of substance use, taking vitamin D supplements or using sun lamps designed to help those with S.A.D. The Columbia Library has therapy lamps available for students to rent for free.

Typical academic year schedules can make college students especially susceptible to S.A.D., Marter said. “[In] the fall, people are just getting started, so there’s some momentum,” she said. “[In] the spring, there’s some excitement that you’re almost done. But in the thick of it, in the winter, it can feel like you’re in a rut... and it can be exhausting.” mmanier@columbiachronicle.com

» SHANE TOLENTINO/CHRONICLE

JANUARY 22, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 3

campus

‘We’re here when they’re making history’: Paris J-Term students encounter Yellow Vest riots

» ALEXANDRA YETTER STAFF REPORTER

» COURTESY KENDRAH VILLIESSE

PARIS—GETTING LOCKED IN the Luxembourg Gardens with Yellow Vest protesters was not on the agenda for sophomore fashion studies major Elon Byers during her J-Term trip in Paris, France.

“I knew they were in the process of having a revolution [and] they were rising up against mistreatment in their workplaces,” Byers said. “They weren’t looking to harm people—only to get their point across.”

Some students applied for the 16-day creative writing trip purely to visit Paris, but others entered

The Yellow Vest protests started November 2018 in response to a green tax on fuel.

with a writing goal in mind, including music major Megan Jones.

“I wanted some guidance with [my book]. What better place to do it than another country?” Jones asked. “Our teachers are really good at pushing us to see things from a different perspective.”

Students were aware of the riots before going abroad, but the degree of their knowledge varied. Jones said the possibility of enduring protests was frightening, but the professors eased her worries.

The protests started Nov. 17, 2018, after French President Emmanuel Macron announced a green tax on fuel. Rural workers called “Gilets Jaunes,” or “Yellow Vests” for the safety vests they wear while protesting, have held weekly demonstrations to denounce taxes and low standards of living.

Many of the demonstrations— held on weekends in specific arrondissements, or districts, of

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Paris, as well as other high-traffic French cities such as Nice­­—have turned violent, with demonstrators smashing windows, burning cars and trash cans, vandalizing and looting. Police have used tear gas and water guns on protesters.

Kathryn Bergquist, adjunct professor in the English and Creative Writing Department, advised students to stay away from the weekend protests. Many of the students did not encounter any problems, but some got caught in the middle of the action.

Byers was exploring the Luxembourg Gardens when she noticed police closing the gates, locking her inside with protesters. She saw people trying to escape being tear gassed.

“It seemed like the Yellow Vest protesters were being targeted more ... and I noticed that the police made things way more intense,” Byers said. Byers managed to exit

the gardens safely with the assistance of police.

Although Jones stayed away from these particular protests, she is no stranger to them. Jones took part in multiple protests in Chicago during the Jason Van Dyke trial.

Jones and Byers said the protests seemed similar to protests in the U.S., but they found the fact that the workers only protested on weekends odd.

“It was strange to me that [they protested] on the weekend because it was known this part of the city would shut down on Saturday,” Jones said. “Life goes back to the same thing Sunday morning.”

Studying abroad during the protests made the whole experience unique, Byers said.

“We’re here during a time when they are making history,” Byers said. “I [have] never felt so afraid during a protest until that moment, and I knew they weren’t targeting me … but the way the situation is controlled can flip the picture completely.” ayetter@columbiachronicle.com

campus

Muslim Student Association reinstated at Columbia in hopes of creating community » YASMEEN SHEIKAH STAFF REPORTER THE MUSLIM STUDENT Association is making a comeback on campus after being on hiatus since 2014.

The desire to resurrect the organization came when junior fashion studies major Oula Yassine wanted to have a place for Muslims on campus.

“It is an organization for Muslims and non-Muslims to get together,” she said. “We’re trying to form a community at the school to discuss our similarities, our struggles and our backgrounds.”

Yassine said she has several goals for the organization already.

“One of the main things we wanted to do is National Hijab Day because that’s right around the corner,” she said. “We were thinking of setting up a booth and giving away free hijabs to anyone

who would want one and giving people a background on what hijab means.”

Director of Student Organizations and Leadership Orterio Villa said to start an organization at Columbia, groups need to have at least seven students with a minimum of three willing to be on the executive board. An organization needs a staff advisor, a constitution and members must maintain a GPA above 2.0.

According to the MSA national website, it is a North American and Canadian organization that provides Muslim students in high school and college a voice on their campuses with individual non-profit branches.

Having a Muslim student organization may prompt more Muslims to choose Columbia when considering colleges, according to the President of Northeastern Illinois University’s MSA branch,

Nida Kidwai.

“I was excited about going to a school with MSA,” Kidwai said.

“It was important to know there was a community already existing there that I could build myself up with.”

Kidwai said the club has held various events, such as a Hijab Challenge, where female students try on the hijab and notice differences while wearing it versus without it. After, a banquet is held where participants can share their experiences and join a larger conversation.

Kidwai added that about 25 percent of event attendees are non-Muslim. She plans events that non-Muslim students can get involved in without having to feel intimidated.

She said local Chicagoland MSAs are also very supportive and are willing to collaborate on things such as events.

Although Columbia’s MSA does not have an official start date, students can speak to a representative at the Block Party Jan. 25 from 1-4 p.m. on the first floor of 1104 S. Wabash Ave. “It’s a great opportunity for all students to check out a number of student organizations that will be hoping to get people to join,” Villa said. “MSA is one of them.”

Yassine is eager to gain more members.

“Come join!” she said. ysheikah@columbiachronicle.com

» FERNANDA WEISSBUCH /CHRONICLE

JANUARY 22, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 5

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arts culture Accio, Muggles! Magic is brewing at Emporium Logan Square Review: ‘The Lightning Thief’ cast steals the show » ColumbiaChronicle.com

» KATHERINE SAVAGE STAFF REPORTER

Disney College Program and frequently visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.

“I wasn’t 21 at the time and never had the opportunity to try some of the wizard brews,” Rousonelos said. “Now that I’m of age, I can dress up, geek out and talk trivia over a themed beer or two.”

Saul said his favorite part of the event is seeing everyone dressed up as their favorite “Harry Potter” characters.

“At the first party, back in 2016, there was a woman dressed as Professor Trelawney that was spot-on,” Saul said. “It was amazing. I really hope the good professor makes another appearance this year.” ksavage@columbiachronicle.com

» GRACE SENIOR/CHRONICLE

BUBBLE, BUBBLE, TOIL and trouble. Magic is brewing in Logan Square for a “Harry Potter”-inspired event featuring themed beer and “Quidditch pong.” Muggles, or non-magic people, are encouraged to arrive in costume.

Fantastic Beers and Where to Find Them is a one-night event that will be held at Emporium Logan Square, 2363 N. Milwaukee Ave., Jan. 24 at 6 p.m.

This is the third year the bar and arcade will host the event, but this iteration will see some changes. Last year, the pop-up was a month-long event inspired by Borgin and Burkes, the bookstore from “Harry Potter,” according to Jared Saul, beer director at Emporium, in a Jan. 14 email interview with The Chronicle.

The previous event featured “Harry Potter”inspired cocktails and had a replica of Mr. Weasley’s flying car.

“We wanted to put the focus back on the beer itself,” Saul said.

“We decided to go back to the one-night-only, costume-party model. [It] should be a fun night of fantastic beer.”

Central State Brewing is providing its own witches brew for the third year. The beer, called Polyjuice Potion, is a sour ale with plums and elderberries, according to Josh Hambright, co-founder of Central State Brewing and head brewer for the event.

“One fateful day, I happened to be re-watching some of the ‘Harry Potter’ films and put up a Facebook post gauging the interest of my ‘brewer friends’ to brew a Potter-inspired beer,” Saul said. “[Hambright] was the first to reply, saying he was down. After that, the rest is history—of magic.”

The Polyjuice Potion is purple to pay homage to the original one in J. K. Rowling’s book series, Hambright said.

“They always referred to it [in the books] as tasting awful,” Hambright said. “We didn’t actually want to make an awful-tasting beer, so we decided to make a sour beer as a nod to the awful flavor.”

The Polyjuice Potion will debut at Emporium Logan Square and then be released to Central State Brewing’s other markets throughout 15 states, Hambright said.

“Part of the reason we make beer is to help people have a good time ... and give them something to giggle about and feel like [they’re wizards],” Hambright said.

Muggles Association of Columbia member Alyssa Rousonelos said in a Jan. 14 email statement to The Chronicle that she plans on attending the event decked out in her wizard robes. Rousonelos, a junior illustration major, recently participated in the

JANUARY 22, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 7

arts & culture

» KENDALL POLIDORI STAFF REPORTER BOOK BUYERS BROWSING shelves for new reads in Wicker Park can now be serenaded by two musicians improvising their performance during a weekly music series, Live-Music Mondays.

The event at Myopic Books, 1564 N. Milwaukee Ave., was organized

by Julian Kirshner and Macie Stewart. It is free to the public every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. until Jan. 28., with an extra show on Feb. 25.

“The basis of the series is that [there are] two musicians who are playing together—in that context as a duo—for the first time ever,” said Kirshner, who has been the organizer for five years this coming July.

Live-Music Mondays were introduced to Myopic Books in the mid-’90s by drummer

Weasel Walter.

Kirshner said most of the musicians who participate are solo artists and send in requests to perform. Once they are booked, they are paired up with another artist they have never collaborated with so when they perform together, it is completely improvised.

“The special thing about the series at Myopic, unlike many of the other venues which also host music of experimental and improvised nature, is that it’s a good platform for not only seasoned musicians, but those who are curious about improvisation,” Kirshner said.

Kirshner said the series is unique because most people at these concerts happen to be shopping for books and find themselves in the middle of the event.

“The best way to approach the series is with open ears and an ability to be vulnerable

»STEVEN NUNEZ/CHRONICLE

Myopic Books with a side of improvisational music

Myopic Books, a local bookshop in Wicker Park, 1564 N. Milwaukee Ave., introduced its Live-Music Mondays series Jan. 7.

worlds for me because I love live music, and I love books,” Garcia said.

Vocalist and improvisational to the musician’s decisions,” performer Anna Munzesheimer Kirshner said. sang vocals alongside Danny Van Kristine Garcia, a frequent Duerm, who played synth and keys, Myopic customer, was browsing Jan. 14. the store and became curious Munzesheimer said she got into about people setting up for the improvisation when a friend took event and decided to check it out. her to Slate Arts + Performance, “[The event] is the best of both 3203 W. North Ave., a Wednesday

night music series. She got involved by going to events and started playing shows about a year ago. Before that, she had always been a vocalist and played with whoever was around.

“It gets me out of my box, and it’s a great way to explore,” Munzesheimer said. “I encourage everyone to find a safe space and try it out.” kpolidori@columbiachronicle.com

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arts & culture

» KACI WATT STAFF REPORTER WHILE THE COLD months may be here, Navy Pier has introduced a free escape.

“The Beach Chicago,” which opened Jan. 19, is a free interactive public art installation designed to emulate being at a beach, according to Erika Taylor, director of production and operations for Navy Pier.

Featured in the piece are 1 million translucent balls made from recycled plastic. To add to the beach atmosphere, the exhibit also includes lounge chairs, lifeguards, umbrellas and inflatables, Taylor said.

“We want people to come down and dip [their] toes in, relax [and]close [their] eyes,” Taylor said. “It really is an immersive art experience.”

The pier’s 18,000 square foot Aon Grand Ballroom will be transformed to a beach setting.

She added that they partnered with EXPO Chicago to bring “The Beach” to the pier, Taylor said.

“The Beach” was designed by New York-based collaborative design practice Snarkitecture. The installation is designed to be social media-friendly, and Taylor encouraged attendees to share their photos with #TheBeachChicago.

“The environment is entirely monochromatic,” said co-founder of Snarkitecture Alex Mustonen.

“It’s an all-white environment.

There’s this dramatic color shift that happens and, because it’s indoors, the materials are shifted.”

The exhibit was first introduced in 2015 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., and has since traveled internationally, Mustonen said.

“This is the first time it’s returning back to the U.S., which we’re really excited about,” Mustonen said. “It’s very intuitive when you come in. It’s a playful, childlike environment.”

» COURTESY NOAH KALINA

‘The Beach’ splashes onto Navy Pier

Snarkitecture’s goal is to combine the disciplines of art and architecture, Mustonen said. The studio works on a wide range of project types and disciplines for temporary installations and permanent spaces, he added.

In addition to “The Beach” exhibit, Navy Pier’s partners are incorporating beach-themed additions. Restaurants at the pier, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Harry Caray’s Tavern and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, will offer beach-themed food and cocktails, The Beach Chicago is an interactive art installation created by New York-based collaborative design practice Snarkitecture, designed to mimic a day at the beach. according to a Jan. 9 Navy Pier press release.

Since becoming a nonprofit, the Junior photography major “It’s a great escape from the win- pier has hosted many free exhibits, Broderick Baumann said he has ter blues ... [and] gives you some- Taylor said. It also features events never been to Navy Pier but is thing to do during these dreary such as plays and ballets. interested in visiting “The Beach.” months of January and February “[We] want to stress that this “Part of the reason I haven’t been when there’s not a lot going on is a free thing for people to come there is because it seems like a around the city,” Taylor said. “We [to],” Taylor said. “You don’t have tourist trap, sort of like a commerwanted to give people another to spend any money when you cial nightmare,” Baumann said. activity to do to get over the hump come here, but, obviously, there “But if we’re getting art involved, between the holidays and the start are many other things that you then I’m there.” of spring and summer, everyone’s can do while taking part [in]this favorite time in the city.” wonderful art installation.” kwatt@columbiachronicle.com

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JANUARY 22, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 9

Problems cannot be ignored, and further work will be needed to see what other issues will have to be addressed. By adding needle disposal boxes, Starbucks can prove it is committed to social justice, not just improving the way the public looks at it.

The needle initiative at Starbucks is especially relevant because Starbucks, along with other companies, launched a campaign in Chicago four years ago to hire 100,000 Opportunity Youth. These young workers are defined as 16–24 year olds who are not working or in school.

For the past year, Starbucks has worked toward being a leader in corporate social justice and creating an environment that is welcoming to all. If the company is truly committed to that mission, needle disposal boxes are a necessity. These boxes should be placed in all public bathrooms, not just those in Starbucks or those deemed as “high-risk” because all employees need protection. Sharps may end up in bathrooms for reasons beyond drug use, including

‘Just leave’ logic harms survivors » BRIDGET EKIS STAFF REPORTER

T

here were 42,924 domestic violence survivors in Illinois in 2018, according to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Even with the Me Too movement present in our culture, society still

does not talk about domestic violence in an effective way.

An Oct. 16 New York Times article points out the stigma around speaking up about domestic violence that has yet to be broken. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence created its own hashtag for those who have experienced domestic violence: #SurvivorSpeaks. However, it did not gain the popularity #MeToo did.

Ruth M. Glenn, the coalition’s chief executive and president, was quoted in the article saying, “... there is still some heavy-duty stigma.”

When people hear of domestic violence, the first thing to spill from their mouths is along the lines of, “If my boyfriend ever did that to me, I’d be gone.” This black-and-white way of thinking harms those experiencing domestic violence.

The assumption that any person should know their plan of action if faced with

domestic violence minimizes a very complicated issue. Nobody can predict domestic violence or know the “appropriate” response until it happens to them.

Domestic violence is not always as simple as someone being hurt by their partner and then immediately leaving.

There are a multitude of factors that make each domestic violence case unique, including children, financial dependence, mental illness and addiction. For example, a woman struggling with alcohol addiction who is financially dependent on her husband may not have the resources to leave and may even need her abuser to fund her addiction. Life can be complicated. The more a person is juggling, the more impossible leaving may seem.

Absolutist reasoning is not effective.

The person who experiences abuse, and those close to them, have to make difficult decisions about how to handle complex situations. Telling a person

Editorial Board Members Jay Berghuis Opinions Editor Yasmeen Sheikah Staff Reporter Kaci Watt Staff Reporter Katherine Savage Staff Reporter Eden Bunna Copy Editor Margaret Smith Copy Editor

10 THE CHRONICLE JANUARY 22, 2019

Patrick Casey Graphic Designer Grace Senior Graphic Designer Shane Tolentino Graphic Designer Ignacio Calderon Staff Photographer Steven Nunez Staff Photographer Patrick Reponse Staff Photographer

Alex White Multimedia Reporter Ethan Sandock Multimedia Reporter Lauren Carlton Brand Manager Jonathan Winicki Webmaster

chronicle@colum.edu

RONICLE

S

tarbucks has agreed to install needle disposal boxes in “highrisk” bathrooms after more than 3,700 employees signed a petition requesting the action, according to a Jan. 10 USA Today article. The company is on the right track. In May, Starbucks enacted an open-bathroom policy, and workers have since complained of finding discarded needles and syringes in bathrooms. Cleaning up needles could result in exposure to various blood-borne illnesses, including HIV and hepatitis, in addition to potentially causing injury.

Creating an environment that puts employees and the general public at risk is unacceptable, and Starbucks is doing the right thing by listening to and addressing the valid concerns of its employees. More companies should follow this example. Intravenous drug use is a sad reality of society, but Starbucks has an obligation to reduce harm if it is going to commit to its open-bathroom policy.

medical issues, and workers should not be put at risk because of that. Members of the public have specific needs, and companies and local governments should be doing everything they can to meet them. Ignoring serious problems, such as intravenous drug use, does not make them go away but does make them more dangerous.

This policy is a step in the right direction, but corporations can do more to increase the benefit their contributions have on society beyond providing a free bathroom or place to hang out. Companies like Starbucks, which sell a brand focused on sustainability and ethical choices, may not have a legal obligation to do good, but they should have a moral incentive. This is not an issue of promoting or encouraging drug use but an issue of public health and safety.

Needle disposal boxes may seem inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, but this can be a launching point for other issues of health, safety and accessibility as we work toward a more inclusive society. Refusing to turn away those in need—and, moreover, accepting them with open arms as open-bathroom policies do—means making accommodations for the people we often push to the fringes.

Assessing risks and reducing harm are

CA SE Y/CH

Increasing access means creating accommodations

EDITORIAL the first steps in creating a culture that is willing to put in the work of social justice.

Taking these first steps is admirable. With policies like these, we can prove we are not just talking about important issues to seem educated or informed but that we can make concrete changes that matter.

» PATRICK

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COMMENTARY experiencing abuse they are stupid or wrong for forgiving their abuser, staying with their abuser or anything else in between makes their recovery harder.

We must support those going through domestic violence even if we know their choices can continue to harm them. This is arguably the hardest part because we know what they face every day and want the best for them.

Support can go beyond having in-depth conversations each day about the abuse. It can be a weekly taco Tuesday night, quick midday check-ins or going on a YouTube deep dive of fail videos. Just being there in a complicated time is important.

Domestic violence does not discriminate and can affect anyone. If we as a society continue to look at domestic violence as a clear-cut situation, we will be doing ourselves and survivors a disservice. bekis@columbiachronicle.com Did you catch a mistake, think we could have covered a story better or have strong beliefs about an issue that faces all of us here at Columbia?

Why not write a letter to the editor? At the bottom of Page 2, you’ll find a set of guidelines on how to do this. Let us hear from you.

—The Columbia Chronicle Editorial Board

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City inspectors investigate R. Kelly’s warehouse » ColumbiaChronicle.com

Logan’s Crossing development in works to transform Logan Square Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA) to determine what project would be the most appropriate to build. Some options included THE FAST-CHANGING LOGAN Square area began a Jewel-Osco and affordable housing units. the year with another mixed-use development, Sajovec said the main concerns he heard once again sparking concerns about gentri- were residents not wanting a luxury highfication and displacement. rise that would contribute to gentrification.

The city’s Department of Buildings “There [have] been 19,000 Latinos who awarded a permit for the seven-story have been displaced out of our area. There’s Logan’s Crossing apartment complex on the been a lot of changes here, and a lot of those 2500 block of North Milwaukee Ave., Jan. 4. changes are a lot of luxury condos, studios, The $20 million development, scheduled to one bedroom apartments and a huge influx include 220 units and a small-format Target, of tiny apartments,” said Norma Rios-Sierra, takes the place of the Logan Square Mega chairman of the board for the LSNA. Mall, which was demolished in 2016.

Prices have no not been determined, but The development, a joint-venture between rents are said to be more upscale.

Chicago-based Fifield Realty Corp. and There is less housing for larger families Terraco Real Estate of Wilmette, will also in the area, causing schools to lose students include 110 indoor parking spaces and is and resources, Rios-Sierra said. estimated to be completed by late 2019 with Rios-Sierra’s son is in second grade at stores beginning to move in by 2020.

James Monroe Elementary School.

The project has been a topic of discussion “Our school is losing, on average, about since 2015, with residents experiencing 80 students per year,” Rios-Sierra said. She increased rent prices, displacement from fears her son may not be able to graduate the area and CTA Blue Line overcrowding. from the district, forcing them to look for “The site has been a source of concern,” another school to attend that will possibly said Paul Sajovec, chief of staff for Ald. Scott have a longer commute. “Things like the Waguespack (32nd Ward). development at the Mega Mall site are hurtSajovec said the ward met with the ful to our community because they’re not Logan Square Preservation and the Logan resolving any of the issues that it is creating,” » KENDALL POLIDORI STAFF REPORTER

Rios-Sierra said.

Rios-Sierra said this is a very critical time for residents to share their concerns with those in power.

“This is the time [when] we really have the opportunity to hold our elected officials accountable,” she said. “This is our opportunity to really use our voice. ... We want to make Logan Square an inclusive place to live.”

Despite some negative reactions, Sajovec said many residents are excited about the Logan’s Crossing project. After feedback from residents, it was agreed the project would be divided into two structures connected by a bridge rather than one large building.

Although many residents would like to see something that directly benefits the community, such as an accessible grocery store, Sajovec said most residents were happy with the results, which is why Waguespack approved the project. The site is currently under construction. The demolition of the original Mega Mall began Dec. 29, 2016, due to more than 100 code violations, a yearlong shutdown and a 2007 fire that reduced the space to less than a third of its size.

“I personally miss the Mega Mall, and if there’s anything I could have back in my

community, it would be the Mega Mall,” Rios-Sierra said.

Rios-Sierra said the LSNA has been active during this project by fighting for affordable housing in the community, attending all meetings and working on ordinances to reduce displacement.

Other residents of Logan Square have openly supported the project. Allison Holmes, a f light attendant for American Airlines, lives in Logan Square and said the area lacks many major grocery stores within walking distance, forcing residents to drive or take public transportation outside the neighborhood. She thinks the development will bring more people to the area.

“I see it as another opportunity for growth for the Square,” Holmes said.

“I’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive change in the area. There are more things to do. A lot of older structures are being torn down, but they’re being replaced by newer structures. It does make it look better. It might displace a little bit, but when something is crumbling, it has to be fixed.” kpolidori@columbiachronicle.com » ORLANDO PINDER/CHRONICLE

Construction continues on the corner of Milwaukee and Sacramento Avenues for the Logan’s Crossing development.Residents write on the development’s projected image that hangs on the fence.

JANUARY 22, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 13

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» BLAISE MESA MANAGING EDITOR FROM THE DIAMOND to the kitchen, Cubs manager Joe Maddon served food as part of his annual Thanksmas event Jan. 17.

Maddon with other members of the Cubs organization, including Rick Sutcliffe and Clark the Cub, served food to attendees at St. Leonard’s Ministries, 2120 W. Warren Blvd.

When Maddon worked for the then-California Angels he would ride his bike along Huntington, Newport and Sunset Beach and would see people in need.

“It bothered me a lot,” Maddon said. “It should bother everyone a lot.”

Maddon called the event Thanksmas to show there is a need every day of the year to give back, and not just around the holidays.

Former Cubs pitcher Sutcliffe orginally planned to fly to Chicago Jan. 18 for the Cubs Convention, but flew in early for the event.

Citypak bags have multiple pockets for the users’ belongings and come with a poncho.

“Anything involving Joe Maddon, I’m always available [for],” Sutcliffe said. “It’s an opportunity for me to meet some great people—put a smile on their faces.

If some of these people can flash back to the mid-’80s, early ‘90s and remember me on the mound, it is all worthwhile.”

The residents of St. Leonard’s are a special demographic, according to Katie Gonzalez, individual giving manager at St. Leonard’s Ministries. They consist of formerly incarcerated and homeless people, which is an overlooked and marginalized segment of Chicago’s population.

“They are deserving of a second chance, and we feel the Cubs are showing [they deserve] that second chance,” she added.

Joe Maddon’s Respect 90 Foundation also partnered with Citypak to provide attendees specially designed backpacks at the event.

Citypak bags can stand on their own and have pouches for the users to store personal documents, water bottles and a poncho that

$5 OFF ADMISSION with this AD

14 THE CHRONICLE JANUARY 22, 2018

» STEVEN NUNEZ/CHRONICLE

Cubs, Citypak Project give back at Thanksmas

Cubs manager Joe Maddon helped serve attendees at his Thanksmas event alongside other volunteers.

can be worn over the backpack, according to Trudy Swanson, whose husband, Ron Kaplan, created Citypak.

Swanson said the idea for Citypak came when Kaplan saw people walking in the streets with ripped plastic bags.

Citypak also handed out socks, and Swanson said it is not unusual for the organization to hand out

extra basic necessities along with the bags.

The event started in 2007 and has taken place in Tampa Bay and Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

“We have many residents at the shelter who are huge Cubs fans,” Gonzalez said. “People have been excited for weeks about this.” bmesa@columbiachronicle.com

metro » ORLANDO PINDER/CHRONICLE

City inspectors from the Department of Buildings and Chicago Fire Department enter musician R. Kelly’s studio, 219 N. Justine St., Jan. 16. Kelly is facing numerous allegations of sexual misconduct.

Never miss an update.

COMMENTARY: If media outlets spent less time on high school and middle school sports and more time on professional female athletes, women in sports would have a larger fanbase, says Blaise Mesa.

The Columbia Chronicle COMMENTARY: If media outlets spent less time on high school and middle school sports and more time on professional female athletes, women in sports would have a larger fanbase, says Blaise Mesa.

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JANUARY 22, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 15

PRESIDENT KWANG-WU KIM IS PLEASED TO OFFER

STUDENT OFFICE HOURS FOR THE SPRING 2019 SEMESTER Do you have a suggestion about how to make Columbia better?

Want to share your story and experience with President Kim? Appointments are 20 minutes and are held in President Kim’s office, on the 5th floor of 600 South Michigan.

Please RSVP for a date February 15, 2019 March 15, 2019 April 26, 2019 To register for a time slot, please visit: about.colum.edu/president/student-office-hours Space is limited so register today!

Limit one slot per student.

If you have any questions, please contact officeofthepresident@colum.edu