SPORTS >> PAGE 8
VARIETY >> PAGE 7
Senior distance runner Elaina Balouris’ outdoor season has just begun — expect big things.
Learn where the cadavers are on campus; you might study them one day.
Balouris enters final stretch
Vol. 103, Iss. 47 | Friday, April 11, 2014
Bodies in Adair Hall
The Flat Hat The Twice-Weekly Student Newspaper
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STUDENT LIFE
Angelou canceled, I Am W&M Week to continue
Frendt, Moinzadeh describe festivities for week long celebration of diversity across campus BY MADELINE BIELSKI FLAT HAT ASSOC. NEWS EDITOR
Maya Angelou will no longer be speaking at the College of William and Mary next week, Student Assembly president emeritus Chase Koontz ’14 announced in an email to students Thursday afternoon. “I regret to inform you that, due to illness, Maya Angelou has canceled her speaking engagement at William & Mary next week,” Koontz said the email. “The event will not be rescheduled.”
Koontz added that he extends his sympathy to Angelou. “I know that many members of the William & Mary and Williamsburg communities were looking forward to hearing from Dr. Angelou. … I know I speak for the entire community in wishing Dr. Angelou a quick recovery,” Koontz said. Despite the cancellation, Koontz encouraged students to reflect on Angelou’s work, and to participate in the scheduled events of I Am W&M Week, which will take place over the next week.
I Am W&M Week will be a week-long celebration of the diversity on the College’s campus. This year’s slogan is “10 days. 20 events. 1 Tribe.” Former Undersecretary of Multicultural Affairs Shay Jannat ’10 created the event four years ago. For Secretary of Diversity Dylan Frendt ’14, I Am W&M Week goes beyond a set of festivities purely dedicated to culture. It also includes the values of the College community. “This year I Am W&M Week is really a celebration of what William and Mary is. … It has an emphasis on groups that
are diversity related, culturally and internationally related, but it is also an expression of the values that we hold and things that we work for,” Frendt said. Undersecretary for Multicultural Affairs and Co-Chair of the World Expo, Teymour Moinzadeh ’14 explained that the event has evolved over the years. “[I Am W&M Week] has gotten just bigger and included more events and activities,” Moinzadeh said. “When it first happened, I think whenever you do something that big, it’s like a rough draft and you just tweak it every year.”
ADMISSIONS
Highlights for the week include a Pride Festival and Drag Ball that will be held Saturday, April 12, and aims to educate students about the LGBTQ community. That same day, the Diversity department will be putting on events in coordination with the Day for Admitted Students. Bitch Media, a non-profit feminist media organization, will be leading a talk and seminar concerning the representation of women in media, Monday, April 14. Frendt explained that See DIVERSITY page 3
WILLIAMSBURG
4,700 accepted to the Class of 2018 Rise in deer Application numbers increase for fourth consecutive year, overall acceptance rate of 32 percent BY ABBY BOYLE AND ÁINE CAIN FLAT HAT MANAGING EDITOR AND NEWS EDITOR
Approximately 4,700 prospective students learned of their acceptance to the College of William and Mary via email March 26, after being selected from a record-breaking number of applicants.
More than 14,500 students applied to join the College’s Class of 2018, marking a 3.5 percent increase from the size of last year’s pool. This was also the tenth consecutive year that the College has seen an increase in its applicant pool. The Office of undergraduate the Admissions read through 14,035 applications for the Class of 2017 and 13,600 for the
FILE PHOTO / THE FLAT HAT
Of the 14,500 applications for the Class of 2018, the College of William and Mary offered admission to 4,700 students.
Class of 2016. “As excited as I am by all these students have accomplished so far, I’m even more excited by their potential,” Dean of Admission Henry Broaddus said in an email. “The next four years at W&M will take them to even greater heights, and I look forward to seeing that happen on campus.” Academically, 89 percent of admitted students who reported class their rank are expected to graduate in the top 10 percent of their classes. The median SAT score for accepted students was 1420 — combined math and critical reading scores — up from 1410 last year and 1400 the year before. Students of color make up 32 percent of admitted students for the Class of 2018. Another 9 percent are international students. The numbers are similar to last year’s, as 33 percent of admitted students for the Class of 2017 were of color. International students comprised another 8 percent of last year’s accepted group. Accepted students will have the opportunity to visit campus this weekend for the annual Day for Admitted Students, which will take place Saturday, April 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event offers programs and activities to give attendees a sense of what it is like to go to school. Broaddus lists three recommendations for all potential new students at the College. “Make friends with students who have different backgrounds, interests and opinions than your own,” Broaddus said. “Take advantage of faculty office hours. And wear flip-flops in the shower.”
population
Council discusses solutions BY SARAH CASPARI FLAT HAT CHIEF STAFF WRITER
The explosion of Williamsburg’s deer population in recent years brought the Neighborhood Council together last Saturday to discuss the issue’s societal and ecological implications and to talk about potential solutions to the problem. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries biologist Todd Engelmeyer said that the deer population has been on the rise for about 20 years, resulting in increased car accidents and damage to the region’s ecology. “Virginia is now being ranked number seven in the country for deer-related Leu automobile collisions,” Engelmeyer said. Environmentally, the increase in the deer population has affected neo-tropical migrant birds that nest in shrubbery, since deer consider their habitat a meal. By tracking deer pellets, Assistant Professor of biology at the College of William and Mary Matthias Leu found that as the deer population increases, the population of these birds decreases. See DEER page 3
STUDENT ASSEMBLY
New SA sworn in, reflect on past year’s accomplishments Danly speaks for first time as SA President, Reveley explains how SA’s leadership can affect positive change across the College’s campus BY MADELINE BIELSKI FLAT HAT ASSOC. NEWS EDITOR
Friends, family, students and administrators gathered in the Sir Christopher Wren Chapel Wednesday evening for the swearing-in of the new members of the Student Assembly. After taking the oath of office, Colin Danly ’15 took to the podium to give his first speech as president of the SA. He emphasized his desire to build a better future for the College of William and Mary. “We govern for the next ten years, not the next one. It is important to remember where we fit in, in the great history of the College of William and Mary,” Danly said. “We play only a small part in a long, historic tradition. … We must constantly look to the future.” Danly also mentioned his desire to change the image of the SA. He said he does not want it to be seen solely as an organization that allocates student money, but as a group that fosters change on campus.
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The keynote speaker of the ceremony, College President Taylor Reveley, explained to the new SA members how leadership can be difficult but rewarding. “There’s days when you’ve got to make hard choices and you know perfectly well that you cant make everybody happy and you’re going to disappoint some people … and then there’s days when people act like absolute jackasses,” Reveley said. “A lot of days [leadership] is fun and some days it is less fun.” Reveley made a point to commend president emeritus Chase Koontz ’14 for his service and for improving relations between the SA and the Brafferton. “So, congratulations, Chase, on your splendid service to the alma mater of a nation,” Reveley said. Koontz took time during his last speech as president to thank his fellow SA members. He also imparted some advice to the incoming SA members. Koontz stressed the importance of maintaining friendships in positions of leadership, as he cited the
ability to work with others as key to success. “As newly elected members of the Student Assembly, you are entering an organization that is based upon personal relationships: … these relationships are with administrators, with city officials, or most importantly with your fellow students,” Koontz said. “Your success is predicated on your ability to create and sustain a community of mutual assistance.” Outgoing chairman of the senate Will McConnell ’14 reflected on the senate’s session, which he described as impressive. He congratulated his fellow senators on creating new SA departments and a housing agency, as well as on other accomplishments. As part of his final remarks, McConnell thanked his fellow senior senators Peter Lifson ’14 and Chandler Crenshaw ’14, Graduate senators Caleb Stone J.D. ’15 and Patrick Johnson Ph.D. ’18, outgoing sen. Gabriel Morey ’16, sen. Daniel Ackerman ’16, sen. Yohance Whitaker ‘16 and sen. Emily Thomas ’17. McConnell had a few last words of advice to share
COLLEEN TRUSKEY / THE FLAT HAT
College President Taylor Reveley addresses new 322nd SA.
Inside VARIETY
Inside OPINIONS
Defending the decision to go random Partly cloudy High 80, Low 58
with the SA. “Being in the Student Assembly is not easy,” McConnell said. “If taken seriously, it is a lot of work, for which most of the time one receives no recognition. But at the end of the day, you are the best judge of what you have accomplished.”
Random roommates can teach respect, how to stand up for and learn about yourself. page 5
Ideas moving forward
TEDx ran its second year of speaker talks on the theme “Forward.” page 6
newsinsight “
The Flat Hat | Friday, April 11, 2014 | Page 2
THE BUZZ
I guess I want people to learn something about someone else that they hadn’t learned before. And I want people to realize that it is our differences that make us stronger and it’s our differences that make us beautiful.” — Student Assembly Secretary of Diversity Dylan Frendt ’14 about I Am W&M week
AROUND THE ‘BURG
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THE DIGITAL DAY
News Editor Áine Cain News Editor Rohan Desai fhnews@gmail.com // @theflathat
“LET’S TALK SEX WITH MARVIN” — HOOKUP PLAYLIST What music do students at the College like to hook up to? What music can they not listen to while getting it on? Marvin Shelton gets a variety of answers in the newest episode of “Let’s Talk Sex with Marvin.”
SA INAUGURATION 2014 Colin Danly ’15 and Kendall Lorenzen ’15 were sworn in as Student Assembly president and vice president, respectively. Members of the undergraduate council and the senate were also sworn in Wednesday in the Sir Christopher Wren Building. College President Taylor Reveley, outgoing chair of the senate Will McConnell ’14 and outgoing SA President Chase Koontz ’14 all provided words of wisdom to the new SA.
A THOUSAND WORDS
COURTESY PHOTO / VAGAZETTE.COM
The WJCC School Board is deciding on whether or not to expand the Berkeley Middle School’s cafeteria to solve the school’s overcrowding problem.
Williamsburg-James City school deliberates expansion
Ben & Jerry’s offers free cones
The Williamsburg-James City County School Board has discovered a solution to Berkeley Middle School’s overcrowding problems, the Virginia Gazette reports. Officials want to expand the school’s cafeteria and shrink the number of lunch periods by half. The expansion will increase the cafeteria’s capacity from 240 to 320. This will provide one lunch period for each of the three grades. The school currently holds six lunch periods, beginning at 10 a.m. Many parents and administrators alike feel this is too early. Contractors are currently bidding for the project.
This Tuesday, a local Ben & Jerry’s offered patrons free cones and accepted donations to support free clinics, the Daily Press reports. The ice cream store offered the public free scoops from noon to 7 p.m. All proceeds collected will be given to Lackey Free Clinic and Gloucester Mathews Free Clinic. Lackey Free Clinic serves York County, James City County, Williamsburg, Poquoson and parts of Newport News by offering free medical and dental care to those without health insurance. This clinic aids more than 1,500 patrons a year.
Local school employees could see pay increase
Second Street to be wired
According to the Virginia Gazette, Williamsburg-James City County employees could see a pay raise depending on whether or not city of Williamsburg Council and James City’s Board of Supervisors approve their 2015 budget. Superintendent Steven Constantino says this pay increase is key for salaries to stay competitive and for the school system to continue to attract quality teachers. School Board officials propose a one percent salary increase for all employees, which will cost $823,000. This past fiscal year included a three percent salary increase. The School Board also wants to allot $636,000 to the Virginia Retirement System.
According to the Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily, City of Williamsburg officials are considering allotting a portion of next year’s budget to lay underground wire along Second Street. On Monday, Mayor Clyde Haulman asked for this adjustment to be made to the Capital Improvement Plan; the project will also involve underground wires for electricity for South Henry Street. The budget for the upcoming fiscal year will run from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015. The city has set aside $5.55 million for underground wiring projects throughout the city over the past seven years. The cost of wiring South Street to the city limits is estimated to be $50,000.
CITY POLICE BEAT
April 8 — April 9 CAROL PENG / THE FLAT HAT
1
Tuesday, April 8 — An individual was arrested for committing a hit and run on Richmond Road.
The Flat Hat wishes to correct any facts printed incorrectly. Corrections may be submitted by email to the editor of the section in which the incorrect information was printed. Requests for corrections will be accepted at any time.
2
Wednesday, April 9 — An individual was arrested for being drunk in public on York Street.
3
Wednesday, April 9 — An individual was arrested for committing an aggravated domestic assault on York Street.
4
Wednesday, April 9 — An individual was arrested for assaulting a polic officer on York Street.
CORRECTIONS
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NEWS IN BRIEFS The BJMS spreads mirth
Boswell Institute presents “Left Behind”
Music department remembers Deeds
Tuesday marked the beginning of the Bishop James Madison Society’s “8 Days of Mirth” campaign. The BJMS is one of at least nine secret societies on campus. Their “8 Days of Mirth” week involves a challenge for students every day, which will be announced daily via YouTube and Facebook at 8 a.m. The first challenge, which was announced in a video starring President Taylor Reveley, was for students to shake hands with a professor and thank him or her for his or her work. Though the challenges remain secret until they are announced, they are meant to be easy and friendly. The BJMS, created in 1812, is one of the oldest collegiate societies in the nation.
The College’s Boswell Initiative will hold its first symposium this weekend. The event is titled “Left Behind: The Consequences of Virginia’s Continuing Opposition to Same-Sex Unions” and will feature keynote speeches and panel discussions with activists and community members. Professor of history and American studies at Yale George Chauncey and professor of sociology at the University of Connecticut Mary Bernstein will speak. The free event will be open to the public. The Boswell Institute, in addition to this symposium, will hold a five-section, one-credit course on books written by the event’s speakers.
The College’s music department recently commemorated Austin “Gus” Deeds Sunday afternoon. Gus took his own life last November after attacking his father, Senator Creigh Deeds, D-Va. The department held an Appalachian music concert, a genre which Deeds, an avid musician, loved to play. The concert was held at the Lake Matoaka Amphitheatre and featured performances by The Runaway String Band, Friends of Appalachian Music and the College’s Appalachian Music Ensemble. Both Creigh Deeds and College President Taylor Reveley offered remarks at the event. The concert drew members of both the College and Williamsburg communities.
Friday, April 11, 2014
The Flat Hat
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Williamsburg
Discussing Williamsburg tourism, College Virginia Gazette highlights flagging tourism rates; Mayor, officials discuss role of campus by AMANDA SIKIRICA THE FLAT HAT
Recent Virginia Gazette articles by Steve Vaughan highlight a slump in tourist activity in the Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. According to a 2006 assessment
by the Wessex Group, the College of William and Mary attracts over 120,000 visitors per year to the Williamsburg area, possibly contributing to Colonial Williamsburg’s local tourist demographic. “When your parents come here to visit you, they come as visitors, not
tourists,” Mayor Clyde Haulman said. Haulman said that while the College draws visitors to the area, it does not necessarily contribute to the historical tourism Vaughan discusses in his articles. According to Colonial Williamsburg spokesperson Barbara Brown, there
are 2,450 collegiate passes to Colonial Williamsburg, which are held by students, faculty, alumni and parents. These passes are free for students and faculty, and are sold at a reduced price to alumni and parents of students. Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the College Dr. James Golden
ALL PHOTOS BY ABBY BOYLE / THE FLAT HAT
The Virginia Gazette reported that the Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown is experiencing a tourism slump. 24 percent of leisure admission tickets are from Virginia customers.
attributes faculty involvement in local organizations such as the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance to the College’s contribution to Williamsburg visitation and tourism. Several faculty chairs, including Michael Fox and Golden, belong to the Alliance. “The major goal of that organization is to try to have the major players in the area collaborate and figure out what we can do to help attract folks to come to the area,” Golden said. “It’s not necessarily things that the College can do, but how can we, in collaboration with others, help in that area.” Wessex Group’s 2006 assessment, which Golden said should still be quite accurate, also states that College-related visitors spend upward of $301,000,000 each year in the Williamsburg area. “We have also given some thought to how to entice folks who are visiting universities to use Williamsburg as more of a hub. … Normally folks go to two or three schools in one trip. So, you could stay in Williamsburg or you could stay in Charlottesville,” Golden said. Brown added that the College in and of itself is an attraction for visitors. “Colonial Williamsburg believes strongly that the College enriches the destination for residents and visitors alike,” Brown said. As of now, 24 percent of total leisure admission tickets are from Virginia customers.
Williamsburg
City Police say number of Williamsburg noise violations consistent Police department handled 265 individual noise ordinance complaints this year, nine individual cases brought to court by claire gillespie FLAT HAT assoc. news EDITOR
The number of complaints City of Williamsburg residents have filed relating to noise violations and the three- and four-person rules have stayed consistent over the years. City of Williamsburg Chief of Police Dave Sloggie said he received 244 calls from people complaining about noise in 2012-13. Thirteen of those calls resulted in 29 individuals summoned to court. With a month remaining in the school year, Sloggie has received 265 calls, nine of which resulted in 11 individuals summoned to court. “Since I’ve been chief in 2010, it’s very consistent,” Sloggie said. “Every year, we have a different area that rises to the occasion, that we get more complaints under; different housing area,
different blocks, depending on different years. But it’s about the same amount and it’s about the same issues that go on year in and year out.” Members of the Neighborhood Relations Committee, however, said that relationships between residents have improved this year. “This year, we’ve dealt with very few noise-related issues, which everyone on the committee has indicated are much lower than previous years, but a capacity — or Sloggie over-crowding — issue has not been something that we’ve dealt with. … I think a lot of people have put substantial effort into improving the relationship of studentresidents and city-residents and I think it’s good that that’s bearing fruit,” Assistant to the President
and Provost Jeremy Martin said. As city of Williamsburg Zoning Administrator, Rodney Rhodes works alone to respond to the eight to 12 complaints he estimates he receives a year. “Once I have a complaint, I look at what evidence is out there, what evidence the person that is complaining can provide me, and what other evidence I can readily obtain,” Rhodes said. “A lot of times that evidence is insufficient to prove that there is a violation.” If Rhodes does not have sufficient evidence to prove that people are violating the three- or fourperson rule, he tables the matter after a few weeks. “It’s not something that the city’s going to invest a lot of time and energy and money into investigating and trying to take action on those that are in violation. … We do not have the resources,” Rhodes said.
According to the city’s representative to the Neighborhood Relations Committee and Deputy Planning Director Carolyn Murphy, usually other actions — like having too many cars, too much trash, or being too loud for the location — signal to neighbors that too many people may be living in a unit and warrant a complaint to Rhodes. “The complaints are probably about the same… in the past few years, we haven’t had evidence of the violations, though,” Rhodes said. Sloggie said he receives the most complaints about noise violations in August — when students come back to campus — and in May right before they leave. He said that he does not usually search out noise violations, but responds to complaints. “That’s the last thing we want to be dealing with in the evening,” Sloggie said. “We have other patrols we would like to do to prevent crime.”
Deer population control methods include hunting, fencing DEER from page 1
Additionally, and perhaps of greater relevance to Williamsburg’s human residents, Leu found that with more deer come more ticks. These ticks have the potential to transmit diseases between deer and other mammals, including humans. Leu, who spoke at the meeting, also explained that deer in Williamsburg are still giving birth in multiples, suggesting the population has not yet reached its natural carrying capacity despite the fact that it has reached its cultural carrying capacity, the maximum population a society
can sustain. “The cultural carrying capacity, in the case of the deer, because it is a problem species, is lower than the actual carrying capacity,” Leu said. He attributed this discrepancy to the urbanization of the region and the elimination of the deer’s natural predators. In a more industrialized area, fewer deer can reasonably be sustained, but without predators — like wolves — the population can grow unchecked. Ideally, Leu said, these natural predators could be introduced back into the population to control the deer.
COURTESY PHOTO / WIKIMEDIA.ORG
The large deer population has been negatively affecting the local environment.
“We removed the predators,” Leu said. “There is an ecological imbalance now and we need to bring that into balance again.” While there are several options to consider, the meeting’s speakers concluded that one of the most viable solutions to the overpopulation of deer is bow hunting. They agreed that archery is sustainable, cost-effective and safe. Toby Lane spoke on behalf of bow hunters as a citizen member of the Neighborhood Council panel. Though he does not hunt, he allows hunters to kill deer on his property and views bow hunting as the superior method for deer control. “In my neighborhood, I organize people that do bow hunting on various properties. I allow bow hunters to come on my property and kill deer,” Lane said. “Other people have the perception that that’s very dangerous and they’re concerned about safety about having a bow hunter in the neighborhood.” Lane pointed out, however, that casualties from bow hunting are extremely rare, and the risk to community members is virtually nonexistent. Engelmeyer agreed, saying that since deer are generally shot at close range and from elevated lookout points, the only people at risk are the hunters themselves. “We’ve only had two accidents related to archery hunting since the 1960s, whereas with firearm hunting they occur every year [in
Virginia] … and those [the two accidents] were archery hunters hurting themselves,” Engelmeyer said. Other methods for deer control are sterilization, fencing and/or use of deer repellent and “trap and transfer.” Sterilization, according to Engelmeyer, is very expensive and has not been studied enough to be proven effective. Fencing — which Leu practices in the College Woods — is useful for protecting plots of land or keeping deer off roads, but it does not directly address overpopulation. Engelmeyer also added that fencing and repellent require diligence in order to be successful. “Trap and transfer,” which involves capturing deer and releasing them outside of the region, is problematic for several reasons: first, Engelmeyer noted the potential spread of disease. It is also costly and ultimately inefficient, since the trauma that deer experience in the process is so great that the majority die anyway. Lane noted the importance of increased education and awareness of deer overpopulation. Engelmeyer expressed his hope that Saturday’s meeting will inspire future action. “I think potentially it could lead to further discussions with the city and with the College to think of better ways to manage the deer population there,” Engelmeyer said.
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The Flat Hat
Friday, April 11, 2014
STUDENT ASSEMBLY
Senate concludes 321st session Senators neutralize Constitution’s gender pronouns, promote King & Queen Ball by MADELINE BIELSKI FLAT HAT ASSOC. NEWS EDITOR
The Student Assembly senate finished its 321st session Tuesday night, passing the Gender-Neutral Constitution Act. Outgoing sen. Gabriel Morey ’16 introduced the Gender-Neutral Constitution Act, which aims to remove gender bias from the Student Assembly’s Constitution.
Originally, the bill suggested changing all the masculine pronouns to read “he or she,” but during the senate’s last meeting, Secretary of Diversity Dylan Frendt ’14 recommended the language be changed to “they” and “their,” in order to respect those who do not identify as male or female. “I have been told by the Secretary of Diversity that it’s actually more inclusive [to say ‘they’ or ‘their’] than saying ‘he’ or
EMMA ZAHREN-NEWMAN / THE FLAT HAT
Student Assembly President Colin Danly ’15 updated the senate on its current funding situation.
‘she,’ because it also includes people that don’t identify with either gender,” Morey said. During Tuesday’s meeting, sen. Caleb Stone J.D. ’15 made another suggestion regarding the constitution’s language. Stone proposed that instead of using pronouns, the constitution could continue the use of the title of the position being addressed. “We should just change it to — instead of using pronouns — [using] the title. Like ‘the president will do this’ not ‘he or she will do this,’ that is much better than ‘they,’ which is a disaster, honestly, grammatically,” Stone said. “I think it would be better if we are going to do this and we can’t use ‘he or she’ to just use the title.” Morey accepted Stone’s suggestion, and the bill was amended to have the Constitution’s masculine pronouns replaced by the name of respective positions. The Gender-Neutral Constitution Act was approved unanimously by roll call. The bill must be voted on by both the undergraduate and graduate councils for it to be approved as a change to the constitution. Chairman of the senate Will McConnell ’14 and Vice President Mel Alim ’14 also encouraged senators to promote the King & Queen Ball, which will take place Friday. Currently, only 180 tickets for the dance have been sold as of Tuesday, while
EMMA ZAHREN-NEWMAN / THE FLAT HAT
Sen. Yonance Whitaker ’16 attended at the last meeting of the 321st Student Assembly Senate.
the SA’s goal for ticket sales is around 1,000 tickets. “So far we have only sold 180 tickets and our goal to not make such a huge loss is 1,000. So we have long way to go,” Alim said. Outgoing sen. and recently inaugurated SA President Colin Danly ’15 updated the senate on its funds. The reserve is currently at $14,450, the activities and events fund is at $4,425, and the competition fund is at $4,705.
At the last meeting of the 321st Senate, senators shared their appreciation and satisfaction with all the senate has accomplished during the session. “I just want to say that I came into the senate late, but that I was really, really warmly welcomed by everyone here,” sen. Chase Jordan ’15 said. “This is the highlight of my week. I love you guys and can’t wait to see you next year.” The senate went into closed session to discuss personal matters.
ORGANIZATIONS
Dancers consider forming campus dance council Students aim to promote interaction, collaboration between College’s dance groups with organization by SARAH STUBBS Flat Hat STAFF WRITER
Ballet and Bhangra may seem to have little in common, but the two dance styles may soon be united through the creation of a dance council at the College of William and Mary. Megan Carter-Stone ’16 and other members of ballet company Pointe Blank are attempting to start a dance council that will promote interaction and participation among campus dance groups. Carter-Stone said that the a cappella council served as a source of inspiration for her proposed dance council. “A council would allow us to publicize events to the other dance groups and the community, support each other’s service missions, and create an open social community,” Carter-Stone, who has been a member of Pointe Blank since her freshman year, said. “Maybe in the future we could all be part of a cross-company show.” Since the council is intended for nonprofessional groups only, it would not include the Orchesis Dance Company, which is part of the College’s dance department. However, CarterStone said she intends to include all other official dance groups in this organization. Carter-Stone’s idea is still in its beginning stage; she has begun emailing other groups, but she said she currently knows little about how the council would be structured. “Ideally, every group would have an equal voice,” Carter-Stone said. “Hopefully, we would be able to start next fall to formally organize and write a constitution.” Although many dance groups have not yet
joined the conversation, some have already reacted positively toward the creation of such an organization. KC Whitsett ’16, the president of the contemporary urban music group, Syndicate, believes that the council could provide the College’s diverse dance groups with the common ground of a love for dance itself. “Each dance group on our campus is very unique in style, technique, culture and diversity among members,” Whitsett said. “I think it would be beneficial for the groups to be united in some way so that we could share ideas and our shared
this event is a type of response to the Sigma Chi email, which provoked discussion on campus with regard to rape culture. “Because a lot of people like to focus on those flashbulb moments — the Sig Chi email, things of that nature — my department and the students we are coordinating with, we very much want to be proactive and start conversations that can prevent those kinds of things from happening,” Frendt said. To end I Am W&M Week, the Sadler Center will play host to a World Expo Sunday, April 20. The World Expo will highlight the different cultural, ethnic, international and various other groups that make up the College community, Frendt added. Melody Li ’15, Undersecretary for International Affairs and CoChair of the World Expo, said that
“I would be interested in a scenario where we could potentially have a showcase, joint performances and officially support and promote our performances and charities,” Bermudez said. Mohima Sanyal ’14, president of Bhangra, the Indian dance company, said she says combined performances as a way for groups to help each other out. “[The council] could potentially be a great way to coordinate practices and performances and to enable dance groups on campus to be supportive of each other’s art,” Sanyal said.
COURTESY PHOTO / MEGAN CARTER-STONE
The Pointe Blank Dance Company focuses on ballet, along with contemporary and jazz styles. Its members hope to cultivate greater interaction amongst the College’s dance community.
Angelou cancels I Am W&M Week visit DIVERSITY from page 1
passion for dance.” Whitsett and Carter-Stone both mentioned the possibility of the council increasing campus awareness of its dance scene. When united by an organized body, groups could help each other with publicity, and might also gain new members by increased campus exposure to dance. Meanwhile, other group members see the council as an opportunity to perform together. Pointe Blank member Paige Bermudez ’15 said she foresees showcases with multiple dance groups, similar to the a cappella showcases.
the Expo will incorporate dance, music, a fashion show, cooking and more. “The World Expo is really a kind of dynamic activity,” Li said. “Everything will be really coherent, so people can have a really great experience to try out new things.” Li’s fellow World Expo CoChair, Moinzadeh, said he believes that the Expo will allow students to explore these different groups in one setting. “What is really astonishing is that there hasn’t been a day for, I guess, international students, multicultural groups, religious groups, to kind of showcase their cultures together … but finally you can have it all centralized in one location, on one evening,” Moinzadeh said. “And that way you can see the similarities between groups and experience it more and its more fluid.” Beyond these events, there
will also be more intimate events throughout I Am W&M Week. Li said she sees I Am W&M Week as a final opportunity for students to celebrate. “I think it is kind of like a finale of the year,” Li said. “Students want to celebrate, get away from studies. … You are in college and things are just so packed together and the schedule moves so fast, that you don’t realize you are a part of a community that has a lot of different voices and a lot of different people.” Frendt expressed hope that students will learn about their community during the week. “I guess I want people to learn something about someone else that they hadn’t learned before,” Frendt said. “And I want people to realize that it is our differences that make us stronger and it’s our differences that make us beautiful.”
opinions
Opinions Editor Daria Grastara Associate Opinions Editor Kaitlan Shaub fhopinions@gmail.com // @theflathat
The Flat Hat
EDITORIAL CARTOON
| Friday, April 11, 2014 | Page 5
STAFF EDITORIAL
SA neutrality
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or the things that you absolutely need in order to thrive. The rest is left to chance. Our roommates teach us at the same time how to be respectful of others and how to stand up for ourselves. If, for instance, you unwillingly become a chronic victim of the dreaded sexile, then it is your responsibility to speak up on your own behalf and let your roommate know there is problem. FLAT HAT CHIEF STAFF WRITER Similarly, if you are constantly the one putting the sock on the door, you probably wish you didn’t have to worry about This column is written in response to the April 7 column, your roommate walking in at any given moment. This is an “Reforming random roommate pairings will create less stress.” opportunity for compromise and communication; if the two of Tomorrow, scores of potential College of William and Mary you avoid the problem and stew in angry silence, you are the students will pour into campus for Day for Admitted Students. perpetuators of your own unhappiness. Among all the stresses of starting college, they will most Maybe your differences aren’t this big. There are still lessons certainly be concerned about their future roommates. They to be learned. I’m a notoriously messy person, but I make my will be wondering if they should take advantage of the various bed every day and keep my desk clean because my roommate Match.com-style forums that offer the dubious promise of a does, and I respect her need for tidiness even if I do not share new best friend, or if they should trust “the system” of random that need. One day, when I’m living on my own, I’ll be grateful roommate assignment. My freshman year, I went random — that she helped me cultivate this habit of neatness. and I could not be happier that I did. Conflict in cohabitation is inevitable. Maybe you just My rationale: Realistically speaking, get sick of each other after too much Our roommates teach us it could go miserably wrong either way, togetherness, or maybe your personalities at the same time how to but if I get a random roommate that turns really do clash and whatever you do, be respectful of others out to be crazy, at least it wasn’t my fault you can’t spend another minute in that and how to stand up for for choosing her. On the other hand, if person’s presence. If your safety or health I found this hypothetical psychopath is genuinely in danger, the option to leave ourselves. online and requested to live with her is there. You absolutely should not stay because we both love Harry Potter, and then woke up to a séance in a situation that jeopardizes your welfare. However, if you just in the dead of night, I’d have no one to blame but myself. happen to be very different kinds of people, you always have Thankfully, I got lucky. My roommate and I are a happilysomething to learn — whether it’s how to be neat or how to be ever-after story, going on four years together. In some people’s patient with someone whose lifestyle doesn’t work for you. If eyes, this may preclude me from being a credible advocate you pick your roommate based on your similar personalities for random roommate assignment, but I readily acknowledge or previously established friendship, you will probably still face that not everyone’s situation works out the way mine did. these problems, and it’s important that you do. Nevertheless, I believe that having a random roommate is an We all came to the College to challenge ourselves, to important lesson in compromise and cohabitation. develop, and to prepare to live independently as well-rounded, The survey offered by the College to incoming freshmen self-sufficient people. Rooming with a stranger — and having asks very basic questions, measuring a person’s preferences no control over who this stranger may be — contributes about smoking, noise level, cleanliness and sleep schedule. critically to this personal growth, whether or not you choose to This system does not pretend to scientifically match you with continue living together after freshman year. your soul mate; rather, it lets you establish your deal-breakers, Email Sarah Caspari at slcaspari@email.wm.edu.
Sarah Caspari
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The staff editorial represents the opinion of The Flat Hat. The editorial board, which is elected by The Flat Hat’s section editors and executive staff, consists of Abby Boyle, Áine Cain, Matt Camarda, Meredith Ramey and Ellen Wexler. The Flat Hat welcomes submissions to the Opinions section. Limit letters to 250 words and columns to 650 words. Letters, columns, graphics and cartoons reflect the view of the author only. Email submissions to fhopinions@gmail.com.
TWEETS @THEFLATHAT
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A little disappointed to have been left off the @theflathat’s TWAMP bracket. Congrats to Mel Alim though, that girl is TWAMPtastic.
— @fakereveley onThe Fat Head’s April Fool’s Day Bracket
Learned that I was in @theflathat’s TWAMP bracket under the “Nerd” category, but didn’t make it past the first round. Better luck next time.
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Live together, learn together
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BY BRIAN KAO, FLAT HAT GRAPHIC DESIGNER
n the Student Assembly’s final meeting of the semester, it passed the Gender-Neutral Constitution Act to remove gender bias from the SA constitution. Last year the SA changed the code and constitution to read “he or she” to remove bias against women. This year’s bill changes “he or she” to position names, invoking no gender designations. This is an important step toward recognizing that traditional gender identifications are not all inclusive. The College of William and Mary should follow the SA’s example and create more policies that respect gender diversity. Students are also making progress in promoting diversity more broadly through on-campus initiatives. Humans of William and Mary, a Facebook page which brings the musings and passions of ordinary people to College students, recently gained recognition from USA Today. Currently, the page has over 3,300 likes and will likely continue years after its founders have graduated. During “I Am W&M Week” the College will host numerous programs and events promoting understanding and awareness of different cultures, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, faiths, genders and sexual orientations, among other sources of diversity. Events will feature discussions on topics ranging from mental illness to attending the College as a first generation student. The week will end with the World Expo, a gallery showcasing art from around the globe. One area in which the College could make an impact is in gender-neutral housing. Currently, Residence Life requires that if a student lives on-campus in a non-single, that student must live with a member of the same sex. This policy discriminates against students who are questioning their gender and those who identify with a gender other than that which they were assigned at birth. At least in their freshman year, those students would have to live uncomfortably with strangers and feel pressure to present themselves in a manner contrary to their identity. The effect could be detrimental to their emotional and psychological wellbeing. Even if affected parties form a small minority, ResLife should be able to accommodate those students who want to live alone or with someone of a different sex. Likewise, the College could also designate certain bathrooms as gender neutral. This would alleviate the stress and confusion for students who don’t identify as male or female and must choose a gendered bathroom. Then, students who identify with their birthassigned gender would not react harshly to seeing students who identify as other genders in a male or female bathroom. We cannot imagine the difficulties for someone who doesn’t identify as a traditional gender of living in a society that expects gender rigidity and consistency. Our traditional notions of gender are deeply engrained and will be tough to shake. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to make the College a more inclusive place, laying the groundwork for campus wide acceptance of multiple genders.
— @etspencer on The Fat Head’s April Fool’s Day Bracket
A gap year is expensive, but it provides valuable life experience
Ricky Tischner THE FLAT HAT
High school graduates are increasingly choosing to take a gap year before moving on to earn a college degree or to join the workforce. Though many parents may disagree, a gap year can offer a variety of benefits to young adults before they decide to attend college. However, a gap year is really only a viable life choice if you pursue it for the right reasons. You should not be considering a gap year just because your best friends are going to Thailand and you want to go with them.
Gap year adventures can be expensive, and it is important that you choose a direction that suits you — not just one your friends are interested in. You should also not take a gap year simply to gain independence from family, school or other responsibilities. This will not be the only time in your life where you can be free from direction. That time will come soon enough — and when it does, it will test what you’re made of, so take my word and treasure the time you have while you can still rely on others for support and guidance. Despite the heavy financial burden, one of the greatest benefits of a gap year is that it gives you time to find your passion. Supposing you haven’t already decided on your field of interest, a gap year is an excellent opportunity to discover what you want to do with your life, and what kind of degree or job you might strive toward in the future.
Secondly, a gap year is a good opportunity to travel and immerse yourself in a culture different from your own. If you decide you really want to explore South America and hope to take up Spanish along the way, perhaps a gap year in Argentina or Colombia would suit you perfectly. Finally, taking a break before college can give you important time to shape yourself as a person. Whether through experience in an office setting or in an exotic location, a gap year will expose you to situations and scenarios that will not always be offered in a college setting, giving you invaluable life experience. Ultimately, a gap year should be solely your decision. With the exception of financial or other practical constraints, it should be up to you as to whether a gap year is a viable option for your future. Email Ricky Tischner at rstischner@ email.wm.edu.
GRAPHIC BY ALLISON HICKS / THE FLAT HAT
variety
Variety Editor Sang Hyun Park flathat.variety@gmail.com // @theflathat
The Flat Hat | Friday, April 11, 2014 | Page 6
In second year at the College, TEDx’s speakers present on the theme “Forward” BY HALEY ARATA // FLAT HAT ASSOC. VARIETY EDITOR
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF SARAH MARTIN
On Sunday, April 6, the Kimball Theatre came alive with entrepreneurs, lawyers, clowns and curious students. The TEDx conference of the College of William and Mary was an independently organized event created in the spirit of the TED mission of “ideas worth spreading,” and brought speakers from a variety of geographical regions and academic fields together in one colloquium. Rebecca Silverstein ’14, curator of the TEDxCollegeofWilliam&Mary Steering Committee, worked all year with students, volunteers, faculty and prospective speakers to fulfill their vision of a successful TEDx event. Both Silverstein and publicity chair Alyssa Zhu ’14 looked to the theme of the conference, “Forward,” as an idea that would resonate with the passionate mentality of the speakers as well as the College community. “William and Mary is a very old institution, but we can’t always leverage our history; we have to also leverage our present. We are known for our history, but we’re also known for our innovation and our ability to endure across all time and to then move forward,” Zhu said. The steering committee purposely left the theme of “Forward” broad, so that speakers from
a variety of disciplines could touch on a range of efforts that are changing the structure of our future. “[The conference] is a good way to look forward and explore the forces that are going to be shaping our lives in the world to come. TEDx isn’t about the talks that day, but about forming those connections and thinking about these crucial issues — and then acting on those,” Silverstein said. The conference included eight speakers from different states and institutions. Some were professors or alumni of the College and some were first-time visitors to the city of Williamsburg. Three speakers in particular illustrated diverse thought and action that relate to innovation and looking ‘“Forward” in our society today. Speakers Christopher Sprigman, John Glick and Tara Grove touched on the ‘Knockoff Economy,’ the importance of laughter in health care, and the role of the executive in enforcing the laws, respectively. Sprigman, now a professor of law at New York University Law School, served as appellate counsel in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and taught at the law school of the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Addressing the question of, “how does creativity fly in the face of copying,” Sprigman challenged the theory that copyright laws serve to protect original innovators’ creativity. He used the fashion industry as his main example, in which copyright laws do not play a part. Sprigman argued that copying actually spurs fashion creativity. As elite designers send new styles down the runway, brands copy the design, consumers jump on the trend until they grow weary of the style and it ends, just as a new style hits the runway. “Copy is not the enemy of innovation [in fashion], but the source,” Sprigman explained. Glick, an alumnus, helped to create the Gesundheit Institute, an organization “based on the belief that one cannot separate the health of the individual from the health of the family, the community, the world and the health care system itself.” On stage clad in red and black striped tights, a frilly sparkled tutu and a red nose, Glick emphasized the value of laughter and compassion in health care. He described how he and other clowns provide the therapy of “spontaneous improvisational play” to patients in clinics around the world.
“The red nose is a passport into some of the most difficult places in the world,” Glick said, “and we can all be medicine for each other.” Grove, Associate Professor at the William and Mary Law School, addressed innovation with regard to the executive’s duty to enforce the laws. Highlighting the debate of same-sex marriage in the United States, along with the refusal of local Colorado sheriffs to enforce gun control laws, Grove presented the idea that executives have the responsibility not only to enforce the laws, but also to personally interpret the laws and the U.S. Constitution. “I like the idea of different institutions thinking about the Constitution and what it means to them, and asserting themselves. Whether that’s moving forward in a good direction or a bad direction depends on your point of view,” Grove said. Before the conference, Grove expressed her enthusiasm about the event. “I’m hoping to be able to teach people something about the Constitution and the executive’s role in interpreting the Constitution, but I’m also hoping to learn something myself about how I can communicate with other people,” Grove said.
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Post-breakup: a ten-step guide to getting rid of your feelings
There is no foolproof way – try crying to T-swift, calling your mom or going to Norway
Kalyn Horn
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS COLUMNIST
I’m going to be level with you guys: Feelings suck. Feelings are messy and ugly and irritating and heavy, and as we get older, they don’t get easier. They just get progressively more complicated until trying to sort through them is as difficult as untangling headphones after they’ve been in your pocket for an hour. Let’s repeat that one more time. Feelings suck, and I have a lot of them. I’m sure most of you can sympathize, considering what college we attend. And instead of dealing with my feelings like a responsible adult — that is, punching them in the snout to establish dominance — I brush them aside and neatly bury them under several layers of denial. Except there’s only so much space
in that grave of denial, and at some point, a feather will break the camel’s back. Or rather, news of an ex acquiring a new, cuter, smarter girlfriend will break the lesbian’s back (I deeply apologize for my mixed metaphors). Exes are hard. Even I, queen of burning bridges, admit that. Feelings don’t just disappear or evaporate in the intense heat of a bad breakup, especially when that wounded animal called love is involved. Luckily for you guys, I’m here as your resident sex and relationship columnist, and I’m willing to share my patented guide to getting over your ex. Alternatively, replace “ex” with anyone who still holds your heart firmly in his or her fist. 1. Remind yourself that you are never, ever getting back together. Then turn on T-Swift and cry. Create an entire Taylor Swift playlist dedicated to crying. Thoroughly season the playlist with ripped mp3s of that YouTube video of the goat shrieking in the middle of her songs. (“Taylor Swift — I Knew You Were A Goat When You Walked In, THE ACTUAL
ORIGINAL,” for the uninformed.) 2. Complain to all of your friends until they are annoyed and are thoroughly done with your trouble. Become a solipsist. Realize that nothing exists except for you. Embrace this new knowledge. Maybe rob a bank. (Disclaimer: I do not endorse bank robbing. Banks don’t actually exist, anyway.) 3. Surreptitiously look for your ex everywhere you go, particularly in the vegan section of the dining hall. When you fail to find a trace of him or her, content yourself with vegan nuggets instead. If there are no vegan nuggets, remind yourself that you are a solipsist and that vegan nuggets are not real. 4. Accept that your ex is just a person with all the flaws inherent to personhood. Armed with this knowledge, call upon the Old Gods and eldritch abominations to torment your ex. Statistically, those who rely on chthonic horrors are, at best, anti-heroes. It’s better to be an anti-hero or a villain than a side character. Be careful, though. Repeated exposure to
that which is best left behind the veil and betentacled atrocities can cause you to lose Sanity Points. 5. Be active; do something. Move to Norway. Don’t pack your bags. Don’t leave a note. Summon a dragon through intricate rituals on the tundra plains. Solve their riddles in hopes that they will bestow upon you knowledge or enormous amounts of gold. Either one will fill that pesky hole in your chest. 6. Regress. Lose all progress you made in getting over your ex. Create a playlist of Carly Rae Jepsen to cry to. Do not include any goats in this one. The dragons probably ate all the goats anyway. 7. Have casual sex to reaffirm your sexual prowess and desirability. Actually, don’t do this. Have casual sex because it is enjoyable and is a respite from the business of thinking and feeling. Indulge in sensation. Cuddle with your partner for a minimum of 20 minutes afterward. Treat him or her to Qdoba when you’re both ready to shake off the post-sex haze. 8. Whine to your mom on the phone.
Grumble to your best friend on the phone. Grump and huff to all your other friends, on the phone or otherwise. Let them buff up your self-esteem. Let them remind you that you are not replaceable. Remember that you are not replaceable. Write this fact in every notebook you own because it’s a scientific fact that writing something down makes it true. 9. Get over it. Just like that. Straighten your posture, exhale a fed-up breath, and decide that you are done. You are moving on. You are transcending. Chug a gallon of radioactive material. Mutate into a kaiju. Destroy a city or two to emphasize the fact that you are done. (Spoiler: You’re not really done.) 10. Wait. Let time infest you like a million little microbes and slowly clog the hole in your chest. Let it seal shut around the spine of a building that you shoved in the gulf during your monster rampage, desperate to fill it. Then you will be whole again; not unchanged, but whole. Kalyn Horn is a Behind Closed Doors Columnist and wants you to know: We are never ever getting back together.
The Flat Hat
Page 7
Friday, April 11, 2014
The cadavers in Adair
ZACHARY FRANK / THE FLAT HAT
The Kinesiology and Health Sciences Department houses cadavers in the Human Anatomy Laboratory at Adair Hall. Students at the College of William and Mary use the cadavers during a laboratory course in order to perform detailed dissections.
Students in human anatomy laboratory courses share experience of examining cadavers BY ZACHARY FRANK FLAT HAT ONLINE EDITOR
“You never see the face, which is good. If I saw the face I think I’d have a heart attack.” Thankfully for McCall Ledgett ’17, the faces of the cadavers housed in Adair Hall are covered at all times by a white cloth. Ledgett is currently a student in the kinesiology and health sciences department’s anatomy lab, which is comprised of two evening classes: KINES 314, which is the dissection lab, and KINES 315, which uses the same cadavers. The anatomy lab uses two cadavers each semester, received from the Virginia State Anatomical Program. The program receives cadavers from people who specify in their wills that they wish to donate their bodies for educational purposes after death. The College of William and Mary receives the cadavers after they are prepared for about a month, during which time they are filled with preservatives and fluids. After the end of the semester, the cadavers are cremated, and the remains are returned to their families, along with a thank you note from Dr. Ray McCoy, who runs the anatomy lab. McCoy, who has been running the anatomy lab for 26 years, believes that apprehension about working with the cadavers — like the kind that Ledgett had prior to starting the course — is
understandable. McCoy takes special measures to make sure that the cadavers are not too overwhelming for students. “I cover the faces and genitalia for the first visit to make it a little less scary,” McCoy said. He noted that a bit of fear is natural, and even appropriate. “Everyone should feel unease at knowing that they’re going to be looking at a human cadaver and working with one.” Despite precautions, there is the occasional student fainting — about one each year. However, McCoy attributes this to a combination of factors, such as the long periods of standing in the lab and the smell, as opposed to any fear inspired by the cadavers. The real danger, he says, is the possibility of students falling and hitting their heads. That, however, has never happened before. As for the smell that might contribute to faints, Ledgett describes it as initially the smell of formaldehyde, but as the body begins decaying, the smell takes a turn for the worse. “When we leave lab we can’t do anything but hang out with each other, because we all smell like dead bodies,” Ledgett said. About 75 students take the anatomy lab each semester. One such student is Christina Lee ’15. Lee is a neuroscience major who is currently studying for the MCAT. She believes that working with the cadavers has aided her in her scientific studies. “I know a lot of my friends who are science majors at other
schools don’t have this opportunity,” Lee said. McCoy echoed this sentiment. He says that although many graduate programs — such as medical schools and physical therapy schools — receive cadavers, there are fewer undergraduate programs that are able to incorporate cadavers into their anatomy curricula. “There are a few undergrad programs in the state of Virginia that also get cadavers,” McCoy said. “We’re very fortunate in Virginia to have that ability to get these cadavers for undergrad education.” Despite fears that students might have about working with cadavers, their excitement about learning first-hand how the human body works usually trumps their apprehension. “It’s just the best way to learn, because it’s so hands-on,” Ledgett said. “I’m a runner too, so seeing all those different muscles and seeing how they fit together, seeing those things that I’ve hurt in my body before is really fascinating.” Beyond an understanding of human anatomy, Ledgett’s experience taking the lab has given her a greater knowledge of what she wishes to do postmortem. She now plans on donating her body, so that other students can have the educational opportunities that she’s had. “I think I’m definitely going to do that,” Ledgett said. “It’s such a cool cause.”
Autism 101: Embracing disabilities as opportunities
Neurodiversity Student Group spreads awareness of Asperger’s in Autism Acceptance Week BY SARAH CASPARI FLAT HAT CHIEF STAFF WRITER
Numbers flashed on the screen as Danielle Thomas’ ’14 fingers flew like lightning over the arrow keys. The panel on autism had been supposed to start 20 minutes earlier, but people were still trickling in, and Thomas was in another world. The event only began when she lost her game of 2048 and had achieved her personal high score. Thomas’ single-minded dedication to the game — which she continued playing on her iPad throughout the session — may seem unusual or inappropriate to the neurotypical crowd, but for someone with Asperger’s Syndrome, it is just an example of the Aspergian tendency toward hyperfixation, or becoming unusually immersed in activities or subjects that pique one’s interest. The panel, which took place Wednesday and featured Thomas and two other College of William
COURTESY PHOTO / WM.EDU
and Mary students with Asperger’s, was part of Autism Acceptance Week, hosted by the College’s Neurodiversity Student Group. The week’s goal, Thomas said, was to foster a view of people with Asperger’s — a disorder on the autism spectrum — as different, but not necessarily disabled. She was joined on the panel by Joel Carver ’17 and Haley Outlaw ’17. In an informal discussion, they talked about their experiences with Asperger’s at the College and in general. Carver also gave a lecture Monday called “Autism 101,” in which he explained the symptoms of the condition and implications — both positive and negative — of an Asperger’s diagnosis. Neurodiversity, the speakers said, should be regarded on the same plane as racial and sexual diversity, but does not receive the same kind of attention. “There’s a void,” Carter said. “Autism and neurodiversity are different from other types of diversity because it is something that is very defined, but not something that people are, generally speaking, familiar with. You can talk about racial diversity, because for the most part, everyone has met people of different races … Obviously, it’s impossible for there to be exact understanding, but more or less people think on the same wavelength. Autism and Asperger’s … differ from that because we don’t think on the same wavelength.” Many people with Asperger’s are naturally gifted in their fields. In cases like these, the disorder can be viewed not as a hindrance,
but as an opportunity. Certain characteristics of Asperger’s, though, make living as a college student difficult. Carver explained in his talk on Monday that people with the disorder often have sensory integration problems. For example, Thomas is particularly sensitive to heat, so she feels lucky to live in Jamestown Hall, where she can control the temperature in her room. On the other hand, students with sensitivities to strong sounds cannot control things like the occurrence of fire drills. On a more fundamental level, forming social connections with neurotypical peers is a daunting and difficult task for Aspergians, exacerbated by the discouragement of frequent rejection. “It’s not that I don’t want people around me,” Thomas said. “It’s just I don’t want you to judge me because I may give the wrong first impression.” Carver emphasized the importance of human contact for Aspergians and neurotypicals alike. Although the former may be loath to make eye contact and may shy away from physical contact, their need for social connection is no less strong. The social challenges of Asperger’s complicate more than just making friends, though. They can also get in the way of academic and professional pursuits. Thomas transferred to the College her junior year specifically to do research, but got stuck at the first step — reaching out. “This is the first and only semester that I’ve been in research because I’ve been so hesitant to talk to anyone,” she said. Social inhibitions like these often ring true
for even the neurotypical students at the College, suggesting that the differences between students with and without Asperger’s may be less prominent than one might think. Bishop Clarke ’17, who attended Wednesday’s discussion, has not been diagnosed with Asperger’s, but he relates to the trouble caused by the ambiguity of certain patterns of speech. “I had to force COURTESY PHOTO / WIKIPEDIA.COM myself to learn when there are breaks in conversation,” Clarke said. “I had to basically look at people and say, ‘Okay, is there hesitation here?’ ‘Is she making a non-typical pause here?’ ‘Is he saying something that sounds like it would be a conclusion?’ It’s an art form, in a sense.” Autism Acceptance Week was originally called Autism Awareness Week, but the group changed the name out of the belief that awareness of the condition is not enough; rather, they hope that by educating the College community, their differences and their strengths can be understood and embraced.
sports
FEATURE
The Flat Hat
Friday, April 11, 2014 | Page 8
You can
Queen B call her
BY JACK POWERS // FLAT HAT SPORTS EDITOR COURTESY PHOTO / TRIBE ATHLETICS
After finishing 10th in the 10,000 meters at the National Collegiate Athletic Association outdoor championships last season, senior Elaina Balouris looks primed for an even stronger performance this season, especially after the Colonial Relays.
Senior distance runner Elaina Balouris looks toward the NCAAs in her final season A long cascade of curls crowned by a bow — don’t let it fool you. The girl with the bow in her hair is not what she seems. If you pull back the smiles and the hugs, high-fives, handshakes and humble shrugs, you get something else: A born winner, one of the greatest in William and Mary history. This outdoor track season, senior distance runner Elaina Balouris will have the opportunity to become the school’s most decorated athlete of all time. Balouris is already a five-time All-American
— two times in cross-country and three times in track. She wears her laurels lightly, however, as any of her teammates would attest. “She’s the best,” sophomore distance runner Emily Stites said. “She’s so outgoing and always willing to help somebody. She’s obviously a very elite athlete in her own right, but she looks out for everyone on the team, treats everyone as an equal.” Balouris’ good-natured character is part of what makes her such a great runner, providing her with balance in a sport where athletes often flame
COURTESY PHOTO / TRIBE ATHLETICS
Senior Elaina Balouris won the 5,000-meter last weekend with a time of 15:56.85, just ahead of junior Emily Stites.
out. Indeed, Balouris’s miraculous string of health during her collegiate career is a testament to the lifestyle she has cultivated, one that has helped her improve year after year as a member of the Tribe. “She’s meticulous about her training, but not obsessive about her training, which puts her into a nice balanced place,” assistant coach Jill Miller said. “She sleeps very well, she eats very well, which is probably why she’s been so consistent in her career. Going back to her freshman year, she’s steadily gotten better every year.” Balouris came in as a relatively unheralded recruit out of Allison Park, Pa., but her mindset and natural talent have separated her and made her a leader on the team. Balouris attributes much of her own development over the past few years to Stites, whose talent has pushed her to work even harder. Even though they consistently compete with each other during races, the two see each other as “running-buddies,” not rivals. “[Stites is] one of my closest friends,” Balouris said. “We have a very supportive relationship. We both have strengths and weaknesses that we both understand and that we help each other with.” For someone with so much pride in her team, Balouris’s last season is bittersweet. While her post-graduation plan of getting her master’s degree in education at Boston College is looming around the corner, Balouris’s best running is likely still to come. Last Friday night at the Colonial Relays, Balouris
flashed a promise of what could be in store later. Edging out Stites by less than a second, Balouris won the 5,000-meter race in a time of 15:56.85, the second-fastest outdoor time in the National Collegiate Athletic Association so far. The victory was especially impressive because it came during a month of heavy mileage training. Balouris’ season arcs toward the NCAA outdoor championships in early June. The rarified air she’s reached has also amplified expectations for her season, expectations that she relishes the opportunity to reach. Regardless of what she accomplishes in the meantime, Balouris’ season will largely be judged by her performance in the outdoor championships, most likely in the 10,000-meters. Last year, Balouris finished 10th at the NCAAs in the 10,000-meters. Balouris is unequivocal about what motivates her to succeed in a sport that demands so much energy and exhaustion. “I just think of Nationals,” Balouris said. “When there are days that I don’t want to run, I just think about how great it’s going to be when I get to Nationals. It’ll be the best race of the season.” The most accomplished distance runner in school history is taking her last lap this season. Stites, who is already a three-time All-American, laughs as she admits her debt to her “runningbuddy.” “I owe her,” Stites said. It’s a sentiment any Tribe fan can understand.
BASEBALL
College offense stalls in fourth straight mid-week losses Tribe falls 5-1 at Virginia Military Institute Tuesday, loses to Norfolk State 4-3 at Plumeri Park Wednesday BY CHRIS WEBER FLAT HAT SPORTS EDITOR Mid-week matchups haven’t been kind to head coach Brian Murphy. Dating back to March 19, William and Mary has dropped five consecutive games played outside a series. “It’s been a variety of things. Some pitching issues last week — this week it was more the execution of the offense,” Murphy said. “It hasn’t just been one thing … just different types of poor performances.” Virginia Military Institute (18-13, 6-6 Big South) capitalized on such performances Tuesday, downing the College (20-12, 4-1 CAA) 5-1. Norfolk State (10-18, 6-5 MEAC) followed suit Wednesday, leaving Plumeri Park with a 4-3 win. Junior pitcher Bryson Kauhaahaa took the mound Tuesday, lasting three innings in what Murphy saw as one of the righthander’s strongest starts of the season. Kauhaahaa gave way to sophomore righthanded pitcher Aaron Fernandez, who allowed two earned runs in an inning of work. While Fernandez took the loss, freshman right-handed pitcher Nick Brown surrendered three earned runs on four hits over the remaining four innings. Murphy, though, pointed to a deficient offense as the key to the decision. Only
four players registered hits, led by junior right fielder Nick Thompson with three. “Yesterday was a little different type of game,” Murphy said. “We didn’t do much offensively at all, as far as the kind of quality of our swings or anything like that.” Entering Wednesday, the College looked to snap the trend of mid-week slides against in-state opponent Norfolk State. Despite a solid pitching effort, the Tribe’s offense proved ineffectual again. Freshman right-handed pitcher Daniel Powers featured for a little over four innings, allowing a pair of runs on four hits. Freshman right-handed pitcher John Yoest and senior right-handed closer Kevin Casey each pitched two innings in relief, giving up a run between a pair of hits. “Yesterday, we just didn’t put it all together with pitching and hitting and today, we pitched really well and we seemed to hit well … that’s baseball,” sophomore catcher Ryan Hissey said. “I’m not worried — we’ll get it together for [James Madison].” Hissey led the College’s offense with a run, run batted in and two hits. Aside from Hissey and freshman third baseman Ryder Miconi — who registered three hits and a run — the Tribe offense managed six hits. “They played better than us, certainly. I thought they made some nice plays. I
was a little frustrated with our inability to execute offensively,” Murphy said. “We gave them some free bases with walks and wild pitches. I thought they capitalized and beat us tonight.” The loss extends the streak of midweek losses. With a road series against Colonial Athletic Association foe James Madison on the docket for this weekend, the College will wait until Tuesday’s match against Old Dominion for a chance to snap the skid. For Hissey, though, the season’s ups and downs pale in comparison to the
eventual end goal — conference play. “Last week was a little pitching, this week it’s a little hitting,” Hissey said. “That’s baseball and as long as you put it together at the right time — going into conference play — that’s the most important.” Whether clawing through a mid-week slump or preparing for a conference series, Hissey stressed the importance of every game. “We try to approach every game with the same focus. Sometimes it happens, you lose some focus,” Hissey said. “Coach Murph always preaches to treat every
game the same — the same focus, the same intensity. That’s baseball, but to keep bouncing back … that’s the biggest thing.” The College looks to rally from its two-loss week and improve its 4-1 start in conference play as it travels to Harrisonburg for a three-game series. First pitch is slated for 6:30 p.m. Friday. “Those guys are always a good test. They can really swing the bats,” Murphy said. “They’re a tough team to play against — they make you work for everything. We’ll have to be very good to beat those guys.”
COURTESY PHOTO / TRIBE ATHLETICS
The College fell to both VMI and Norfolk State in a pair of mid-week games. The Tribe travels to James Madison for a three-game series Friday.