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Searcy, Searcy, Online atatat TheLink.Harding.edu Searcy, Online TheLink.Harding.edu Searcy, Ark., 72149 Online TheLink.Harding.edu Online at TheLink.Harding.edu Searcy,Ark., Ark.,72149 72149

Searcy, Ark., 72149

help cutbacks remember ‘I want beNever able to Burksto announces faculty Never forget forget search update Presidential and tell their stories’

Photo by MADISON MEYER Photo by MADISON MEYER

Dr.Jack Jack Shock, Shock, distinguished distinguished professor professor of of communication, communication, and Dr. and Dr. Dr. Ginger Ginger Blackstone, Blackstone, associate associate professor professor of of communication, share share their their firsthand firsthand experiences experiences in in media media from from Sept. communication, Sept. 11, 11, 2001, 2001, with with honors honors communication communication Photos by MADISON MEYER students. Students and faculty visited the 9/11 memorial in Downtown Manhattan on Thursday, Sept. 9.

Photos by MADISON MEYER students. Students and faculty visited the 9/11 memorial in Downtown Manhattan on Thursday, Sept. 9.

Junior Emily Stinnett was a student on “My job was to bring the story out,” Blackstone worked as a producer for CNN Photo

by JEFF MONTGOMERY Junior Emily Stinnett was a student on “My job was to bring the story out,” Blackstone worked as a producer for CNN Photo

by JEFF MONTGOMERY EVERETT KIRKMAN Charles Ganus, head of the Harding presidential president the board Lindy aIngram, member of the tripand and created video documentary of Atlanta in Septemberof2001.

She andof hertrustees; Shock said.search committee; Dr. RobertinWalker, EVERETT KIRKMAN Charles Ganus, head of the Harding presidential search committee; Dr. Robert Walker, president of the board of trustees; and Lindy Ingram, member of the trip and created a video documentary of in Atlanta in September 2001.

She and her Shock said. editor-in-chief the board of trustees, leave the American Heritage building oncorrespondents Sept. 10. team have since received an Emmy Award it. A shorter version of her work, specifically Even national newson editor-in-chief the board of trustees, leave the American Heritage building Sept.

10.

Even national news correspondents team have since received an Emmy Award it. A shorter version of her work, specifically for“ There’s their reporting work over the course of Solomon, from outlets like NBC, ABC and Eleven honors communication students University focused on theofreflection of students, chair the Lipscomb Board of a number good things president.

This marked theCNN first for“ There’s their reporting work of over the course of Solomon, from outlets like NBC, ABC and CNN Eleven honors communication focused on theofreflection of students, EVERETT KIRKMAN students University chair theon Lipscomb Board a number of good things president.

This marked the firstas the KIRKMAN was shown in chapel Friday, Sept.

10.of weeks following the attacks, as America hadan restricted access at ground zero, and fiveEVERETT communication department faculty time Trustees, said in a statement at the time happening here at Harding right now,” outside executive search firm was editor-in-chief the weeks following the attacks,right as America restricted access at search groundfirm zero, as happening and five communication department faculty hadan was shown in in chapel on Friday, Sept.

10.

Graphic byat freepik.com Trustees, said a statement the time here at Harding now,” outsideGuard executive was editor-in-chief Her project documented the visit to the learned about the terrorists’ motives and the the National patrolled what was an members traveled to New York City from time of24. theThe announcement.

Ganus said.

“I’m looking forward to the hired by the University for this process. learned about the terrorists’ motives and the the National Guard patrolled what was an membersPresident traveled to Burks New York City from ahired Her project documented the visit to the University announced new faculty retirement incentive at the last faculty meeting on Monday, Jan. University seeks to cut total of the announcement.

Ganus said. “I’m looking forward to the memorial, by the University for this would process. as wella as visitsalso to St. Paul’s U.S.president government’s responsethe in mission real time. ongoing investigation.

Journalists often new Sept.

8-12 Charles to observe the 20th anniversary York College, continuing “We — are conducting a nationwide search Alumnus Ganus, board member U.S.president government’s responsethe in mission real time.of ongoing investigation.

Journalists would often new Sept.

8-12 topeople observe the 20th memorial, as wella school as visitsalso to affiliated St. Paul’s faculty by 30Charles over the anniversary next three years aconducting 10.1% decrease.

YorkTrinity College, school affiliated continuing of chapel, “We to are a nationwide search Alumnus Ganus, board member Church and the Engine 54, For Blackstone, Sept.

11, 2001, was her speak Shock as a liason, who would then of the Sept.

11, 2001, terrorist attacks on with theTrinity Churches of Christ, announced Harding — continuing for 2001, it to be the for a president that will who lead would Harding and chairman of 2001, the presidential search For Blackstone, Sept.

11, was her speak to Shock as a liason, then of the Sept.

11, terrorist attacks on chapel, Church and the Engine 54, with the Churches of Christ, announced Harding — continuing for it to be the for a president that will lead Harding andthe chairman of the presidential search Ladder 4, Battalion 9 firehouse on 8th Ave. day off.

Unaware of the initial plane crash, enter the Red Cross area to find someone World Trade Center in New York generated by the University overall has brand new.

Sometimes you can shift a phased retirement over the course of two EVERETT KIRKMAN the appointment of a 9new president on June special place it hasof been.

I look forward University in its Cross vision area as a Christ-centered committee, saidTrade while the process isNew ongoing, day off.

Unaware the initial plane crash, enter the Red to find someone the World Center in York Ladder 4, Battalion firehouse on 8th Ave. specialthe place itorhas been.

I look forward theMidtown appointment of a new president on June University inshare its vision a Christ-centered committee, saidstudent while the ongoing,andecreased in Fifteen firefighters second plane hit the second tower, 12, willing to their story.

Each on process the tripisfulfilled byof 21.9% in as the lastWalker six years, around, change the way you’re with aSamuel reduced schedule, 2020.

Dr.Manhattan.

A. teaching Smith, alumnus towhen the next president building on that.” theCity. presidential search committee’s rolean institution higher education,” said people when the second plane hit the second tower, years, willing to share their story.

Eacheditor-in-chief student on the trip fulfilled in Midtown Manhattan.

Fifteenan firefighters to the next president building on that.” institution of higher education,” Walker said theCity. presidential search committee’s role 12, 2020.

Dr. Samuel A. Smith, an alumnus from Engine Co.served 54 went to the World herOther two cell phones, landline andisBlackBerry “At that“We moment, that firefighter became honors contract on ahe topic related to 9/11, in number faculty positions only doing things.

So, also all of that really while maintaining benefits. the college, as president since colleges affiliated with thea of February. are searching forhas a mature ishonors now over.

He said andrelated other to board herOther two cell phones, landline and BlackBerry “At thatof moment, that firefighter became contract on ahe topic 9/11,the from Enginehas Co.served 54 went to the World colleges also affiliated with the Trade isUniversity now over.

He said and other board inmy February.

“We aresaid. searching for a to mature of the college, has as2001, president since Center on Sept.

11, and all began to ring at the same time.

After client,” Shock “It was up me to the events surrounding it and the effects President David Burks decreased by 7%. comprehensive package.

This is just one Burks said that he is hopeful that partJuly 6, 2020, after spending nearly 20 none years of Christ havesame recently gone of the church of“It Christ who isme ledto Churches members were grateful for the time and member all began to ring at the time.

After my client,” Shock said. was up to the events surrounding it and the effects Trade Center on Sept.

11, 2001, and none Churches of Christ have recently gone member of the church of Christ who is led members were grateful for the time and July 6, 2020, after spending nearly 20 years returned — the most men lost from a single learning of the events, she was advised to ensure he had a safe experience that did felt worldwide. announced a voluntary faculty retirement doesHoly notthat have of it.presidential We’re toshe usewas a retirement time faculty contracts would able to be a variety roles Lipscomb.

Smith’s through transitions. the word ofdifference God the Spirit, effort every committee member put into by“While learning of the trying events, advised to in ensure hethe had a safeand experience did piece felt worldwide. returned —of the mostatmen lost be from a single through presidential transitions. effort every committee member put into by the word of God and the Holy Spirit, in a variety of roles at Lipscomb.

Smith’s engine company that day.

The firefighters stay home and rest up for the work that not exploit him, that did not put him in a The group visited the Sept.

11 Memorial incentive at the Harding faculty meeting on be current larger gap is not over next years along offered thewill entire soon. takefaculty placeThe today.

Onhome Aug. 5,the Lipscomb in inauguration narrowing the visited searchthe forSept. the University’s tohim, the spread of the gospel of a incentive stay and rest upthree forUniversity the work that notexact, exploitthe that did not put him in The group 11 Memorialtocommitted engine to company that day. firefighters shared their stories with the would ensue 5, in Lipscomb days and weeks to come.in there zone that would unhealthy him, and and Jan. Museum at ground zeroUniversity’s on Thursday, committed On Aug. University to thebe spread of theforgospel of narrowing the search for the inauguration willpersonal take place today.

Monday, 24, citing ongoing “Smith proven himself to a Nashville, Tennessee, the Christ and focused strengthening the next from a budget perspective, and attrition.

If days we have openings, we’ll “Hopefully, faculty members will bebeable would ensue in andannounced weeks to come. zone that would be on unhealthy for him, and with andpresident.

Museum at ground zerodecreasing on Thursday,workable there sharedhas their personal stories with the students and faculty and shared memories “All of the Turner networks, all of also to accompany him to and through the Sept.

9.

While there, Dr. Jack Shock, Nashville, Tennessee, announced the Christ and focused on strengthening the next president.

“Smith has proven himself to be a enrollment.

His statement made at the thoughtful listener with a visionary spirit,” appointment of the university ’s 18th University in its pursuit of excellence in On Oct. 30, 2020, the retirement of Dr. “All of the Turner networks, all of to to narrow accompany and through Sept. 9. While there, Dr. Jack Shock,we also students and faculty load and shared memories must the him gap to between creditthe look closely at whether or not we need request a reduced with appropriate colleagueslistener that had been lost. them — even like TBS — they were of interview.”in its pursuit of excellence in appointment distinguished professor of communication, of TNT, the university ’s 18th On Oct. 30, 2020, retirement of Dr. University thoughtful with a visionary spirit,” meeting was emailed tothe faculty members Dr. R. Wayne White, chairman of the York president — Dr. Candice McQueen, former Bruce McLarty as University president was hours higher education.” them — even like TNT, TBS — they were interview.” distinguished professor of communication, of colleagues that had been lost. and faculty size,” Burks said. to fill them, or whether we can meet our benefits,” Burks said. saidWhite, one of chairman the most memorable all simulcasting CNN,McQueen, including former CNN Dr.Stinnett Shock described the many interviews president wasMcLarty interviewed by multiple news outlets — Dr. Candice higher education.”

Bruce as University president was R. Wayne of the York Board of Trustees, said.

“After Tennessee ofincluding educationCNN and College to the Harding community via Two weeks afterbethis announcement, on announced Tuesday.

Affected faculty will benews notified all simulcasting CNN,said.

Shock described the many was interviewed by multiple Stinnett said ofto theher most memorable will eligible tointerviews receive somecommissioner other way.”

Spears said that, in addition to the moments of theone trip was reading International,” Blackstone “The thinking that hefaculty took part in, where he stood directly needs about histo experiences at ground zerooutlets invia the Only Tennessee commissioner of education and announced the Harding community Two weeks after this announcement, College Board of Trustees, said.

“After interviewing several great candidates, it former dean of Blackstone the university’s department Harding constituents received an directly email email from Board ofthe Trustees Chairman International,” said.

“The thinking that he took part in, where he stood about his experiences at ground zero in the moments of the trip to her was reading of an their eligibility for incentive by this incentive, not those that qualify as In July 2020, the Christian Chronicle provost’s office, Burks, members of the names of the 2,977 people that died was, there’s point in us clamoring over the behind the camera andreceived the interviewer, weeks following the attacks.Chairman Shock was Harding former dean no of the university’s department constituents an emailas of an email from Boardon of Trustees interviewing several great candidates, it was apparent that Smith’s experiences in education.

McQueen was the first female from the presidential search committee, Dr. Robert Walker behalf of the entire was, there’s no point in us clamoring over behind the camera and the interviewer, as weeks following the attacks.

Shock was the names of the 2,977 people that died Monday, Jan. Each faculty will administrators staff. search committee, reported that the University cut 10 faculty/ president’s cabinet, Chief Officer on 9/11, seeing their facesFinancial in photos andin resources right now, we just need to centralize a presence ofor familiarity. called to31.

New York by a member former student, from the presidential of education.

McQueen was the first female Dr. Robert Walker on behalf of the entire was apparent that Smith’s experiences education were faces the best match for input for future presidential president hirednow, in the Church Christ higher board.

On Feb. 10, Walker the requesting resources right weand just need toof centralize a presence of familiarity. called to to New York a announced former student, on 9/11, seeing their in photos and have 21 days accept orby decline the officer offer.

The employed 303 positions closed its North Tammy Hall, and human resources were learning more about their lives. the message.”

“IUniversity couldinput stop the if Ifaculty saw him administrator Darren national marketing president hired inhistory. the Church of Christ forinterview future presidential board.

On Irby, Feb. 10, Walker announced theof requesting higher education were theindividual best match for the challenges and opportunities ahead.” school’s 130-year candidates.

The survey included questions formation of a presidential search committee the message.”

“I could stop the interview if I saw him Darren Irby, national marketing officer of learning more about their individual lives.

“You our university enrollment hasRedmembers “Ichallenges thinkinit’sthe easy to define those people Blackstone said the channel stopped involved in distress, and I2020, madeincluded that clear with the know American Red Cross, to assist with as of fallsurvey according to thethe Little Rock campus, citing longer-term conversation about the school’s 130-year history. formation of a presidential search committee candidates.

The questions the and opportunities ahead.”

Candidates foreasy the role of Harding president “IBlackstone am confident vision, deep qualities inthe a campus-wide email. committee saidthat the her channel stopped in distress,characteristics and I made thatand clear with one the running American Redseveral Cross, The to assist with Red regarding “I think it’s to define those people been years,” Burks by their death,” Stinnett said.

“I the mean it forthe two full weeks. reporter,” Shock said. “The Cross media for relations. most recent data collected by and thenumber National enrollment trends, asbreaks well as pandemic. reduction of for credit hours and need “I amcommercial confident that her vision, deep will characteristics qualities in adecreasing campus-wide email.

The committee Candidates the role Harding president interview with the of University boardit expertise, passion forbreaks faith-based education included seven board members, three Harding regarding students, alumni, faculty and staffnumber considered running commercial for two full weeks. reporter,” Shock said.

“The one Cross media relations. by their death,” Stinnett said.

“I mean was a huge event, and it was a huge attack “You just had to go on feeling,” Blackstone issue here is the safety and wellbeing of Seated in the same spot in the New York said in the emailed statement.

“We find Center foralumni, Education Marty “This new incentive offer, asus well as of to reduce faculty. students, faculty and staffDr. considered expertise, passion for faith-based education included seven board members, three Harding will interview with the University board trustees, willand then votefull finalists. love for Lipscomb lead boldly most important forsafety aStatistics. president and whatof“ and faculty members three alumni. just hadno torulebook go onwill feeling,” Blackstone issue here isespecially the and wellbeing Seated in theand same spotHarding in the York was a huge event, ittheir was aon huge attack — but theywho deserve for stories to said.“You “There was for this.

Nothing the subject, atacademic this brutal time.

Marriott Marquis where he metNew with theSpears, ourselves in the unfortunate position of and love for Lipscomb will lead us boldly most important for a president and what faculty members and three Harding alumni. of trustees, who will then vote on finalists. provost and chief officer continuing to evaluate the need to fill open “Faculty are invaluable,” Spears said.

The board not publicly announced a newhad season greatness, exemplified theespecially president should be prepared Upon the announcement of met theSeptember search said.athis “There was noof rulebook forLike, this. when Nothing theDr. subject, at this brutal time. “ into Marriott Marquis where he with the challenges —remembered but theyhas deserve for their fulltostories to be and told.

I want be able like ever happened. is rest of his team each morning in Ginger Blackstone, associate professor needing to reduce the number of faculty into athis newhad of greatness, exemplified Upon the announcement of in theSeptember search the president should be prepared The board not publicly announced a ofchallenges the University, said that over the course positions, isseason our next step inimmersion right-sizing “This is which not has about performance ortoanything date on they expect to announce a by excellence, diversity and in to address. committee, Walker also announced the like ever happened.

Like, when is Dr. Ginger Blackstone, associate professor rest of his team each morning be remembered and told.

I want be able to help remember andexpect tell their stories.” a it okay to run diversity a commercial again? When communication, was beside Shock in by 2001, We Shock told the students of histhe two toofaddress. positions. are hopeful that by doing excellence, and immersion in committee, Walker also announced date on which they to announce of the next three years, the University our faculty to current credit hours,” Burks like that, and it’s completely voluntary. regarding and the new hiring.

Incommunication, the meantime, Ganus hethe felt blessedin our community together again? we work to decision appointment oftold anzero executive search firm, it it okay to run a as commercial When wassaid beside Shock 2001, Shock the students of his two of to help remember tell their stories.” the seating area, sharing with is appropriate?” weeks atmore ground with the the Red Cross. this, we canat reach needed In the meantime, Ganus hethe feltstudents. blessed our community together we work to As appointment of nearly anzero executive search decision new hiring. toseating cut total faculty bysaid 30 presidency. people — a said the the emailed I lookregarding at the listthe of people that might transform livesasofstatement. our students,” David bythe Dr. David Burks’ interim CarterBaldwin, to aid the search for afirm, new seeks is itin appropriate?” weeks ground with the Red Cross. area, sharing with students. transform the lives our students,”

by Dr.decrease.

David Burks’ interim presidency.

CarterBaldwin, to aid the for a new 10.1% levels of faculty positions by search a combination Burks said that of affected facultyDavid will be eligible, it’s an amazing group of men of this voluntary retirement incentive and “This effort to right-size is not brand be contacted by their dean and offered a and women who have dedicated their life normal attrition.” new,” Spears said. “This is something that, plan with two options. The first option to Harding.”

Burks said the incentive will be offered to even over the last few years, as someone offers the faculty member a one-time specific faculty members based on declining leaves, we have to more closely evaluate payment of 50% of their annual salary credit hours in particular departments. He if they need to be replaced — if we can if they choose to retire at the end of the White County locations to pick said that while the number of credit hours cover that need without hiring someone spring semester. The second option offers up at-home COVID-19 test kits: Brands Association wrote a letter to the GABRIEL HUFF Brands Association a letter to the GABRIEL president requesting clarification, asst. copy HUFF editor problems instead ofwrote attacking the asking woman GABRIEL HUFF ADH Local Health Unit - Searcy president requesting clarification, asking asst. copy editor problems instead of attacking the woman questions such as, “Must an employee who’s already in a tough situation, I think GABRIEL asst. copy HUFF editor 112 Brantly Rd., Searcy such “Must anand employee already inas, atotough situation, think I n a n e f f oasst. r t tcopy o c ueditor r b COV I D - 1 9 questions bewho’s vaccinated to work?”

“What wefully wouldn’t have ban abortions toI make (501) 268-6102 I n Ina na 5-4 ePresident f f ovote, r t tthe o cSupreme u r bBiden COV I D -of1on 9 be fully vaccinated work?” and “What we wouldn’t havething.” totoban toone’s make numbers, Joe said are the consequences of abortions falsifying Court the abortions a rare numbers, President Joe Biden said on are the consequences of falsifying one’s In9a 5-4 vote, therequesting Supreme Court ofnew the vaccination abortions a or rare thing.”

Sept. that hedeclined is the U.S. testing status and does the United States to block Texas’ Freshman Skyler Marcellus, secretary ADH Local Health Unit - Beebe or testing status and does the Sept.

9 tment that isSept. requesting the U.S. United States declined block Texas’ new Skyler Marcellus, secretary Depar of Labor require all vaccination responsibility restfor with the individual abortion lawhe on 1.to to forFreshman HU Students Life, said he agreed 306 Gum St., Beebe with the Depar tment ofmore Labor to100 require all responsibility abortion law on Sept.

1. the HU Life, said he agreed companies with than employees orfor employer?”

The Texas law, coined Texas Heartbeat with theStudents Texasrest lawfor because itindividual aligns with (501) 882-5128 it,Klein, and then we would them companies with more than 100 employees orwith employer?”

The Texas law, coined the Texas Heartbeat the Texas law because it put aligns Lon ori assistant professor of Darden said. “We follow a very rigorous toAct, mandate COVID-19 vaccinations or name seeks to prevent abortions when a fetal his Christian values.

Furthermore, he with said TIANE DAVIS Ltable ori Klein, assistant professor of to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations orinonhistory Act, seeks to prevent abortions a fetal his Christian values.

Furthermore, he said political science, said Harding weekly testing. athe outside, and they accountable would come heartbeat or cardiac activity iswhen detected lawand holds people more for logarithm in how to test.”

Baldwin Memorial Library sports editor history and political science, said Harding weekly testing. heartbeat or cardiac activity is detected in the law holds people more accountable for University would also be subject to these The mandate affectbegins 80 million the womb, whichwill typically aroundand their and lives.

612 Van Buren, Judsonia pickactions them up saves outside.”

Darden said they expect to hit a The would also be subject tosystems these the their actions and saves lives. em p weeks lwomb, o mandate ySARA e einto swhich , MCCLARAN wpregnancy. hwill i ctypically h affect i s More a l begins m80 o specifically, smillion t around t w o - University mandates if they become effective — six “I believe that we need to fix the (501) 729-3995 Ino said the tests were all handed valley in COVID-19 cases soon, because ethirds m p weeks l oact yofepermitted ethe s, w h i cindividuals h isector s More a l mto o specifically, ssue t tanyone w o - mandates ifmore theywe become effective — six into pregnancy.

“Iitthe believe that need toemployees fix the systems Photo by MADISON MEYER private workforce, since hasgovernment than the that is100 trying to fix with features editor within 30 minutes on the first begun to up go beneath back down.

Photo

by MADISON MEYER thirds thetoprivate sector workforce, since itthe more than employees — numbers the permitted to sue anyone that government is100 trying toI fix with Bradford Public Library Flowershave are propped an American flag at the Engine 54, Ladder whoactof performs or individuals assists abortions.

The lawout abortion,” Marcellus said.

“So believe unless ithas applies for religious exemption. according AP News.

The task of day, and each distribution More information can be found atinAmerican Flowers are9propped upon beneath an flag at theBradford Engine 54, Ladder Battalion firehouse 8th Ave., Midtown Manhattan commemorating 302 W. Walnut, who performs or assists abortions.

The law abortion,” Marcellus said.

“So I believe according AP News.

Thefall task of unless it applies for religious exemption. allows citizens to produce lawsuits instead ofdistribution we need to gosaid in and wean need to fix the 4, However, she such exemption issuing thetomandates will upon 4, Battalion 9 firehouse Ave., Midtown commemorating the firefighters who diedon on8th Sept.

11.in This firehouse lost the most firefighters (501) Manhattan 344-2558 allows tos produce lawsuits ofafter we need to gowithin inbecause, and wean need toNone the However, she said exemption issuing mandates fall officials toC enforce foster system.

Isuch believe we need go healthy.arkansas.gov. that ended two hours.

S enecessitating veOccupational r acitizens lthe p l ac epublic i nSafety W hwill i t eand oinstead u upon n t y the may becare difficult as far asfixto she the Health on the9/11. firefighters who died on Sept. 11. This firehouse lost the most firefighters necessitating public officials to enforce the foster care system.

I believe we need to go may be difficult because, as far as she the Occupational Safety and Health law.

If plaintiffs win a case, they can obtain in and we need to fix all these systems that Administration (OSHA), a regulatory is aware, the Church of Christ does not offered COVID-19 take-home tests of the library locations in White County Christian Health Ministries law.

If plaintiffs win a case, can obtain in and we need to all that Administration (OSHA), adamages regulatory aware, the Church of‘Ifthese Christ does not a minimum $10,000 in they along is the is fix like, you systems just have an on 9/11. theoflabor have agovernment precedent of rejecting any remaining tests to vaccinations hand out. lastagency week,of available todepartment. any residentBiden in have 104 E. Vine Ave., Searcy awith minimum $10,000 in an damages along have is like, youvaccinations have an attorneys’ fees. department. abortion, this other stuff‘Ifwill bejust taken care agovernment precedent of rejecting agency of the labor Biden also said he of would sign executive asthe a group, though individuals can apply “We’re assuming that that means that thealso area that wanted one. withsaid attorneys’ fees. abortion, this other stuff will beto taken care Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed as ofa ’exemptions. because they areindividuals not trying fixapply those group, though can he would an executive order to mandate allsign federal employees for El Paso Community Library people that wanted gotten The White County Regional Library Texas Governor Greg Abbott of ’exemptions. because they are trying not trying torid fix of those act into law inall May, allowing it signed to takethe systems; they’re just tohave get the order to mandate federal employees for tothe get vaccinated, exempting them from “You have to have athem basis,” Klein said.

MADISON MEYER 1607 Ridge Photo Rd., ElbyPaso the into 1. law inexempting May, allowing itthe to systems; they’re just to get rid of the effect Sept.

Some have criticized newthem problem that’s those systems.”

— at least that we have contact to getact vaccinated, them from “You have tooverloading have aobject basis,” Klein said.

System received their first delivery oftake weekly testing options.

Furthermore, “You can’t just say, ‘Itrying religiously.’

Photo byCOVID-19 MADISON MEYER Second year pharmacy student Claudia Sifford (501)administers 796-5974 effect Sept.

1. have criticized the problem that’s overloading those systems.” law, saying sixSome weeks is11, not enough timenew forwith,” weekly testing options.

Furthermore, “You can’t say, ‘Itoalso object religiously.’ beginning Oct. 1, immigrants will be You have tojust be“We’re able sayletting why.

We don’t vaccination Ino said. people at-home test kits Jan. with 1,800 at the student vaccine Claudia clinic held in the Liberty Room on Aug. 27.

Second yearshots pharmacy Sifford administers COVID-19 law, sayingto six weeks is not enough time for You someone seek abortion.

Thereas are also beginning Oct. 1,an immigrants be toof,bea able to say We don’t vaccination shots at the vaccine clinic heldGoff have,have sortthere’s history in why. the required receive vaccinations well Public Library in the Liberty Room on Aug. 27. know that a way they canChurches request boxes in the to delivery and two tests inwill each seek an vaccinations abortion.

Thereasaccuracy are also have, controversies regarding the medical “Very important,” Kelley said. “Because delivered by law rather than an executive sort saying of, a history in the required totopermanent receive well of Christ we don’t do Churches that.” tosomeone become residents.

323 N. Elm St., Beebe them online — the f ree tests. We have box.controversies Eight hundred of the boxes were of a term used in the bill: fetal heartbeat. regarding the medical accuracy delivered by law rather than an executive we “Very said.

“Because know that a lot Kelley of folks who have Klein said. saying don’t do that.” to become permanent residents.

Klein also saidwethe mandate would order, The announcements supplement the of Christ (501)important,” 882-3235 that posted where they can go to that distributed at the Searcy Public Library, Some professionals have said a heart does of a term used in the bill: fetal heartbeat. we know that a lot of folks who have order, Klein said. immune systems that don’t respond as A Centers for Disease Control and applyalso to students.

Biden administration’s supplement six-prong plan The announcements the notKlein said the mandate would not form around six weeks into pregnancy.

Some professionals have said a heart does Prevention committee met Sept.

22 to robustly did not develop enough of an website, and you can actually request up A Centers for Disease Control and immune systems that don’t respond as with the remaining 1,000 allotted to Lyda Miller Public Library to reduce the spread of the coronavirus are not covered by Biden administration’s six-prong plan not“ The applystudents to students.

Senior Julia Carrell said she was disappointed not form around six weeks into pregnancy. discuss who should be eligible for a immune response; it looks like from the Prevention committee met Sept.

22 to robustly did not develop enough of an 2609 Hwy. 368 N., Bald Knob and keepthe thespread countr ythe on coronavirus track.

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Friday, January 28, 2022 NEWS University honors two Harding members who died in December 2A

CAROLINE BIRDWELL head copy editor Two members of the Harding community died over Christmas break. Harding Board of Trustees member Lundy Neely died on Dec. 21, 2021, at 73 years old. Associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences Dr. Henry North, III, died on Dec. 22, 2021, at 41 years old.

When students gathered for chapel Jan. 18, for the first time since both men died, University President David Burks and Dean of the College of Pharmacy Jeff Mercer shared words to honor the two men.

“Lundy loved God,” Burks said. “He loved his family. He loved the church, and his grandchildren all knew that very well.

He was a bold leader for Harding and a dear friend. We will miss him.”

Mercer spoke in memory of North. “[He] was regarded by all who knew him as a gentle giant among students and colleagues,” Mercer said. “He was a friend to all. He loved God with all of his being.”

Neely was a member of the Board of Trustees for 13 years. He was respected for his creative thinking, limitless ideas and passionate spirit. Board member Craig Cheatham said Neely will be remembered for his enthusiasm, positivity, kindness and generosity.

“My last conversation with Lundy lasted about an hour-and-a-half,” Cheatham said.

“Much of that time he and I were in total agreement and basically were finishing each other’s sentences. … Lundy never made disagreements personal, and our world is short on people who have that gift.”

Ben Neely, Neely’s son and a Harding alumnus, said his dad’s four loves in his life were God, his wife, family and Harding University. Ben Neely said his dad spoke about the University nonstop and sent his seven children and a majority of his grandchildren to study at Harding. Additionally, Ben Neely spoke about Neely’s character.

“My dad was an incredibly charismatic person,” Neely said. “He did not know a stranger. He was also a dreamer and visionary, which led him to be an extremely successful businessman. My dad has always been about family. He created a family mission statement that centered around God and serving others.”

North joined the College of Pharmacy in 2013 and heavily involved himself both in the program and in the Searcy community.

North attended West Pleasure Church of Christ and was involved with 100 Black Men

It doesn’t matter where you are or where you came from. It’s what you’re doing right now...

– Kenneth Harris 100 Black Men of Greater Little Rock

of Greater Little Rock, an organization that seeks to educate and mentor Black teenagers and children.

The College of Pharmacy hosted a memorial service for Harding faculty, staff and students to honor North. North’s family also came to the service. Several College of Pharmacy faculty spoke at the service, as did other representatives from across campus. Kenneth

Photo provided by UCM

Photo provided by UCM

Dr. Henry North, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences.

Lundy Neely, member of the Board of Trustees.

Harris, a representative of 100 Black Men of Greater Little Rock, provided attendees with words of encouragement.

“Henry loved to talk to me about [social responsibility],” Harris said. “You’re carrying the torch. You’re making the social responsibility.

You’re making the change. It doesn’t matter where you are or where you came from. It’s what you’re doing right now in the area that you’re in. That’s what I love about Henry. He chose Arkansas.”

Assistant dean of student affairs Jeanie Smith said North’s service-mindedness is what stood out to her.

“I think what is remarkable to me about Henry’s service is the way he went about providing it,” Smith said. “He was not prideful.

He was not loud. He was not boastful … He would make a commitment [on the admissions committee] … ‘Get this student here, and I will help them.’”

Dr. Cheri Smith — chair of teacher preparation — is leading the project alongside Dr. Clara Carroll — associate dean of education. Smith said applying for the grant was challenging as they had only three weeks to submit a rigorous application before the deadline last fall. Fortunately, Harding was one of eight universities chosen out of 16 submissions.

“It was really an opportunity given to all the universities in the state, private and public,” Smith said. “And we ended up being the only private college that was chosen.”

Lee said universities were chosen based on their willingness to examine their teacher preparation program, discover areas to grow and their partnerships with school districts, along with other factors. Lee said Harding is working with three school districts within the grant program: Searcy School District, Riverview School District and White County Central School District. The goal is to get teachers into those schools through its grant program.

After Harding was chosen to receive the grant, a team in partnership with Forward Arkansas came to Searcy to examine Harding’s

teacher preparation program for about a week, watching the College of Education’s professors and classes, giving the University feedback, Smith said. Harding still follows up with Forward Arkansas and its partners every month, so the assessment is not over, Smith said.

Senior elementary education major Mary Edwards, who is currently student teaching, said she is grateful that Harding is attempting to improve its teacher preparation program.

“I think it’s incredible that while so much of education right now seems to be stagnant and unchanging, that Harding’s College of [Education] is trying really hard to do its best for their teacher candidates,” Edwards said.

While Harding did receive the $100,000 grant, Lee said it is only phase one of Forward Arkansas’ mission and helps the University develop plans for a better program. Phase two is the actual implementation of those developed plans. This phase involves applying for another Forward Arkansas grant, which is a $1-3 million grant, Lee said. Lee said he suspects Harding will be able to apply for this grant later in the spring.

Harding enters program to help recruit, retain teachers GABRIEL HUFF asst. copy editor Harding University is working to help transform K-12 teacher recruitment, training and retention in Arkansas by participating in the Forward Arkansas program.

The Forward Arkansas program is a nonprofit organization aiming to improve outcomes for all students and promote teacher preparation. The program was created in 2015 with grants provided by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and Walton Family Foundation.

Dr. Donny Lee, dean of the College of Education, said Harding discovered last fall that Forward Arkansas was offering $100,000 grants to a limited number of universities to involve them in a program seeking to help the state better recruit and retain qualified K-12 teachers. Faculty from the College of Education applied for the grant and, on Oct. 15, learned that Harding was selected to participate in the project, Lee said.

The grant will assist Harding and other universities in developing transformative plans within their education programs that align with Forward Arkansas’ goals. Lee said the grant is helping to address the problem of

The profession of teaching right now is a very stressful profession.

– Dr. Donny Lee, dean of the College of Education

fewer people choosing to become teachers and going through teacher preparation programs.

“The profession of teaching right now is a very stressful profession,” Lee said. “The [pandemic] has made it harder and made it very difficult for teachers.”

Lee said the grant will help universities design programs that will attract potential teachers.

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

OPINIONS 3A

TheLink.Harding.edu State of the BSA

Getting to know you

Phallen Reed

Noah Jordan

Guest Writer

BSA President

I

can remember a time when some Black Student Association (BSA) members would get together after church for lunch and hang out. We’d carpool together from West Pleasure Church of Christ and wait to be seated at whatever restaurant had been predetermined. Or we’d file into the caf to save money. Either way, we’d have to put at least two tables together to seat us all. The atmosphere would swell with laughter. Time and space was being molded to make room for new memories and inside jokes. I can remember being in McInteer 145 after a BSA meeting and having a spontaneous dance party. There was a mixed feeling of the fear of being judged by others and the joy of revelling in our blackness together. All of the trips we took as a singing group allowed us to experience traveling across the south together. We used to pack ourselves into a former faculty member’s house on Tuesday nights to praise God. It is nothing short of a miracle how we were able to squeeze into their house almost every week. These are the memories that make my heart smile when I think about what BSA has done for me in my time at Harding.

Since being announced as president of BSA, I have often reflected upon the warm memories of my freshman and sophomore

years within the organization. I’ve thought about how the students before and with me formed deeper connections with other members. What made them want to join the BSA? The answer lies in the midst of the time spent together. We went to church, devotionals, countless meals, sang and talked together. It felt organic and almost effortless at times. For some, it would become the sole reason that they chose to finish their degree programs at Harding.

Whether it be because they are eager to learn about a culture that is different from their own or to be around more people who look like them, we want them to find people they connect with in a sincere way.

– Phallen Reed, BSA president

Then the changes rolled in like a flood that left us wondering, “What now?” How

English Department

thought nothing of Harry Styles; he was just another boy band boy wonder — all hair, giggles and bubble gum, 1-D pop. I further demurred at what I saw as a performative fashion imitation of David Bowie. But my 13-year-old daughter loves him, and I love her, so we bought tickets to his Nashville show.

Then I saw him do his thing: the outfits, the unbridled sing-along enthusiasm, the optimism, the charm. (If you’ve never been to a Harry Styles live performance, and especially if you’re a middle-aged man and have never been to a Harry Styles live performance, you should start by watching @wristbandgerry’s informative TikTok conversation. It’s helpful for the uninitiated.)

A live Harry Styles show is the postpostmodern, two-years in COVID moment we need, and perhaps venerated author David Foster Wallace helps us understand how. Wallace had a way of getting into the self-consciousness of an event or a work to help us see if there are values, principles or other ingredients there that make us more fully human. For example, Wallace declared postmodernism dead 20 years ago and used popular culture as a measuring stick. “Seinfeld” — the “show about nothing” — gave us irony for the sake of irony. In the end, there is nothing.

So why not deconstruct the mundane in everyday and laugh at the absurdity.

“The Office” signaled a shift in values by analyzing the shared office space — with critiques of bureaucracy, power dynamics, office competition and romance. But in the end, it ’s a show about f riendship and love. I’d love to see Wallace’s take on the philosophical fulfillment in “Ted Lasso,” or “The Office’s” promise for a new generation. Most episodes feature a

staffEverett Kirkman editor-in-chief Sara McClaran features editor Ben Lane news editor Tiane Davis sports editor

PHALLEN REED is a guest writer for The Bison. She may be contacted at preed1@harding.edu.

Assassin’s Creed

M

en’s social club Chi Sigma Alpha’s annual game of assassins has been around for a long time and is a beloved tradition by everyone in our club. It is a game of patience, strategy, manipulation, a little bit of luck, and at the end of the day, it requires all its players to “take a life” in order to win.

When I heard many of the students at Harding were starting up a campuswide assassins game, my pride was hurt a little bit. I will say there are some really interesting and seemingly fun aspects of their version. For example, the water guns and the “purge nights,” both of which are unique things to add to the game. However, there are some parts of their game that I would not prefer. They aren’t allowed to play during school hours, they can’t kill people in their dorm rooms or their cars, and they have to video their kills. I have played this game with my club for four years, and most of my kills occurred in dorms, cars and random spots on campus during school hours.

Faculty Finds

Heath Carpenter

I

do we bring more people in and how can we strengthen the cord that binds our current members to the BSA? We realized that we need to foster more intentional relationships. This is what we are seeking to bring back with our current BSA members and those looking to be a part of it. The officers and I are working to create more opportunities for community building and forging new memories. We want to hone in on having more casual events such as friendly basketball/volleyball games, game nights and times to talk over a Stu-cooked meal (or a not-so-Stu-cooked meal).

O verall, we want people to tap in.

Whether it be because they are eager to learn about a culture that is different from their own or to be around more people who look like them, we want them to find people they connect with in a sincere way.

In the process of enriching and fortifying relationships, we are still striving to embody the BSA’s theme of “Black Joy.” The officers and I are grateful for the participation and support that we have received thus far, and we hope to see you at our next gathering.

I know how much fun it is, and I have made so many great memories playing it.

If you are going to play, my advice would be to trust no one, be willing to betray anyone and don’t be a sore loser.

Fanboying: David Foster Wallace meets Harry Styles’ “Treat People with Kindness”

person articulating remorse. The offended then forgives unconditionally. It’s a show about love and forgiveness. The innocence in Harry Styles singing “maybe we can find a place to feel good and we can treat people with kindness” to 20,000 people felt like a reproach to the irony driven cynicism that defined my teenage years and a bellwether for the potential hope in a new generation.

Popular culture can remind us of our search for the good and for the great.

– Heath Carpenter, assistant professor of english

Wallace is the kind of culture-maker whose syllabi are anthologized (see “The Wallace Reader”). Unsurprisingly, the reading list for his Literary Analysis I class featured pop authors like Stephen King and Mary Higgins Clark, among others.

Wallace’s choices were intentional, as his goal was to not only help students “read more deeply” and to form “intelligent reasons for liking or disliking something” but also to point to sophisticated techniques and ideas “lurking” in mass-market genres.

Using Wallace’s values as a guide, here’s what Harry Styles’ live performance of “Treat People with Kindness” taught me: 1) I shouldn’t be closed off to perceived inferior forms of culture and risk missing the chances to find sophisticated values in the creation, performance and consumption of culture I might not “get” at first glance.

2) Popular culture can remind us of our search for the good and for the great.

Wallace was an avid tennis fan, and his

Sophie Rossitto community editor Eric Johnson opinions editor Maggie Samples lifestyle editor Caroline Birdwell head copy editor

coverage of Roger Federer is outstanding.

He argued Federer’s genius, though not replicable, “is contagious, and multiform — and even just to see, close up, power and aggression made vulnerable to beauty is to feel inspired and (in a fleeting, mortal way) reconciled.” I don’t mean to overplay my Harry Styles fanboy card here. Though he’s playing Eros in the new “Eternals” movie, he may not rise to god-like genius nor platonic idealism (though my wife would beg to differ on the latter — side note, careful to let your romantic partner in the same room with this man. It’s a comparative analysis risk you’ll take and lose, trust me). But participating alongside 20,000 people — teens, dads in golf shirts, mom’s falling in love again — by dancing and singing along in unison that we should treat people with kindness wakes something up even in the most dormant soul. It reminds us that a singular talent can unite people, even if briefly, and create sounds and sing words that make people feel euphoric and inspire them perhaps to be better versions of themselves — while glancing beyond the pessimism of our day toward intrinsic virtues. If you haven’t felt this way, I feel sorry for you. Seriously, you’ve missed something. Like people who don’t like dogs (I’m looking at you Mac Sandlin).

3) And lastly, never miss an opportunity to grow closer to someone you love by being open to experiencing something they love.

HEATH CARPENTER is a guest writer for The Bison. He may be contacted at hcarpent@harding.edu.

Gabriel Huff asst. copy editor Cianna Jay editorial asst.

Madison Meyer head photographer Julianne Baker asst. photographer

– Noah Jordan, guest writer

These aspects have created some really fun scenarios. In fact, one of my favorite kills came when I was hunting one of our queens, Harding alumna Hallie Martin, and I had to jump into her moving vehicle.

Not the safest thing to do in retrospect, but definitely worth it.

Although it does make sense that, if they’re playing with water guns, they probably should not play during school hours for obvious reasons. Videoing their kills does seem particularly tedious to me, but it may not be that hard to accomplish.

The ability to win money is a huge benefit and incentive to play in their version. In our club, the assassin who wins is given the prestigious title of the “Godfather.” He or she holds bragging rights and the privilege to run the game the next year. This may not be as cool or as rewarding as a large sum of money, but it is the thought that counts.

At the end of the day, they have their game, and we have ours. I know how much fun it is, and I have made so many great memories playing it. In many ways, this new version of the game has piqued my interest, but I think I like our version more.

If you are going to play, my advice would be to trust no one, be willing to betray anyone and don’t be a sore loser. Anyway, happy hunting.

NOAH JORDAN is a guest writer for The Bison. He may be contacted at njordan1@harding.edu.

Balazs Balassa asst. photographer Theo Westbrook video/social media Hunter Woodall pr/social media Cooper Turman graphic designer

Blue Billingsly illustrator Michael Claxton narrative columnist April Fatula faculty adviser

guest contributors Heath Carpenter Ethan Conn

Hannah Hackworth Noah Jordan

Jake Mooney

Phallen Reed

Kayleigh Tritschler

4A

OPINIONS

Friday, January 28, 2022

Work in progress Everett Kirkman

Editor-in-Chief

Yeah, I’m an empath L

ook, I’ll be transparent here — a lot of times, when someone’s entire argument for a speech or devotional hinges on the root of a Greek word, I kind of zone out. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the history and evolution and power that language holds, but I kind of love to be cynical. Of course, there are speakers who utilize Greek who have studied the language, and can read and understand it within its full context (or, better yet, they studied abroad in beautiful, sunny Porto Rafti for 75 days). But, more often than not — at least in my listening experience — the speaker is grasping at straws in an attempt to appeal to the audience’s logos.

Attempting to appeal to the logic, or even the emotions of an audience is not inherently bad, but my cynicism comes into play when it feels superficial. Word choice is important. In fact, it’s vital to successful communication, and communication is power.

Communication is the way that individuals are able to represent themselves, and share their lived experiences, their point of view with others. Communication — and the lack thereof — has the potential to make or break any relationship.

I see the value of communication, I believe in the future of communication, and I have hope for the direction that social media has taken public perception and accessibility to communication.

Through social media, to successfully communicate with mass audiences, you no longer have to be trained in public speaking.

You don’t have to have access to a physical audience, and you don’t have to be formally educated. You don’t have to technically be a good writer either, and if you are, you can be hired to write for others.

Social media is a loaded topic. But, at its core, I think the rise of social media has brought something inherently good to postmodern society — memes.

Yes, of course memes are generally meant to be funny. Humor in and of itself is a positive to me. But, further than that, memes are a trailblazing form of communication. Memes strip away all the rules that were once commonplace about mass communication. Memes often do not provide the audience with context, backstory or a lengthy message. They are simple on a surface level, yet are brimming with sociological insight into various sects of culture.

Memes are meant to be funny, but not every meme is funny to everyone.

Depending on someone’s interests, beliefs, f riend group, family history, and even chosen form of social media to participate in, some memes will be funnier — or even make more sense — than others. (If you’ve ever tried to show a meme to someone in a different generation than you, you know exactly what I mean.)

I see memes as an extension of creative writing and comedy. But, they’re a category of their own. Whether you consume media on Facebook or TikTok, or whether you prefer to stay off the grid and enjoy your memes the old fashioned way (i.e. the comic strip at the top of this page), you participate in this avant-garde form of communication.

(Marketplace of ideas, anyone?)

Memes have allowed political and social discourse to become more accessible to mass audiences. Like satire, memes raise awareness about the state of society and challenge viewpoints with irony and humor.

Memes help individuals confront what is often an unpleasant reality and reveal inequities in the world, so that they can be improved upon. Memes provide keen insight into a group’s collective identity, often groups who are systemically disempowered, and underrepresented in societal power structures. Memes give voice to many who have historically been stripped of their voice.

EVERETT KIRKMAN is the editorin-chief for The Bison. She may be contacted at ekirkman@harding. edu.

Ben Lane

R

News Editor

ecent bills throughout various states have introduced legislation that will result in reducing education surrounding race in public school systems. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis backed the “Individual Freedom” bill, which, for all intents and purposes, bans Critical Race Theory (CRT) and makes teaching ideas which relate to CRT dangerous to teachers in K-12 schools and public universities. Sixty-six bills in 2021 alone were introduced with aims of being a “gag order,” as PEN America puts it, on topics related to race, sex and American history.

Please, don’t let these pseudo-liberty bills trick you into believing they are healthy, educationally sound, or anything more than a way to appease either a constituency afraid of losing its grip on power, or a naïve one who believes the issue of race is solved. These bills dangerously damage education regarding race in the United States, and they further the inequities and inequalities that harm our nation today.

I grew up in public school. We talked about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement every February, but like the movement itself, we moved on as quickly as we started. I was taught that after these movements ended, after events like Emmett Till’s brutal murder in 1955 and the eventual passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, White Americans supposedly moved past their racism, and Black Americans were given liberties. But this can’t be further from the truth. Beyond those famous names, I have never been taught what it’s like to be Black in the United States; I never grew up with an understanding of how

T

Rethinking CRT

he late Bob Helsten — who taught Bible and German at Harding for years — was known for his wit. One day he was standing outside the classroom with a group of students around him. A young lady noticed his well-manicured hands and said, “Dr. Helsten — do you file your nails?” With a completely straight face he answered, “No, I just cut ‘em off and throw ‘em in the trash like everybody else.”

What a great line. I can just picture the absurdity of someone with a manila folder marked “Fingernail clippings,”tucked carefully away in a file cabinet between folders labelled “Finances” and “Florida Real Estate.”

And yet for those of us who are packrats, the quip comes uncomfortably close to reality.

I envy people who do not own file cabinets.

They live such clutter-free lives, never saving fast-food receipts, always paying bills online, tossing Christmas cards every January. They do not have stacks of paper blocking smooth passage throughout the house. When they leave home, they put their phone in their back pocket and practically float down the street, free and unencumbered, unlike those of us who stuff a satchel with papers every morning.

I will never make it as a minimalist. I own 12 file cabinets.

Each one is packed to the brim. I’ve saved every letter I’ve ever gotten, including the form letter from Fred Flintstone and the handwritten note from Betty White.

I have all my old wall calendars back to 1984. I have school papers and report cards, class notes and essays, homework, water bills and electric bills and phone bills, bank statements, tax documents, church bulletins, newspaper clippings, mortgage papers, lists of books I’ve read, lists of movies I’ve seen, a note from a girl I liked in college, car repair

skin color shapes identity or how it shapes the ability to get a loan.

With these bills, future generations will be the exact same as me — racially ignorant.

The belief in racial colorblindness, which the Florida bill supports, has been detrimental to my understanding of the world outside my own. You’re going to notice if someone has a different skin tone than you do. You’re going to notice when someone speaks, dresses and interacts differently than you do. It’s physically and culturally impossible to be racially colorblind. Because racism has been embedded systematically throughout hundreds of years of government and cultural processes, being racially colorblind, socioeconomically blind or blind to another social construct, which commonly plays a significant role, would be to ignore the roles they play in the law, which only serves to perpetuate inequities and inequalities.

CRT is being used to further increase education.The intellectual and social movement of CRT exists on the idea that race is not biological, it is a social and cultural construction that is used to oppress and exploit people of color, particularly in legal situations. It’s not propaganda being used to further divide people, and it’s not racist toward White people. If you believe it is, I encourage you to go read CRT and similar work. Regardless of whether one believes CRT to be true, it exposes a new way of approaching the role race and racism have played in the U.S. Theories like this expand perceptions. They give people voices and lay the groundwork for future research and thought.

More importantly, they are put under scrutiny and their truthfulness can be examined. How can states introduce legislation which bans CRT without having first seriously examined it? Regardless of one’s opinion on the validity of the theory, CRT and similar academic papers lay out solid framework for which the theory operates on, and at the very least deserve a chance in our mainstream school of thought.

If you don’t have time to read CRT, look throughout your neighborhood. Remember your childhood. Remember the interactions you’ve had. You could also look around campus. How many non-White students does Harding have?

Do White people have a genetic predisposition to the Church of Christ? Or to college? Does West Ninth St. in Little Rock just so happen to divide the city into a White and Black half?

Why are there so many predominantly Black towns on the outskirts of predominantly White towns? These are questions that have to be asked, and CRT provides a beneficial framework to assist this conversation.

The Florida bill bans students from feeling “discomfort” and “distress” on account of their race, but maybe students should feel uncomfortable, by account of their race, of the different lives they have lived, are living and will sustain if these bills are continually introduced and made into law.

BEN LANE is the news editor for The Bison. He may be contacted at blane1@harding.edu.

Letting go

Michael Claxton

Narrative Columnist

receipts, dental records, birth certificates, wills, instruction and warranty sheets, birthday cards, budgets, inventories, contracts, research data, photographs, photocopies, performance reviews, old syllabi, lesson plans, song lyrics and printouts from Google Maps.

The only thing keeping me from being on an episode of “Hoarders” is that I think I know where each item is.

We naturally give a pass on these matters to people who were alive during the 1930s.

“Momma never threw anything away,” their children often confess, always quick to add, “She lived through the Depression, you know.” My mom once tried to help her mother declutter. They set aside a box for things that could be taken to Goodwill. At the end of the week, my grandmother had three things in the box. A day later, she had taken two of them back out.

I have no such excuse. I was born in 1972.

I lived through the Carter years, but still.

Yet you’ll be proud of me. A few weeks ago, I went to start a new file of correspondence for 2022, and I could not jam another piece of paper into the cabinet, even with a shoehorn.

Every drawer was packed full, and it was the same story in every file cabinet. It was time, as my British friends would say, to “have a sort out.” So, I decided to start slowly and look through several files of high school and college class notes. Stacks of notebook paper with information about the War of 1812, the

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, Quantitative Easing, French vocabulary, maps of how to find Uzbekistan and so on. After quite a few years of never once referring to these notes, I decided to let go.

I don’t mean to imply that the information in those notes is not important. The discipline and brain exercise involved in taking those meticulous notes were an essential part of my education. Please don’t toss the notes you took in my class last week. But for me — 30 years out — the time had come.

In the wonderful novel “Gilead” by Marilynne Robinson, an elderly minister is coming to terms with the end of his life.

Up in the attic, he finds boxes and boxes of handwritten sermons, the product of 50 years of ministry. He considers the hours of study and thought that went into each lesson and frets over what to do with his legacy. Should he leave the papers to his family? Donate them to the church?

He finally decides to burn them. “They either did good or they didn’t,” he shrugs, in a powerful act of letting go. He knows that the real legacy of a minister is not in any one sermon, but in the act of nurturing his congregation, week by week, year after year.

Few people will remember each individual lesson — just like few people remember each individual meal — but they will have been fed. And fed well.

My teachers from high school and college fed me well, and I don’t need to hold onto the notes I scribbled in their classes to know that. As the pile of folders landed with a thud in the recycle bin, I felt OK. But I kept the note from the girl.

MICHAEL CLAXTON is a narrative columnist for The Bison. He can be contacted at mclaxto1@harding.edu.

At The Bison, it is our goal to serve the Harding University student body with integrity, truth and open ears. However, we believe that meeting that goal is a two-way street between our staff and the public it serves. We pledge to keep our eyes and ears open to what our community has to say and hope that, in return, that community will be an interactive audience, sharing its stories with us. We also pledge to do the basics: Report accurate and relevant information, check our facts, and share them in a professional, timely manner. If you have any story ideas, questions, comments or concerns for The Bison staff, please email Everett Kirkman, the editor-in-chief, at ekirkman@harding.edu. “The Bison (USPS 577-660) is published weekly (except vacations, exams and summer sessions), 20 issues per year,

by Harding University. Periodicals postage paid at Searcy, Arkansas 72143. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bison, Harding University 11192, SEARCY, AR 72149-0001.” BYLINE POLICY: The Bison provides an opportunity for class writers to contribute work under the byline “guest writers.” Due to this arrangement, staff writers may rewrite a portion of the guest writers’ stories as they deem necessary, while still identifying the work as the guest writers’ own.

Vol. 97, No. 10

January 28, 2022

Men’s basketball returns after two postponements JAKE MOONEY student writer In a basketball season that has been hit hard by COVID-19, the Bisons are pushing through the struggle of postponed games, isolation and quarantine.

Over the past couple of weeks, the Harding men’s basketball team has had three games postponed due to COVID-19 complications with other teams and among their members.

Their first game since the postponements was Jan. 20 in which they lost by three points against Northwestern Oklahoma.

Men’s basketball head coach Jeff Morgan said he and two players were unable to make the road trip to Oklahoma Baptist University because they were quarantined.

“We had to postpone Jan. 8 because of our end, and we had to postpone Jan. 13 against Arkansas Tech,” Morgan said. “Then, we were supposed to play against Southern Arkansas, and they had to postpone because they only had four players available.”

Sophomore guard Stetson Smithson said though they had Morgan and guards senior Ramiro Santiago and sophomore Dorian Benkovic out with COVID-19, the team won against Great American Conference leader Southeastern Oklahoma: their biggest win of the season. However, COVID-19 stopped their momentum, Smithson said.

Sophomore center Taylor Currie said though the team had COVID-19 issues, he is thankful that everyone is back and healthy.

“I think our team missed being together and playing games and practicing,” Currie said.

“So, COVID has made us super thankful for the little things we do as a team every day.”

Even though the team was split up for a little over a week, they are still on the same page, Morgan said.

Photo by MADISON MEYER

Junior guard Sam Henderson shoots a layup at the Bisons’ game against Northwestern Oklahoma on Jan. 20. The Harding men’s basketball team lost by three points, 80-83.

“We are developing the chemistry on the court,” Morgan said. “I think chemistry off the court is good, but it’s been just developing that chemistry on the court.”

Though the time on the court has been limited and not ideal for how they wanted the season to go, the players and the coaching staff feel that the chemistry on the court is coming along well for the team.

“We’ve had multiple people lead the team in scoring or rebounding during different games,” Currie said. “Everybody on our team has bought into their role, and everybody is ready when their number is called.”

The Bisons’ season will be full as they make up the games that were postponed.

Smithson said he is hopeful for this upcoming second half of the season.

“I expect us to keep fighting every game and continue to pursue our team goals,” Smithson said.

The next Bison basketball game is set to take place tomorrow at Ada, Oklahoma, against East Central.

Track teams both place third at ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ SOPHIE ROSSITTO community editor The Harding men and women’s track and field teams both placed third in an indoor meet on Jan. 21, in Pittsburg, Kansas, in their second competition of the season.

Harding’s teams each competed against 12 NCAA Division II schools in Pittsburg State University’s Rumble in the Jungle Invitational, according to the Harding Sports website. The men’s team earned 68.5 points to finish behind Texas A&M Commerce and first-place Pittsburg State. The women’s team collected 71.83 points to finish behind Academy of Art and winner Pittsburg State.

Harding’s head track and field coach Don Hood said although indoor competitions were important, his teams viewed them more

as opportunities to grow in preparation for outdoor meets.

“It’s kind of like our preseason for outdoor track, so a lot of this is just getting us ready for April and May when the really big competitions come,” Hood said.

Junior distance runner Jada Trice said indoor tracks were smaller than outdoor ones, which could make it harder for athletes to build speed since they would have to make more laps and turns.

For the men’s squad, five Bisons placed in the top seven in the pole vault, and senior Austin Parrish earned first place with an NCAA provisional-qualifying height of 5.01 meters. Freshman Antiwain Jones secured second place in the high jump with a height of 1.93 meters. Senior Thibault Waeles placed second in the 800-meter race and set a new

school record with a time of 1 minute, 52.39 seconds, which was a provisional qualifying mark.

For the Lady Bisons, sophomore Sierra White won the pole vault event by clearing a height of 4.03 meters and shattering her own school record of 3.76 meters from last season. Senior Cara Mason won the shot put with a distance of 13.50 meters. White and senior Kinga Szarzynska, who placed third in the 800-meter race, attained provisional qualifying marks.

Freshman Sofie Reitbauer, who competed in multiple events at the meet and finished sixth in the long jump, said she felt confident going into the competition. Reitbauer earned a provisional qualifying mark in the pentathlon on Dec. 3-4 and said her goal this season is to reach the NCAA championships.

“I want to improve in the pentathlon so that I can go up higher in the national qualifier list,” Reitbauer said.

Hood said his teams’ goals for this season were to win the Great American Conference meet and qualify as many individuals for the national championships as possible. Hood said his teams had worked hard and grown more confident during the offseason.

Sophomore hurdler Dakarai Bush, who placed fifth in the 200-meter race and third in the 60-meter hurdles, said he saw a lot of potential in his team going into the season.

“In practice they’ve been working really hard, and to be honest I think we could be one of the best track teams, maybe even the best track team Harding has ever seen,” Bush said.

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

Softball team anticipates 56 games this season MAGGIE SAMPLES lifestyle editor The Harding University softball team is preparing for their upcoming season with new coach Ashley Reeves.

Reeves has brought a new energy and spirit to the team. She played college softball herself at Texas Tech and previously coached at Fort Lewis College. Reeves said she is looking forward to the beginning of the season.

“I’m really excited about this group of girls,” Reeves said. “I think they have a lot of talent. I am just really excited and proud of how hard they’ve been working and just ready to get the season going.”

Reeves said the team has put in hard work at practices.

“What we do in preseason matters,” Reeves said. “You know, we go and we beat some of these teams and that gets us noticed and that gets us ranked.”

The team has planned on a full season, with games every weekend until May with a current total of 56 games. Reeves said that the long season is what this team has been

looking forward to and they are all ready to get on the field.

Sarah Hudler, the team manager, said Reeves is a reason for a lot of that drive to play.

“I think she’s bringing a lot of really good energy this year, there’s a lot more passion,” Hudler said. “We have a very talented group and they’re extremely cohesive and working well together.”

Senior outfielder Allison Hyatt also credits Reeves with a lot of the competitive energy in the team.

“She just wants to win, plain and simple, and that’s what we want too, so it’s really nice to, like, be on the same page,” Hyatt said. “We came back from winter break with this super competitive spirit, and it’s one of the best few weeks of practice we’ve had.”

This season will be Hyatt’s last, and she said that she wants to make the most of it.

“I just want to go all out,” Hyatt said. “This is a really exciting year for us, since we have a new coach, and we just came out with a lot of fire, you know. We’re really competitive, and we just want to win as much as we can.”

The team is scheduled to play Texas A&M Kingsville for their first game on Feb. 4.

Photo by MADISON MEYER

Freshman infielder Maddie Mann practices batting before the team’s scrimmage game on Jan. 24. The team expects 56 games between now and May.

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Friday, January 28, 2022

Photos by MADISON MEYER

Knight Fire BBQ occupies the location previously held by Wild Sweet William’s on South Main Street on Jan. 22. Local artist Jason White painted the mural on the outside of the building.

Local food truck business moves into building in downtown Searcy ETHAN CONN guest writer

Knight Fire BBQ, a local food truck, has been serving customers in Searcy for four years and is now moving into a building located on Main Street in Searcy.

In such close proximity to renowned barbecue from Texas, Memphis, Tennessee and Kansas City, Missouri — Arkansas is not known to be a staple for barbecue.

Knight Fire owner Matthew Knight wants to change that.

The Arkansas Times recently named Knight Fire as one of five finalists for a

Reader’s Choice Award for the best barbecue restaurant in the state. Knight Fire uses simple, old school, real wood fire as opposed to the modern high-tech smokers. The restaurant’s team wants to attempt to achieve “real craft barbecue and relive the days of old” with each dining experience. In late November 2021, they decided the best way to do that was from a new building that was better suited to handle the demands of a restaurant.

The former tenant of the building was the popular bakery Wild Sweet William’s, which moved into a larger building just a block from their old location. This is an upgrade for the bakery as they went from 675 square feet to

3,500. Wild Sweet William’s opened their new location on Jan. 4.

Knight and his staff are working hard to make the building their own. Local artist Jason White painted a mural on the outside of the building depicting the cuts of meat from cows and pigs, according to a Facebook post from the business. The group also added an outdoor smoker and shed.

Sophomore Timothy Jayne expressed his excitement in Knight Fire having a new location.

“Knight Fire is sick,” Jayne said. “Their barbecue is really good, and I’m glad they have found a permanent location.”

Senior Nick DeLaPena said he was excited to hear about Knight Fire’s new restaurant.

“When I heard they were opening a Knight Fire BBQ in the old Wild Sweet William’s, my mouth started watering,” DeLaPena said.

“Their food is so good … [I’m] definitely getting a group of friends to go on the first day they open up.”

The Knight Fire team hopes to have the grand opening of the new space in February if they stay on schedule. Until then, Knight and his staff will continue perfecting what they claim to be the best barbecue in Central Arkansas.

Photos by MADISON MEYER

Construction on Searcy High School’s new Lion Arena is underway on Jan. 22. Plans for the building included a collage display of high school sports photos from alumni.

Searcy High School officials develop plans for new arena HANNAH HACKWORTH guest writer

Searcy High School officials said workers have made progress on construction of the new Lion Arena.

This multi-sport facility will add the space and amenities the current arena cannot offer. With 2,800 seats, seven locker rooms and features such as a golf simulator, administrators said this project will increase opportunities for the Searcy student body.

Raymond Reynolds, the Searcy School District facilities director, said he hopes to be in the new facility by January 2023.

Once completed, both junior and senior high basketball teams will be able to hold practices at the same time, the volleyball

team will be able to play in the arena and the cheer and dance teams will have their own practice room. This facility will be large enough to host state tournaments.

In addition to sports, this project will grant the community with opportunities to expand. Graduation ceremonies will be held inside the Lion Arena, rather than outside and subject to weather changes.

District communicator Betsy Bailey said she is optimistic about the opportunities to welcome large groups of guests onto campus.

“As the community relations director for the district, this will be a great place for me to be able to take people and show people our new facility and spend some time there,” Bailey said.

One piece of the project has many alumni

working together to leave their mark once again. An architect working on the project suggested a photo collage display of memories for the arena, so the Searcy High School website and social media platforms put out a message asking alumni to send in pictures of their time in Searcy sports programs. The collage display will be a feature wall in the hospitality room of the arena, as well as a backdrop design in the trophy cases.

“It’s been fun to kind of take that trip back in history,” Bailey said. “We take a lot of pride in our school traditions, and this will be a great location for us to highlight all of our years of excellence, education and athletics.”

Reynolds said Searcy High School officials want to recognize the school’s history.

“ We’re doing [the display] just to recognize the history of the school, and not just the school, but we’re going to have historical photos of the city and around town,” Reynolds said. “We think that’ll be a really neat project.”

Freshman Magdalene Pruitt, a 2021 Searcy High School graduate, said she is excited for her alma mater to grow in this way.

“It ’s exciting because ever y other building at the high school is so old and very cramped and worn down, so the new complex is supposed to be really nice and spacious,” Pruitt said. “I think it will encourage a bigger turnout to games, which will encourage the players and make game day atmosphere very fun.”

“Talk to as many people as you can before you make your decision on the vaccine instead of saying, 'I’m not sure, so I’m not going to do that.' I think being educated is the most important part.”

- Hannah Hackworth Vice President of the Student Association

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South Walker stars in Patrick Cone and Kyle Gibbon’s short film “South.” Walker makes and sells clay sculptures for claymation.

Photo provided by Patrick Cone

Alumni produce short film shown in screenings BEN LANE news editor

In 2021, Harding alumni Patrick Cone and Kyle Gibbons produced the short film “South,” which has recently been accepted into the screenings of four independent film festivals. “South” documents Fayetteville, Arkansas artist South Walker’s journey into the art world.

“One of the foundations of my company is to give voice to those who might not be heard,” Cone, founder of C1 Entertainment, said.

“South’s arc seemed like a very compelling story.”

Gibbons said the film highlights Walker’s genius, shares his story and shows what a supportive family looks like. Walker is on the

autism spectrum and creates clay sculptures for claymation, which he sells and gives to people. Gibbons, Walker’s sixth grade P.E. teacher, was one of the first people Walker gave his artwork to. Gibbons pitched the idea of “South,” which Cone saw as an opportunity to fulfill their dream of developing a film together. The two met their sophomore year at Harding during the club process and have since remained friends. “[South] was just a kid that was kind of just a little hero in the hallways,” Gibbons said. “Everybody knew he was super talented.”

The 12-minute film was accepted by the Vancouver Independent Film Festival, Life Screening International Film Festival, Slamdance Film Festival and Oceanside International Film Festival. “South” has been

shared throughout the autism community and on Autism Speaks, which Gibbons said is a large voice for people on the spectrum.

“You get kind of a high when these film festivals come back and say that you’re accepted, but those last for a couple days or a week,” Gibbons said. “This film is getting into some channels where it could have a ripple effect for years to come.”

The film is also personal for Gibbons, whose son is on the autism spectrum. One hope that arose during filming, Gibbons said, is that the film would help increase an awareness of the benefits of art therapy — which is unaffordable to many people because it is not recognized in many states.

“My son, who is very artistic, would love to have a lot of his needs met through an art

therapist,” Gibbons said. “But as his parents, we would not be able to have that covered on our insurance.”

Dr. Chuck Bane, associate professor of communication, said film festivals have become increasingly difficult to be accepted into.

“Now that everything’s digital, it’s grown exponentially,” Bane said. “There are even more entries that need to be sifted through, but they’re not screening any more movies than they ever did.”

“South” is the first film Cone has submitted to film festivals.

“I would’ve been happy if it would’ve just gotten into one festival,” Cone said. “I think just the confidence that I can submit something to a festival and get it. That’s huge for your self confidence.”

“Sometimes writing poetry is a way of dealing with regret,” Bane said. “Sometimes it’s a search for closure. Sometimes it’s an attempt to bring the person back. Sometimes I just want to keep learning from people.”

Bane also said the process of publishing helped her as a professor, especially since she was teaching Professional Editing while editing her book.

“Figuring out how a book is made, all the processes involved, all the people involved … it’s information I can share with my students,” Bane said. “I was teaching it, and it felt so real to be teaching it and actually going through the process at the same time. And I love when that can happen. When my artistic

endeavors can overlap with my teaching, and they can enhance each other.”

Professor of English Terry Engel said Bane is a mentor and inspiration to her students.

“The English Department is very proud of Paulette Bane’s work,” Engel said. “As lead teacher in Intro to Creative Writing, Writing Poetry and Professional Editing, Professor Bane’s publications help us market our program to prospective students, and she serves as an inspiration to our current students who dream of becoming writers and editors.”

Associate professor of English Nick Boone reviewed Bane’s book in “Elder Mountain: A Journal of Ozarks Studies.”He described the way

Bane’s writing evokes memories in the reader.

“Guerin’s poems work this way — walking us through our own past, walking us through a scene we’ve been part of before, taking us to that Gingko tree we should have noticed, and perhaps did long ago,” Boone said.

Engel shared similar sentiments.

“I love Guerin’s concrete language and strong imagery, her concision and her ability to transport me to places and feel emotions that I might never have access to in my own life,” Engel said. “Her poems have the ability to help all of us step outside ourselves and see the larger world around us in vivid images and strong emotions.”

Harding professor publishes book of poetry

CIANNA JAY editorial asst.

Assistant professor of English Paulette Bane published her second book of poetry Jan. 3. The book, “Wading through Lethe,” was published under the name Paulette Guerin and explores the theme of memory, drawing inspiration from mythology and Bane’s childhood.

The journey of creating “Wading through Lethe” began in 2012. Bane spent five years on the manuscript, followed by a period of finding a publisher and waiting for publication. She said waiting was one of the most challenging parts of the process.

“The poems kind of end with, you know, my life in my early 20s: That was a long time ago,” Bane said. “The writing isn’t the problem; that’s not the hard part. Rejection I’ve accepted as part of [the process]. Waiting is hard.”

Bane said her writing inspiration usually came while she was reading, leading her to write much of her manuscript’s first draft on paper.

“The flow of ideas begins when I’m reading other artists; a lot of my drafts being written by hand because I put down the book that I’ve been reading, and I grab a pencil,” Bane said. “And a lot of them are written on the backs of envelopes that I haven’t recycled yet.”

The title “Wading through Lethe” comes from one of the book’s poems, “Childhood,” and highlights the book’s theme of memory.

“There’s a line in [“Childhood”] about wading through Lethe,” Bane said. “When I wrote the poem, I didn’t think, ‘Oh, there’s the title,’ I just at some point was reading through the manuscript, and that line stuck out to me … Lethe is the river of forgetfulness in Greek mythology that the souls cross as they’re going into Hades, and so it worked well with the manuscript’s concerns with memory and my grandmother’s Alzheimer’s.”

Bane dedicated her book to both of her grandmothers, who helped feed her creative spirit.

“Both women embraced their identities as artists and were encouraged by their families,” Bane said in a post from her blog, pauletteguerin.com. “From an early age, I saw that creativity was a valuable activity in and of itself.”

She also explained how her grandmothers play a part in her book.

"I decided to have courage and have faith, and I got the vaccine."

Photo by Balazs Balassa

Paulette Bane displays her poetry book in her office on Jan. 24. “Wading through Lethe” focuses on a theme of memory and is dedicated to Bane’s grandmothers.

- Mary Darden, Director of Student Health Services

Friday, January 28, 2022

Students create campuswide ‘assassins’ tournament

KAYLEIGH TRISCHLER guest writer

On Friday, Jan. 21, a new game on campus commenced: Harding Assassins. The game masters, juniors Hannah Atkins and Anna Voss, created an Instagram account where they announced the game and posted how students could get involved.

“I saw the Instagram [post] and thought that was a good way to make people aware of what was happening, and the videos they were posting were super funny and obviously encouraging to join,” junior Watkins Kelly said. “I am f riends with them, too, so they were going around to everyone and personally inviting them.

Just word of mouth was a big thing to get people involved because I think they wanted it to be people in their friend group, but also people across campus.”

Participants must follow several rules to keep the peace during and after school hours. One rule is that players have to get their own water guns or use a water bottle with a hole in the top as their gun.

“From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the game is not played on campus, and no shooting is allowed in Harding buildings,” Atkins said.

“We made those two rules so people won’t be anxious walking from class to class.”

Since Atkins and Voss are the game masters, they gave the players their targets.

They gathered all of the names of the players and, being unbiased, put together the targets. “ We give them a target to start off with,” Voss said. “That’s the person you are trying to kill, and when you kill them you have to video it and [direct message] the Instagram [account].”

Voss said those who follow the rules will be given the target of the person they eliminated.

There will be special nights called “purge nights” in which everyone is fair game to each other. There are no longer designated targets for players, but at the end of the purge night players will get a brand new target.

“A purge night is something we will announce,” Atkins said. “And we will say, like, ‘Starting Wednesday at midnight, there will be 24 hours of purge, meaning that you could shoot anyone and anyone could also shoot you.”

Before the start of the game, the players paid a registration fee of $3 that went toward prize money. There are potentially two winners: the one who gets the last kill, and the one who gets the most kills.

The game does not have a set end date or

Photo by BALAZS BALASSA

Hannah Atkins and Anna Voss play with water guns as a part of the “Harding Assassins” game on Jan. 24. The winner will receive 40% of the prize money ,while the player with the most kills will receive 60% of the money. time because it depends on when the final however long the game lasts, but, I mean, we kill happens. do have things set in place so if it goes on “Whoever is the last man standing gets for too long, we have things to spice it up.”

40% of [the prize money], and whoever gets the most kills in the game gets 60% of it,” Atkins said. “It could really go on for

Harding fantasy football players face punishments for losing JACKSON SAYLER guest writer

would be funny for the loser to sit in there, and I think that’d be a pretty good punishment.”

Another friend of Montgomery’s agreed and even mentioned other creative punishments for losers he knew about.

“This is the first time I’ve seen a punishment play out personally, and I think it’s a worthy penalty,” senior Jackson Newsom said. “I’ve heard of the Waffle House punishment before. I’ve also heard of other creative punishments for fantasy leagues, including having the loser take the ACT again or having everyone else pick out the loser’s outfit for the week.”

Montgomery’s league wasn’t the only one on campus.

“I would say that the majority of people that I know are affiliated with a fantasy league in some way, whether that’s with their club or with friends from back home,” Kinser said. “I would say that the male population at Harding is pretty into it, and I know a lot of teachers are really into it as well, so I would say it’s pretty popular.”

While the fantasy football season has ended with the conclusion of the NFL’s regular season, punishments may just be beginning.

Fantasy sports, particularly fantasy football, have been popular for a while, and the industry is still growing.

Some leagues who participate face punishments that are often coined as “friendly” for the loser, and in the case of senior Jackson Montgomery, that included a full stomach after a six-hour stay at Waffle House.

“That’s the worst punishment I’ve ever had to do for fantasy football,” Montgomery said. “We made up a little deal about what would happen to the loser, and the deal was 12 hours in Waffle House, and a lot of leagues do that, but we did it for 12 hours, and for every waffle the loser ate, is an hour less.”

Jackson ended up staying at Waffle House from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. after eating six waffles on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. While Jackson may not have had the time of his life at the restaurant, others enjoyed the penalty, including his roommate.

“I thought it was a pretty good idea,” junior Britton Kinser said. “I had never thought of it, and I thought it

Photo Provided by BRITTON KINSER

Jackson Montgomery prepares to eat a waffle at Waffle House. Montgomery remained at the restaurant for six hours, eating six waffles during his stay.

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