The Lantern - August 31, 2023

Senate Bill 83 sections amended, Ohio State members speak out

NICOLE NOWICKI Lantern Reporter nowicki.51@osu.edu

University staff would continue to have the right to strike while professors would not, with recent changes made to a controversial bill in Ohio’s legislature.

Ohio Senate Bill 83, also known as the “Higher Education Enhancement Act,” aims to overhaul Ohio’s public universities with major reform

including limits to diversity training requirements, prohibiting the university from taking public positions on “controversial beliefs or policy” and requiring students to take three credit hours of American history or government. After passing the Ohio Senate on May 17 in a 21-10 vote, two major amendments including changes to the right to strike and students’ evaluations of professors were added.

“It passed very handsomely in the Senate, and I’m sure it will do the

same in the House,” the bill’s primary sponsor, Ohio Sen. Jerry Cirino, said. “It’s got a lot that is needed, I think, in terms of reforms in Ohio higher education.”

The legislation was quickly met with criticism from many professors across Ohio’s universities and was condemned by the Ohio State Board of Trustees. Many students have also given testimony against the bill.

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Rat Motel to

NICOLE NOWICKI | FOR THE LANTERN

Senate Bill 83, also known as the “Higher Education Enhancement Act,” was recently altered in sections concerning the right to strike and student evaluations of professors.

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After receiving input from universities and professors, Cirino put forth two major amendments to the bill in an attempt to guarantee its passage through the Ohio House of Representatives. Here are some of the major revisions that will impact the faculty of Ohio’s public universities and colleges.

Right to strike

Upon the bill’s initial passing through the Senate, all university staff and faculty were barred from striking. After discussing this provision with service worker unions, Cirino said, the legislation was amended to allow staff to strike.

Cirino said professors are still excluded from this measure due to the perceived impact a faculty strike would have on students’ education.

“When you pay for that instruction for the semester, that’s a contract that exists between you and the university,” Cirino said. “Nothing should get in the way of that contract from being met.”

Associate professor of political science

CAMPUS

Benjamin McKean disagreed, saying this measure purposefully targets faculty, who have become major scapegoats in the country’s latest culture wars.

“Singling out faculty suggests that it’s not about disrupting students, but disempowering faculty,” McKean said. “What’s happened in the past is faculty have gone on strike because they’ve seen that what the university is doing isn’t good for students.”

Pranav Jani, president of the Ohio State chapter of the American Association of University Professors and director of Asian American Studies, said he believes student and faculty interests are commonly aligned.

“Cirino has repeatedly said that (Senate Bill) 83 is in the interest of students, but when you look at what happened in the spring and summer, hundreds of students came out and spoke against (Senate Bill) 83,” Jani said.

If the bill does pass, McKean said he worries there will be a major power shift toward university administration and away from faculty, as one of the most powerful bargaining tools is taken away from professors.

“Even when the right to strike isn’t exercised, the fact that it exists is really important for workers, including professors, in making the playing field more level,” McKean said.

Jani said if passed, the impact of the strike measure would have varying effects depending on whether university faculty are unionized.

“For unionized faculty, they have the right to collective bargaining for new contracts,” Jani said. “If (Senate Bill) 83 passes with a ban on faculty strikes, that would have a devastating impact

Learn more about one of Ohio State’s newest clubs, OUTdoors

on what faculty unions could negotiate in their collective bargaining agreements.”

Unionized faculty in Ohio include professors at the University of Miami in Ohio and the University of Cincinnati. At Ohio State, which does not have a faculty union, the impact of the legislation would look different, Jani said.

“It wouldn’t have that kind of direct impact in that same way [as unionized faculty], but it would show us that the statehouse is hostile to the faculty voice,” Jani said.

Student evaluations

The bill also aims to add student evaluations to annual faculty performance reviews, a measure professors disagree with due to concerns about a student’s academic performance in the class influencing their perception of the professor.

“As they’re currently done, they’re not

very informative, they’re much more reflective of the grades people get rather than the instruction, and they include a lot of systematic biases,” McKean said.

Cirino noted the criticism and lowered the impact student evaluations would have in regard to the teaching area component of the professor’s performance review from 50 to 25 percent.

“There are six categories in the evaluation process,” Cirino said. “One of those six categories is instruction, and of that one-sixth of the evaluation criteria, I had the student evaluations comprising 50 percent of that section.”

McKean said the student evaluation measure itself is flawed.

“At a time when the university itself is coming to recognize flaws with the system, for the legislature to come in and basically freeze it in place would be a huge mistake,” McKean said.

JOE CARPENTER | FOR THE LANTERN

Pranav Jani was joined alongside other opponents of Senate Bill 83, which would change higher education rights for professors in Ohio.

OUTdoors: Where nature and identity thrive

SOPHIE MALYNN Lantern Reporter malynn.3@osu.edu

A new club offering a safe space for LGBTQ+ students to build community and enjoy nature has taken root on campus.

Celebrating both the diversity of human identity and the beauty of the natural world, OUTdoors brings together students of all backgrounds to explore, connect and find solace within the embrace of nature. Morgan Chaddan, a third-year in biology and vice president of the club, said OUTdoors is not just an LGBTQ+ club, but one with an active focus to get students outside.

“Being different in any sort of circumstance can be isolating,” Statmore said. “It’s important to know there are other people like you, and at such a big school it can be daunting to find the right places and the right people.”

With no membership requirements or dues, OUTdoors aims to create a space where students can come and go when needed, Khan said.

Khan said he inherited the club from Ohio State graduate Justin Smith, and the executive board has many goals for its future including fundraising, expanding membership and planning larger-scale events like overnight camping.

Khan said he hopes to get many people involved in spreading awareness and enjoying their time together and is looking to collaborate with other clubs.

After a successful first meeting on Tuesday, OUTdoors will host biweekly meetings from 6:30 -7:30 p.m. in Hale Hall.

While a new club, Ali Khan, a secondyear in psychology and club president, said there are many activities planned for the year including nature walks, visiting the zoo or Franklin Park Conservatory, volunteering at nature preservations and hiking at Hocking Hills.

Hayden Statmore, a second-year in biochemistry and club treasurer, said as anti-LGBTQ+ legislation advances nationwide, the need for community and safe spaces on campus increases.

In Ohio, House Bill 68, also known as the Enact Ohio Saving Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act and House Bill 8, or the Enact the Parents’ Bill of Rights, have focused on limiting transgender children and discussions of sexuality in schools.

COURTESY OF JOBY BUFFONE: HEAD OF COMMUNICATION FOR

The OUTdoors Club gathers in The Oval after one of the club’s nature journaling gatherings.

“It’s a lot about visibility and letting people know we are here.”

COURTESY OF JOBY BUFFONE: HEAD OF COMMUNICATION FOR THE OUTDOORS CLUB

The OUTdoors Club, a student organization that welcomes nature lovers and the LGBTQ+ community.

How infuencer marketing fourishes while hiding in plain sight

What’s Up: Unconventional study spots for students stuck in a rut

EMMA WOZNIAK Asst. Arts & Life Editor wozniak.82@osu.edu

Thompson Library may have grandiose windows and bountiful brimming bookshelves but, let’s be honest, it fills up pretty quickly.

When popular study spots like Thompson or Mirror Lake are simply too hopping to handle, check out some of these more “unconventional” locations to spruce up your study life.

Kafe Kerouac (2250 N. High St.)

Located just a few blocks north of campus, Kafe Kerouac is redefining the concept of “your friendly neighborhood coffee shop.” Whether you’re looking for a quiet mid-morning study session sipping one of the cafe’s many author-themed lattes — such as the Mark Twain, defined by flavors of chocolate and peanut butter — or a late-night rendezvous listening to live music with a coffee cocktail in hand, this local joint has it covered.

Traditions at Scott Dining Hall

Nothing says “unconventional study spot” quite like the dining hall with the highest foot traffic on campus. It may seem counterintuitive, but many students find the bustling atmosphere of Scott acts as beneficial background noise when rushing to complete a quick assignment before class. Plus, Scott’s buffet-style structure — and that of all campus dining halls — means if students swipe their cards right, they can get two meals for the price of one.

The Oval

Why not make use of the ample, green grass within the bounds of Ohio State’s historical heart of campus? Nothing takes the stress off homework quite like the pleasant ambience of a spot in the shade on a warm summer day. For those who feel the outdoors inspires focus and motivation in themselves, plopping down underneath a tree in The Oval — where Ohio State’s WiFi is still within range — may be the prime place for productivity.

Orton Hall Library

The name “Orton Hall” may not ring a bell for many, as it is a fairly small building known predominantly for its geology museum. But what students may not know is that Orton Hall also contains a small and serene library, with both large communal wooden tables and individual desks for those seeking more privacy. Though it’s a perfectly peaceful place to crank out some work, it’s a pretty tiny library, so maybe keep this one a secret from your friends.

The Architecture Library

Nestled in the back corner of the top floor of the Knowlton School of Architecture is an elegant library with multiple levels, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and cozy seating options. And fun fact! The Architecture Library was chosen by the American Institute of Architects and the American Library Association to receive the 2005 AIA/ ALA Library Award, which recognizes “the finest examples of library design

by architects licensed in the United States,” according to the university’s website.

Dorm study rooms

Frankly, leaving the comfort of your own dorm building feels exhausting. For the homebodies out there, or those who are simply sick and tired of trekking from one end of campus to the other, perhaps go exploring in your dorm. If there aren’t designated study rooms, there are likely small gathering rooms or communal living spaces that often go unused. These hidden gems are optimal when the confines of a 130-square-foot dorm room are just a little too suffocating for your liking.

Coffee Underground (2141 Indianola Ave.)

Proudly featuring local coffee roasters, Coffee Underground advertises itself

as a “no-obligation community space,” meaning you don’t need to buy a cappuccino in order to take advantage of the cafe’s plentiful seating and charming environment. The coffee shop also offers free printing, inhouse board games and even a private meeting room that can be reserved by submitting an online request through its website.

Barnes and Noble (1598 N. High St.)

The official university bookstore may seem like an obvious location to BUCKle down and get some work done, so many may be surprised to learn the store’s top floor, scattered with small tables and chairs, is often unoccupied. Though the seating may not be as abundant as in an oncampus library, the space provides the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone when picking up textbooks or Ohio State merchandise.

CHLOE MCGOWAN LANTERN FILE PHOTO

Thompson Library provides a place of comfort for Ohio State students, being home to 1.2 million books, 11 floors, glass staircases, private study rooms, art installations and Berry Cafe.

Local band Rat Motel to host second annual alternative-rock music festival Saturday

Dweller, Joudy, Bomb Bunny, Shrine, Anemic Royalty, Henry Morris Band and Space Kid, all of which are new to RATFEST.

“We wanted to do all new bands this year,” said Seth Peacock. “There are too many bands in the Columbus scene to do repeats.”

Seth Peacock said the festival will also include local vendors, from artists selling original artwork and prints to secondhand clothing resellers. Additionally, merch tables will be erected for all participating artists, he said.

Patrick Gallaugher, lead singer and guitarist for Space Kid, said he looks forward to playing alongside many bands that Space Kid has long admired.

“We haven’t gotten the chance to play with Rat Motel yet,” Gallaugher said. “But it has been in the works for a long time, and we are looking forward to finally getting to play together.”

Clayton Peacock said the original idea for last year’s event was to bring together as many local artists as possible to showcase Columbus’ local, alternative-rock music scene.

SAMANTHA HARDEN

Lantern Reporter

harden.546@osu.edu

Rat Motel — a local garage-rock band comprising brothers Seth and Clayton Peacock — is hosting its second annual “RATFEST” Saturday.

Seth Peacock said the alternative-rock music festival will be hosted at both

Summit Music Hall and Cafe Bourbon Street. All proceeds from ticket sales will go toward Restavek Freedom, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit working toward ending child slavery in Haiti, Clayton Peacock said.

Seth Peacock said the festival’s musical acts, which are split up between each location, will play 25-minute sets with 15-minute breaks; that way, attendees

will have enough time to go back and forth between venues.

“We decided to use the same location as last year,” Seth Peacock said. “It’s the perfect venue setup in Columbus, I mean they are so close together they are basically the same building.”

Seth Peacock said this year’s lineup features eight bands: Rat Motel, Cellar

“We have been in the Columbus music scene for a long time, almost eight years now,” Clayton Peacock said. “In that time, we have met lots of friends and lots of bands, and we wanted to bring as many of them together as possible.”

Both Seth and Clayton Peacock said they hope to continue RATFEST in the future, as it can shine a necessary spotlight on countless local bands.

RATFEST’s doors will open at 5 p.m., Saturday, with tickets selling at $10 per person if pre-ordered on Eventbrite or $15 per person if purchased at the door.

COURTESY OF MICHELLE LOBIANCO

Seth (left) and Clayton Peacock (right) of local band Rat Motel are preparing to host their second annual music festival, RATFEST, this Saturday.

Clicks, views and engagement: Ohio State faculty members assess infuencer marketing’s online evolution

LUCY LAWLER Arts & Life Editor lawler.129@osu.edu

For most, encountering influencer marketing is as simple as opening their go-to social media app. But at times, it can be difficult to spot.

The influencer marketing industry will likely “grow to be worth $21.1 billion” this year, according to a February 2023 benchmark report from Influencer Marketing Hub. Jon Quinn, a senior lecturer in the Fisher College of Business’ Department of Marketing and Logistics, said influencer marketing is akin to affiliate marketing, which occurs when a third party speaks positively on brands’ behalves.

Companies contract influencers, social media users with significant followings, to post about products because they

possess a built-in audience, Jasmine Roberts-Crews, a lecturer in the School of Communication, said. She said consumers typically purchase goods “recommended” by their preferred influencers out of affection or loyalty for said influencers’ online personas.

“It just goes to show how deep human beings can feel about another human being without actually meeting them,” Roberts-Crews said. “That parasocial dynamic is very, very important because it’s all predicated on trust.”

In its 2019 guide titled “Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers,” the Federal Trade Commission states content creators should not “mix [their] disclosure into a group of hashtags or links.” Simply put, including an #ad hashtag or #partner hashtag in a post’s caption is not an acceptable form of sponsorship disclosure by FTC

standards.

When influencers do not directly voice sponsorships — instead choosing to employ insufficient hashtags — it is often because they want to appear more casual and genuine with their endorsements, Roberts-Crews said.

“You have a situation where consumers can opt out of ads because consumers are getting sick and tired of seeing ads because that can be overwhelming,” Roberts-Crews said. “You don’t want your consumer or your potential audience to opt out of seeing your content or to be like, ‘Oh, this isn’t authentic.’”

Influencers’ sense of sincerity may be jeopardized in followers’ eyes if they accept paid partnerships openly and frequently, Roberts-Crews said. This makes it somewhat difficult to sustain a personal brand over time, she said.

“I think increasingly, consumers are starting to view influencers more along the lines of celebrity endorsements than they did several years ago,” Quinn said.

The emergence of “de-influencing” — a trend that mainly sees Instagram and TikTok users encourage others to stop buying viral products — reflects consumers’ growing dissatisfaction with influencer culture, Quinn said. Though the de-influencing movement is rooted in anti-consumerism sentiments, several influencers have reinterpreted it, he said.

“A lot of these de-influencing posts, that are truly influencing posts, very often are telling you to buy a more economical, more affordable product that works just as well,” Quinn said. “So that’s kind of a response to market dynamics that we’re starting to experience.”

The #deinfluencing hashtag has accumulated over 830 million views on TikTok in the United States alone, as reported by TikTok for Business Creative Center at the time of publication. Considering this level of online attention, influencers’ misguided embrace of de-influencing is likely an attempt to sidestep budding skepticism surrounding influencer marketing at large, Quinn said.

Going forward, it will be interesting to see how influencers and brands further adapt to the trustworthiness-focused mindset de-influencing demands, Quinn said.

Quinn agreed. Since influencers who achieve success can lose their relatability in the process, they run the risk of coming across as out of touch, he said.

“I think that influencers are wisely kind of seeing these changes and saying, ‘We need to change our approach,’” Quinn said. “De-influencing sometimes is just influencing in a not-so-great disguise because very often there’s still an affiliate hashtag associated with a deinfluencing post.”

Students at Ohio State have easy access to TikTok, making it a popular app among the college age group.

“Content creators and influencers really do have to walk a very tightrope between, obviously like, ‘I want to make money because I have to make a living’ versus being authentic,” Roberts-Crews said. “And I think that’s why it’s so important for content creators and influencers to partner with brands they truly believe in.”

Football: Knowles continues to ‘evolve’ defensive line

JAYLA VANHORN Asst. Sports Editor vanhorn.110@osu.edu

Can Ohio State’s defense stop the explosive play?

It’s a question that’s lingered since Week 12 of last season, when the Buckeyes allowed over 500 total yards versus Michigan and lost 42-41 against Georgia in the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State’s defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said the question led to many restless nights as he gears up for his second season leading the Buckeyes.

“Always hard looks, you know, always sleepless nights trying to figure out how to be better,” Knowles said in a press conference Tuesday at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. “It’s what I’m committed to because I want our players to be committed to being better.”

Knowles successfully led Oklahoma State University to establish one of the most dominating defenses in the country. For four consecutive seasons, the Cowboys improved statistically and recorded historic program numbers under his command.

Oklahoma State University led the Big 12 in nearly every defensive category, including third-down defense, tackles for loss and total defense during his final year. The results were more challenging to replicate at Ohio State.

For head coach Ryan Day, the numbers stuck out like a ‘sore thumb’.

When reflecting on the 2022-23 season, Day acknowledged the need for improvement in this area and devoted significant time to it during the offseason. He said they will determine whether the adjustments worked once the Buckeyes take the field on Saturday against Indiana.

linebacker in the country. The secondteam All-American led Ohio State in tackles last season with 120 and ranked first in the Big Ten with 72 solo tackles.

Knowles said it feels good to have a player of Eichenberg’s caliber return to the Buckeyes locker room.

“We’re pushing, coaching, leading Tommy to become that quarterback of the defense,” Knowles said. “To be able to see what’s happening on the field and relay it to what I call, to understand why I’m calling it, all those things.”

Eichenberg is one of three players to be named team captain this season. Despite his quiet nature, Knowles said his leadership is evident in his body language and play on the field.

He believes the next step for Eichenberg is improving his play in the pass game, he said.

Ohio State’s dominant offense led the Big Ten, which at times overshadowed a struggling defense. However, this season may prove to be different.

Although junior Kyle McCord was named the starting quarterback Tuesday, sophomore Devin Brown will also receive heavy playing time, Day said.

If this causes the offense to struggle, it will be up to the defense to provide it with a lift and make crucial plays down the stretch.

The veteran presence of defensive ends Michael Hall Jr. and J.T. Tuimoloau will provide a safety net upfront, especially with the free safety position still up for grabs. Senior Ja’Had Carter, graduate Josh Proctor and true freshman Malik Hartford all remain in contention, Knowles said.

faster he plays. If he does

They all bring different skills to the position, and Knowles said he is constantly striving to improve and enhance this side of the ball. In order to win top games, he said they must stop big plays and capitalize on open opportunities.

“We did not do what we had to do in those matchup games,” Knowles said. “So how do we evolve the defense to stay aggressive, continue to win on thirds down, but also have plans in place to prevent the explosive plays? So it’s always evolving.”

Knowles said it will be difficult to prepare for the Hoosiers offense because they haven’t announced their starting quarterback. In addition, they’ve also acquired over 20 new players from the transfer portal.

However, he believes the Buckeyes’ preparation this offseason put them in a great position to be successful.

“It’s not only a new season but new people,” Knowles said. “You better be good at your fundamentals, because you just don’t know what you’re going to get.”

CALEB BLAKE PHOTO EDITOR

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Thursday, August 31, 2023

Football: Here’s who’s guaranteed to play against Indiana Saturday

LAURYN

LUDERMAN

Sports Editor

luderman.4@osu.edu

Two days.

Buckeye football returns in two short days.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles O ense

Quarterback: Kyle McCord and Devin Brown

“X” receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr. and true freshman Carnell Tate

addressed the media Tuesday for the final time before Saturday’s game against Indiana. The two answered some lingering position questions and listed who fans should expect to see.

Ohio State returns 16 starters.

Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m., and will broadcast on CBS.

“Z” receiver: Julian Fleming and Jayden Ballard

“Slot” receiver: Emeka Egbuka and Xavier Johnson

Running back: TreVeyon Henderson, Miyan Williams, Chip Trayanum and Dallan Hayden

Tight end: Cade Stover and Joe Royer

Left tackle: Josh Simmons — transfer from San Diego State

Left guard: Donovan Jackson

Center: Carson Hinzman — his first collegiate start — and Victor Cutler Jr.

Right guard: Matthew Jones

Right tackle: Josh Fryar and true freshman Luke Montgomery

Can Ohio State’s defense stop the explosive play? Knowles answers

Special Teams

Kicker: Jayden Fielding

Punter: Jesse Mirco

Long snapper: John Ferlmann

Punt returner: Emeka Egbuka

Kick returner: Xavier Johnson

Defense

Defensive end No. 1: J.T. Tuimoloau and Caden Curry

Defensive end No. 2: Jack Sawyer and Kenyatta Jackson

Nose tackle: Ty Hamilton

Defensive tackle: Michael Hall Jr., Tyleik Williams and Tywone Malone — transfer from Ole Miss

Middle linebacker: Tommy Eichenberg and Cody Simon

Weak-side linebacker: Steele Chambers and C.J. Hicks

Free safety (“Adjuster”): Ja’Had Carter — transfer from Syracuse — Josh Proctor and true freshman Malik Hartford

Strong safety (“Bandit”): Lathan Ransom

Nickel safety: Sonny Styles and Cameron Martinez

Cornerback No.1: Denzel Burke, Jyaire Brown and Lorenzo Styles Jr. — transfer from Notre Dame

Cornerback No. 2: Jordan Hancock and Davison Igbinosun — transfer from Ole Miss

KATIE GOOD LANTERN FILE PHOTO