Sept 22, 2021

Happy First Day of Fall!

The Meredith Herald

@meredithherald @meredith_herald meredithherald.com

September 22, 2021

Meredith College to Require COVID-19 Vaccination in Spring 2022 Semester

By Elinor Shelp-Peck, Co-Editor in Chief

Photo by Madison Sholar

On Thursday, Sept. 16, the Meredith College Executive Leadership Team (ELT) announced that they are “adding the COVID-19 vaccination to the list of required vaccinations for students…and employees, except for those with religious or documented medical exemptions.” Meredith had previously only highly recommended the vaccine, but given the recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine they decided to make a decision for the “health and safety of [the] entire community.”

In order to give individuals time to get the vaccine, the new vaccination requirement will not take effect until the Spring 2022

semester. To remain in compliance with the mandate, students and employees must submit their vaccination status by Jan. 4, 2022. Any student or employee who wishes to apply for a medical or religious exemption will be able to do so starting on Oct. 15, 2021. All medical exemptions must be physician-documented. The email stated that those who receive a waiver by Meredith College “will still need to [wear] masks and be tested weekly until further notice.”

The email stressed that the ELT “listened to a wide range of opinions, arguments and applications” and chose to implement the vaccination requirement after consulting with “Meredith’s Administrative Management Council and health experts.” As of Sept. 21, 2021, 78% of students and 79.4% of employees are vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Staying Strong webpage. That value has changed since the original email was released on Sept. 16, which

stated that “nearly 80% of employees and over 73% of students have submitted proof of vaccination.”

On social media, there has been backlash amongst current students, parents and alumnae who believe that requiring the COVID-19 vaccine does not allow them the personal freedom they desire. Others have been quick to point out that Meredith already required a Certificate of Immunization for many other diseases.

President Jo Allen released a video on Sept. 17 further explaining the College’s decision-making process, which is viewable on the Staying Strong website.

When The Herald asked Meredith students what they thought about the new policy, the majority of responses were supportive. Naiylah Harris, ‘22, said she is “so happy they finally made it mandatory...One step towards our campus’ safety!” However, some students have concerns about compliance. Natalie Baker, ‘25, said, “I am concerned about how many people are talking about faking religious exemptions...and hope they are report-

ed.” Alumna Mary Kathryn Keleher, ‘99, stated that she is “so happy [her] alma mater is taking a stand for health.”

An anonymous student shared a personal story regarding those who are considering submitting a religious exemption for nonreligious reasons. “I had to have an exemption on file to go to school here because my parents are anti-vaxxers and it was physically impossible for me to catch up on all of my primary immunizations from the time I was 18 to my enrollment,” they said. “Getting all my vaccines takes months, time, a driver’s license...and I still got the COVID-19 vaccine. Hearing people complain about a privilege they have been able to receive their whole lives makes me question where their logic is.” The student went on to say that if anyone was scared about getting the vaccine, they encouraged them to fight their fears and do their own research about the risks and benefits. “It can be really scary,” they said, “but I promise you’ll be okay.”

Renovated Lake to be Revealed on Oct. 7

By Haileigh West, Contributing Writer Interview conducted by Freya Dahlgren, Staff Writer

The Meredith Lake, located behind McIver Amphitheater, is set to have its donor celebration for the reopening on Oct. 7, 2021.

According to President Jo Allen, the college has planned “outdoor celebrations with masks, social distancing and more” following the lake being unused for five and a half years. Dr. Allen said, “Our intention [for the celebrations] is to include those who have donated to the costs of renovations as well as...students and employees who love the lake.”

Renovations to the dam, lake and island were slowed due to COVID-19, Dr. Allen stated, and “the return of a booming construction economy also waylaid some of our earlier efforts for renovations.”

She said, “It took a long time to get engineers, designers, compliance officers and donors together to see what needed to be updated from the 1960s when the lake and dam were built...all sorts of codes have changed since then, necessitating additional structural support, compliance regulations for the

dam, site development, Photo by Molly Perry Lake “has been the site landscaping and accessifor Cornhuskin’ for some bility options and more.” time,” and other events such as

With lake renovations close theatrical performances and guest to completion, Dr. Allen is “despeakers have taken place here. lighted that our students and others “And, as always, the lake offers a throughout our community have peaceful respite from the stress of a destination at the college for all college life—and a quiet place to kinds of community-building and read, study, talk with friends, eat sharing” or for enjoying solitude. lunch, walk and more,” Dr. Allen In addition to events like weddings said. and family reunions, the Meredith

When asked what the lake

signifies for alumnae like herself, Dr. Allen shared, “The lake has always been a focal point for the campus. When I was a student, we would often take our lunch out to the lake and chat with friends.

It was a nice site for an afternoon [or] early evening date, too...I’m also pleased that the lake is a site for research and study. Our students and employees, for instance, have tested water quality, algae blooms and environmental priorities.” Dr. Allen said that the college also uses water from the lake for irrigation purposes during hotter months.

Dr. Allen is grateful for everyone’s patience with the lake renovations and for gifts from special donors, referred to as “the Ladies of the Lake,” for making these renovations possible.

News

Meet the New Assistant Dean of Arts & Humanities: Dr. Alisa Johnson

By Evelyn Summers, Contributing Writer

Dr. Alisa Johnson, an English professor at Meredith, will be taking on a new role as the Assistant Dean of Arts & Humanities (A&H) this fall. The Herald spoke to Dr. Johnson to hear more about her time at Meredith and what she expects to bring to her new role.

Dr. Johnson was born in Danville, Virginia, but grew up in Yanceyville, North Carolina.

She said she was a science fiction and comic book nerd in high school and still has a large comic book collection. She also considers herself to be a cat person as the owner of five cats and someone who has lived with cats most of her life. Dr. Johnson shared

that she has been a Buddhist and student of Zen for 10 years and was previously a Quaker.

While she was finishing her Ph.D. at UNC-Chapel Hill, a faculty member told her about a job teaching a course in African American Literature at Meredith and suggested she apply. At the time, she had a full-time job at UNC’s Learning Center, but she applied for the job and got it. She says her first class here was wonderful, and she liked Meredith. She too had attended a small college— Guilford College—and felt at home on their campus.

Dr. Johnson said she feels ready for her new role be-

Study Abroad Fair Happening Sept. 28

cause of her interest in several issues, like affordable housing, community health and neighborhood revitalization, and her involvement in several organizations. She explained that she has had a great deal of practice being present for other people and helping them process their experiences. Dr. Johnson has been a part of contentious and painful discussions on and off campus. She has spent years listening to people express their fears, hopelessness or pain— often around racial or gender issues—and said that learning how to express her own has prepared her for this role as the Assistant Dean of A&H.

When asked what she

hopes to contribute to the Meredith community, Dr. Johnson said, “At present, some of our processes involving the handling of student/faculty non-academic complaints are extremely impersonal and somewhat off-putting. I hope to add a human dimension to the process so that it is less impersonal and more accessible. It is important that both students and faculty who find themselves involved in the complaint process know that they are respected and valued, regardless of the outcome of any particular case.” Dr. Johnson added that she is excited to get started and begin working with students on a much closer level.

By Olivia Slack, Co-Editor in Chief

Suicide Prevention Training at Meredith

The Office of International Programs (OIP) will host their annual Study Abroad Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 4-7 p.m. in the BDH Courtyard.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about study abroad programs for spring, summer and fall 2022, meet program directors and speak with study abroad alumnae. Registration for a one-hour time slot is highly encouraged at the “Study Abroad Fair RSVP” link on the OIP’s website, meredith.edu/ oip. In the week leading up to the fair, Instagram takeovers by study abroad alumnae will be featured on the OIP’s Instagram, @MCGoGlobal.

After a year-and-a-half long hiatus on study abroad following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, students have returned to Meredith’s campus in

Content warning: this article discusses suicide and suicide awareness

From Sept. 8-10, Beth Meier, Director of the Counseling and Disability Services Office at Meredith College, gave Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training to students, faculty and staff. This was the first time Meredith has hosted QPR training since 2019. In a normal year, Meier said about 20 people attend these sessions, but this year, almost 100 people signed up to attend one of the three sessions. There will be additional QPR training sessions offered via Zoom in January 2022.

QPR training focuses on the importance of questioning a person about suicide, per-

suading the person to get help and referring someone who is dealing with suicidal thoughts and ideations to a counselor or health facility. Meier made all attendees of the training aware of the 24/7 crisis hotline provided by Meredith and the signs to look for when a person is suicidal.

If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal ideation, there is help. The 24/7 crisis hotline from Meredith is always available, and Meredith also has free on-campus shortterm counseling. Whether you do or do not attend Meredith College, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free at 800-2738255.

be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they are eligible for a religious or medical exemption, but NCSU and the entire UNC system of colleges have not yet made the decision to require the vaccine.

When asked if she had noticed any differences between the two universities’ policies concerning the pandemic, dualenrolled student Abiha Khanam, ‘22, stated that she does not “see a large difference between the directions both schools have taken to enforce safety on campus.” Khanam added that she “appreciate[s] how Meredith College offers hybrid classes so that I can have a good learning experience while NCSU will

not consider hybrid classes. I understand their point of view as well since certain classes are difficult to translate and understand on an online platform.”

While these two universities have their own set of guidelines when it comes to protecting their campuses from the global pandemic, they share more similarities than differences. As the school year progresses, these protocols may be subject to change for the safety of staff, faculty and students on both campuses as the situation evolves.

Sansepolcro, Italy, this semester. Students are also studying abroad this semester in Bath, England, and Angers, France.

Brochures for Meredith in Italy and Meredith Abroad programs will launch at the Study Abroad Fair. Visit the OIP’s website for more information about application deadlines and steps.

By Freya Dahlgren, Staff Writer

Meredith vs. NC State COVID-19 Protocols

By Maggie Barnhill, Staff Writer

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As students at Meredith experience another abnormal school year due to COVID-19, some have to abide by two sets of guidelines to protect themselves and others from contracting the virus. Students dual enrolled at Meredith College and NC State University (NCSU) are required to follow both of the policies set by the individual schools. These guidelines can be found on both Meredith's and NC State's websites under their Community Standards sections.

The policies mostly share similarities. Both institutions require face coverings to be worn inside at all times and submission of one’s vaccination status through an online portal. Each

school also has data concerning active positive cases of COVID-19 available to the public.

They are also both offering locations on campus if residential students are required to quarantine or isolate.

Like Meredith, NCSU is requiring unvaccinated students to participate in weekly testing. While Meredith’s data states their vaccination rate for students is 78% and 79.4% for staff, NCSU’s overall vaccination rate is 74%. NCSU is offering vaccinations for faculty, staff, students, alumni and family members 12 years of age and older. In the spring semester of 2022, Meredith College will begin requiring students to

Arts & Entertainment

Meredith Hosts "Turning Point" Art Installation

By Maggie Barnhill and Anna Prince, Staff Writers

Meredith College’s Frankie G. Weems Gallery is currently housing the collaborative installation of Jenny Blazing and Carin Walsh’s “Turning Point.” The featured works display the artists’ depictions of climate change, an issue they feel needs to be brought to light.

The Turning Point Art Gallery is available for all students to visit in the Gaddy-Hamrick Art Center until Oct. 1.

Jenny Blazing, a North Carolina resident, is a UNCChapel Hill graduate whose work is regularly on display at 5 Points Gallery in Durham, North Carolina. Carin Walsh, a multi-disciplinary exhibiting artist, is also a museum educator and exhibit organizer. She currently works at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University.

The artwork on display showcases several scenes of cities that have experienced the effects of climate change.

Walsh’s work tends to be abstract while Blazing focuses on the scenes of cities. They have a collaborative piece in the gallery, Changing Worlds Now, that truly deserves one’s full attention as it’s fascinating to see how the artists’ differing styles come together on a canvas. This unique piece cannot be missed as it is displayed in a corner all by itself. Using a projector and canvas as the mediums, the artists have created a moving piece of artwork.

The gallery also features a thought-provoking sculpture, What’s Left Behind, by Blazing.

At first glance, it seems like a pile of trash in the middle of the room, but upon further inspection the viewer will begin to feel a sense of familiarity. The sculpture, which seems to be made of found objects such as charred trash and other objects gathered from the outdoors, wouldn't look out of place if one were to move it outside. There also sits

a desk with pens, prewritten let- mate change’s effect on Blazters and envelopes. The letters, ing’s personal life only increases holding content about climate the emotion viewers feel upon change and the need for action, seeing this piece. are addressed to Senators Rich- This gallery may leave ard Burr and Thom Tillis. This one feeling solemn and reflectpiece, Solution Station, allows ing on our impact on the Earth. viewers to take action to help Visiting the gallery is highly reverse climate change. If one encouraged as it may provide a chooses to fill out a letter, they new perspective of the world. are also able to add a personal note to the senators at the bottom of the prewritten piece.

California Dreamin’, a canvas piece by Blazing, is based on her real life experience. The painting depicts a house on a hill overlooking a city. The home is aflame and the sky is smoke-filled. In the description placed alongside the painting, Blazing informs viewers that the piece is her “response to the devastating wildfire that destroyed [her] parents’ community on Cobb Mountain in California.” KnowSolution Station; photo by Anna Prince ing that the scene depicted in the painting is a result of cli-

Raleigh's Hidden Gems: Black Friday Market

By Elinor Shelp-Peck, Co-Editor in Chief

Located right in the heart of downtown Raleigh on Hargett St. is Black Friday Market. The Herald spoke with CEO and Chairman Johnny Hackett Jr. about his business and its inspiration. The business originated from a “Blackowned business directory called #BlackDollarNC” which began in February 2019. They started growing their directory and now have over 1,100 businesses and counting. The brick and mortar of #BlackDollarNC, Black Friday Market, opened on Dec. 15, 2020. Johnny ecstatically stated that they “basically turned the online directory of businesses into a real place where you could shop from various entrepreneurs.”

When asked what opening a business in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was like, Johnny said that “it was difficult, due to watching out for each other’s health and wellbeing during the time we were setting up. Although, we didn’t have too many struggles with consumer traffic—the location we have is a high-traffic intersection in downtown Raleigh, and we have a lot of support from business owners who have products in the store.” Johnny added that his favorite part of owning his own business is “making [his] own schedule.”

Johnny described his business as a “place where business owners without physical retail space can sell their prod-

ucts.” With an eclectic mix of items, Black Friday Market is a great place to shop for anyone.

From candles and hair products to clothes and art, this shop has it all. The market is a great way to support local artists and business owners as 100% of the profits from purchases are given to the artist or business owner.

The shop functions by having the business owner or artist pay to have their items featured in Black Friday Market for certain durations of time, so items tend to cycle through quickly.

Eventually Johnny hopes to have a Black Friday Market location in every state. “What we are doing is needed in many different cities in the U.S.,” he said, “so strategic partner-

ships and opening more stores is our main priority.” Johnny also wanted to thank everyone else involved with the business: “[the] Black Friday Market team is big—we could not do this with just any one person.

Jasmine, Eaton, Kayla, Dominique, Jae, Campbell, Aaron and a list of others have been tremendous in establishing this brand and paving the way for a great future. Shoutout to the #Squad!”

Local businesses and artists need support from their communities now more than ever. Stop into Black Friday Market for a new sweatshirt or a gift for a friend; it will not disappoint.

The town of Cary is currently hosting an augmented reality exhibition with features from several local artists. The exhibit is located conveniently in downtown Cary. These digital art works can only be viewed through a free app called “Cary AR Public Art Exhibition,” available on both the Apple Store or Google Play. This outdoor activity is great for those interested in

being COVID-19 cautious while wanting to have fun. There are nine unique artwork pieces to find. For more information, visit the town of Cary's official website.

Close to "Home" Fall Break Ideas

By Rachel Van Horne, Associate Editor

With fall having officially begun and only two weeks until fall break begins, many students have started to plan what they will be doing with their short stint of freedom. For students staying in Raleigh over break, here’s a list of activities to do.

NC State Arboretum

The JC Raulston Arboretum is a short 3 minute drive

from Meredith and there is no cost for admission. Explore this beautiful 10 acre property that boosts the “one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants adapted for landscape use in the Southeast.”

My recommended areas to visit include the Zen Garden and the rooftop garden.

Town of Cary Augmented Reality Exhibition

See three more fall break ideas on our website.

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Opinion Meredith's Guest Policy Should Be Revisited

By Hannah Porter, Opinion Editor

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what being a Meredith College student looks like in many ways. One of these has to do with the residence policies and protocols that have been in place since Fall 2020.

Although the guidelines have changed for the current semester, they are in many ways the same: for starters, off-campus visitors are not permitted in the residence halls or Oaks apartments until further notice.

Additionally, the Staying Strong section of Meredith’s website states that “overnight stays in residence hall rooms and Oaks apartments by other residential students (not assigned to the residential room or apartment), commuter students or other individuals are not permitted until further notice.” The main component that is different this academic year

is that residents can now have a Meredith commuter student visit their room or apartment.

I want to begin by saying that these protocols have definitely been necessary, and I am not arguing that they should be removed completely.

They have kept the Meredith community safe and healthy as this pandemic progresses, and will continue to do so. However, the College is seeing high vaccination rates, with students at 78% and employees at 79.4%. These are both quickly approaching the 80% threshold that President Joe Biden has been pushing the United States towards achieving ever since the vaccines were made available to the public.

Thus, this is my proposal: Meredith’s leadership should allow vaccinated members of the community to visit

vaccinated students who live in Meredith’s residence spaces.

Meredith residents would be required to submit a request for a visitor pass, and along with that, the guest’s proof of vaccination.

In addition, residents would only be allowed to have one guest per resident in their room or apartment at a time.

If any students choose to break these protocols, they would be subject to an Honor Code violation, similar to the mask protocols already in place.

Although the Delta variant proves to be increasingly contagious and harmful, the COVID-19 vaccines consistently prove themselves effective.

Masks also work, and we know this. Together, the power of masks and vaccinations cannot be underestimated. We know more now, much more than we did when this pandemic began

affecting our area in March 2020, and with this knowledge comes power. This power provides an opportunity to grant more freedom and privileges for Meredith resident students.

At the end of the day, it is up to Meredith students, faculty and staff to follow the Community Standards. As a part of the Meredith community, each one of us has a duty and an obligation to comply with the guidance. Therefore, students should be trusted with the responsibility to adhere to this change, so that they are able to receive a college experience full of safety and community in these ever-changing times.

Using Gender-Inclusive Language in the Classroom

By Jayce Perry, Contributing Writer

Prior to returning to campus, I was nervous about how my gender identity and pronouns would be respected in the classroom. Dr. Kevin Hunt, Associate Professor of Spanish, is one of the only professors I have had since coming back to Meredith this fall that has provided the opportunity for students to tell him their pronouns discreetly and indirectly.

During our first class, he had us fill out notecards with information and brought up writing our pronouns if we felt comfortable. I felt bold and comfortable enough that I put my pronouns on the notecard, my pronouns being they/them.

The next class he asked me if I could stay after. When I did, he talked to me about how to not misgender myself in Spanish, especially considering the language is very binary. He didn’t just stop there, either: he also taught the class how to use they/them pronouns in Spanish without outing me or anyone else who might not identify as female in the class. He didn’t make it feel uncomfortable or like he had to go an extra mile in order to use my correct pronouns. It made my day how easily he accepted my pronouns and wanted to help me learn to

use them in Spanish.

Honestly, I almost cried at how accepting he was even though I barely knew him because even people I’ve known my whole life have had a hard time understanding my gender identity, as well as how to correctly switch to they/them pronouns. It made me feel safe and like there was at least one professor here that was on my side and cared.

Vanderbilt University posted a guide online that discusses how and why professors should use language that is beyond the binary for students who are genderqueer, nonbinary, genderfluid, transgender or gender non-conforming. The guide outlines ways that teachers can create and maintain a gender-inclusive classroom environment. One of the most important ones is discussing topics related to gender nonconforming identities because most students don’t know or understand these. The more they know, the easier it might be for them to understand and respect their classmates’ gender identity and pronouns. The other important action to take is gender-affirming practices.

These practices offer oppor-

tunities for students to provide their chosen names or pronouns without outing themselves. These opportunities could consist of professors using Google forms before the first class and adding a section for pronouns or chosen names and clarifying when to use them if the student isn’t out.

In comparison to the guide Vanderbilt provided, Meredith can do better about understanding that while our college has historically been an all-women’s college, not all of the students who go here identify within the gender binary or identify as a woman. Meredith could work to improve the knowledge students and professors have of gender by leading by example and teaching them how to be more inclusive.

Meredith could also suggest that professors implement genderaffirming practices. In my experience, most professors do not go out of their way to provide an opportunity for students to discreetly let the instructor know their pronouns or chosen names.

Those that have stopped asking for pronouns or providing students with an opportunity to put them down discreetly on a notecard or Google form shortly after the class started.

In addition, the majority of professors do not use gender-

inclusive language when talking to individuals or the group as a whole. In fact, I’ve had professors complain about how hard it is to use the right pronouns and continue to misgender someone, which made me feel uncomfortable and like my entire identity was being dismissed. Meredith professors should consider using Google forms or providing notecards to everyone in the first class upon which students can choose to put their gender identity, pronouns and chosen names.

Professors should also speak about gender identities, even if it’s just a brief announcement about respecting others’ pronouns and identities.

It’s important to use gender-inclusive language because it helps students feel like they’re safe at Meredith and that all students are allowed to learn and be themselves. It also helps students who might not have anyone who accepts them outside of Meredith to know they have a place they’re allowed and encouraged to be themselves. Meredith can’t truly be a “wonderland” until every student’s gender identity is valued and respected in the classroom.

STAFF

Olivia Slack and Elinor Shelp-Peck, Co-Editors in Chief. Rachel Van Horne and Aminah Jenkins, Associate Editors.

Ally Cefalu, A&E Editor. Molly Perry, Features Editor. Hannah Porter, Opinion Editor.

Staff Writers: Rania Abushakra, Maggie Barnhill, Jeanine Carryl, Freya Dahlgren, Rylee Petty, Anna Prince, Mia Russell, Hannah Taib.

Contributing Writers: Kaitlyn Eisbacher, Shae-Lynn Henderson, Rachel Johnson, Angelina Morin, Jayce Perry, Evelyn Summers, Haileigh West.

Podcasting Director: Sofia Gomez. Copy Editor: Erin Wendorf. Staff Photographer: Madison Sholar.

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