November 4, 2025

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

TRUTH AT ALL COSTS

NOVEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 9 2025

OPINION PAGE 12 Loss of SAMHSA employees

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

OPINION PAGE 12

UA Board of Regents unknowingly establishes new DEI standards

Alaska Airlines Center houses typhoon evacuees and UAA games

By Kaitlyn Gaub

managing.editor@thenorthernlight.org

UAA’s Alaska Airlines Center, or AAC, is housing approximately 320 displaced people from Western Alaska.

Seawolf Athletics also continues to hold games in the AAC.‌ Typhoon Halong devastated YukonKuskokwim Delta villages, which left around 1,500 people displaced. One woman has died from the typhoon and at least two other people are reported miss-

PHOTO COURTESY OF UAA.

The Alaska Airlines Center.

ing as of Oct. 14. ‌ Displaced residents are staying in the auxiliary gym in the AAC, while sports

games and practices are held in other sections of the building.‌ The Northern Light spoke with UAA Director of Athletics Tanya Pont and discussed the decision to continue hosting sporting events. ‌ Pont said that the university worked with the Red Cross, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the State of Alaska to balance the well-being of displaced residents and student athletics events.‌ Pont said the displaced residents are offered free admissions to sports games

at the AAC.‌ While the displaced residents have been housed in the AAC, Athletics hosted a volleyball “Pack The House” game.

The goal of “Pack The House” games is to bring in a large crowd to support the team. ‌ The contract for the residents staying at the AAC ends on Oct. 31, Pont said. ‌ A press release from the Division of Homeland Security on Oct. 26 stated that residents would be transitioned to noncongregate housing — such as hotels — following the end of the AAC contract.

Student brings communism to UAA

By Murat Demir

copy.editor@thenorthernlight.org

Political science major Sean B.F. Outlier stood outside the UAA Consortium Library on Oct. 23 to speak to the UAA community about communism in Alaska.

Outlier, who said he considers himself the representative of communists in Alaska, held a sign that read, “Communism is the future. Prove me wrong.”

“I had some good conversations,” said Outlier. “I usually was talking to one person at a time, but I had a crowd of four to five people at one point.”

When asked if he was representing an organization, Outlier said, “No, in this point of time, I am representing myself as an individual advocating for communism in Alaska.”

“It is only through the leadership of a communist party that Alaska can achieve a society with no rent, no landlords and

no taxes,” he said.

Outlier said he will continue to appear at the library at 12 p.m. on Thursdays to advocate for communism for Alaska.

It is only through the leadership of a communist party that Alaska can achieve a society with no rent, no landlords and no taxes.

PHOTO BY TITUS STEELE.

Political science student Sean B.F. Outlier poses with signs advocating communism and the abolition of landlords, rent and taxes.

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NEWS

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025

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Photos: Haunted Halloween Fun Night

By Alex Luangasa

cartoons@thenorthernlight.org

Club Council and Student Organization Services hosted the annual Haunted Halloween Fun Night on Oct. 25, an indoor trick-or-treat event open to the com-

munity. The event featured clubs from UAA and organizations who hosted family-friendly games and activities. It was held in the Student Union with a morning

session beginning at 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and an afternoon session from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.

Aurora Dance & Cheer Team members pose with pom-poms.

PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.

MLS club members dress-up as Spongebob and Patrick.

PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.

Children with trowels digging in kinetic sand.

PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.

Halloween decorations by the spine.

PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.

Finance Club members supervise a game.

PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.

Kabayan Club member supervising an activity.

NEWS

03

Displaced Alaskans arrive at Alaska Airlines Center

Alaskan residents displaced by Typhoon Halong seek refuge at the UAA campus

By Nahla White

columnist2@thenorthernlight.org

The University of Alaska Anchorage held its homecoming dance on Oct. 17 at the Student Union. The dance — which was set to take place at the Alaska Airlines Center — was relocated to provide shelter for evacuees displaced by Typhoon Halong. ‌ Since Oct. 11, Western Alaska has experienced a combination of devastating winds and storm surges in wake of the typhoon. A video report from the National Weather Service in Alaska measured the speed of the storm at approximately 100 mph upon hitting the region. ‌ Typhoon Halong was recorded reaching a maximum wind speed of 122 mph before reaching land, which is considered a category four hurricane, according to The Guardian. In the days following the initial storm, wind speeds between 30 to 70 mph are expected, as reported by Alaska Public Media. ‌ Reporting by The Guardian stated that the villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok have been impacted the most, and nearly 2,000 people have been displaced from their homes. While many evacuees were originally flown into Bethel for shelter, facilities quickly reached maximum capacity. ‌ In the main shelter near Bethel’s National Guard armory, it was reported that food supplies there were nearly depleted, according to the Associated Press. ‌ Once the shelter closed, the U.S. Coast Guard and other emergency responders were forced to fly the remaining displaced individuals to Anchorage. ‌ Alaska Public Media reports that an estimated 1,200 are able to reside on the

COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.

Satellite imagery of Typhoon Halong.

UAA campus until they can be relocat-

ed. Displaced individuals are also being

hosted in the Egan Center downtown. ‌ According to the Associated Press, the typhoon brought in more than six feet of water above the normal tide levels for that region. Nearly 120 homes were destroyed in Kipnuk alone, according to the Associated Press.‌ One woman in Kwigillingok — a 67 year-old named Ella Mae Kashatok was found dead. Two other individuals — two men named Chester Kashtok, 41 and Vernon Pavil, 71 — were reported missing.

Although authorities launched search efforts to find them, the search was eventually called off. ‌ The Guardian reported that Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy declared the typhoon as a “major disaster” on Oct. 9 and requested that U.S. President Trump send federal aid to support ongoing rescue efforts. ‌ Additionally, many people have wondered how they can contribute to the rescue efforts. An emailed statement from UAA Interim Chancellor Cheryl Siemers provided organizations that individuals can donate to. ‌ The American Red Cross is working closely with state officials and the tribes that occupy the region hit by the typhoon.‌ The Alaska Community Foundation consists of many local organizations and are working diligently with one another to provide aid to the communities most heavily impacted. The World Central Kitchen is also providing support. ‌ Alongside the typhoon, the issue melted permafrost as it also threatened the security of villages along Alaska’s coast line, according to PBS. Extreme weather events such as Typhoon Halong are a symptom of a larger shift in climate that Alaskans expect to be experiencing for years to come.

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025

04

Wild ice skating is near

By Andrea Burtzel Student Submission

Skating at sunset on a frozen creek, surrounded by sparkling frost and glowing mountains, was an experience I’ll never forget.

With colder temperatures on the way, Alaskans know what’s next: Wild ice skating — a phenomenon where skaters glide across frozen lakes and waterways in the backcountry.‌ Owner of Anchoragebased Ermine Skate, Paxson Woelber, discovered the sport by accident. “I was living in Chicago and stumbled on a video of skaters weaving down a frozen creek through the trees,” he said. “I wasn’t even sure what kind of skates they were on, but it was eye-opening.”‌ At the time, Woelber said he thought of skating

as an indoor activity. That changed when he returned to Alaska in 2014. ‌ “This outdoor skating looked thrilling and intentional,” he said. “It wasn’t something you’d just do by chance; it was the kind of experience you’d seek out.” ‌ After buying his first pair of Nordic skates, Woelber was hooked. That passion eventually led him to start Ermine Skate, which now produces Nordic skates for the growing community of wild ice enthusiasts.‌‌‌ For newcomers, Woelber said half the challenge — and half the fun — is finding good ice. ‌ “You’re generally trying to catch ice after it’s formed but before it gets snowed over,” he said.

With more people taking up the sport, skaters now share reports through Facebook groups like Wild Ice Skating Club of Alaska and NordicSkate-

SouthCentral Alaska.‌ Woelber suggested beginners start on maintained ice before heading into the backcountry.

“Westchester Lagoon in Anchorage is a great place to practice and get your skating legs,” he said.‌ Safety, he added, should never be overlooked. “Carry self-rescue picks around your neck, skate with a partner, and keep a warm change of clothes in a dry bag,” Woelber said. “And wear a helmet. Ice is hard, and falls can happen fast.”‌ Eagle River resident Rachel Dubriwny said one of her most memorable outings was an after-work skate with a friend to a local creek. ‌ “Skating at sunset on a frozen creek, surrounded by sparkling frost and glowing mountains, was an experience I’ll never forget,” she said.‌ Stories like hers are what draw many Alas-

STAFF CONTACTS

Managing Editor // Advertising and Communications Manager Kaitlyn Gaub

(907) 786-1313

editor@thenorthernlight.org‌

managing.editor@thenorthernlight.org admanager@thenorthernlight.org

(907) 786-6195 Copy Editor Murat Demir

copy.editor@thenorthernlight.org

Columnist Tanner Croft

layout@thenorthernlight.org‌

Columnist Nahla White

columnist2@thenorthernlight.org

Multimedia Editor Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.org

Cartoonist Alex Luangasa

cartoons@thenorthernlight.org

Media Adviser Paola Banchero

kans to wild ice skating each winter — the chance to pair adventure with the magic of frozen landscapes.‌ Dubriwny said anyone can try wild ice skating, as long as they are willing to accept some risk. ‌ “Think ice skating in a mall, which has very low risk, compared to skating across a hundred-foot lake

that’s fed by a glacier,” she said. “Safety aside, though, I think it’s a very accessible sport with relatively low costs, really just requiring some balance and a little determination.”‌ Woelber said Ermine Skate has made it a priority to give back to the community. The company has donated skates to many local groups. It has

also partnered with the Food Bank of Alaska during Black Friday sales to help provide thousands of meals.‌ More information on Ermine Nordic skates is available on their website, and you can find them in Anchorage at AMH and the Hoarding Marmot, which also offers rentals.

Administrative Adviser Cheryl Devenny

The Northern Light is a proud member of the Associated Collegiate Press.

The Northern Light is a monthly UAA publication funded by student fees and advertising sales. The editors and writers of The Northern Light are solely responsible for its contents. Circulation is 1,500. The University of Alaska Anchorage provides equal education and employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, Vietnam-era or disabledveteran status, physical or mental disability, changes in marital status, pregnancy or parenthood. The views expressed in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views of UAA or the Northern Light.­­­

N OT I C E O F N O N D I S C R I M I N AT I O N

columnist1@thenorthernlight.org

Layout and Web Editor Anja Burnett

Wild ice skating at Rabbit Lake in Anchorage, Alaska.

A S S O C I AT E D CO L L E G I AT E P R ES S

3211 Providence Drive Student Union 113 Anchorage, AK 99508‌

Executive Editor Hannah Dillon

PHOTO BY ANDREA BURTZEL.

Fiscal Technician Micah Perino

The University of Alaska is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educational institution. The University of Alaska does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, parenthood, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, or other legally protected status. The University’s commitment to nondiscrimination, including against sex discrimination, applies to students, employees, and applicants for admission and employment.

Contact information, applicable laws, and complaint procedures are included on UA’s statement of nondiscrimination available at www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.

L E T T E RS A N D CO R R E C T I O N S P O L I C Y The Northern Light encourages readers to express their views in the newspaper. The Northern Light reserves the right to reject or publish any submission, online or in print.

Letters to the editor can be submitted to editor@thenorthernlight.org. The maximum length for a letter to the editor is 300 words, and 150 words for letters specifically endorsing candidates for federal, local, or university office. A letter to the editor is written by someone who does not have authoritative knowledge on the subject they are discussing. Contributors are restricted to one published letter to the editor per month.

Opinion pieces can be submitted to editor@thenorthernlight.org. The maximum length for a contributor’s opinion piece is 500 words. Contributors are restricted to one published opinion piece per month. Opinion pieces written by staff of The Northern Light are limited to 1,000 words.

An opinion piece that is published in The Northern Light should be written by someone who has authoritative knowledge on the subject they are discussing.

Letters and opinion pieces are subject to editing for grammar, accuracy, length and clarity. All letters and opinion pieces must include names, major and/or group affiliation and contact information for verification purposes. The Northern Light will not publish anonymous letters or pseudonyms.

Requests for corrections can be sent to editor@thenorthernlight.org. Print publication is subject to accuracy and available space. All corrections are posted online with the original story at www. thenorthernlight.org. The deadline for submissions is the Friday before publication at noon, no exceptions.

The Northern Light newsroom is located on the first floor of the Student Union Room 113.

FEATURES

Photos: The pets of TNL

By Anja Burnett

layout@thenorthernlight.org

Have you ever wondered about the lives of student journalists?

There’s no better way than

learning about the pets that wait for us after a long day of school and work, sit by us while we work on

05

stories, and read the newspaper with us. These are the pets of TNL.

PHOTO BY HANNAH DILLON.

PHOTO BY HANNAH DILLON.

Dubbed TNL’s “fattest hog” by TNL staff, is Executive Editor Hannah Dillon’s Hedgehog, Tippy Toes.

Dillon’s second pet, Boofy, is a smiley boy who sits for the camera as they embark on a road trip.

PHOTO BY HANNAH DILLON.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY ANJA BURNETT.

Dillon’s third pet, Wiggles, shows off her belly in an attempt to get pets.

Freya and Sjofn snuggle next to each other as they keep our multimedia editor, Justin Cox, company as he unwinds from the day.

Our layout editor, Anja Burnett’s cat Sully, curiously stares into the camera.

PHOTO BY SCOTT HOBBS.

PHOTO BY KAITLYN GAUB.

PHOTO BY BAILEY DEMIR.

The sun shines on our former columnist editor, Scott Hobbs’ feline companion, Catniss.

Jip, a certified void, looks off in the distance. He is named after a dog in a Golden Book, “A Day on the Farm” by Nancy Fielding Hulick.

Tofu, belonging to our copy editor, Murat Demir, poses in front of an assortment of books.

PHOTO BY NAHLA WHITE.

Nahla White, our columnist, shares her dog Chewbaca. He turns 4 in January and is very smart and affectionate, but is a troublemaker!

PHOTO BY KAITLYN GAUB.

Our managing editor, Kaitlyn Gaub, shares The Northern Light newspaper with her cat, Jip.

FEATURES

06

Photos: UAA hosts annual STEM Day

By Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.org

UAA hosted the STEM

Day — Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics — on Nov. 1 to promote programs on campus and in the wider

community. Various UAA departments, clubs and outside organizations set up tables for the public to interact with.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

A variety of skull replicas on display at the anthropology department table.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Dr. Katherine Rawlins from the physics and astronomy department throws a bucket of liquid nitrogen for a demonstration.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

The liquid nitrogen expands and cools the air.

Visitors play with the topographic display.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Visitors look at the chemistry department’s display table.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

The liquid nitrogen leaves a thick cloud that slowly dissipates in the cool morning air.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Dr. Ryan Harrod from the anthropology department speaks with visitors.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Visitors utilize a bicycle to power light bulbs.

SPORTS

07

Photos: Nanooks dominate Seawolves

By Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.org

Despite the Seawolves strong start against the Nanooks on Oct. 31, they

lost 3-1. The Seawolves took an early lead in the first set and held the Nanooks at bay, ending the set 25-17. The Nanooks rallied back in the second set, taking an early and

daunting lead, scoring 10 unanswered points. ‌ While the Seawolves managed to close the gap, they failed to overtake Fairbanks, ending the sec-

ond set 25-19. The Seawolves managed to keep sets 3 and 4 closer, but ultimately were unable to overcome Fairbanks. This leaves the Seawolves 17-5 overall and 8-4 in GNAC

play.‌ After the match, the Seawolves took time to meet fans, sign autographs and hand out candy. The Seawolves next compete at

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Galloway dives for the ball.

the Alaska Airlines Center on Nov. 6 against Simon Frasier and then on Nov. 8 against Western Washington. The Nov. 8 date will also be alumni night.‌

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Lee Ivakina makes an attack.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

A fan in a halloween costume dances during the guitar cam.

Madison Galloway throws a ball to fans in the stands.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

The Seawolves sign autographs, meet fans and hand out candy after the match.

Cynphany Henderson from the Nanooks makes the first serve of the night.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Spirit hands a pizza to fans during a time-out.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

The Seawolves play leap frog while a call is being challenged and reviewed.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

The Nanooks dance while awaiting the results of the challenged play.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Spirit hands out T-shirts to costumed fans.

SPORTS

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Photos: Seawolves defeat Nighthawks

By Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.org

The Seawolves defeated the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks 3-1 during Pack the House event on Oct. 18. After losing

the first set 25-20, the Seawolves rallied back winning the next three sets, leaving the Seawolves 6-3 in the GNAC and 15-4 overall for the season. Tia Allen led the way with 14 kills, with backup from Lee Ivakina’s 12 kills,

while Madison Gallow kept up the defense with 23 digs. The Seawolves hit the road for their next two games then return home to the Alaska Airlines Center on Oct. 31 to face off against UAF.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Members of the Seawolves and Field team came out in green and gold body paint to support the volleyball team.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Fans clap and cheer for the Seawolves.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Bella Burney runs to the sidelines to toss fans a souvenir ball.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Trinity Byrne attack.

makes

an

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

UAA strategizes during a timeout.

Photos: Seawolves host open gym

By Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.org

As part of the homecoming week activities,

the Seawolves gymnastics team opened its gym to students to try its equipment on Oct. 15. Students came out to try the training equipment and test out

their skills on the vault, balance beam, uneven bars and floor exercise, with members of the team there to demonstrate how to use the equipment.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

A student performs a flip while dismounting the balance beam.

A student tries out the floor exercise mat.

A student performs on the balance beam.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Students try out the uneven bars and perform a spin

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Jamilia Duffus demonstrates how to use the uneven bars during the open gym.

A student successfully jumps between the uneven bars.

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09 LEARNING COMMONS AD.

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OPINION 11 What is going on in the NFL? THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025

The season is almost halfway over, and nothing makes sense so far

By Scott Hobbs

columnist.editor@thenorthernlight.org

Every year, the NFL has a surprise or two up its sleeve. A team that looked like a sure bet to win it all during the preseason will get decimated with injuries — or, out of nowhere, a team will go from bottom of the league to playoff contender.‌ This year, it feels like the league has turned upside down. ‌ If you told any NFL fan two years ago that Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco, at the combined age of 81 would play each other in 2025, they would be skeptical. If you told fans that Rodgers would be the quarterback for the Steelers and Flacco would be the third starting quarterback for the Bengals this year, their heads would explode.‌ So far this year, multiple teams have been decimated by injuries, yet it only seems to be negatively affecting the Baltimore Ravens. Sitting at 1-5, Bal-

timore looks completely lost with its roster missing many key pieces due to injury. ‌ Meanwhile, the Buccaneers and 49ers are atop their respective divisions despite their many injuries. In particular, Baker Mayfield has led the Bucs to the top spot in the NFC despite losing multiple offensive linemen, his starting running back and his starting wide receivers over the course of six weeks.‌ If Mayfield continues to play at this level with the lack of depth his team is stuck with due to injury, there will be no one more deserving of MVP at the end of the season.‌ Beyond teams overperforming despite their injuries, some teams have flatout overperformed.‌ No one took the Indianapolis Colts seriously heading into this year — myself included. Who seriously thought that Daniel Jones would play serviceable football? Now, six weeks in, Jones looks like a completely different

PHOTO TAKEN BY CHRIS SZAGOLA, COURTESY OF AP.

Another factor making this season odd is the high rate of blocked kicks that have occurred so far.

player following his mediocre stint with the Giants.‌ The Steelers are also playing above where many people expected them to so far. Fans were unsure if Aaron Rodgers would be able to run an offense that didn’t feature much receiving talent. ‌ With a weaker division this year, they look to cap off a solid start to the season with just enough wins to preserve head coach

Mike Tomlin’s consecutive winning season record.‌ The Patriots also are wildly outperforming what many had predicted for their season. While I am eternally pessimistic about whether this team can maintain its brief windows of success, surprisingly, it may be able to fend off the Bills from the top spot in their division if it continues to play this

well.‌ Alternatively, the Bills are one of many teams that are on shaky ground and trending toward underperforming. Two straight losses heading into their bye week bring serious concerns about whether this supposedly dominant unit was really beating up on weaker teams to start the year off.‌ The Chiefs’ unexpected start to the season has

been talked to death, but it’s unlikely they will continue to lose games at the rate they have.

Expect them to start putting together wins and somehow finish the regular season atop their division. ‌ Despite appearing to have fallen from grace after three straight Super Bowl appearances, you can never count them out until the playoffs are set and they’re not in them.‌ The Eagles, who also played in the Super Bowl last year — and dominantly won — are also starting to show signs of possible collapse. The team has lost two games straight at the time of writing, with its second loss being a demoralizing beatdown at the hands of the lowly Giants. ‌ Playing one good half of football isn’t enough to win in this league, and if the Eagles want to start winning games again, they need to figure out how to play a full 60 minutes.

OPINION

12

Loss of SAMHSA employees

By Edmond Arroyo Student Submission

World Mental Health Day passed on Oct. 10, and working in the mental health industry myself, it angers me to see the loss of more than 100 employees from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — or SAMHSA. ‌ People with addiction are still people and deserve to be treated with as much effort as everybody else. ‌ For the past five months, I have been completing an internship at a substance use treatment center. ‌ In those five months, I have worked with approximately 7080 individuals seeking treatment on various levels. ‌ If I have learned anything, it is that they all need help in ways we can’t imagine, especially if we have never been impacted by addiction ourselves. ‌ Addiction can impact anyone, and we may never even know if someone is struggling. ‌ For many, it takes hitting rock bottom and seeking help more than a multitude of times before they can successfully recover from addiction. There are many who do not recover, and there are many who don’t even make it to treatment. ‌ How can we claim to be loving, caring, compassionate people when those who need us most, who can be anyone from a brother, sister, mother, father,

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA.

SAMHSA building entrance.

grandchild, grandparent, friend, neighbor, coworker, etc., are the ones we ignore? ‌ Research shows that addiction is a disease, one that alters brain chemistry in ways that leave those struggling with addiction with an inability to make different choices than the ones they do. ‌ Most people suffering from addiction can’t simply stop on their own. ‌ Just like many mental illnesses, there is a lot of stigma around addiction. Many clients I have worked with state that all they want is a chance to prove that

they can do it; they just need a chance. ‌ How many of us have made mistakes, errors, or decisions with consequences that have led us to feel the same way? ‌ We are no better as we all struggle with our own difficulties. Taking away resources cannot be the solution.‌ Using a government shutdown to push agendas the way things have been is not just ridiculous, but downright disgusting.‌ I don’t care what side of the political spectrum you fall on, if you agree with the idea that the shutdown can be used to push an

agenda, you should reevaluate yourself. Do people need to lose their jobs over this? ‌ The decision to fire people isn’t in the hands of whatever political party; it’s being chosen by the Trump administration as a tactic to force a particular agenda. ‌ The party system in the U.S. is a joke. ‌ Everyone deserves to be represented, but at the end of the day, we are all humans. We all need each other, and a part of life is learning to cooperate and compromise with each other. ‌ Does it really matter that someone believes something

different as long as it’s not harmful to others? Does it really matter if people disagree religiously, morally, or socially? No. ‌ What matters is working for the betterment of everyone.‌ For those who think the US is the greatest country and people should think themselves lucky, blessed or grateful to live here — wake up and realize there’s still more work to do. ‌ This includes inner reflection. ‌ If you think, “whoever doesn’t like it can just leave,” you are part of the problem.‌

UA Board of Regents unknowingly establishes new DEI standards

By Dale Munger

Op-Ed Student Submission

How long are Alaskans going to let Gov. Mike “I eat ketchup on halibut” Dunleavy continue to destroy the education systems of Alaska?

Dunleavy has supposedly served Alaska since 2013, and the state’s education systems are proof.

First, Dunleavy set out to destroy K-12; now, our state consistently ranks near the bottom for most education metrics.

Our students and state have been defunded to the point of mass exodus. Alaska has had a net out-migration since 2013.

I’m not saying it was Dunleavy, but is there really a coincidence here?

As far as the University of Alaska is concerned, Dunleavy has pushed similar cuts like attempting to defund Alaska’s medical school while his state faces a shortage of health care providers.

Although Dunleavy later “changed his mind,” he still cut more than $130 million from the university. Enter the Board of

Regents.

In February, the Board of Regents, known as BOR, voted 9 to 1 to purge its website and school of anything related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, in response to President Trump’s executive order.

It should be noted that an executive order is not law. According to the whitehouse official website, “This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law…”

What did the UA system gain with that vote? Nothing, except the betrayal of its students and an attack on free speech.

However, to reassure Alaskans, Ralph Seekins — a former car salesman turned education expert — made the dubious claim that UA is, “maintaining a welcoming environment and honoring Alaska Native heritage and cultures.”

Then, the Trump administration cut $50 million in funding to Alaska Native programs for our school.

This originates from the same administration the BOR so eagerly kowtowed to — the

same administration that revoked student visas.

And remember, this is on top of the $130 million that Dunleavy already cut.

Now, despite Seekins’ pledge, the BOR will soon vote on removing Affirmative Action as well.

How do you think that vote will go? I’ll give you a hint. Every BOR member is a Dunleavy appointee who serves eight years.

Take Seth Church for instance — one of Dunleavy’s latest appointees with no college degree.

How exactly is he qualified to make decisions about college education? Maybe the BOR are the DEI hires — if DEI meant “Didn’t Earn It.” Maybe making decisions about education just requires you to make large campaign donations and own a red hat.

Dunleavy has had more than 12 years in political office. Yet he points to Alaska’s failing education systems as if he weren’t the one that caused it.

If he hasn’t fixed education by now, then he never will.

So why are we allowing him

to continue dictating UA policy years after he leaves office with

change and stop the politicization of our education system.

GRAPHIC CREATED BY DALE MUNGER.

DEI BOR appointees?

It’s time for the students, staff and faculty of UA to demand

Dunleavy and his BOR do not represent us. They must go. ‌