November 15, 2016

Page 1

NOVEMBER 8 - NOVEMBER 15, 2016

NEWS

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

A&E

PAGE 7

Students and community members protest end of election results

PAGE 13

Sarah Davies’ project sends a powerful message

Share some bud with your buds

Pot Luck Events welcomes individuals looking to be apart of the cannabis community By Brenda Craig

features@thenorthernlight.org

Usually when marijuana is mentioned, the thought of the average stoner kid smoking out of a bong in their parent’s basement comes to mind. There is no doubt that this is taking place, but it makes up a small portion of individuals that partake in this activity. Alaska was the third state to legalize marijuana for recreational use in the US and more states are gradually following in the same footsteps. Weed is shown to not only be for those stoner kids, but for a diverse range of people that make up the community. This community of medical or recreational users of marijuana in Alaska have a safe place to get together and socialize at Pot Luck Events. Nothing against the average stoner, in fact, any enthusiast of weed over the age of 21 is encouraged to join Pot Luck Events, ironically located on 420 W 3rd Ave. Pot Luck Events has been open for almost two years now and have been making positive progress for the marijuana community in Alaska. This club not only provides a safe place for members to legally consume their own products, but also organize many events for their members to participate in. Some events that take place are comedy shows, spoken word, movie night, Higher Yoga and anything else that can be done, while also involving weed. They also have a “bar” like setting for mixed drinks like coffees, Italian sodas, waters and Capri Suns, along with snacks like chips, ice cream bars and all the best munchies. To make it even better, they have free candy dispensaries for members.

SEE BUD

PAGE 10

PHOTO BY YOUNG KIM

Lee Haywood, cannabis emissary, standing behind the dab bar.

RED ZONE: Alaska labeled ‘The rape capital of America’

By Alexis Abbott

news2@thenorthernlight.org

Domestic violence has been a prominent issue in the state of Alaska for decades, which has lead to reports of sexual assault that have become the highest in the nation. The high number of cases has resulted in the Alaskan rape rate tallying three times the national average.

facebook.com/northernlightuaa

Rape is a form of sexual assault that is repeatedly committed, but often goes unreported. It is a criminal offense that includes any act of non-consensual sexual penetration. Most states define rape as forceful sexual relations with a person against that person’s will. Alaska has been named “the rape capital of America” — and that is a disturbing label. With nearly 80 reported rapes per 100,000 people according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), there is need for some significant change in the state. Alaska’s reputation for high reports of rape does not even begin to show how severe the crime is in the state, considering many cases go unreported. Reports of sexual assault take place all over the state, but rural Alaska is a very prevalent place that rape is frequently reported. In this part of Alaska, it is difficult for law enforcement to get to victims in a timely manner. More statistics from NCADV show that Alaskan Natives make up nearly 61 percent of rape victims in the state, and one in three Alaskan Native women

@tnl_updates

admit to being a victim of rape in her lifetime. These women in rural Alaska are statistically 2 1-2 times more likely to be sexually assaulted than women of other races. Nearly 59 percent of adult women in Alaska experience some sort of sexual assault in their lifetime, while almost 30 percent of Alaskans are not able to reach the authorities or victim services due to where they live. Alaska also has the highest homicide rate for female victims killed by a male perpetrator in the nation. Kerry Frank, a UAA biology student who grew up in Minto, Alaska — a small rural community on the interior — admitted no matter where you live, it is essential to know who you are surrounding yourself with. “I think Alaska’s rape rate is so high because of the alcoholism among Alaskans,” Frank said. “I actually do feel comfortable living in a rural community, and as a female, I just can’t say I feel any safer in Anchorage.” Not enough of these occurrences are reported, and only 29 percent of these cases result in arrest. In many instances, victims are not taken seriously enough which often results in victim-blaming

@tnl_updates

and sufferers not reporting their sexual assault in fear that their situation will not be considered severe, or that they will be blamed for the crime. In many rape cases, question of the victim’s behavior, what he or she was wearing, whether alcohol was involved or where the attack took place comes to surface. The problem is not whether the victim was fully-clothed or completely sober, it is that the perpetrator committed an illicit crime when they chose to sexually assault another being. Standing Together Against Rape is a local crisis center that advocates, prevents and educates Alaskans on the local rape epidemic. STAR trains and educates students across the community and the state on sexual assault awareness. Laura, the direct services manager at STAR acknowledges Alaska’s domestic violence issue and supports the intention of local instruction throughout schools and communities. “I think it’s hard to point out why exactly Alaska’s rape rate is so high, it’s hard because if we knew why people

thenorthernlight.org

SEE RAPE

PAGE 2

youtube.com/tnlnews


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.