1-26-18

The Pitt News

The independent student newspaper of the University of Pittsburgh | PIttnews.com | January 26, 2018 | Volume 108 | Issue 98

Students ousted after racist meme controversy

PITT CELEBRATES SURVIVORS WITH PINK THE PETE

John Hamilton and Mackenzie Rodrigues The Pitt News Staff

After members of two conservativeleaning campus groups were exposed for sharing racist memes, both the Pitt College Republicans and Polis media released separate statements claiming these members’ actions were not associated with their organization.

The Twitter account Racists @ Pitt started sharing screenshots from a GroupMe chat titled “The Meme Stash to End All Meme Stashes” Wednesday.

The anonymous account’s thread — which gathered more than 85 retweets and almost 200 likes by Thursday night — prompted Polis Media and College Republicans to respond.

It is unknown who created the GroupMe chat, but it contained four members of Pitt College Republicans and three contributors to the student media website Polis Media, the groups confirmed. Polis’ Twitter and website went offline Thursday night.

Pitt College Republicans condemned the group chat in a statement on Twitter See Memes on page 12

Breast cancer survivors stand together at 2017’s Pink the Pete game.

Anna Bongardino SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER for the last 11 years — generally in late January or early February — and frequently draws the largest crowd of the Pitt women’s basketball will play in a women’s basketball season. Attendance tough matchup against No. 18 Duke this usually averages about 4,000 to 4,200, Sunday, but unlike a normal game, the turning the Petersen Events Center focus will be on something much bigger crowd from its usual blue and gold hue than the sport. to a pink one.

The game coincides with Pink the Pe“You know, it’s just uplifting,” junior tersen, an event that focuses on breast center Kalista Walters, who is playing in cancer awareness by recognizing and her third Pink the Pete game with the honoring survivors and their families.

Panthers, said. “The atmosphere is great, Pink the Pete has been held annually

Dominic Campbell Staff Writer

they’re always loud and very supportive of us. I think we connect with them because we are also women so it’s a big impact.”

Redshirt junior Yacine Diop said the event carries an impact even for those who don’t have a connection to the disease.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Diop said.

“Personally I don’t have any family member who has breast cancer, but I feel like See Pink on page 10

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News

EU roundtable pittnews.com

Digital Pitt News archives: Now available through the University Library System http://documenting.library.pitt.edu/collection/pitt-news

Pitt releases PITT OPTIMIZES SPACES FOR MASTER PLAN details on Sigma Chi Sophia Mastroianni For The Pitt News

John Hamilton Managing Editor

After a week of sparse details about an incident that left a student hospitalized, Pitt released a statement Thursday with some information about the Sigma Chi alcohol incident.

At a Sigma Chi function last Thursday, a student was taken to a hospital by his friends after drinking “excessive amounts of alcohol,” a statement from spokesperson Joe Miksch said. The student is now safe.

The event, which was held off campus, occurred during recruitment activities, which are expected to be alcohol-free, Miksch said.

Pitt is continuing to investigate the incident with Pitt Police and the Office of Student Conduct. The University is “still working to gather the basic details about what occurred prior to the student’s hospitalization,” Miksch said.

In the statement, Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner said he was “proud” the students sought medical help for their friend.

“We want our community to embrace bystander intervention and act courageously when needed,” he said.

As a result of the incident, Bonner placed all of Greek life on “modified social probation,” banning them from serving alcohol at their events.

Pitt’s Greek organizations are working to develop an “action plan” to prevent future “serious incidents.”

When approached for an interview after Wednesday’s Senate Council meeting to discuss the specifics of what this action plan might look like, a Pitt spokesperson said Bonner didn’t have time. Pitt didn’t respond to specific questions sent Wednesday afternoon about the action plan.

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Pitt’s unconventional hills, sidewalks and parks are what separate the University’s aesthetic from others, Ayers Saint Gross architecture and planning principal Kevin Petersen said.

“We want to address the quality, quantity and management of space,” Petersen said.

Ayers Saint Gross and Pitt’s Department of Planning and Design hosted three presentations regarding Pitt’s master plan for architectural development. The plan began during the summer of 2017 in the hopes of improving what campus will look like in the next 30 years.

Approximately 150 Pitt faculty, staff and community members attended the three meetings held at the University Club this week. Pitt faculty and staff attended the Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning meetings, while Oakland residents attended a Wednesday evening meeting. Student Government Board will hold a similar presentation on the campus developments for students at their next meeting Tuesday, Jan. 30.

The first presentation allowed various Pitt faculty and staff to determine their perspective on the current phase of development goals. The second presentation attracted various non-Pitt community members — including Erika Strassburger, chief of staff for District 8 and a current candidate for its council seat. The third presentation followed the same structure as the first.

Although still in its infancy, the master plan is set to enhance Pitt’s urban setting with improved student housing, transportation, athletics and utility infrastructure, according to Petersen.

Owen Cooks, assistant vice chancellor for planning and design, said the master plan can make aspects of Pitt’s campus more sustainable and accessible to stu-

dents and faculty.

“It’s not just about new buildings, but also it’s about sustainability, accessibility and challenges around the topography,” Cooks said. “This has so far been a yearlong endeavor, and it’s the first comprehensive plan in 50 years.”

During the late summer and early fall of 2017, Ayers Saint Gross and Pitt’s Department of Planning & Design held listening sessions and analytical discussions about specific ways to grow and change the campus. They also had conversations with potential stakeholders to

ed from focus groups that there is still room for improvement. Complaints included the high-speed traffic of Forbes Avenue, accompanied by a lack of sidewalk space paralleling the road.

At the evening community meeting, Oakland residents wanted more neighborhood involvement for issues pertaining to student housing.

Norman Cleary, a North Oakland resident, expressed concerns regarding student housing that exists in neighborhoods that extend further from the campus.

Ron Leibow, an employee of Pitt’s Office of Facilities Management, watches on as architect Adam Gross (right) views the campus master plan on his laptop. Christian Snyder ONLINE VISUAL EDITOR address Pitt’s landscape.

“The topography here is seen as a barrier, talked about as a barrier, but we think it’s an asset,” Petersen said, “Space was the main focus, and people thought space was key to improving experiences on campus.”

Although there have been some positive responses to certain uses of campus space — including walkability, green space, laboratory research facilities and recreation facilities — the firm conclud-

January 26, 2018

“We are concerned about the resident compatibility that the University intends to incorporate into this plan,” he said in response to Petersen’s presentation.

“More on-campus housing is desirable [for residents] because it reduces pressure of off-campus housing.”

Students are attracted to the affordability of existing off-campus housing, according to Eli Shorak, vice chancellor for business and real estate at Pitt.

See Master Plan on page 13

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SGB FALL SEMESTER ROUNDUP Madeline Gavatorta Staff Writer

During the spring 2017 Student Government Board election season, candidate and then-Vice President Max Kneis called for transparency and higher outreach on the board.

One year later, the 2017-2018 Student Government Board, headed by nowPresident Kneis, has made that a priority.

“I think you see that, even if it’s just regular students coming up to board members or committee chairs on a more regular basis, giving feedback,” Kneis said. “Not necessarily showing up to a public meeting but sending an email or sending a text to someone that we talked to about as a board during planning session.”

SGB is comprised of nine elected positions — one president, three vice presidents and five board members — plus 30 appointed positions in various committees. As a governing body, it is able to pass bills pertaining to changes in the internal structure of SGB and resolutions urging the University to take a stance or action on an issue. The only direct power SGB has on the student body is the ability to delegate allocations — funded by the $80 activity fee paid by each student each semester — to clubs and groups based on the allocations rules.

Kneis ran his election campaign for SGB president focusing on an increase in student input and voice, advocating for longer winter breaks and increased student representation on the Board of Trustees and hiring committees.

Kneis said student involvement has improved, with SGB increasing the number of open floors during its public meetings from two to three and having a larger social media presence. SGB has also succeeded in placing students on hiring committees, including the search com-

“

The 2017-2018 Student Government Board, headed by President Max Kneis, Executive President Zuri Kent-Smith, Vice President Maddie Guido and Vice President Krishani Patel (from left), have put an emphasis on transparency and student outreach this year. Thomas Yang VISUAL EDITOR needs of students from different cultural groups, better accommodations for students with disabilities and a direct vessel for student grievances and concerns.

Kent-Smith was successful in creating cultural counseling sessions — he formed the Panthers of Color, an organization where African-American students meet weekly to speak about their problems, both related to race and not. In terms of students with disabilities, Kent-Smith said he is working with the University on the campus master plan to make sure ramps are added to new buildings constructed — although he was not able to make any changes on existing ones.

“I haven’t been able to do much with that one just because we do have limited -Maddie Guido space with what we can do,” Kent-Smith said.

Vice President and Chief of Finance demic calendar,” Kneis said. “The Uni- Maddie Guido and Vice President and versity administrators were talking about Chief of Cabinet Krish Patel — both poit throughout the spring. I think our sitions appointed by the SGB President campaign certainly brought light to the — had some difficulty implementing many things they campaigned for, which issue.” is something members across the SGB Vice Presidents The Executive Vice President for board experienced.

“I think there are still a lot of things 2017-18, Zuri Kent-Smith, ran his campaign advocating for “cultural counsel- I need to take on initiative-wise, but I ing sessions” tailored to meet the specific also think I got a lot of different ideas I mittee for the new provost and committees involved with the Board of Trustees, although not the board itself yet. Pitt also extended winter break this year, though not because of SGB. “I did not personally change our aca-

I had to realize that success isn’t just me doing things and taking credit for them.

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January 26, 2018

didn’t think of and stuff accomplished,” Patel said.

Patel’s campaign included a pre-health sciences website, a reading period before finals, better advising for students, an Environmental Awareness Week and more free class resources. Guido pushed for a mentorship program, destigmatizing sexual reproduction issues, a better allocations process and a biology minor.

Guido had trouble establishing a bio minor because it demanded too many resources from the department, including extra staff and funding. Patel said she had to hold off on pushing for a reading period to avoid changing Pitt’s academic calendar this year again. They found some initiatives were better included in another project or delegated to someone else. Patel plans to work Environmental Awareness Week inside of the spring Sustainability Week, and Guido is working with Allocations Chair Cory Stillman on making an all-inclusive guide for funding to give to allocations.

“I was involved with making sure things were seen through, but I had to realize that success isn’t just me doing things and taking credit for them and completing them,” Guido said. “It’s about overall improving what we can improve and getting done what we want to get done.”

Board Members Board members Ciara Barry, Nihita Manem, Ian Callahan, Ami Fall and Alex Spenceley have all been working on their own initiatives as well.

In terms of mental health, Fall, Spenceley and Barry, while campaigning on other issues, have made this a top priority. Fall and Spenceley were behind Mental Health Awareness Month and Fall, along with Barry, has been planning Women’s Empowerment Week.

“We need to have intersectional mental health counseling,” Fall said. “From race, ethnicity, class, like those kinds of things and how it’s important to look at it from a diverse perspective and not to just focus on one monolithic idea of, like, what mental health should be or can be.”

See SGB on page 5

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SGB, pg. 4 Callahan has been working on the spring Safety and Wellness Fair, one part of his initiative to increase safety awareness. The upcoming event follows the one that took place in fall 2017 and gathered over 150 attendees.

“Hopefully people can walk in and pick up something new and allow them to be safer in their daily life,” Callahan said.

Resolutions and Bills This year’s two bills have covered

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technical changes or definitions within the board — one changing the language in the Student Government Board Governing Code to be more gender neutral and another defining the relationship between SGB and the Student Office of Sustainability director. But their resolutions focused on political issues that rocked local and national headlines.

SGB passed a resolution in September calling on Pitt and lawmakers to protect DACA recipients. And during the Pennsylvania state budget impasse, SGB urged the State House to pass a budget plan so student tuition didn’t go up.

Another resolution SGB passed in November urged the Pennsylvania State Senate to name Senate Bill 196’s ‘Alina’s Law’ in honor of Alina Sheykhet, a Pitt student murdered in her home in October.

The most recent resolution, passed in mid-January, urges the University to adopt open educational resources — classroom materials published under open license — meaning these materials will be available for free online and may be modified and shared. SGB will be working with the University Senate Council on achieving this resolution.

January 26, 2018

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Opinions

The Pitt News Opinions is branching into new territory this semester with creative Fridays. This week, two columnists share some poetry.

Poems by Maggie Koontz Columnist

Phipps Conservatory

Thomas Yang VISUAL EDITOR

My lover is like a cactus. His prickly spines deter others. He lives in the dry desert room, surrounded by sand, under the hot sun. I wish I could visit him, but I am planted in a different room.

I am a daisy in a garden, held captive in a conservatory, in humid tasteless air, surrounded by other flowers. The petals of the other flowers are pretty. Lovely lilac, pastel pink, rich red and I am white. My lover sends birds to talk to me through the glass windows. He tells me he is tall and can cast a long shadow during the day. My lover says his spines are long, he is the greenest, he can store the most water. He can provide for me. I say I am delicate and I need the protection he offers. I don’t want to be with the flowers anymore. They exclude me — say I am not pretty, say I am not a flower, say I am colorless. One day, I extract my roots and tiptoe to the desert room. The doors slide open. It is hot, it is bright. I squint my eyes against the glare. Standing tall in the middle of the room is my lover. He is more handsome than I thought. I trudge slowly through the sand, leaving lines, until I reach him. I am hot, I am losing water, I am tired. He cannot move, I cannot see his face, but he says sweet things and I stand next to him in his shadow. We never touch, his spines are sharp, but I am content to be near him, not too close. The night is cool, but by noon, I have wilted. My lover remains.

RIP Merriam-Webster Our dusty dictionary sits unused on the bottom shelf of the five-level mahogany bookcase.

Once important for teaching us children the words we didn’t know yet, it filled our dirty hands, as we put pencil smudges on the page, but now we’ve got the internet.

Mom bought it brand-new from Barnes and Noble when I was in the 2nd grade because Ms. Cooper gave us a list of words to define for homework.

I’d pour over the dictionary, eager to learn what words the Q section held and if I could even spell them.

Now the dictionary contemplates its dim future.

Will it be taken to a secondhand shop or will my family just skip that step entirely and throw it in the trash?

Sometimes it gets jealous because my hand comes so close to brushing that worn red spine, but instead settles on a yellow book next to it called 501 German Verbs.

How inconsiderate.

Thomas Yang VISUAL EDITOR

The Pitt News is actively looking for creative writers. If you’re interesting in publishing poems or other creative content, email opinions@pittnews.com pittnews.com

January 26, 2018

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JANUARY 23-24 Poem byAlexis Buncich For The Pitt News

In winter, knee-length parkas are the only trend.

Visions of beaches dance in our heads while we’re stuck sitting in ski dens.

And every little headache is building up, exactly like the snow.

The coldness freezes problems in place, disabling ways to grow.

In spring, we walk to class in miniskirts; we’ve got our books in hand.

Everything seems swell outside, the weather at our command.

Runners jogging in the park, the warmth remains when it turns dark, and every decision appears to be a complete, brandnew start.

In spring, the little things matter more; the birds don’t seem to fly, they soar.

In spring, the big things matter less — all things just change, even our dress.

In spring, life itself appears a breeze, your problems just a tiny sneeze.

In spring, everything is arbitrary — only elections are primary.

In winter, the cold comes rushing in, reminiscent of chaos and sin.

In winter, white envelopes us, and four o’clock’s already dusk.

In winter, the weight of the world rests upon our backs — sorrow lets our motives slack.

In winter, our biggest want is sleep; inspiration does not go too deep.

The transition between spring and winter is a funny thing, with allergies, and bees and flowers, children racing toward the swings.

Rolled up jeans, sunglasses and umbrellas all form an awkward phase, and when asked what time of year it is, we don’t know the right phrase.

Elise Lavallee LAYOUT EDITOR

The change is a bizarre bend from hard work to play, but the strangest thing of all?

Sometimes it only lasts a day.

Comic by Daniel Spack | Staff Cartoonist pittnews.com

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The organizers try to make Pink the introductions last year. The team plans the game.

Attendees will be offered more than Pete as much about the survivors as pos- do this again this year and every year gojust the normal basketball game experi- sible, which includes involving families ing forward. it touches all women [and] girls, who It is a scene that both players and the ence, with additional events including and loved ones. have it or not.”

“Probably the most important thing, athletic department agreed is now an inpre-game activities like face painting, While it’s only a one-day event, the inflatables and airbrush artists. There when you look at this, is our recognition tegral part of Pink the Pete. planning process is extensive and takes “It’s just really touching when you will also be a chance for fans to get auup most of the year. Jennifer Tuscano, start and have one of the breast cancer tographs from the players and staff after who worked in academic support in the survivors walk out with you,” Walters the game.

Pitt athletic department for 10 years besaid. “That’s the main thing, because it’s The Panthers also wear their pink unifore working the last three as associate personal contact, and you get to hear athletic director, has spent months planabout their story, and like I said before ning the event. it’s very inspiring.”

“It’s a team effort,” Tuscano said. “We According to the Susan G. Komen all meet on a weekly basis and we’ve been Foundation’s official website, the orplanning Pink the Pete ever since last ganization has been around since 1982 year’s event ended. So it’s just something and has raised more than $1.6 billion for we continue to work on and plan every cancer screening and $800 million for year.” research. In Pittsburgh, the organization Tuscano singled out one member of hosts an annual Race for the Cure which the team that helps put the event together. raised more than $500,000 last year.

“It’s really led by [Tricia Adamczyk],” One of the most important parts of Tuscano said. “She’s our marketing conPink the Pete for the organizers is entact for women’s basketball and she’s insuring breast cancer survivors, and four strumental in pretty much every aspect of guests each, can attend the game for free. the planning process.”

“It’s an opportunity for us to honor Adamczyk is responsible for getting in and recognize not only the survivors but contact with the Susan G. Komen foundation and oversees selection of the breast cancer survivors who are honored at the game each year.

Tuscano, Adamczyk and their team decided to add a personal touch by seforms in this game lecting breast cancer survivors with con— the only time nections to people on the athletic dethis season they partment staff, basketball staff and the feature the alterstudent-athletes. Veteran WTAE-TV annate apparel. A new chor and Pitt alumni Kelly Frey will be Pink the Petersen one of the survivors attending this year’s T-shirt will also be game as she continues to undergo treatgiven out to fans ment for breast cancer after being diagat the game, while nosed in March 2017. supplies last.

“It’s usually a combination of that, eiPitt is not the ther Susan G. Komen selects, or we’ll try only school to do to find somebody that’s connected to our an event like this. women’s basketball staff or our student Penn State has its athletes,” Tuscano said. own Pink Zone The game usually takes place in Febevent, which it ruary, but the team likes to hold the event hosts every year, during a Sunday game each year. LookPhotos from the 2017 Pink the Pete game. Anna Bongardino SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER and West Virgining at the rest of Pitt’s schedule, the team ia organizes the will play only one more home game on of them as survivors at halftime on the their families, because they play a key Play4Kay event annually as well. a Sunday, which is Feb. 4 — Super Bowl “As we look around the arena, there is court,” Tuscano said. “That’s usually a big role in that process as well,” Tuscano said.

Sunday.

The Panthers will take on the Blue probably the majority of people that have piece of what we do, is that recognition When planning ahead, Tuscano and been touched or have been affected by and certainly honoring the survivors and Devils in the Pink the Pete game at 2 p.m. her team decided to avoid competing this Sunday, and will be attempting to cancer in one way or the other. I think their family.” with the Super Bowl, not only because Pitt introduced a new tradition of break their three-game losing streak in that’s the majority,” Tuscano said. “So it’s of a possible Steelers appearance, but to important for us to raise awareness and pairing a different survivor with each the process. make sure survivors were able to make member of the starting five for pregame funds for that.”

Pink, pg. 1

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PANTHERS UNLUCKY AGAINST IRISH, 87-53 Adin Link Staff Writer

The Pitt women’s basketball team continued its recent streak of blowout losses Thursday night as the Panthers fell to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 87-53.

The Panthers (9-12 overall, 1-7 ACC) came into the game after two losses of more than 15 points against Syracuse and No. 4 Louisville. The No. 5 Fighting Irish (19-2 overall, 7-1 ACC) took advantage of a lackluster Pitt team to earn their second straight win of more than 40 points.

“Well, when you watch Notre Dame, and you look at how talented they are at every position, it’s pick your poison. We knew going in that we were undersized and matching up with them,” Pitt head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio said. “So we went to zone [defense] and Jessica Shepard just picked us apart.”

The start of the game was a back-andforth affair with a 7-7 tie game going into the first media timeout. But the Panthers started to lose ground quick as the Fighting Irish went on a blazing 13-2 run that

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ran the score up to 20-11 by the end of the first quarter.

The Panthers were exposed on the boards in the first quarter, getting outrebounded 13-7. The Fighting Irish were able to gather their first quarter lead in large part due to junior forward Shepard, who scored 13 points for the Irish.

Pitt redshirt junior forward Yacine Diop kicked off the second quarter with a three-point play that cut the Irish lead to six. The Irish were unfazed, however, going on a 14-2 run after Diop’s score, forcing McConnell-Serio to call a timeout.

It was more of the same for Notre Dame coming out of the timeout as they cruised to a 44-21 halftime lead. The Panthers were plagued by sloppy offensive play as they committed 14 turnovers in the first half.

Along with issues holding onto the basketball, scoring was at a premium for Pitt as it shot only 31 percent from the field in the first half, having no player score more than five points. Shepard closed out the half with a very strong performance for

the Irish, scoring 19 points and grabbing five rebounds.

The Fighting Irish came out of halftime and opened the third quarter with their first three-point field goal of the contest.

After Irish junior guard Marina Mabrey sunk the triple, the Panthers answered immediately as junior forward Kauai Bradley hit a 3-pointer of her own making the score 47-24.

The Irish and Panthers continued to trade blows as the third quarter concluded with the Irish holding a commanding 6736 lead. The Panthers found some life from behind the arc in the third, hitting three 3-pointers after previously only making two for the game.

Notre Dame’s Marina Mabrey opened the final quarter by sinking two quick 3-point field goals, extending the Irish lead to 73-36. The fourth quarter didn’t see any semblance of a Panther comeback attempt with the Irish continuing to outscore and outrebound the Panthers.

The Panthers had one bright spot in the fourth quarter with first-year guard Pika

January 26, 2018

Rodriguez hitting three triples, giving her nine points on the night.

“If I feel like my shot is going in and I feel comfortable shooting it, I’ll keep shooting it because I know my team needs me to,” Rodriguez said.

The Panthers suffered from turnovers, poor 3-point shooting and a lack of inside presence. Pitt committed 19 turnovers and could only muster a 23 percent 3-point percentage, while the Irish outrebounded the Panthers 51-28.

The Panthers will look to rebound when they face the Duke Blue Devils during Pink the Pete Sunday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m.

The Pitt women’s basketball team continued its recent streak of blowout losses Thursday night as the Panthers fell to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 87-53.

The Panthers (9-12 overall, 1-7 ACC) came into the game after two losses of more than 15 points against Syracuse and No. 4 Louisville. The No. 5 Fighting Irish (19-2 overall, 7-1 ACC) took advantage of See Basketball on page 13

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The Pitt news crossword 1/26/18

Memes, pg.1

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and said the club members involved in the chat are no longer part of the organization.

“These screenshots contain offensive material that the College Republicans find utterly repulsive and do not condone in any way, shape, or form,” the statement said.

College Republicans Public Relations Director Conor Guiser said the club suspended four members who were in the group chat when club officers found out about it in September. But after the posts were made public Wednesday, the club reevaluated and decided to remove the four members.

“It is unfortunate this happened because this is not at all what the [College Republicans] are like,” Guiser said. “We make no apologies for what they did because they did it on their own time, and we would never condone this behavior.”

Also in a statement on Twitter, Polis Editor-in-Chief Arnaud Armstrong — who denies participating in the chat — said it existed as to “facetiously share produce very inappropriate memes out of curiosity for seeing the what the worst of the internet could produce.” “[Polis Media contributors] were not in such a chat to celebrate the images and the messages inherent in them,” Armstrong said, adding that regardless of the reason, participation in the chat was “clearly inappropriate and below the standards we expect of contributors to our site.”

The memes shared in the chat include jokes about statutory rape and the Holocaust. One meme depicts a young African-American boy looking at a piece of cotton candy and saying, “You mean I don’t have to pick it and I can eat it?!”

Two of the students who, screenshots show, shared memes — Julia Henke and Devon Valinsky, both on the Polis staff — released statements regarding their involvement in the group chat.

Henke said it was a poor decision to be involved in the chat and said she was “distraught at the idea of these disgusting memes being used to make judgement on my character.” In a similar statement, Valinsky said he “realized how severe of a mistake” he made.

Both students, however, said accusa-

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tions calling them racist or anti-semitic are false.

Valinsky said he was resigning from his position as an officer of College Republicans and communications director of Polis. Armstrong said Henke tried to resign, but he declined the resignation because he has “confidence in her character.” Valinsky and Henke declined interview requests from The Pitt News.

Several additional names appeared in the screenshots. The Pitt News has reached out for comment but they did not respond in time for publication.

Screenshots also show Armstrong was a member in the chat, though there is not proof indicating he shared images himself.

“If I was in the chat for any period of time, I didn’t participate,” he said in an email. “Whenever I saw the images (I do not recall whether I saw them during the existence of the chat or shortly after), I was obviously uncomfortable with them, but I also understood that they were shared with facetious intent and certainly not reflective of the beliefs of those who shared them.”

Pitt’s Student Government Board responded to the Tweets in a statement Thursday, saying the board “condemns racism, anti-Semitism, and hate in and and all forms.”

In an email Thursday night, Pitt also released a statement condemning racism and saying the campus “embraces diversity.”

“We want to make clear that racism and anti-Semitism have no place on our campus and run in stark opposition to our core values,” spokesperson Joe Miksch said. “We encourage all members of our community to report potential incidents of discrimination, bias or harassment.”

The anonymous Twitter account that sparked this controversy has made other claims about hate-related incidents around campus in various posts since its first Wednesday. At this time, we have no information on the validity of those posts, but Miksch said the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is looking into the allegations.

Contributed reporting by Janine Faust, Christian Snyder, Jordan Mondell and Salina Pressimone.

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Basketball, pg. 11 a lackluster Pitt team to earn their second straight win of more than 40 points.

“Well, when you watch Notre Dame, and you look at how talented they are at every position, it’s pick your poison. We knew going in that we were undersized and matching up with them,” Pitt head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio said. “So we went to zone [defense] and Jessica Shepard just picked us apart.”

The start of the game was a back-andforth affair with a 7-7 tie game going into the first media timeout. But the Panthers started to lose ground quick as the Fighting Irish went on a blazing 13-2 run that ran the score up to 20-11 by the end of the first quarter.

The Panthers were exposed on the boards in the first quarter, getting outrebounded 13-7. The Fighting Irish were able to gather their first quarter lead in large part due to junior forward Shepard, who scored 13 points for the Irish.

Pitt redshirt junior forward Yacine Diop kicked off the second quarter with a three-point play that cut the Irish lead to six. The Irish were unfazed, however, going on a 14-2 run after Diop’s score, forcing McConnell-Serio to call a timeout.

It was more of the same for Notre Dame coming out of the timeout as they cruised to a 44-21 halftime lead. The Panthers were plagued by sloppy offensive play as they committed 14 turnovers in the first half.

Along with issues holding onto the basketball, scoring was at a premium for Pitt as it shot only 31 percent from the field in the first half, having no player score more than five points. Shepard closed out the half with a very strong performance for

Master Plan, pg.3 He said this is what drives the heavy student presence in the greater Oakland area and is important to keep in mind.

The resident community requested Pitt’s development team take a more inclusive approach that considers the residents’ opinions. Cooks said they will organize more community meetings to ensure residents are content.

Strassburger attended earlier community meetings regarding the master plan and intends to continue doing so.

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the Irish, scoring 19 points and grabbing five rebounds.

The Fighting Irish came out of halftime and opened the third quarter with their first three-point field goal of the contest.

After Irish junior guard Marina Mabrey sunk the triple, the Panthers answered immediately as junior forward Kauai Bradley hit a 3-pointer of her own making the score 47-24.

The Irish and Panthers continued to trade blows as the third quarter concluded with the Irish holding a commanding 67-36 lead. The Panthers found some life from behind the arc in the third, hitting three 3-pointers after previously only making two for the game.

Notre Dame’s Marina Mabrey opened the final quarter by sinking two quick 3-point field goals, extending the Irish lead to 73-36. The fourth quarter didn’t see any semblance of a Panther comeback attempt with the Irish continuing to outscore and outrebound the Panthers.

The Panthers had one bright spot in the fourth quarter with first-year guard Pika Rodriguez hitting three triples, giving her nine points on the night.

“If I feel like my shot is going in and I feel comfortable shooting it, I’ll keep shooting it because I know my team needs me to,” Rodriguez said.

The Panthers suffered from turnovers, poor 3-point shooting and a lack of inside presence. Pitt committed 19 turnovers and could only muster a 23 percent 3-point percentage, while the Irish outrebounded the Panthers 51-28.

The Panthers will look to rebound when they face the Duke Blue Devils during Pink the Pete Sunday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m.

The Pitt News SuDoku 1/26/17 courtesy of dailysudoku.com

She considers Pitt’s transparency with the community to be the most adequate response to the housing concerns.

Cooks committed to continuing Pitt’s transparency for future development that could affect the Oakland community.

“Pitt can be a great equalizer, and we are sensitive that the University lives in a larger community,” he said. “We’ve tried and we will continue to try to be transparent because with transparency as a goal, we’ll derive the best input of what Pitt can do.”

January 26, 2018

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I N D E X

Rentals & Sublet • NORTH OAKLAND • SOUTH OAKLAND • SHADYSIDE • SQUIRREL HILL • SOUTHSIDE • NORTHSIDE • BLOOMFIELD • ROOMMATES • OTHER

For Rent North Oakland 2BR apartment on N. Dithridge St., available Aug. 2018. A/C, dishwasher. $1050/ mo. + gas & electric.

412-818-2626 3 bedroom/1 bath.

Fully renovated, new windows. $1295+utilities. Washer/dryer, granite countertops, off-street parking, dishwasher, backyard.

Walking distance to campus. Available August 1st. Call 724-309-4193.

3 BR Apartment.

Available August 1, 2018. $1320-$1620 +gas & electric.

412-441-1211. info@ forbesmanagement. net. www.forbesmanagement.net.

3BR apartment on N. Dithridge St., available Aug. 2018. A/C, dishwasher. $1575/ mo. + gas & electric.

412-818-2626

pittnews.com

Employment • CHILDCARE • FOOD SERVICES • UNIVERSITY • INTERNSHIPS • RESEARCH • VOLUNTEERING • OTHER

North Oakland 6BR house on N. Dithridge St. Available Aug. 2018.

A/C, 2 kitchens, 2 dishwashers. $2970/ mo. + gas & electric.

412-818 -2626

South Oakland 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments. $1015 + electric, $1599 + electric respectively.

Available August 1, 2018. Louisa St. 412-441-1211. info@ forbesmanagement. net. www.forbesmanagement.net.

2-3 BR apartments.

Central AC. Free laundry on-site. Call 412-38-LEASE. 3 & 4 Bedroom Apartments on Semple, Bates, & Juliet.

August availability. $1425-$2600. Call John CR Kelly Reality. 412-683-7300 Visit: www.jcrkelly. com

Classifieds

For sale

• AUTO • BIKES • BOOKS • MERCHANDISE • FURNITURE • REAL ESTATE • PETS

notices

services

• EDUCATIONAL • TRAVEL • HEALTH • PARKING • INSURANCE

• ADOPTION • EVENTS • LOST AND FOUND • STUDENT GROUPS • WANTED • OTHER

South Oakland

South Oakland

4 Bedroom 1 Bath House. Large kitchen, new windows and paint. Security System. Available August 16th. Bates and Semple. $1,600 + Utilities.

412-287-5406. Leave a message.

Before signing a lease, be aware that no more than 3 unrelated people can share a single unit. Check property’s compliance with codes. Call City’s Permits, Licensing & Inspections.

412-255-2175.

4 BR Home - Semple Street, located near Louisa. Equipped Kitchen, Full Basement. New central air added. Renting for August 2018.

(412) 343-4289 or 412-330-9498.

Apartments for rent.

2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments available. Some available on Dawson street, Atwood street, and Mckee Place. Newly remodeled. Some have laundry on site.

Minutes from the University. For more info please call Mike at 412-849-8694

Large 5 Bedroom.

Mckee & Louisa. 2 bathrooms, free laundry, gas included. One block from Forbes.

Available August 2018. 412-600-4219. jwquinn@mac.com

R A T E S

Insertions

1X

2X

3X

4X

5X

6X

Add.

1-15 Words

$6.30

$11.90

$17.30

$22.00

$27.00

$30.20

+ $5.00

16-30 Words

$7.50

$14.20

$20.00

$25.00

$29.10

$32.30

+ $5.40

(Each Additional Word: $0.10)

Deadline:

Two business days prior by 3pm | Email: advertising@pittnews.com | Phone: 412.648.7978

South Oakland

South Oakland

STUDENT HOUSING. Updated 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 Bedroom Houses. 4-6 Bedroom Units w/ multiple baths. Dishwasher, laundry, some w/ air conditioning and/or parking. August availability. 412-445-6117.

Ward & S. Bouquet Streets - Studio, 1, 2 & 3BR apartments. Free parking.

Move in May 1 or Aug. 1, 2018. Call 412-361-2695

Studio & 1 Bedrooms Available Fall 2018. Heat included.

412-261-4620.

Shadyside 1 bedroom luxury apartment. 2 apartments available in a beautiful brick home with private entry, private laundry, off-street parking

or garage, newly remodeled throughout. Kitchen w/ Dishwasher, Granite countertop & more!

Located on Morewood Avenue, 15 minute walk to Pitt/ CMU, Walnut Street.

5 minutes to UPMC Shadyside, West Penn Hospital. One block to Buses, hospital/ Pitt/CMU shuttles and many restaurants.

Available August 1st, 2018. No Pets. $1195+ g/e. Call Jason at 412-922-2141.

Pics/info: tinyurl.com/ morewood1br

Rental Other Newly renovated, fully furnished 4 & 5 BR, 2 -1/2 BA houses for students.

Located near Pitt Dental School and Carlow University. Utilities are included in the rent. Laundry services available in the house.

Rent $600-$695.

Contact Chris at 412-656-5693. Available now till July 31st 2018 and August 1st 2018 till July 2019.

M.J. Kelly Realty.

Studio, 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedroom Apartments, Duplexes and Houses.

N. & S. Oakland from $750-$2500. mjkellyrealty@gmail. com. 412-271-5550. www.mjkellyrealty. com New 3 Bedroom on Meyran. Free parking, central air.

Available August 2018. 412-600-4219. jwquinn@mac.com

January 26, 2018

14

Squirrel Hill 3 bedroom/1 bath townhouse on Murray Avenue across from Starbucks. $1295+utilities.

Washer/dryer, granite countertops, off-street parking, dishwasher, backyard, and covered front porch. Available August 1st. Call 724-309-4193.

Employment Employment Other Comfort Keepers, a Post-Gazette Top Workplace, is seeking caring individuals.

Caregivers work alongside seniors to provide companionship, light housekeeping, personal care services. Flexible hours available. If interested call 412-363-5500 Delivery Driver job in North Oakland.

Mon-Sat 8-5 pm. $12/ hr. 313 North Craig St. Contact (412) 621-7215 for more information.

Contact within.

Join KEYS Service Corps, AmeriCorps.

Mentor, tutor, and inspire Pittsburgh area youth. Summer and fall positions with bi-weekly stipend and education award. Full and part-time. Possible internship credit.

Call 412-350-2739. www.keysservicecorps.org Office and retail job in North Oakland Mon-Sat 8-5 pm. $12/ hr. 313 North Craig St. Contact (412) 621-7215 for more information.

Inquire within.

pittnews.com

Employment Other OFFICE INTERN Shadyside Management Company seeks person w/min 2 yrs. college, for upcoming spring semester to interview & process rental applicants, do internet postings & help staff our action-central office.

Part-time or full time. AVAILABLE NOW; full time over summer. $13/hour.

Perfect job for current sophomores & juniors, graduating seniors set to enter grad school, returning grad students, and first-year law students!

Mozart Management 412-682-7003 thane@ mozartrents.com

Services Parking GARAGE PARKING available in the heart of Oakland. Protect your car while parked.

Only $80/month! Call 412-692-1770.

Notices Adoption ADOPTION: Loving, stable family hopes for one more blessing to join us in our adventures! Please call Heather/Chris 1 (800) 444-3089

Seasonal Marketing Assistant Shadyside property management firm established in 1960 needs two Seasonal Marketing Assistants to work with Excel, Word and the internet from approximately NOW to August; four days/week from 9am-6pm. Saturday and/or Sunday hours a must; some flexibility in days and hours will be considered; most hours will be solitary on the computer with no phone work; 40 words per minute and strong computer skills required; no experience needed & we will train you at our Shadyside office; free parking. $13/hour plus generous season end bonus.

Mozart Management 412-682-7003. thane@mozartrents. com

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