February 17, 2022

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Home on the big screen Instructional faculty ask for five-year contracts PG 5 Ohio's complicated education funding history PG 12-13 How one Athens resident thanked Joe Burrow PG 16

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

If you love a Postie, we thank you this Valentine’s Day

ABBY MILLER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

It isn’t always easy to love a Postie.

We spend most of our days in the newsroom — sometimes more than we’d like to admit. We think a drink from Front Room Coffeehouse will cure our “hangry” demeanor while we pump out the latest article, and we talk our loved ones’ ears off about the news, even when we’re away from work.

The bottom line is, we’re aware we can be a handful. In the midst of Valentine’s Day, we’re extra grateful for the family members, friends, partners and others in our lives for loving us unconditionally. Especially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on those around the world, it’s important to take a look at those we have in our lives and soak up the joy of their presence.

Every year during the week of Valentine’s Day, this column is opened up to our entire staff as a way to express our gratitude for those whose patience, love and support we’d be nothing without. Here’s what some of our staffers had to say: ABBY MILLER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF I am so incredibly grateful for my best friend, Sarah, who was one of my first friends at Ohio University and still puts up with me today. Thank you for being by my

side through all the highs and lows of college and always making me laugh in between. I love you!

RILEY RUNNELLS, CULTURE EDITOR I want to show all of my appreciation and love to my family, friends and partner for always putting up with my ridiculous work schedule, treating me with kindness and always being my sounding board. I adore you all and can’t express my love enough, but I will certainly do my best.

LAUREN SERGE, CULTURE WRITER I’m writing this for all of the people in my life who bring me such joy, comfort and peace. To my excellent mother, my love for you is not always shown so explicitly, but you are incredibly strong and undeniably valued. To all of my friends here in Athens, you have made my time here so much better.

I remember wanting to be home all the time freshman year, and now, I would much rather be with you all. Thank you, and I love you.

EMMA SKIDMORE, NEWS EDITOR I’m so thankful for all the girlfriends in my life! They are like sisters to me and are always there when I need them. Thank you for being

my support group. I can’t tell you how much love I have for you, xo.

ALYSSA CRUZ, CULTURE WRITER Estoy escribiendo este mensaje para mi abuelita. ¡Te extraño mucho cada día y estoy tan emocionada de verte pronto! Gracias por su constante apoyo y te quiero muchísimo.

TRE SPENCER, CULTURE, OPINION AND NEWS WRITER I have so much love for all my amazing “cookies” and other friends. I’m also so proud of my siblings and my parents for staying strong this year. Much love to everyone!

TAYLOR BURNETTE, PROJECTS EDITOR To the person who is always there for me, thank you for never-ending encouragement, love and care. I love you, Mama! Thank you for all you do for me.

Love, Tay Abby Miller is a senior studying journalism and political science at Ohio University and the editor-in-chief of The Post. Have questions? Email Abby at am166317@ohio.edu or tweet her @abblawrence.

COVER PHOTO BY JESSE JARROLD-GRAPES

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Abby Miller MANAGING EDITOR Bre Offenberger DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Matthew Geiger EDITORIAL NEWS EDITORS Emma Skidmore, Ryan Maxin ASST. NEWS EDITOR Molly Wilson PROJECTS EDITOR Taylor Burnette SPORTS EDITOR Jack Gleckler ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Ashley Beach CULTURE EDITOR Riley Runnells ASST. CULTURE EDITOR Kayla Bennett OPINION EDITOR Mikayla Rochelle ASST. OPINION EDITOR Hannah Campbell THE BEAT EDITOR Madyson Lewellyn ASST. THE BEAT EDITOR Emma Dollenmayer COPY CHIEF Anna Garnai SLOT EDITORS Anastasia Carter, Will Cunningham, Bekah Bostick, Isabel Nissley ART ART DIRECTOR Olivia Juenger DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Nate Swanson PHOTO EDITOR Jesse Jarrold-Grapes DIGITAL WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Brianna Lender AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Jack Hiltner ASST. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Claire Schiopota DIRECTOR OF MULTIMEDIA Noah DeSantis BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Andrea Lewis MEDIA SALES Grace Vannan, Jamyson Butler

2 / FEB. 17, 2022

THE

POST

ISSUE 19, VOLUME 112

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Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity expected to return to OU after being suspended in 2014 PAIGE FISHER FOR THE POST After being suspended in 2014, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, or SAE, is looking to reinstate its Gamma chapter at Ohio University.

Carly Leatherwood, a university spokesperson, said SAE is currently going through the expansion process and is expected to be recognized as a provisional chapter this semester if they meet the requirements.

SAE was removed from campus in December 2014 due to violations of the fraternity’s expectations and guidelines, Johnny Sao, a spokesperson for SAE’s national headquarters, said in an email.

In November 2014, nearly half of SAE’s members were suspended after a membership review conducted by its national organization. The review was prompted by OU hazing allegations, according to a previous Post report.

At the time, the university dropped the hazing allegations against the fraternity, but its investigation resulted in an alcohol violation.

The review consisted of membership interviews, grade evaluations and a hair-follicle drug test, according to a previous Post report. Some members were removed from the chapter for failing the drug test while some were removed for refusing to take the test.

However, for nearly three weeks, the national organization has been working with current OU students to educate them about the rush and interview process, Frank Zahrobsky, a freshman studying marketing analytics, said.

Zahrobsky has been working with SAE to spread the word about the organization coming back to campus.

Since working with the national headquarters, Zahrobsky has recruited around 20 potential new members and held interviews for those thinking about joining SAE, he said.

Zahrobsky’s roommate, Connor Ross, a freshman studying finance, has also been working to recruit potential new members for the fraternity.

As part of coming back to campus, SAE is looking to live in its old chapter house it used prior to being removed from campus, located at 57 E. State St., Manus Tonery, a freshman studying business economics who is interested in joining SAE, said.

The potential new members who are a part of the re-

The former SAE house on East State Street on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. (JESSE JARROLD-GRAPES / PHOTO EDITOR)

vival of SAE want to rebrand the fraternity to have a better reputation than former recruitment classes, Tonery said.

“We’re actually going to be what a frat supposed to be more about leadership, brotherhood instead of doing stupid stuff and getting in trouble,” Ross said.

The national headquarters and potential new members of SAE are enthusiastic about the reinstatement of SAE at OU. “We are a completely new group of guys who want to live up to the true culture of SAE, not what other people have done in the past,” Tonery said.

To remain a student organization on campus, SAE will

have to register annually and follow OU’s minimum guidelines and expectations.

@PAIGEMAFISHER PF585820@OHIO.EDU

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NEWS BRIEFS

Athens County COVID deaths reach 116; OU updates quarantine guidelines, testing SOPHIA YOUNG STAFF WRITER Athens County COVID deaths stand at 116 The Athens City-County Health Department reported four new COVID-19-related deaths Monday, bringing the county’s total number of deaths to 116.

The county reported 1,085 active cases the same day.

According to a health department tweet, 20 of the cases were new.

Currently, 52.99% of Athens residents have started the vaccination process, with 49.39% fully vaccinated. At least 16,692 Athenians have received additional booster doses.

Ohio University updates quarantine guidelines, expands rapid antigen test Gillian Ice, special assistant to the president for public health operations, announced in an email Tuesday new university guidelines for quarantine and expansion of rapid antigen tests.

The changes follow a recent announcement loosen-

ing university COVID restrictions due to a steady decrease in cases among students. That includes allowing food at university events, guests in residence halls and in-person meetings.

The updated quarantine procedure does not require vaccinated individuals to quarantine after a known exposure, though they should still follow masking procedure, report the incident and get tested. Students in residence halls without updated vaccinations will continue to be quarantined upon exposure.

Rapid antigen tests are now available on all OU campuses, with a limited supply of one rapid test per individual each week. On the Athens campus, tests are available at the fourth floor service desk in Alden Library as well as the Office of Health Promotion in Baker University Center.

Rape reported at O’Bleness Hospital OUPD received a report of rape Monday evening from OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital.

A rape kit was collected from the survivor, who reported the perpetrator was someone they knew.

The survivor also indicated their judgment was severely influenced by the offender. @SOPHIELISEY SY951319@OHIO.EDU

BLOTTER

Man found napping in car; dog discovered chasing chickens MOLLY WILSON ASST. NEWS EDITOR I’m just napping

Deputies from the Athens County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting a suspicious vehicle in The Plains.

It was reported there was a car in the parking lot of a shopping center running but unoccupied. Deputies responded to the scene and made contact with the owner of the car who was laying across the seat sleeping.

The car owner said he was taking a nap on his way through town, and no further action was taken.

Chicken … chicken … goose!

Deputies from the sheriff’s office responded to a residence in Nelsonville after receiving a report regarding a dog chasing the caller’s chickens.

The caller said there has been an ongoing issue of a neighboring dog entering their property and chasing their chickens.

Deputies made contact with the dog owner and told her she needs to keep the dog on her property. The caller was told to contact the dog warden if the issue continues.

4 / FEB. 17, 2022

Beware of bikers The sheriff’s office received a complaint of a suspicious person on Elm Rock Road in Nelsonville.

The person who filed the complaint said a male was riding a bike back and forth on the road. The complaint thought the person could be casing the area.

Deputies patrolled in the area but did not make contact with the person described.

I always feel like somebody’s watching me Deputies received a patrol request for Brimstone Road in Coolville by a resident who wanted them to patrol the area for a vehicle driving past their house.

Units observed the area but did not discover any criminal activity.

‘That’s my property’ Deputies from the sheriff’s office responded to a trespassing complaint in York Township between Friday and Sunday.

A male came onto the property of the complainant after being told not to be there. The complainant subsequently

asked deputies to serve a no-trespassing order to the trespasser.

The trespasser was transported to Hocking County by a deputy from the county as he had an active warrant out in the area.

Helping hand The sheriff’s office was requested by the Ohio State Highway Patrol to help detain an impaired driver located on Murphy Road in Coolville.

The driver was uncooperative and refused to exit the vehicle. When deputies arrived on the scene, the driver had been detained.

Hitch hiking?

The sheriff’s office was contacted by a resident of Steinmyer Road in New Marshfield who reported there was a female “jumping” in front of moving vehicles.

A deputy responded to the area and contacted the female who said she needed a ride to Athens. She said she was not jumping in front of cars but only attempted to stop a motorist to give her a ride.

The woman returned to her home.

Need a Ride?

Deputies from the sheriff’s office were on patrol near The Plains and noticed a female walking on State Route 682. The woman said she was walking to her home.

Due to the weather at the time, deputies gave the female a ride home.

Social media threats The sheriff’s office received a report that threats were being made over social media. The person who filed the complaint did not have any “evidence” of the threats because they had been deleted.

The sheriff’s office advised the person to email the deputy who responded to the complaint if they were able to produce any evidence later.

On the run Deputies from the sheriff’s office responded to a trespass complaint on State Route 56 in New Marshfield.

The suspect fled the scene before deputies arrived, but crimes related to the incident are under investigation.

@MOLLYWMARIE MW542219@OHIO.EDU

OU-AAUP holds ‘Ask Day’ in support of instructional faculty EMMA SKIDMORE NEWS EDITOR On Monday, Ohio University’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors, or OU-AAUP, held “Ask Day,” a collective event in which instructional faculty asked the university to extend fiveyear contracts to them.

To do that, faculty members sent requests to university chairs, directors and deans on Feb. 14, though the resolution to do so was passed by OU’s Faculty Senate on Feb. 7. Kyle Butler, instructional faculty coordinator for OU-AAUP and an associate professor of instruction in the Ohio Program of Intensive English, said instructional faculty spend time teaching and curating relationships with students.

“We develop curriculum and programming, advise students, secure grant funding, and take on leadership roles in our units and the university at large,” Butler said in an email. “When students develop a relationship with a professor, the loss of that professor may mean the loss of that educational relationship. This is not something that can just be replaced by another professor.”

The resolution would amend the current Faculty Handbook if signed by Executive Vice President and Provost Elizabeth Sayrs. Carly Leatherwood, a university spokesperson, said the Faculty Handbook outlines the processes deans follow regarding faculty contract terms.

According to the handbook, contracts for instructional faculty are nine-month renewable contracts for a “term of oneyear for the initial five years of service.”

Despite the handbook’s language, the practice of offering those five-year contracts is “incredibly rare,” Butler said in a press release.

Additionally, instructional faculty are not eligible for tenure, and the handbook includes the caveat that initial and subsequent contract lengths “can be negotiated based on qualifications, experience and

the need of the faculty member and department or regional campus.”

“The availability of longer term contracts was added to the faculty handbook with overwhelming support,” Jim Casebolt, an associate professor of psychology on OU’s Eastern Campus, said in the release.

“If there is no intention of actually following that policy then the adoption of that promise in the handbook was a lie.”

Offers of five-year contracts would help give instructional faculty more security and support to be able to better serve

their students, Butler said.

“A five-year contract is a commitment to the longevity of instruction faculty,” Butler said in an email. “It acknowledges that we are not simply ‘contingent faculty’ that are employed when we are needed and let go when we are not.”

According to the release, five-year contracts would help to retain faculty despite OU’s budget constraints. Butler said the response among faculty to OU-AAUP’s action has been positive and that, ultimately, everyone wants a strong university that

achieves its education mission.

“Having faculty submit their requests on the same day is what transforms this from a disparate set of individual actions to a single collective action,” Butler said in an email. “When we all raise our voices together at once, it makes it easier for the decision makers to hear us.”

@E_SKIDMOREGS ES320518@OHIO.EDU

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Houses on Mill Street are lit by a street lamp on Tuesday, Feb 15, 2022. (JESSE JARROLD-GRAPES / PHOTO EDITOR)

Athens community members push for increased city lighting, but some experts say it could result in harmful light pollution MADALYN BLAIR FOR THE POST A movement from Athens community members to increase street lighting in the city has been ongoing, and Athens Service Safety Director Andy Stone said it is a constant “push and pull” for lawmakers to accommodate community members’ public safety concerns.

There has to be a balance between citizens’ desires for better lighting and also being cautious of the rise of light pollution from the street lights, Stone said.

City Council President Chris Knisely said Council’s priority is community members’ safety. Knisely said the Joint Police Advisory Council allows for apprehensive citizens to schedule tours to show where they desire for street lights to be added.

While the city has already taken measures to try to keep the night sky clear, some professors say there could be further steps to reduce the light pollution issue, according to a previous Post report.

Tom O’Grady, an assistant astronomy professor, said around 20 years ago, the city passed an ordinance to avoid light 6 / FEB. 17, 2022

pollution, but it has done the opposite in many cases.

Joseph Shields, an astronomy and physics professor and the vice president for research and creative activity, said the light pollution ordinance requires light fixtures that give off light above a certain level face downward.

That helps prevent skyglow, which would have blocked out stars and increased wasted energy.

“Both the city of Athens and Ohio University repeatedly disregard and violate the City’s light ordinance,” O’Grady said in an email. “They use far too many lights for small areas.”

O’Grady also said increased lighting can lead to an increase in crime, as criminals may not need flashlights, which would draw attention to them, to facilitate their crimes.

One of the most crime-ridden areas in Athens is the Walmart on East State Street, due to theft-related crimes, Stone said. Though Walmart is located in an extremely well-lit area, he said that does not prevent crimes from taking place.

“I think we are mostly looking for a

‘sense’ of security which the presence of light may give off,” O’Grady said in an email.

It is important to use light where it is necessary as well as the correct amount, Shields said. A poorly designed light fixture could result in glares and contrast, which may make it harder for citizens to see their environment and surroundings.

However, a challenge that Council faces is the owners of American Electric Power, or AEP, Stone said, as the company rents certain types of streetlights in the city.

The lights AEP owns are older, higher pressure sodium and wattage lights with a bulb underneath. Rather than projecting light toward the ground, these lights project light from side to side and use a large amount of energy, Stone said.

Stone said the city is considering purchasing the lights from AEP and replacing them with LED and “downcast” lights.

However, this is a “long-term effort,” Stone said.

Matthew Shumar, program coordinator for Ohio’s bird conservation initiative, said it is possible to increase the lighting for safety while simultaneously minimizing

ecological impacts.

Light pollution issues affect insects, migratory birds and human health, and if fixtures continue to point upward, those issues would continue to increase.

A switch to LED bulbs would help keep carbon footprints low, Shumar said.

Even more, those lights would be more energy and cost efficient versus older lights previously used, according to a previous Post report.

“Light pollution is a hidden threat to our society in many ways. Better night lighting is a need. More lights are a problem,” O’Grady said in an email.

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Kroger’s new layout with their stock has been confusing shoppers, along with their lack in mandating masks for its customers.

(NATE SWANSON / DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

Shoppers express frustration with Kroger reorganization, lack of mask enforcement JILLIAN CRAIG SENIOR WRITER Athens residents found themselves spending extra time in Kroger checking off their grocery lists after the store rearranged its stock in January.

Amy McCormick, corporate affairs manager for Kroger, said in an email the Athens store was reorganized to integrate Nature’s Market products through the store and expand its variety to customers.

Store resets happen periodically, Jayla Sanford, a courtesy clerk cashier and senior studying nutrition, said.

Despite the resets being part of a regular procedural process for Kroger, it’s still a frustrating encounter for customers 8 / FEB. 17, 2022

when it first happens.

Whenever they do it, everybody gets all upset,” Terry Smith, an Athens resident who has been shopping at Kroger since 1986, said. “But then, in three years when they do it again, everybody is mad because the way that they’re used to is no longer the way it is, even though that’s the way that they complained about two years before. It’s just human nature.”

Unlike a store reset during any other year, the most recent store reset occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic with customers who simply wanted to get in and get out.

“This time, it was a lot different because we’re in the middle of a pandemic,” Smith said. “So, here, they do a reset

during this time so that when you go shopping, you end up going up and down aisles searching for stuff. They don’t enforce the mask policy so, a lot of times, you’re in an aisle with a couple of people standing around looking for stuff, and they’re not wearing masks.”

Shannon Arnett, an Athens resident and a mom, said she felt an extra level of anxiety when shopping for groceries during the rearrangement process.

“As a newer mom who has taken this pandemic very seriously, the only time I go to Kroger is at 6 or 6:30 in the morning once a month to get our WIC qualified foods (WIC cannot be used with grocery pickup),” Arnett said in a message. “When I went in for my monthly trip last month, I

“

When I went in for my monthly trip last month, I nearly broke down in tears.”

- Shannon Arnett, an Athen’s resident

“ “This time, it was a lot different because we’re in the middle of a pandemic. So, here, they do a reset during this time so that when you go shopping, you end up going up and down aisles searching for stuff. They don’t enforce the mask policy so, a lot of times, you’re in an aisle with a couple of people standing around looking for stuff, and they’re not wearing masks.”

- Terry Smith, an Athen’s resident

Natalie Hoffman shops for groceries at the Athens Kroger on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021.

(NATE SWANSON / DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

nearly broke down in tears.”

Arnett said it does not seem like Kroger has a special time for customers who are at a higher risk of getting sick with COVID-19, and people are not wearing masks in the store.

“I try to get in and out as quick as possible, I (used) to know where everything I needed was, (and) I didn’t get half the stuff I usually do,” Arnett said in a message.

“And it’s the absolute worst time to force their shoppers to be indoors for a longer period of time during a huge spike in the pandemic, and not enforcing masks. It’s infuriating!”

When it comes to enforcing mask wearing, Sanford said she was not instructed to do so but is sympathetic to frustrations customers have. “‘I’ve never been in a position where I need to tell someone to put a mask on because I’ve been told by my superiors it is not my job,” Sanford said. “That also just creates a whole other direction and conversation with the customer, which is usually an argument.”

Despite this, Sanford is sympathetic to the frustrations customers have.

“I can see why that would be very annoying and frustrating that people do not comply, especially considering if you’re in

a store for 30 minutes to an hour, and then you have workers who have to wear their masks for eight plus hours,” Sanford said.

Grayson Schultz, an Athens resident, is immunocompromised and felt he was not able to successfully limit possible exposures to COVID-19 due to the layout change. Schultz also expressed frustration about what the Kroger brand is doing to protect its customers.

Because he is immunocompromised, Schultz tries to limit the amount of time he spends in Kroger.

“I think one of the things that’s really frustrating with the Kroger layout change is you go in expecting to be able to do your 15-minute power walk or whatever to limit your exposure and get out (to) go home.

That’s something that in the last several months of living here I have been able to figure out,” Schultz said. “Walking into the store the other day … I went for groceries last week, and seeing the entire layout change essentially made it a lot more difficult to be able to do that.”

Schultz echoed Arnett’s concern over the lack of mask-wearing and mask enforcement.

“I think even in the pandemic, if Kroger was actually enforcing masking rules or even with their staff, then it would be

less irksome to walk in and see the layout change because I wouldn’t necessarily feel as worried about spending more time in the store,” Schultz said.

Others had issues with how specific foods were distributed. Angela Myers, an Athens resident, is unhappy with the way the organic, vegetarian and vegan options were organized throughout the store along with the lack of mask enforcement.

“The distribution of organic, vegetarian and vegan choices throughout the store are an unwelcome change for me,” Myers said in a message. “Along with Kroger’s unwillingness to enforce the city mask mandate (which makes me want to spend less time inside anyway) I have decided to spend more of my money at Kindred.”

Sue Morrow, an Athens resident, and Schultz said they would have liked a warning about the changes. Sanford said, unfortunately, a warning would not make much of a difference when things get swapped around.

“Honestly, a warning may have been nice for people who are not well with change, so then they can mentally prepare themselves to spend an extra 10 to 15 minutes in the store finding the couple items that they need,” Sanford said. “But, overall, I don’t think it would have made a differ-

ence because, either way, you just have to adapt to the store changing. Corporate was going to do it anyway.”

As a result, some shoppers have made decisions to shop at other local grocers, such as Seaman’s Cardinal Supermarket, 305 W. Union St. “Everybody’s had enough change in their lives his last two years,” Morrow said.

“But why add to that? Why add to the stress of that now?”

@JILLIANCRAIG18 JC986517@OHIO.EDU

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Students share meaning of Black History Month, health and wellness MCKENNA CHRISTY FOR THE POST February is Black History Month, and it’s being celebrated and acknowledged by Black students at Ohio University in different ways. The month’s personal importance to students cannot be confined into one explanation.

What Black History Month means to Black students may be defined through their experiences and backgrounds. To Joi Foy, who went to a predominantly white middle and high school, the month of commemorating the accomplishments of Black people in the U.S. means celebrating representation.

“I think it’s really important to see people like yourself,” Foy, a freshman studying journalism, said. “So within Black History Month, we’re able to see people that look like us and also celebrate those people for the things and the trademarks they’ve created for us. They paved the way for us to do the things that we do today.”

Black History Month was originally established as a week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, who is the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, or ASALH. Woodson founded the ASALH because he recognized the need for a platform dedicated to researching the deep and rich history of Black people in the United States, according to the organization.

Woodson, according to the ASALH, was a son to parents who were enslaved and “understood how important gaining a proper education is when striving to secure and make the most out of one’s divine right of freedom.” Woodson went on to receive higher education and was the second African American to get a Ph.D. at Harvard University.

Other students recognize the rich history of Black History Month, like Chelsea Tano, who finds that Black History Month means more to her now than it did two years ago. When Tano, a sophomore studying psychology, started taking more African American studies classes for her minor, she began learning more about African history in the U.S. and in Africa. It was this exposure that made Black History Month more significant to her, though Tano does wish the month dedicated to Black history was longer.

According to the ASALH, a week in February was purposely chosen by Woodson because Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays fit in the same week.

10 / FEB. 17, 2022

In 1976, the week was increased to a month of celebration. As the values of celebrating Black history stayed the same during the expansion to a month, so did the component of annual themes.

Each year, a theme corresponds with Black History Month to showcase specific achievements in different areas of life.

The theme for 2022 is health and wellness, according to the ASALH. This theme celebrates the advancements made by Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, along with other forms of medicine and healing within the African Diaspora, such as midwives.

Midwives are health care providers who aid and care for pregnant people before, during and after childbirth as detailed by the National Museum of African American History and Culture in their recognition of birth workers during this year’s Black History Month.

The museum noted that although midwives have a strong presence today, their history dates back centuries. During the middle passage, the stage of the Atlantic Slave Trade when millions of Africans were forcibly removed and brought to the Americas, midwives brought their knowledge with them and trained others as the primary source of birth care throughout the country.

When more births started to take place in hospitals than at homes in the 1940s, the shift was met with high maternal mortality rates, and midwives were asked by state governments to help create health protocols, according to the museum’s website. But the museum also explained Black women are still three times more likely to die during pregnancy than white women in the U.S., which brings a necessity to birth workers helping avoid high pregnancy mortality rates among Black people.

The ASALH, in discussion about this year’s theme, said while there have been some steps made in the medical field to help Black pregnant people have safe childbirths, there remain barriers due to racism. This also applies to other sectors of health and wellbeing, such as mental health.

Christopher Lawrence-White, a junior studying mechanical engineering, said certain stereotypes of Black people make it difficult for them to seek mental health resources. For example, the stereotype that Black women are always confident and strong, known as the “superwoman stereotype,” is one that is harmful, Lawrence-White said.

ILLUSTRATION BY MCKENNA CHRISTY He said the stereotype may appear positive, but it strips away humanness from Black women. The superwoman stereotype can put pressure on Black women to always be the providers for themselves and to decline help from others, Lawrence-White said.

“It can be very damaging and reflects in a lot of people being depressed and blaming themselves,” Lawrence-White said.

“Through a lot of different avenues, it ties into the importance of mental health and reaching out to therapists or people you can talk to.”

Another issue Lawrence-White and Foy view is the lack of discussion about mental health with others who are also Black. Foy believes this year’s theme of health and wellness can possibly bring awareness to this lack of attention.

“Black mental health is something that’s not talked about a lot within our community or also, just on a broader aspect, the whole world,” Foy said. “So being able to sit down and say, ‘This needs to be highlighted, this is something as a community that we need to focus on more individually,’ but also understand that as our non-Black

counterparts go through these things, Black people do also.”

There are ways for non-Black individuals to become more involved during Black History Month, and Lawrence-White feels one thing people can do is to actively listen to Black people and other marginalized groups who are sharing their experiences, trying to educate or just existing.

Black History Month and its corresponding themes share different lessons each year about the Black experience and accomplishments throughout the U.S. and its history. Its importance to people varies, and for Tano, the month’s meaning is hard to describe.

“I’m so passionate about it,” Tano said.

“I can’t even put it in words.”

@MCKENNACHRISTY1 MC957019@OHIO.EDU

SHADES offers intersectional support for multicultural LGBT students KATIE MILLARD FOR THE POST In 2004, a handful of Ohio University students banded together to create a student organization that provided intersectional support to multicultural LGBTQ+ students. Now, after a several-year pause on the program, SHADES is back.

Coined by Black feminist Kimberle Crenshaw, the term intersectionality acknowledges the struggles of individuals who are part of multiple minority groups.

The word is central to SHADES, a student group dedicated to providing multicultural same-gender loving, or SGL, and LGBTQ+ students a place to connect with and support one another.

It is intended to be an intersectional, safe environment for individuals at any stage of the coming out process and those curious about sexuality, both personally and generally.

Micah McCarey, director of the LGBT Center, was a founding member of SHADES in the early 2000s. After facing several years of on-and-off again participation, SHADES is being reinstated to service LGBTQ+ students of color as one

of dozens of chapters around the country.

McCarey will serve as the group’s advisor and has played a pivotal role in the reemergence of the group.

“We’re having meetings, and we’ve got a couple programs coming up, but we are in the process of re-registering as a student organization,” McCarey said.

“We’re actually still in the system, but we are updating our Constitution, updating officers.”

SHADES has several upcoming events, including a QPOC, or Queer People of Color, SpeakOUt panel on Feb. 24 at noon, and a co-sponsored keynote speaker event for Black History Month on Feb. 25 at noon.

Alesha Davis, a sophomore studying journalism and English, is one of several officers for the new group. She will be serving as treasurer and explained McCarey asked her to get involved with the group as an employee at the LGBT Center.

“I was one of the people who talked about the lack of people of color in the center and the lack of that type of resource for people like me,” Davis said.

Davis said she hopes the group will grow to the point of easy recognition

and for it to eventually become a staple student organization.

“I really want to create a space on campus for people of color like me who might feel a bit alienated in both of the communities they belong to,” Davis said.

“I want a space where you can be both of those things at the same time comfortably.”

Dayna Shoulders, a junior studying management in strategic leadership, has assumed the president role for SHADES. She is excited to be able to foster an environment for students who feel in between groups on campus.

“It’s always nice to feel like you’re not alone, and it means a lot to me to know that I can provide another safe space on campus for students to be who they are and really come together as a community,” Shoulders said. “It’s all about community building and being a safe space for other people, and I think that’s always really rewarding.”

McCarey emphasized the goal of intersectionality, noting there had been some confusion regarding who the group was intended to serve.

“Some folks assume that we are

focused only on the experiences of African-American LGBTQ individuals exclusively, but we are, of course, an organization that’s open to everyone,” McCarey said. “It’s just that the focus of the discussions and initiatives will be around multicultural LGBTQ topics, and that means international students and their experiences will be a point of focus, and that folks of any background who care about even allyship would be able to join.”

Any students interested in joining SHADES are welcome to join its weekly meetings each Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the LGBT Center, Baker Center 348. Shoulders said SHADES is a great place to come and connect with students who have shared experiences.

@KATIE_MILLARD11 KM053019@OHIO.EDU

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Expanding Education Funding JILLIAN CRAIG SENIOR WRITER In 2016, The Post found that Athens City Schools was spending more than $500,000 funding local charter schools. Six years later, everything about schools in the state of Ohio has changed.

Ohio has a checkered past when it comes to constitutionally funding its public school system. The Ohio Supreme Court declared the state’s method of funding public schools in Ohio as unconstitutional four times.

In the 1997 case DeRolph v. State, the Ohio Supreme Court determined the method of funding public schools was unconstitutional and lacked “a thorough and efficient system of common schools throughout the state as mandated by our Constitution.” Ohio public schools are funded by the state through a combination of state funds, local property taxes and federal funding according to the Ohio Department of Education, but, according to Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney, D-Cleveland, who introduced the bill alongside Rep. Jamie Callender, R-Concord, schools had leftover money during the budgeting process.

“The funding format was four different times deemed unconstitutional … because the state was funding all the other obligations and what was left over was then divvied up, depending on how many kids were going to school in the state during that time,” Sweeney said.

The court did not, however, provide specific instruction on how to develop a thorough and efficient system of common schools and instead tasked the Ohio legislature with developing a solution.

Passed in July 2021 to be enacted as part of the Ohio state budget for FY2022– FY2023, the Fair School Funding Plan, or FSFP, provides a formula for fair funding for public schools in Ohio and was developed from studies done by the Ohio Department of Education. Sweeney said they looked to find how much it cost to educate a student in the state of Ohio.

“We were just throwing money at a problem with no actual evidence to that,” Sweeney said.

Instead of trying to assign random amounts of money to fund schools, the FSFP is designed to provide funding to schools based on a calculated cost of how much money it takes to run the school and directly fund state voucher programs and charter schools, rather than rely on districts to fund students through a general allotment for each student. It also pro12 / FEB. 17, 2022

vides additional resources, such as special education and educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students, and grants state funding for different areas of Ohio based on local property values and resident income.

Another area of education supported by the state is Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship Program, an opportunity for students in underperforming districts and from lower socioeconomic statuses to attend private schools that meet the voucher program requirements with scholarships awarded by the state. Athens City schools, among other schools in Athens County, are designated as schools where students are EdChoice eligible.

Although schools are not responsible for funding EdChoice scholarship students or charter school students, which were both previously receiving money from public schools, the funding from the state through the general revenue fund for those programs expanded the maximum scholarship amount from $4,650 to $5,500 for students in grades K-8 and from $6,000 to $7,500 for students in high school, according to the state budget brief.

The expansion of the funding for the EdChoice program is the catalyst for a complaint filed Jan. 4 with the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas by The Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding, in tandem with five Ohio School districts and two students against the State of Ohio, the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio Board of Education and Stephanie Siddens, interim superintendent of public instruction at the Ohio Department of Education, against the EdChoice program.

In the complaint, those who filed argue the expanded funding for the EdChoice Voucher Program is taking away funding needed to fully implement the FSFP. This, according to the complaint, does not allow for public schools to be properly funded as required by the Ohio Constitution.

The complaint alleges that the FSFP could not be fully funded because the state chose to allocate more money to the voucher program.

“Ohio’s public school districts cannot be adequately and equitably funded as required by the Ohio Constitution under the school funding formula adopted by the Legislature due to the General Assembly’s clear interest in funding private school education instead,” the complaint said.

The complaint also said the requirements have shifted to be open to people outside of underperforming schools, while the original design of the program was

Cody Dikis reads during lunch in the band room of Alexander High School on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. (JESSE JARROLD-GRAPES | PHOTO EDITOR)

meant to serve people in underperforming schools seeking a better education.

“This expansion alters the ostensible original intent of the EdChoice Program from one of providing additional educational options to students attending low-performing schools to one where the state is increasingly paying for private school education for large numbers of students, even those whose families have already demonstrated they can afford to do so themselves,” the complaint said.

Another point raised in the complaint is that private schools, which are not regulated in the same way as public schools, tend to be religious.

“This voucher program effectively cripples the public school districts’ resources, creates an ‘uncommon,’ or private, system of schools unconstitutionally funded by taxpayers, siphons hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer funds into private (and mostly religious) institutions,” the complaint said.

The complaint also states private schools are not subject to Ohio’s Sunshine Laws, which require all public meetings, including school board meetings, to be held in a manner that is open and available for the public to attend.

Athens City School District Superintendent Tom Gibbs said the complaint is legitimate.

“There is nothing in the Constitution that supports the use of public funds for private schools,” Gibbs said in an email. “ In

fact, the Ohio Constitution requires that the State have a system that works to operate a thorough and efficient system for public schools.”

William Phillis, executive director for the Ohio Coalition for Equity & Adequacy of School Funding, added that the voucher program is discriminatory in who it benefits.

“Vouchers segregate people by race and economics,” Phillis said.

Phillis also said private schools are selective in who is accepted into the school, while public schools accept every student.

“The public system is required to accommodate everyone,” Phillis said. “The private schools select their students, they talk about school choice, but private schools select their kids.”

David Figlio, an Orrington Lunt professor of education and social policy and of economics at Northwestern University, led the research of an “Evaluation of Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship Program: Selection, Competition, and Performance Effects.”

This evaluation, which utilized data from 2003–2004 and 2012–2013, found that while the students participating in EdChoice are overwhelmingly low-income and minority children, “relative to pupils who are eligible for vouchers but choose not to use them, the participants in EdChoice are somewhat higher-achieving and less economically disadvantaged.”

Within the Ohio Department of Education’s reports of Scholarship Paid Participants for FY2021, only 24.2% of paid par-

Lockers at Alexander High School are decorated with school posters for events, elections and other teams on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. (JESSE JARROLD-GRAPES | PHOTO EDITOR)

ticipants were low-income qualified, while 75.8% were not low-income qualified.

Additionally, 43.4% of paid participants were white, 35.4% Black, 11.6% Hispanic, 7.8% multiracial and 1.7% Asian or Pacific Islander.

“Families who qualify apply to the program, and they obviously apply for a reason. The program is there to give families across Ohio options,” John Fortney, director of communications for Ohio Senate Majority Caucus, said in an email when asked about the disparities in who is benefited.

Fortney said voucher programs allow for parents to choose where they want to send their children to school.

“This is a popular program, and as we know very well from parents whose children have no options other than to go to an unsafe or underperforming school, the scholarships provide a critical alternative for families,” Fortney said in an email.

Phillis, however, does not believe charter or private schools provide a better education than public schools.

“When you control for the demographics, private schools don’t do as well as public schools,” Phillis said. “Then when you look at the vouchers, the voucher students in general, do less well than their peers back in the public school system. So there’s no evidence whatsoever that kid is better off in a private school than a public school.”

The “Evaluation of Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship” sought to answer whether students within the voucher program were succeeding academically in the private school they selected, which supports what Phillis said.

“EdChoice modestly improved the achievement of the public-school students who were eligible for a voucher but did not use it. The competition associated with the introduction of EdChoice appears to have spurred these public-school improvements,” the evaluation said. “The students who used vouchers to attend private schools fared worse on state exams compared to their closely matched peers remaining in public schools. Only voucher

students assigned to relatively high-performing EdChoice eligible public schools could be credibly studied.”

The FSFP is operating in phases over a six-year period and did not include a study on how much it costs to educate students who are more economically disadvantaged. Sweeney said she wanted to include that study and that information, but there was not enough funding to do so. Instead, the cost was calculated on estimates based off national statistics.

“Unfortunately that was stripped out of the state budget,” Sweeney said. “I would guess the reason why they did that is because if we were to study it and we were to say that it actually needs to be 70% additional money, the state would then be tied to that given what our constitution says about providing public school students …

They have to pay that money.”

Gibbs said the FSFP would be the most comprehensive funding plan he has seen in his 30-year educational career, but is not fully funded in all areas it needs to be.

“The challenge is that it has not been fully funded and implemented and the portions not implemented were those most directly related to funding for programming related to poverty,” Gibbs said in an email.

It was argued that ESSER funds, which provided relief money during the COVID-19 pandemic for elementary and secondary schools in Ohio based on levels of school needs, would help make up for the lack of funding for programming related to poverty, according to Gibbs.

“This is a bit illogical given that the ESSER funds were to address issues more directly related to the negative impacts of Covid and not the general impacts of working with families living in poverty,” Gibbs said in an email.

Gibbs said he is unsure if the plan will ever be fully implemented unless there is a formula firmly placed into law.

“The other big challenge with the FSFP is that schools are reliant upon the legislature to pass a budget bill every two years that incrementally funds more of the plan,” Gibbs said in an email. “With changes in

who holds seats in the House and Senate, it is possible, and some would argue probably given our State’s history with school funding, that the Legislature will not follow through as members of each chamber change and priorities change over time.”

Sweeney believes what was passed will aid lawmakers in future general assemblies.

“It took three full years of making this bill and a Herculean effort of many, many people to get through,” Sweeney said.

“Is there a chance that other general assemblies could undo this work? Yes, but anything could happen … What we pass hopefully should arm those individuals to be able to make those plans and hopefully have the community better understand.

Then the superintendent, school boards can better plan ahead, hopefully doing less school levies on the ballot.”

Another concern Gibbs had was opportunities to provide more funding to the FSFP that did not happen.

“In the current budget the legislature chose to underfund the FSFP at the same time that they started the EdVoucher program (expansion) and at the same time they approved an income tax reduction,” Gibbs said in an email. “The plan could have been more fully funded had they kept tax rates the same and used all of the funds available to prioritize public schools.”

Gibbs said he is not sure how there is funding for private schools but not the FSFP through the voucher program.

“When the Fair School Funding Plan is not even fully implemented yet because there is allegedly not enough money to do so, how can there be money to send to private schools?” Gibbs said in an email.

“This is especially troublesome in that the Voucher program would provide new funding to thousands of students who had previously not been funded, creating an entire new financial liability for the State.”

There are no further updates on the status of the complaint since its filing Jan. 4.

@JILLIANCRAIG18 JC986517@OHIO.EDU

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OU alumni share their most beloved memories, places in Athens KAYLA BENNETT ASST. CULTURE EDITOR This Valentine’s Day, love is all around.

Athens and Ohio University have been home to many love stories.

Karen Gravlin, a 2003 alumna, is from Colorado and found herself wanting to attend an out-of-state school. She applied to six out-of-state schools, but there was one school overriding her thoughts: OU. “My dad and I did that traditional college Spring Break tour where you go and visit all the campuses,” Gravlin said. “We went to six different places, and I can literally feel it in my bones, like the minute I got to campus. It was spring, so of course … spring in Athens, it’s just so beautiful.”

She said when she pulled off the highway and saw the campus, she was in awe.

However, it was when she hit the bricks that she really felt the impact of Athens.

OU had the traditional, nostalgic feel other universities did not. On her tour, she ate at Court Street Diner, now HangOverEasy, and she worked there all four years of college.

“It just had such a feeling of comfort and home about it,” Gravlin said. “I knew I loved everything about it from the minute I had gotten there.”

The most memorable part for Gravlin, however, might have been 20 years ago on Jan. 25. Gravlin and her friends were having a night out at The Junction, now known as The J Bar, and she found herself starting a conversation with a man at the bar — a man who would later become her husband.

Though nightlife in Athens is a staple of the experience for Gravlin, it’s also a staple for many students, such as Ted James, a 2003 alumnus from Michigan, whose favorite place to gather with his friends is The Pub Bar on Court Street. James also was able to join a fraternity and grow his relationships through Greek life.

“I just fell in love with Athens as an amazing college town,” James said. “I thought there was quite a lot to do as far as being outside. I was part of the Greek life there — that was fun — and part of a great business program. So, it was the best of both worlds, I felt like.”

James said he has been able to keep connections he’s made and finding a way and place to fit in was important for himself and remains so for other students.

Luckily, he was able to find a home at OU, and he said it was part because he went in 14 / FEB. 17, 2022

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER not knowing anyone.

For many, OU’s campus is a deciding factor in the decision to go to OU, like for Sheila Trapp, a 1975 alumna. Trapp said she had applied before ever stepping foot on campus, but when former Marching 110 Director Gene Thrailkill showed Trapp around, she was taken aback by the beauty of the campus.

“It was a perfect fit for me,” Trapp said.

“It was small enough that I didn’t feel lost in the crowd.”

Trapp enjoyed the musical aspect of OU and considered herself a “groupie” for the Marching 110 since the band did not allow female members at the time. She also enjoyed Miller’s Chicken, the Bagel Buggy and a night out on Court Street.

For Trapp, the love for Athens is strong, and she finds herself visiting Athens, specifically for OU’s Homecoming.

“The last time I was there, I was standing at one of the goalposts just taking some pictures,” Trapp said. “This student walked up to me and said, ‘What was it like when you were here?’ And I was like, I can’t even believe he’d asked me that because it was just such a cool question. So, we just stood there and talked.”

As for the answer to his question, though some of the scenery and customs had changed, the spirit and love for the area remained.

“It was the best four years of my life,” Trapp said Another alumna from 2002, Lisa Federer Milne, feels the same exact way. She and her husband attended OU, and she said their family bleeds green and white.

She said the campus held an overwhelming sense of belonging.

“I was taken aback by the freedom stu-

dents had to be themselves and how the University gave them the space and resources to do so,” Federer Milne said in an email. “There were protestors on College Green, thought provoking murals on the graffiti wall, and students playing beach volleyball on South Green. I was just so excited to get my hands into everything.”

These alumni feel there’s a lot that sets Athens and OU apart from other college towns. It could be the beauty of Strouds Run on a sunny day, GoodFella’s Pizza after a night out or the comforting feeling of home the campus provides.

The love for Athens and OU runs deep, and while memories are being made by current students, alumni continue to reminisce on their own memories.

@KKAYYBEN KB084519@OHIO.EDU

BASEBALL

2022 season preview ASHLEY BEACH ASST. SPORTS EDITOR It has been almost a year since the crack of a bat rang through Bob Wren Stadium. But the wait will soon be over.

Bobcat baseball is back, and, this time, Ohio has an official head coach.

Craig Moore was announced July 20, 2021, as the 10th coach in Ohio’s program history. He was the interim coach last season and assistant coach for eight seasons prior to the retirement of former coach Rob Smith in January 2021. Now, it’s his turn to lead the Bobcats in an official capacity.

Moore led Ohio to a 28-25 record last season, which was its first winning record since 2017. Ohio also gained a foothold in the Mid-American Conference. It managed to split its series against conference giants Ball State and Central Michigan.

There has been a slight shake-up with the coaching staff since last season. Ohio announced Tim Brown had been hired as the assistant coach in mid-January. Brown was the former assistant coach at Eastern Illinois, where he worked with the pitching staff.

One thing that hasn’t changed for the Bobcats is their core group of players.

There are 27 returning players from last season and all but two starting position players.

Eddie Kutt IV, Isaiah Peterson, Chace Harris, Brett Manis and Treyben Funderburg are all returning as fifth years due to having an extra year of eligibility. The group is bolstered by redshirt seniors Trevor Lukkes, Jack Liberatore, Michael Richardson and Spencer Harbert.

Kutt IV and Manis were instrumental in the Bobcats’ success last season. The duo

was a relief one-two punch for the better half of the spring. Kutt had the third-lowest opposing batting average in the MAC, and Manis led the league in saves. However, the pair broke up in the last half of the season because the Bobcats needed to use Kutt as a starter.

Ohio’s offensive production was held in the hands of Peterson and Harbert last season. Both boasted on-base percentages over .380. It was not unusual for either to snag an extra base hit, either. Harbert led the team with 10 home runs, and Peterson followed him with nine. Peterson, however, led Ohio in doubles with 13.

There’s a few new names in the hat, too.

Ohio welcomed a graduate transfer from Ole Miss, Cael Baker, in August 2021. Baker was a regular starter at first base for Ole Miss during his two seasons there. Ohio also has 10 freshmen joining the pack.

Despite the additions, Ohio did lose a handful of its best. Sebastian Fabik transferred to Ashland as a graduate and left an empty spot in the outfield lineup. Also, Ohio lost its best pitcher. Joe Rock was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the Competitive Balance B round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Ohio is now in the market for a new starter.

The Bobcats will get to return to their spring trips of past seasons this year. They are set to begin their season with a threegame series at South Carolina Upstate on Friday. From there, they will travel to face opponents like Eastern Kentucky, Evansville and Kentucky before MAC play begins.

Ohio’s first home series of the year will also be its conference opener. It will take on Northern Illinois for a four-game series starting March 11.

There are a few nonconference one-

ILLUSTRATION BY KATIE BANECK off games worked into Ohio’s schedule this season. It will face familiar foes Marshall and Morehead State twice each. Last season, Rock no-hit Morehead State for a 6-0 win in the first game of a doubleheader, but Ohio went on to lose the second game in extra innings.

Last season’s series against Marshall was canceled due to roster issues with Ohio’s program due to positive COVID-19 tests and subsequent contact tracing. It was Ohio’s only series to be canceled last season.

The seats at Bob Wren sat half-full in 2021, but Ohio will be able to have a packed stadium this season. Ohio will be able to host more than just a group of close rela-

tives and friends.

The Bobcats worked with what they were given last season and earned their first winning season in four years despite road blocks along the way. This year, the Bobcats have a chance to fare well in the MAC.

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Robin Barnes stands with an Passion Works Studio flower. Barnes has lived in Athens for about 30 years and felt the need to support Joe Burrow despite the Bengals’ loss on Feb. 13, 2022.

(HANNAH CAMPBELL | ASST. OPINION EDITOR)

Athens resident gives thanks despite Bengals loss ASHLEY BEACH ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Athens was painted orange in honor of Joe Burrow playing in Super Bowl LVI. Banners hung in front of local establishments, and houses were filled with residents on the edge of their seats. Locals and students alike were basking in a sense of positive connectivity that can only be felt on special occasions.

But the feeling soon faded.

The Cincinnati Bengals suffered a last-minute 23–20 loss, and the hometown hero was defeated in Los Angeles.

Students walked out of the bars with their heads hung low, but, across the highway in The Plains, one person walked with their head held high.

Robin Barnes, a 30-year resident of Athens, made the trek from her house to Joe Burrow Stadium on Sunday night. She hoisted a large drawing of an orange tiger lily with the number nine painted on it in the air as she walked up the drive. Pride radiated off Barnes.

16 / FEB. 17, 2022

Barnes had never watched Burrow play when he attended Athens High School.

Her son had graduated a few years before Burrow, but that didn’t stop her from being invested in the Super Bowl.

Barnes had watched the beginning half of the game at her mother’s house in Coshocton, Ohio. The feeling of watching someone from Athens play on the big screen was mixed. Barnes felt her superstitions rise with each play.

“I had a lot of feelings,” Barnes said. “I was like, ‘Oh, maybe I shouldn’t be in the living room anymore because last time I was in the living room, the other team scored.’”

Barnes had time to digest her feelings as she drove home to The Plains. At the same time, she listened to the game on the radio. It was about the time she got home that the Bengals had accepted defeat.

But to Barnes, nothing about Sunday’s game was a defeat. Everything about it was a victory. The impact Burrow continues to have on Athens is a victory to her.

Burrow’s impact began in 2019 during

his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech when he brought light to the issues Southeastern Ohio faces. From there, the Joe Burrow Hunger Relief Fund was established to support the operations of the Athens County Food Pantry. The fund was established with $350,000 of gifts inspired by the speech.

Businesses across Ohio, such as Dorothy Lane Market in Dayton, are still donating to the cause. Dorothy Lane Market announced it will spend the month of February collecting suggested donations of $9 at its registers for the Joe Burrow Hunger Relief Fund through its Good Neighbor Good Deeds Program.

It was those good deeds that inspired Barnes to post on her Facebook page after the loss, encouraging Athens residents to join her in celebration at the stadium.

“A lot of people, they find out what they have in their cupboards that are ready to be expired, or they find stuff that’s already expired, and they put it in (the donations),” Barnes said. “That’s not what’s happening with Joe.”

Burrow brought individuals of all backgrounds together to lift the people of Athens higher. They had always had pride and love, but now, it was on a national scale.

Athens has rallied around its hometown hero throughout all of his success, but Sunday night, Barnes was the only one at the stadium to give her thanks to the man who cast a broader light on their community. She stood outside the gates of the victory bell to wait for others to join her, but no one did.

Cars had driven by before Barnes arrived, but no one took the time to stop and show their appreciation like she did.

“Even though we didn’t win tonight, I just want to show that we are still supportive,” Barnes said.

The lights were off in the stadium, but that didn’t matter. There’s still a light on Athens so long as Burrow introduces himself as “Joe Burrow, Athens High School.”

@ASHLEYBEACHY_ AB026319@OHIO.EDU

Athens rallies behind Joe Burrow despite Cincinnati’s Super Bowl loss JACK GLECKLER SPORTS EDITOR Jose Cano didn’t know who to cheer for Sunday.

Cano is originally from Fontana, California, a city skirting the eastern edge of Los Angeles. Before Sunday, he’d weighed the option on whether or not to support the Los Angeles Rams over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI on Sunday night.

However, Cano wasn’t rooting for a team so close to his hometown. He, like many others, had made the trek to uptown Athens in support of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.

“I noticed how much the city really backs him,” Cano said. “I may not be from Southeast Ohio, but the fact that I’m living here now for the next four years for medical school, I want to be here supporting somebody local. I’m always for that.”

The quarterback has become a household name in his hometown. The buzz had been brewing for years, beginning with him piloting Athens High School to its first state championship appearance in 2014 and culminating in his 2019 Heisman Trophy acceptance speech that raised awareness to Athens’ struggles with poverty and food insecurity.

Burrow’s speech prompted an outpour of donations to the Athens County Food Pantry as well as the creation of the Joe Burrow Hunger Relief Fund, which has now surpassed $1.6 million in donations.

Since that speech and his subsequent drafting by the Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft, the support for Burrow emanating from Southeast Ohio has increased tenfold.

On Sunday, it reached its zenith.

Court Street flooded with people from a slew of backgrounds — Ohio University students, alumni and Athens residents — hours before the game even began airing.

By early afternoon, the masses huddled rank and file into whatever bar allowed them entry. Some venues even stopped accepting people at halftime due to reaching maximum capacity.

The vast majority of patrons decked themselves in Bengals gear and many of those without donned shirts emblazoned with Burrow iconography. Bengals fans or not, those who made the pilgrimage Uptown had congregated for the same reason.

A hometown hero was playing in the Super Bowl.

“When the Bengals won the Wild Card game, it was crazy to see grown men crying,” said Chloe Dascalos, who’d watched portions of the Bengals’ initial postseason run while working at Buffalo Wild Wings.

“It was nice to see everybody so excited, especially with Joe being from here.

It seems to really make the community swell.”

The cheers of the various crowds swelled for every Bengals first down and simmered whenever the Rams scored.

After Tee Higgins scored on a 75-yard touchdown pass from Burrow early in the third quarter, cheers echoed up and down Court Street. Jackson Hughes, a manager at Lucky’s Sports Tavern, stood up as fans hollered and began doing push-ups on top of the bar.

For one night, all of Athens stood in solidarity with a local legend.

Even Cleveland Browns fans embraced the Bengals. Cat’s Eye Saloon, a bar on Court Street affiliated with Browns Backers Worldwide, welcomed dozens of Bengals fans to watch the Super Bowl. The bar sees a regular influx of Bengals fans come football season, but never to the extent it had seen Sunday.

Jordan Colburn, who has worked at Cat’s Eye for over a year, said the staff had been preparing for the possibility that the Bengals reached the Super Bowl.

“We expected this,” Colburn said. “Usually, there’s only one person working Sundays. We’ve got three on today. If we need more, then more can come. This is kind of what we expected, if not more.”

One Cat’s Eye patron, Mike Litten, still remembers the first Bengals game he attended as a child. He can still recollect the heartbreak that followed the two failed shots at a Super Bowl victory in 1982 and 1989. But the Bengals had made the long march back, and Burrow, a local hero, was under center.

“To have a local kid, it makes it so much cooler because it seems like everybody, even people who aren’t Bengals fans, are so much behind the team,” Litten said.

Litten and his wife Shelly are both OU graduates. They moved to Cincinnati after Mike graduated in 1984, and the couple returned to Athens after retiring in 2017.

They’d been introduced to Burrow after watching an LSU game in 2019, and they’ve been hooked ever since.

Like so many other Athens residents, having Burrow come from their corner of the world only stoked their fandom.

Bengals fans cheer and ring a cowbell when the Cincinatti team scores a touchdown in the Super Bowl LVI on Feb. 13, 2022. (NATE SWANSON | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

“It’s every parent’s dream to have a kid like that,” Mike said, “Somebody that you would trust, even if you don’t know them very well.”

But as the excitement across Athens boiled over and the Bengals clung to a slim lead throughout the second half, it soon bottomed out. The Rams scored with 1:25 left on the clock, and a sense of dread blanketed fans crammed in front of the bar at Cat’s Eye. The dread morphed into crushing defeat on Cincinnati’s final possession, a desperate fourth-down conversion attempt that ended in an errant pass and Burrow being swung to the ground by Los Angeles’ Aaron Donald. Los Angeles closed the game out with a kneel, and another Super Bowl ended with a 23-20 loss for Cincinnati.

The patrons inside Cat’s Eye were shattered. Burrow, who hadn’t lost a playoff game since Athens was defeated by Toledo Central Catholic 56-52 in the Division III state championship, was going home empty-handed.

Expletives rang out. A few patrons cupped their heads in their hands. The cheers that had echoed throughout the bar, and the rest of Court Street, fell silent. Many began packing and leaving before the clock ran out. Patrons spilled out of the bars and began the long trek home, and the joyous shouts that were perva-

sive just a few hours before had shrunk to murmurs.

But even as the few dozen Cincinnati fans inside Cat’s Eye loathed another failed attempt at a Super Bowl, a few took in the moment that Burrow brought them to. As the postgame ceremonies played, one man raised his glass and began to chant.

“Who dey!” he exclaimed, raising his glass as he began the Bengals’ well-known “Who Dey” chant.

Many along the bar joined in. They chanted for a season that Cincinnati fans had been waiting 33 years for. It ended just shy of the Lombardi Trophy once again, but those fans took solace in reaching the heights they had.

It only took a man from Athens to get them there.

@THEJACKGLECKLER JG011517@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 17

HOCKEY

Sam Turner’s leadership makes him, his teammates better MOLLY BURCHARD FOR THE POST Not many players can step into a leadership role quite like Sam Turner. The junior, as well as the rest of Ohio, has had to adapt to a strange season. A new coach, a tough schedule and multiple cancellations have put Ohio in a difficult situation. Its newer players needed an upperclassman to lean on and look to for guidance.

Turner stepped up.

Turner has been a leader on the ice since he arrived in Athens in 2019, but he has grown into a stand-out player this season. He leads the team with 32 points alongside Drew Magyar and J.T. Schimizzi.

However, the key difference between Turner and Ohio’s other point leaders is that Turner is a defenseman, while the other two are forwards. Defensemen typically have fewer opportunities to score than forwards do. This has not stopped Turner from scoring 11 goals this season, the fourth-most on the team. He also leads the Bobcats with 21 assists.

Not only is Turner a leader on the ice, but he is also a leader on the bench and in the locker room. He’s one of Ohio’s four captains and the team’s only junior captain. Earning captain as a junior is an honor for Turner, and he knows the work he has to put in to live up to that role.

“I just come to the rink every day (and) do what I can,” Turner said. “(I) do what I can in games. I try to show a good example and see what happens from there. Coach felt that I earned the captaincy because of that.”

Game after game, Turner gives his greatest effort, no matter what. He’ll do whatever he needs to so the Bobcats can win. He will put himself at risk by taking big hits to stop a shot or stand up for a teammate. For Turner, this is no big deal.

“There’s so much adrenaline going through,” Turner said. “It’s not even really a question whether you’re going to take the hit or not, whether you’re going to block the shot or not.”

To the rest of the Bobcats, Turner inspires confidence. He’s able to get up hit

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after hit, and his tenacity fires up players on the bench. Even when he’s not feeling the finest, Turner continues playing. This shows selflessness, one of the qualities that exist in a great leader.

“There (are) many games where he’s playing injured,” defenseman Blake Rossi said. “And he does it for us. I mean, he still busts his ass out there, even when he’s hurt.”

Turner and Rossi both joined Ohio at the same time but didn’t play on the same line together until this year. Being a defensive pair, the two have gotten especially close this season. Defensemen share a unique bond, as they talk amongst each other the most throughout games. Turner has gotten to share his knowledge of the game with Rossi, and he even helps Rossi become a better leader himself.

“I’d say he’s just always pushing me to be my best and play at my best levels,” Rossi said. “He’s one of the top guys that helps everyone through their tough times and everything. I mean, he’s just a hell of a leader.”

For Rossi, playing with Turner is easy because the duo is communicating all the time. Communication is key on the ice, and Turner doesn’t shy away from what he needs to get across.

Even when criticism comes and improvements need to be made, Turner does not sugarcoat his words. He’s honest and straightforward, which is another important quality in a leader. Ohio has had to make a few improvements as the season has progressed, and Turner has been a vital component of those improvements.

With the end of the regular season around the corner, Ohio will be losing multiple seniors and other leaders on its roster. It will be even more important for Turner to maintain his leadership skills now that he will be a senior.

But Turner isn’t worried about that now. He’s got one goal on his mind: reaching the national championship this spring.

@MOLLY_BURCHARD8 MB712319@OHIO.EDU

DIEHL’S DETAILS

OU is to blame for the mishandling of Jordyn Airy’s death MEGAN DIEHL is a freshman studying journalism at Ohio University Calling a crisis hotline is not easy. Asking for help is not easy. What should be easy for a resident assistant, however, is carrying out a wellness check on a student the first time her father calls out of concern for her well-being, seeing as that is the point of the job.

Instead, on Sept. 7, 2019, after 11 phone calls to Residential Housing staff over the span of seven hours, two calls to the Ohio University Police Department, or OUPD, and not receiving any responses when he frantically texted his daughter’s RA, Brad Airy was on his way to Athens from Dublin, Ohio. Around 9 p.m., he was informed that his daughter, freshman Jordyn Airy, was dead. Her death occurred at 6:40 p.m. and was ruled as a suicide by intoxication.

Ohio University spokesperson Carly Leatherwood’s only comment was that while what happened to Jordyn Airy was tragic, the lawsuit Airy’s family filed against the university was “unfounded” and would be fought in court.

There are various ways that OU absolutely mangled its handling of Airy’s death and countless instances in which somebody could have acted but failed to. Jordan Airy’s fa-

ther was told by OUPD it was too busy to talk to him. Her father was reprimanded by housing staff for his persistent calls and was not informed of his daughter’s death until over two hours after her body was found.

Many argue this is not entirely Housing and Residence Life’s fault and that RAs are not trained or paid enough to handle such crises.

If this is true, then the university must implement a student crisis team to deal with such scenarios on scene or provide a greater focus on mental health in RA training.

However, there are questions that must be posed if this is the case: What is the point of an RA if not to ensure the well-being of students? Why is the scent of marijuana or students drinking in their dorms often more concerning than a student’s own father insisting his child is in a crisis?

If it is not the duty of the RA to prevent tragedies such as Jordan Airy’s, to really focus on the substance of the well-being of their residents, the title of RA is reduced to nothing.

College is a transitional period for students, especially underclassmen, and brings forth an array of emotional challenges that many have not experienced before. With 73% of students experiencing some sort of mental health crisis in their college years, it is dumbfounding that one would apply to be an RA without being prepared to deal with the mental health of residents, especially as mental health issues are more prevalent in the underclassmen living under RA super-

vision in dorms.

Jordan Airy was also part of the Transition Success Program in Wilson Hall, which aimed at ensuring the success of academically at-risk students. Seeing as mental health issues such as depression and substance abuse are associated with academic struggle, it does not make sense that extra care would not be taken to check in with Wilson Hall residents who are part of this program, like Jordan Airy. It makes even less sense that a wellness check at the request of a student’s father in this context would not be carried out with immediacy.

Well-being includes mental and emotional well-being, which so often proves to be more fragile yet more overlooked than physical well-being, even at a school like OU that has put so much emphasis on mental health in recent years. However, allowing a student to die by suicide in the school’s care and then dodge any responsibility does not reflect this effort but proves to be much more “unfounded” than seeking accountability for the school’s negligence that resulted in a tragic, wrongful, preventable death.

Meg Diehl is a freshman studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Tell Meg by tweeting her at @irlbug.

HOT TAKES WITH TATE

Joe Burrow, the Bengals still have so much to be proud of TATE RAUB is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University Here in Athens, there is a collective love and appreciation for Joe Burrow, and as a result, for the Cincinnati Bengals.

The outward show of love and support for everyone’s favorite Bulldog has spread from the heart of Athens to other corners of Ohio, where people were hoping to see a football team from their state come home with the highest esteemed trophy in the NFL. Unfortunately, the Lombardi Trophy stayed in Los Angeles with the Rams, but there is still a lot to be celebrated.

At this point, it is well known that the Athens Food Pantry received an overwhelming amount of donations following Burrow’s 2019 Heisman acceptance speech. He talked about his experience growing up in Southeast Ohio and the intense poverty rate in the area, saying he was there for everyone from his home region who experienced food insecurity.

A fundraiser for the Athens County Food Pantry was started by Athens High School and Post alum Will Drabold with a goal of $500,000. Thus, the Joe Burrow Hunger Relief Fund was born, and approximately $650,000 was raised for the Athens County Food Pantry.

In addition to the initial fundraiser, Burrow auctioned off a pair of cleats that featured a design created by an Athens High

School student in a contest held for the Athens City School District. The final bid was $2,500, and the money went toward the Joe Burrow Hunger Relief Fund. There is no doubt regarding the impact of Burrow’s charitable efforts.

Additionally, in the two seasons since Burrow was drafted, the Bengals went from having the worst record in the 2019 NFL season to playing in the Super Bowl. To do that takes a team effort, but I think it’s fair to say that Burrow has had a large part in making that happen with the way he has consistently led his teams to outstanding victories. All of a sudden, people’s eyes were directed towards an NFL team being led by “just a kid from Athens.”

It’s unquestionable that sports bring people together, but this past NFL season was different as people who had not previously cared too much about football began to understand the appeal. Sometimes, it just takes a really good team to draw in new fans, and that’s what the Bengals did.

I’m not from Athens, but to be quite honest, Athens is why I’m here. My parents met here while they were attending Ohio University, and now I am here carrying on the title of Bobcat.

Having a connection to the place where an already legendary quarterback grew up is really cool, and there’s no reason to deny it.

As the coolness factor of that connection began to solidify in my mind, I found myself actually wanting to sit down and watch the Bengals. Did I watch every game? No, but I think I watched more games this past season than I ever have, and I

plan on continuing that streak next season.

There are all sorts of reasons why people are fans of specific famous athletes, but I think humanity is a strong factor.

Without all Burrow has done for Southeast Ohio and Athens, I think the community still would have been excited for him throughout his football career. However, it is because he started giving back to it before he touched an NFL jersey that makes it that much more special to have someone in the spotlight who has this community’s back.

Burrow and everyone else who has spent quality time in Athens knows how special this corner of Ohio is, and I think the world is finally starting to see that, too.

Tate Raub is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Tate know by tweeting her @tatertot1310.

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 19

Our favorite romantic comedy movies THE BEAT STAFF When it comes to the season of love, each year is different, depending on who you are spending it with. While those special someones may come and go, romantic comedies can be a constant. There’s nothing better than grabbing your favorite blanket, comfort food and snuggling up to your favorite rom-com. If you need some new options, we have you covered. Here’s our favorite romantic comedies: CRAZY RICH ASIANS (2018) Romantic comedy genre aside, Crazy Rich Asians is honestly one of my most favorite movies of all time. It’s the perfect mix of romance, comedy, sincerity and even some ideal fantasy. I mean, who wouldn’t enjoy, at least just a little bit, that their partner comes from an influential family? Despite the rich and glamorous concept of the movie, it also touches on intimate love and the effects it can have on a person. As an Asian-American myself, I also appreciate that it’s an Asian love story since the rom-com industry typically lacks diversity. Overall, nothing can beat the heartwarming gestures and on point comedic timing of this movie. - Mimi Calhoun HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS (2003) I would be lying if I said that this movie didn’t make me want to be a journalist.

This is just one of many movies that came out in the Golden Age of rom-coms (20002008). While there are many movies with similar plots of young journalists in New York City, I believe that this one is the best.

The chemistry between Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey is unmatched. I’m not even a big fan of rom-coms, but this will always be one of my comfort movies. Caroline Kammerer WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (1989) When Harry Met Sally is an age-old classic in the rom-com genre, and its incredible screenwriting set a new standard for rom-coms, engaging viewers to question whether a man and a woman can be friends without being physically attracted to each other. Co-stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan give hilarious and moving performances and share amazing chemistry in their enemies-to-friends-to-lovers relationship. It has the ability to be watched over and over again and still manages to pull at every heartstring during each viewing. Nothing can make me cry every time like the beautiful ending scene to this movie. - Logan Humphrey 20 / FEB. 17, 2022

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE (2018) When this movie dropped, sophomoreyear-of-high-school me was over the moon. I had read this book series before, and I thought this was the perfect adaptation for its debut to Netflix. Peter Kavinsky is Noah Centineo at his best, and Jenny Han, the author of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, did a great job of visualizing the perfect web of lies that leads its main characters into posing as a fake couple.

While at times it’s cheesy, this movie is humorous, witty and overall romantic, and it leaves you believing in fate and the magic of opposites attract! - Grace Koennecke 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU (1999) This is a rom-com that perfectly avoids the cliche of high school romance. This movie perfectly portrays the ‘90s in all its glory. It accurately evokes just the right amount of emotion toward the end to get you teary-eyed, but it is playful enough to make you laugh. The movie is lovably corny and is great to watch with friends if you want a good story or a good laugh without having to roll your eyes at the cheesiness that seems to be in every popular rom-com. - Sean Eifert

ADVENTURELAND (2009) Adventureland isn’t just my favorite romantic comedy, but it’s also one of my favorite movies, period. It’s one of those projects that you can feel that every person involved, both in front of and behind the camera, was passionate about what they were making. Every part of it feels genuine, especially the chemistry and connection that Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart have as a duo, both in their characters’ relationship and as actors. The rest of the cast is fantastic too, with the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig all before their big breaks. Even the smaller names among the cast, like Martin Starr and Wendy Malick, are perfect in their roles. It’s an endlessly enjoyable romantic comedy with a killer cast, a ‘90s throwback soundtrack and chill vibes; it’s a total comfort movie. Check it out. Zach James 27 DRESSES (2008) As a frequent viewer of romantic comedies, it was hard to pick just one. But, 27 Dresses created my obsession with the genre. After watching this movie for the first time in eighth grade, I fell in love with the grand gestures and the cheesy con-

nections between the characters. Katherine Heigl portrays the lead role of Jane in such a realistic way that you can’t help but put yourself in her shoes while watching.

The overall message of always being the shadow of someone else and never getting your time to shine created a movie that I could watch a million times over. - Anna Porten DEAR JOHN (2010) As someone that does not enjoy rewatching most films, Dear John is one of those rom-coms that I could watch once a month. My experience while viewing this masterpiece always brings me into a whirlwind of laughter and tears. Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried portray a young couple that fall deeply in love with each other rather quickly. However, life’s challenges test their relationship. This film — and its matching novel by Nicholas Sparks — is a classic romantic comedy that illustrates a more realistic version of love.

- Grace Brezine

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Alexa Demie quite literally does it all in Hollywood GRACE KOENNECKE FOR THE POST Most people know Alexa Demie as Maddy Perez, aka the feisty on-again, offagain girlfriend to Nate Jacobs, in HBO’s hit series Euphoria. But her rise to fame as well as her hidden talents is worth taking note of.

Before her breakout role, Demie was relatively unknown in Hollywood. Her first major acting opportunity was supposed to be in The Godmother, a true story about Griselda Blanco, but the film was never actually made. It did allow for Demie to gain some representation, allowing her to make small guest appearances on shows like The OA and Ray Donovan.

Later, thanks to the help of producer and friend Mikey Alfred, Demie was recommended for a role in Jonah Hill’s directorial debut Mid90s, a coming-of-age skate film in which she eventually got the part as a high school student named Estee.

A year after the release of the film, the director of Never Goin’ Back, Augustine Frizzell, helped land Demie the part of Maddy in Euphoria. Fans of the show

gravitated toward her character’s fashion sense, witty sarcasm, toxic romantic relationship and interesting backstory of being a child pageant star, which allowed for Demie to gain praise for her role.

Slowly, Euphoria began to open doors for the actress and, after Euphoria’s 2019 release, Demie was cast in Waves and Gia Coppolo’s movie Mainstream, where she starred alongside Andrew Garfield.

Unbeknownst to many, Demie has already decided to branch out beyond acting by producing her first feature film, which will be based on the life of her mother, Rosa Mendez. Demie’s mother was a makeup artist who immigrated from Los Angeles to Mexico as a baby. The actress will star as her mother in the film, playing the teenage version of her growing up in Hollywood during the 1980s.

Along with acting and producing, the star also is a songwriter. Demie released her first single, “Girl Like Me,” back in 2016 but is currently working on an EP. She can also be considered a designer, as she travels to Japan to produce Mainframe, a sunglasses collection she created as a high school senior. What was

once a school hobby evolved into work with major celebrities, Nicki Minaj’s costume designs.

Meanwhile, Demie also has a strange familial lineage to the music industry, as her father is the stepson of Dennis Wilson, the drummer for The Beach Boys. The actress is considered Wilson’s granddaughter, proving she has many interesting and impressive facets to her life.

In an interview with W Magazine, Demie said, “I’ve always known from a young age that I was meant to have multiple careers.” This sentiment is obviously clear throughout the timeline of Demie’s rise to fame, and it will likely cement her into the Hollywood scene for years to come.

GRACE_KOE GK011320@OHIO.EDU

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the weekender OU School of Theater presents ‘Everybody,’ a modern take on a classic play ALYSSA CRUZ FOR THE POST The Ohio University School of Theater is kicking off the new year by presenting Everybody, a melodrama play known for its randomness and powerful message.

Everybody was originally written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and published in 2018 as a morality play. Jacobs-Jenkins based his work on one of the first recorded English plays, Everyman.

Both plays present Death as an individual character that is impatient and stubborn. The original play portrays Everyman as a character that confronts Death and attempts to evade its rules. Everybody differs from its predecessor because it uses a lottery at the beginning of the show to determine the roles of the play, and it concludes with a discussion on race.

The randomness of the lottery is used to reflect the randomness of death, proving death does not discriminate on worldly circumstances such as socioeconomic standings and background.

To complete a master of fine arts, or MFA, students enrolled in the professional directing program direct a fully supported main stage production. Roberto Di Donato, in his final year as an MFA student, was immediately drawn to this play when it came to selecting his production.

“I tried to find something that addresses a discussion on race, as well as is a comedy, as well as is as close as anything could be to all encompassing,” Di Donato said.

In addition to the topic, the script also appealed to Di Donato. He said the lack of definition of location and time excited him. The quirkiness of the acting style also caught his eye.

“The acting style is very different from things that have happened at OU,” Di Donato said. “The route we’re trying to go down with this script is like camp, or, to be more precise, melodrama.”

Eli Chamberlin, a senior studying acting as well as a member of the cast, was attracted to the idea of differing from the university’s usual performances.

“We do not do a lot of comedies at OU, which I don’t think is necessarily a bad thing, but I think it was a chance to finally have fun and a chance to make big choices,” Chamberlin said. “A chance to be able to be part of something that is so meaningful and detrimental to society that they need to hear.”

Chamberlin’s castmate, Jaimie Henderson, a first year 22 / FEB. 17, 2022

in the MFA acting program, enjoys the unconventional style of the play that allows it to be more experimental.

“The whole show really is one big playground for these characters that are playing a multitude of tracks,” Henderson said. “It has been really fun to get to dive into.”

Although the lack of structure in the storyline was exciting to all participants, the fact that the actors don’t know what role they will play when they step on stage proved to have some challenges.

“We had to practice double time; we had to practice twice a night in order to have people play the role multiple times a week,” Di Donato said.

Henderson said she thinks each individual actor has crafted a total of 14 characters.

“Having to memorize pretty much the entire script in preparation … it was very overwhelming at the start,” Chamberlin said.

Regardless of the extra work, both actors were adamant that Di Donato’s directing style made the process much easier to navigate, as well as more enjoyable.

“I’ve adopted, with permission, this thing called ‘calling-in’ at the end,” Di Donato said. “The cast surrounds an individual and that individual gets affirmation from every single person in the room.”

Di Donato also views his responsibility more as a curator. Instead of having the actors conform to his specific vision, he approaches the individual and has them present

their ideas to him.

“I’m treating each of them as individual artists, and my job is to curate the gallery space of the stage,” Di Donato said.

The cast views Di Donato’s method as extremely effective.

“Roberto has been one of the most understanding directors that I’ve probably ever worked with,” Chamberlin said. “He has been so open to whatever choice we want to make and really has been so encouraging to make bigger choices.”

Everyone involved is grateful to have a leader like Di Donato at the head of the production.

“He really, really, really holds space for everybody in a way that I think is extraordinary,” Henderson said.

Tickets for Everybody are on sale now, and the show will run from Feb. 17-19 and Feb. 23-26 at 8 p.m., with a matinee performance Feb. 26 at 2 p.m.

“I hope people have the best time; I hope people feel like it’s a party … and I hope that it spurs conversation and that they start to think about how they’re showing up in the world,” Henderson said.

@alyssa_danccruz ac974320@ohio.edu

IF YOU GO WHAT: Everybody presented by the OU School of Theater WHEN: Feb. 17-19 and Feb. 23-26, at 8 p.m., Feb. 26 at 2 p.m.

WHERE: Elizabeth Evans Baker Theater at Kantner Hall ADMISSION: $10 general admission, $7 seniors and $5 students

WHAT’S GOING ON? Enjoy live music; create suspended sculptures

CARMEN SZUKAITIS FOR THE POST FRIDAY, FEB. 18 ACRN Media is hosting its 2022 prom at The Union, 18 W. Union St., with performances from Short Fictions, En Love and Kaiba. Doors open at 7 p.m. Come dressed in your best goth-inspired outfits for a chance to win best dressed.

Admission: $8 for 21+, $10 for under 21 School of Theater Presents: Everybody at 8 p.m. in Elizabeth Evans Baker Theater at Kantner Hall. In this modernized morality play, characters embark on a journey to discover the meaning of life.

at The Union at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Come support these entertaining performers, and enjoy their music.

Admission: $8 for 21+, $10 for under 21 SUNDAY, FEB. 20 Open Studio at Kennedy Museum of Art is back with its first event of 2022 from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Inspired by the current exhibition, LACUNA, this event will explore the process behind creating suspended sculptures. With all materials provided, facilitators will guide guests through the process of creation.

Admission: Free, but participants must register beforehand.

The British Invasion sparked a cultural reset, as British music was dominating the charts in the mid-1960s and set trends of being yourself. Live on the stage of MemAud Sunday at 7:30 p.m. and feel the songs that changed that generation.

Admission: $15 for students, $18 for seniors and $20 for general admission

@CARMENSZUK CS032018@OHIO.EDU

Various locations

BLOOD DRIVE

The need is constant, the need is urgent, sign up and give today.

FRIDAY NIGHT 6PM: BILL FOLEY

visit the Red Cross online.

Enter your zip code to search for an available drive. Times availble each week

scan to schedule your donation

Admission: Free Gallia Winterfest 2022 is taking place at Gallipolis City Park from noon to 4 p.m.

Participants can expect many different activities, including a scavenger hunt for ice sculptures, ice skating and deciding between hot chocolate or a snow cone.

Winterfest is fun for the entire family and will be an unforgettable experience.

Admission: Free Velvet Green is performing another show

PLUS ▼▼▼▼▼

MEGAN BEE ALBUM RELEASE PARTY hosted by SEORA upstairs

The Market on State ATHENS FARMERS & ART MARKET Locally grown and raised meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, prepared foods, , traditional and specialty bread, coffee, wine and cider, shelf stable canned goods, sweets, plants and seeds. Plus locally made artistic goods Find us in the front parking lot and inside the Market on State Mall

Saturdays 9 am - Noon

Admission: $5 for students, $7 for seniors and $10 for general admission SATURDAY, FEB. 19 Saturday Lunch served weekly, provided

by United Campus Ministry from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. This free, hot and nutritious meal is given out to Athens community members with no questions asked.

The perfect place to gather ANY NIGHT OF THE WEEK! we have 32 Beers on Tap & Don’t Miss Tuesday night trivia.

Saturday 7PM

Come join Megan and co-producer Bruce Dalzell to celebrate the release of her album Cottonwood

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THOUSANDS OF READERS PRINCE UNDER A CHERRY MOON Check out this 1986 romantic, musical, comedydrama starring Prince in his directorial debut.

Saturday Feb. 19th 8-9:30 pm donkeycoffee.com FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

For more Music, Arts, and Events scan

for as low as

ATHENS BLACK WALL STREET PREMIERE Mount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society proudly presents the premiere of Athens Black Wall Street (Episode 1). This project, developed in association with Bent Street Films and Hyfocal Multimedia focuses on the incredible triumphs of Black business owners in Athens County in the late 1880’s and early 1900’s. The series chronicles the destruction of Athens Black Historical structures and depicts community efforts to halt the erasure of its last standing cultural icon.

The evening will also feature documentary films on the lives of two incredible Black matriarchs Ada Woodson Adams and Dr. Francine Childs as part of Liz Pahl’s film project Legacy: Women of Southeast Ohio.

Saturday Feb 26th 7:00 pm

Stuarts Opera House

LATE 20TH CENTURY

DANCE PARTY

WITH DJ BFUNK

DJ B-Funk will be playing music from 1950 to early 2000’s for your enjoyment. send us an email There will be food provided postadvertising@ohio.edu

by Lacey Rogers, fellow Semester pricing and book club Facilitator and community organizer, a full discounts are available. cash-bar, and Sharrell Wise Space is limited Photography will be on hand to snap photos of all of you having fun.

The event will be streamed for The Union those who can’t make it.

ALL PROCEEDS benefit the VELVET GREEN anti-racism book club.

WITH

$15 per week!

ACRYLIC GROOVES Friday, Feb. 4th Doors open at 8:00 $8 cover 21 & over $10 under 21

▼▼EVENT DATE▼▼ Friday, MAR 11th 7 pm- 11 pm

TICKETS & DONATION HERE: linktr.ee/djbfunk $15 Donation and proof of vaccination required to attend

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 23

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