Issue 8 • Volume 124 Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017 www.thesandspur.org
@thesandspur facebook.com/ thesandspur
Developing gardens from destruction Two Holt students saw Irma’s debris as an opportunity to build an urban farm. Maura Leaden
I
mleaden@rollins.edu
n the wake of Hurricane Irma’s destruction, Ari Davis ’18 and Katie Wookey ’18, two Crummer MBA candidates, found a way to repurpose roadside wood into a raised vegetable garden. Davis and Wookey bike down Holt avenue every morning on their way to Rollins and would always notice the debris left over from the storm. Davis, a sustainable food systems coordinator at East End Market, was inspired to find new life in the destruction. “Even if you were out of town, you may have noticed the stacks of broken fences piled up on the streets of Holt just waiting to be taken to the landfill,” shared Davis. Whenever he and Wookey biked by the piles, he just kept saying, “Let’s do something.” He emphasized, “It was hard to bike by all that great wood every day without using it for something good.” Finally, they went along Holt and collected wood, some of which is still stored in their garage, and decided to build. Davis drew inspiration
Parents invade for Family Weekend
2
The Rollins community hosts its annual family weekend with campus-wide events.
from his job at East End Market, where there is an urban farm. It is a “big working farm in downtown Orlando.” East End Market also features a nearby food outpost on Corrine avenue that has come to be a hub for sustainable development in the city. Davis and Wookey’s raised garden has been named ‘Irma’ and is now growing tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, lettuce, kale, basil, and oregano, according to Davis. Now, their garden is thriving; they even invited their neighbors over for dinner to eat the vegetables, and their neighbors have adopted the idea and now have their own Irma garden. “Now, Irma is responsible for not just one, but two vegetable gardens in the neighborhood,” said Davis. “This second garden uses re-purposed materials, including broken bamboo shoots to house green beans, as well as parts of old wooden fences.” With their individual success, they are eager to help others build the vegetable patches as well. Davis said, “We’d love to see a bunch of urban farms [on Holt Avenue].”
Photo courtesy of Ari Davis
The vegetable gardens Ari Davis ‘18 and Katie Wookey ‘18 made using scrap wood from Hurricane Irma. They now grow kale, tomatoes, cucumbers, and green beans.
‣See GARDEN on Page 3
Intersession courses offered in January
5
Course registration is here and so is the list for Interession courses of 2018.
Inside
There is no excuse for pedophilia
7
Kevin Spacey attempted to use his homosexuality as an excuse for recent sexual assault allegations.
2 • NOVEMBER 9, 2017
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Established in 1894 with the following editorial:
EXECUTIVE STAFF Ellie Rushing Editor-in-Chief
Christina Fuleihan Managing Editor
CONTENT STAFF Alex Candage Head Copy Editor
Morgan McConnell Lauren Bishop Maura Leaden Cameron Osche Copy Editors Maura Leaden Kira Bernhard Lauren Bishop Alec Stanley Ellie Rushing Writers Kalli Joslin Alyssa Malto Grace Macleod Section Editors Kalli Joslin Reilly Aback Anna Kjoller Web Editors
Photo by Alec Stanley, The Sandspur
Students and their parents used the picnic on Mills lawn as an opportunity to converse with other families and taste the food students enjoy every day.
DESIGN DEPARTMENT Zoe Kim Head Designer Gracie Street Illustrator
Dana Wagenhauser Patrick Murray Page Designer
BUSINESS & FACULTY Greg Golden
General Manager of Student Media
Dr. Leslie Poole Faculty Advisor David Neitzel Business Manager Taylor McCormack Business Intern Jose Araneta Student Media Graduate Assistant
Photo by Alec Stanley, The Sandspur
Members of EcoRollins and the grounds team removed tons of litter from the shore of Lake Virginia, including a full-sized car tire.
Ujjwal Gupta Ad Representative
Photo by Alec Stanley, The Sandspur
Families enjoyed the street fair which took place on Bush lawn Saturday afternoon.
Family Weekend tradition lives on
ADVERTISING
Contact: advertising@thesandspur.org
Family weekend gives parents a look into the daily life of Rollins students and faculty. Alec Stanley
F
astanley@rollins.edu
rom Nov. 3 through Nov. 5, parents, siblings, and other loved ones joined Rollins students on campus for Rollins’ annual family weekend. Throughout the weekend,
students and their families were treated to a variety of events that showcased all aspects of student life here at Rollins. The weekend was coordinated and hosted by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Beginning that Friday morning, families checked in for the weekend and received all the
necessary materials for the weekend, including a complementary and fashionable baby blue drawstring bag to transport all the important documents and freebies that would be distributed. Families who wanted firsthand involvement in their student’s education were allowed to make appointments with faculty
advisors or Rollins staff members. At these meetings, families gained new insight into the education and registration processes at Rollins—insights which would be important with spring semester registration just around the corner.
‣See FAMILY on Page 4
FEATURES
3
rFLA system continues to change Faculty addresses students’ concerns and explains potential changes to the system’s overall mechanics.
By Lauren Bishop
O
Photo courtesy of Ari Davis
The surplus of wood after Irma can be recycled to build gardens. Bamboo stalks can also be a helpful addition to help plants like beans and tomatoes grow efficiently.
GARDEN ‣Continued from Page 1 Davis commented on the physical and mental benefits of gardening: “There are several links to both physical and mental well-being, not to mention the building of community happiness through vegetable gardens.” Physical benefits come with getting out in the soil with “natural microbes to help with gut bacteria.” In addition, the physical work brings exercise, and being “out in the sun, you’re getting vitamin D.” Davis even knew of instances of rehabilita-
tion centers helping people heal by “getting out in nature.” The couple has now helped start five veggie patches now— two from recycled Irma wood. Four of them are raised garden beds, which use bamboo to keep the squirrels out and help the beans grow. The whole process does not take too long—about an hour and a half once one removes the old grass, spreads the soil, adds the seeds, etc. In a generous and motivated gesture, Davis said he is willing to install the raised gardens himself. “Call me!” he said. “I have extra supplies in my garage.” As long as you have permission
from the landlord, Davis will be happy to help. If you want to take on this project by yourself, Davis said, “YouTube it!” Finding wood should be no problem. There is “so much free wood in the world…[specifically] wood pellets.” In fact, there is so much of it that companies such as Home Depot pay to have them removed. Davis concluded with the idea that “in a world whereby everyone is so pinched for time, maybe we need to take a second to smell the roses…or in this case, the tomatoes!”
lbishop@rollins.edu
n Nov. 1, Dean of General Education Dr. Emily Russell, along with several faculty members and students, held an open forum to discuss possible improvements to Rollins’ general education system, rFLA. This panel’s purpose was to address student concerns regarding rFLA. The panel addressed what changes would be made to the rFLA 2.0 system. First, Rollins faculty aims to provide a more cohesive learning opportunity. Courses will demonstrate a relevance toward each other, and the capstone will allow students to reflect on what they learned and connect it to the real world. Second, a two-credit career development course may be added to the competencies. This will most likely include resume building skills. Adding more ‘adulting skills’ to the Health and Wellness curriculum, such as financial lessons, was also deemed possible. The rFLA system is Rollins’ designated path for students to fulfill the general education requirements that compliment a liberal arts education. It stands for Rollins Foundation in the Liberal Arts, and includes 10 classes such as a freshman course (RCC), four classes fulfilling competencies (math, writing, foreign language, and health and wellness) and five fulfilling the “neighborhood system” (expressive arts, natural science, social science, and humanities). The neighborhood system was launched in 2014 and is named after Mr. Rogers’ “Neighborhood,” a television program starring Fred Rodgers who is one of Rollins’ most respected alumni. However, as a relatively new system, it has been causing some confusion among students. One of the major student concerns brought up during the panel was advising. When stu-
dents reach out to faculty members for advice, they do not always know the course sequence or what is required of students. However, faculty members are continuing to receive training regarding this curriculum, and, as time goes on, advising will be improved. There will also be a more robust demonstration of students’ rFLA curriculum in Degreeworks. Furthermore, students expressed frustration that they are required to take courses outside of their major and that some of these courses are harder than their major courses. This was addressed by reminding students that the purpose of these courses is to force students to think out of the box, and that the purpose of the liberal arts curriculum is to expose students to real-world issues surrounding the community. Faculty expressed the concern that students do not understand the value of the liberal arts education provided by Rollins. Faculty are working towards discussing this in individual emails and other methods of communication. Yet, faculty also expressed that there will be efforts made to improve the consistency of course material and consistency in science courses offering a lab. In addition to that, it was explained that each major has a different level of difficulty and it is impossible to require that rFLA courses be more or less rigorous in order to match the standards of the student’s individual major. RFLA faculty want students to realize that this system is in its developing stages, and, through trial and error, the system will be perfected. Through rFLA, faculty want students to gain an understanding of the purpose of their liberal arts education and become exposed to a broad array of learning experiences, which one may not initially choose to explore.
4
FEATURES Dining focus groups give students a vocal platform
FAMILY ‣Continued from Page 2
Sodexo explains changes will be made to the meal plan, but does not give insight as to when. By Kira Bernhard
kbernhard@rollins.edu
A focus group regarding the new meal plan determined that Sodexo should return to the a la carte menu, but Sodexo will not be able to implement large changes right away. In response to the drastic changes made to the college’s meal plan starting in Fall 2017, Camillia Williams, the Strategic Account Director for Sodexo, held the event with the aim to give “the university and Sodexo [a] better understanding of the students’ perspectives on the dining.” On November 2, Williams asked the students participating in the focus group for feeedback regarding the current dining situation. Some students complemented on Sodexo’s consideration of different dietary needs. For example, the veggie burgers in the Campus Center act as a meat substitute, so vegetarians dining at Rollins do not have to miss out on the experience of eating a burger.
However, things quickly turned into a conversation about how the old dining situation offered more variety, customizable options, and healthier alternatives last year. As Jason Augustus ‘21 put it, the dining has become “quantity, not quality.” Students believed that this is due to the all-youcan-eat buffet style. Students at the focus group unanimously voted that Sodexo should return to the a la carte menu. Furthermore, new dining rules make it very hard to socialize, as students cannot enter the Campus Center unless they buy a meal. Students do not want to pay $10 just to go in the Campus Center and sit with their friends if they are only going to pick up something small. “[Since] they changed the whole dining system, I have to sit outside and eat outside like a lonely person because I already have my own food prepared from home,” said Cristina Perez ‘18. Reigan Paulovich ’21 also agreed with Perez, saying that she “personally [is] not a fan of
the meal plan because it seems to exclude off-campus students and have a lack of healthy options.” Williams assured that she and her team “want to make the good things better and improve the not so good.” Nonetheless, she believes that the changes the students are asking for are too big to be implemented by Spring 2018. Because she does not want to overpromise, she was honest in saying that significant changes probably will not happen this year. Paulovich said, “the focus group went very well.” She thought that “the feedback given, while sometimes a bit harsh, was accurate and… the sponsors got a lot from it.” If something needs to be changed, voicing opinions as students have been doing with the dining services will help put that change into effect. However, as far as the dining system goes, it is unclear when these changes will actually be put into effect.
Accepts R-Cards! “My favorite is spinach, tomato, and feta”
Locally Owned and Operated
OPEN 000-000-000
Minimum Purchase required for delivery. Delivery charge may apply. Limited delivery areas.
1214 99
& Marbled Cookie Brownie
$
each
CODE 5041
LIMITED TIME OFFER
LIMITED TIME OFFER Cash Value 1/20c. Prices may vary. Tax may apply. Code 5908
CARRYOUT OR DELIVERY Additional toppings extra.
LATE ©2014 Domino’s IP Holder LLC. Not valid with any other offer.
©2014 Domino’s IP Holder LLC. Not valid with any other offer.
1 LARGE ANY WAY! Large 1-Topping Pizza Choose any style with any toppings
STORE LOCATION
000-000-000 ORDER NOW AT DOMINOS.COM
2 LARGE
Minimum Purchase required for delivery. Delivery charge may apply. Limited delivery areas.
Large 3-Topping Pizza & Marbled 2-Topping CookiePizzas Brownie
13 99
$
Additional Toppings extra.
CODE 5364
LIMITED TIME OFFER
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Code 5909
Cash Value 1/20c. Prices may vary. Tax may apply.
CARRYOUT ONLY Additional toppings extra.
Valid with coupon only at participating stores.
Orlando, FL 32751
Roger Lewis, your local Domino’s Manager
STORE LOCATION
Valid with coupon only at participating stores.
Maitland 000-000-000 1510 S Orlando Ave. STORE LOCATION
In the late morning, families were invited to a special tour of Rollins’ very own Cornell Fine Arts Museum. Families marveled at the museum’s current exhibition, “Time as a Landscape: Inquiries of Art and Science.” Families learned about the specifics behind many of the pieces in a special docent-led tour of the exhibition. The docent explained that the exhibit questions and explores the concept of time. Families participated in an exclusive creative process that involved making their own cyanotype prints. After the tour, families were welcomed to a special Rollins Improv Players show based on family weekend, “Cut to: Beginnings.” In the “Cut to” format, the Players and director, Dr. David Charles of the Theatre and Dance Department, used the language of film to explore the concept of beginnings in a purely improvised performance using story suggestions from attending families. Around the same time, families also attended a conversation on Rollins’ history in the Galloway room of Mills. The conversation was led by emeritus Professor Jack Lane formerly from the History Department, who recently published his book on Rollins history, Rollins College Centennial History: A Story of Perseverance. His book begins with Rollins’ founding in 1885 and meanders through the twentieth century up to 1985. His informational presentation highlighted some of the most noteable points in Rollins’ history. Throughout the afternoon, various offices across the Rollins campus hosted open houses where families could learn more about student life at Rollins. Some of the open houses were hosted by Crummer, Accessibility Services, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the Lucy Cross Center for Women and their Allies. The Center for Career & Life Planning then held an open workshop for families on increasing the career marketability of their student. That evening, there was an “R” Community Street Fair on Bush lawn, where offices around campus offered a variety of activities and information for visiting families. At the fair, there were sportsbased bounce houses, free reusable water bottles, and an elegant
array of dishes served by Dining Services. Later, the women’s basketball team held an exhibition game against Rhodes, where the Tars beat the visiting Lynxes 96 to 42. Elsewhere, Rollins’ Hillel hosted a traditional Shabbat dinner where all were welcome to eat and share in the tradition. In addition, the Rollins Debate team hosted a “Great Debate,” where families could see the National Champions exhibit their political and argumentative prowess. On Saturday, EcoRollins hosted the third annual family clean up of Lake Virginia’s shores, where families worked with the grounds team to remove several pounds of ecosystem-destroying litter and one full-size car tire from the shore. This was in an effort to decrease the impact of the campus on the immediate environment while increasing the beauty of the lake. In addition to the joys of volunteer work, students and families experienced the serenity of Lake Virginia in the morning light. That afternoon, families were welcomed to a picnic on Mills Lawn. At the picnic, the Rollins Jazz Ensemble treated families to some light, yet engaging tunes. Grant and Peg Cornwell also treated the whole campus to a view of their new puppy. Later on Saturday, there was a ‘Parent to Parent Q&A,’ where experienced Rollins parents helped new ones navigate the world of having a college student. The men and women’s swim teams held a respectable yet losing performance against no. 3 Nova Southeastern. On top of that, the lacrosse team held an exhibitionary game where current players battled against alumni. That night, several opportunities for entertainment were provided by the campus. Rollins Entertainment Programs hosted a free screening of Spider-Man: Homecoming, while families were also welcome to a special Family Weekend edition of Trivia Night in Dave’s Boathouse. Sunday morning, Rollins’ Dean of Religious Life Rev. Katrina Jenkins led a special Founder’s Day service at the First Congregational Church of Winter Park. Families were welcome to come together to celebrate the historical roots of Rollins College and partake in light refreshments.
5
FEATURES
From Pixar to life skills: this year’s intercession
INTERSESSION
v
Course Name|CRN • Art in Orlando | 10964 • Intro to Chinese Calligraphy |10663 The two-credit courses offered this January combine instruction with • Job Market Boot Camp | 10660 student input in a variety of genres. • Intro to Linux and CLIs | 10963 some element of madness as By Maura Leaden mleaden@rollins.edu well.” This intersession will ex• Intergroup Communication | 11066 plore five Kubrick films, looking tudents spend over three at “mentally ill characters in a months working to earn mentally ill society—where’s the • Human Satire & Communication | 10657 roughly four credits in a madness? Is it in the characters, class; why miss an oppor- or the context the society is in?” tunity to earn two credits in one Harris, however, makes • The Truth About Fake News | 10656 week? From analyzing the story- clear the distinction between telling of Pixar to answering life madness and real mental illness. • Practical Economics | 10654 questions, this year’s Interses- “Madness is fictitious,” he noted. sion schedule includes captivat- “[The class] will be looking at ing classes that offer something Kubrick and how he uses mad• The Great Recession | 10661 for everyone. ness as a dramatic tool.” In draw“[Pixar films]...What makes ing the line between true mental • Great Escape: Health & Wealth | 10666 them work? What kicks them illness and literary madness, this off? How is the story being driv- class serves well the purposes of en?” asks Dr. Matthew Forsythe those interested in psychology, • Life Questions | 11075 of the English Department. He film, sociology, and so on. discusses how Pixar storytelling Other classes ask, what are conveys a unique kind of won- students not discussing in col• Bond to Bourne: Spy Films | 10655 der. lege? What would be useful for The Plots of Pixar Interses- students post-college? Life Ques• The Plots of PIXAR | 10659 sion course will look at Pixar’s tions, taught by the Education 22 Rules to Department’s Writing to find Dr. H. James • Identity in Ancient Greece | 10959 out if they can McLaug hlin, be applied to aims to answer short stories both of these • Exploring Race ThroughDialogue | 11031 as well. “[The This year’s Interinquiries. idea is to] not T h i s session schedule course • Disney and the City | 10957 only envision is put our own sto- includes together in ries, but craft a joint effort • Basics of US Political Economy | 10670 our own sto- captivating between the ries, and drive professor • Hot Issues in US Politics | 10658 our own sto- classes that offer and students, ries,” explains who decide Forsythe. Here something for questions to • Film & the Politics of Sport | 10653 is an intersesdiscuss on a everyone. sion ripe for day-by-day those interestbasis. From fi• Art and the Brain | 10668 ed in writing, nances to drug English, film concerns, this • The Madness of Stanley Kubrick | 10667 studies, communications, and course is meant to teach prageducation. matic, relevant information. For those with darker tastes, Students can take these • Storytelling 360 Video/VR | 10664 The Madness of Stanley Kubrick classes and so many more in may satisfy. The Psychology De- January. Whether it is learning partment’s Dr. Paul Harris has about the art here in Orlando, • A Sociological Study of OITNB | 10961 been fascinated with the films analyzing James Bond movies, of Stanley Kubrick ever since learning Chinese calligraphy, • Culture Shock: Lit and Film | 10669 watching the original release of studying Linux, or delving into 2001: A Space Odyssey as a boy. the most recent political events, “Every Kubrick film is un- this year’s intersession listing ca• Women of Lockerbie: Dialects | 10662 predictable,” said Harris. “[A] ters to every student’s interests
S
“
nd every Kubrick film contains
and majors.
6
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Vulfpeck vibes: reviewing their latest album Vulfpeck, an American funk band, features a variety of guest instrumentalists and vocalists in their new album. By Alec Stanley
astanley@rollins.edu
M Asian-inspired chicken noodle soup By Kira Bernard
I
kbernhard@rollins.edu
t is no surprise that the winds have taken a turn for the colder side. With temperatures dropping, the oversized hoodies, boots, and beanies have made an appearance, but we cannot forget about the comfort foods that are also bound to keep us warm in this weather. This Asian-inspired chicken noodle soup is a hardy dish that will not only warm your body, but your soul. Serving: 1 Time: 35 Minutes Difficulty: Easy to Medium Ingredients: Chicken marinade 2-3 fillets of boneless skinless chicken, cubed 1 tbsp soy sauce 1/2 clove garlic, minced Slice of ginger root, minced Pinch of salt & black pepper
Soup 1 cup steamed broccoli and carrots 3-4 tbsp edamame, unshelled 1 serving brown rice noodles 1 cup chicken broth Garnish: Spring onion and coriander, chopped Recipe: 1. In a bowl, marinate the cubed chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger root. Season with salt and black pepper. Set aside for 10 minutes. 2. Cook noodles according to packet instructions. 3. Steam broccoli and carrots, but do not overcook, or it will be mushy. (I used a Lékué, which steams vegetable in two minutes using the microwave.) 4. Heat a non-stick skillet on low-medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. 5. When the chicken is nearly done, add in broccoli, carrots, edamame, noodles, and chicken broth. 6. When everything is mixed well and cooked through, transfer to a bowl. Garnish with chopped spring onion and coriander and enjoy.
ichigan-based funk band Vulfpeck’s new album, “Mr. Finish Line,” dropped Tuesday, Nov. 7, and promises to provide fans with fascinating and unique songs. This will be the group’s seventh release and their third full-length album, coming in at ten tracks total. “Mr. Finish Line” is Vulfpeck’s follow up to their 2016 release, “The Beautiful Game,” which was the group's most diverse and commercially successful record to date. Those interested in the music distribution industry may remember Vulfpeck from their 2014 Spotify exclusive “Sleepify,” which featured ten half-minute tracks of pure silence for fans to play on repeat as they slept. The group received an estimated $20,000 in royalties from this album which they then used to finance an admission-free tour that same year. Those following the festival scene might be familiar with Vulfpeck as they have been playing at an ever-increasing array of fests, including Sasquatch, Outside Lands, Okeechobee, Bonnaroo and more. “Mr. Finish Line” will be Vulfpeck’s third release to be entirely crowdfunded, meaning fans donated via the internet. Four days before the album’s release, the band had raised $151,243 from 4,797 backers. This represents fans' ever-growing support, and in 2016 the band raised over $100,000 from their ambitious $1 Kickstarter goal to finance the release of “The Beautiful Game." This crowdfunding dynamic is no mistake, as Vulfpeck prides itself on the band’s independence, operating out of their own record label, Vulf Records, using a housemade compressor (Vulfcompressor, available from Goodhertz) in their production, and maintaining a direct, open relationship with their fans.
This has allowed the group to stay afloat in the niche-market of independent minimalist funk long enough to gain more widespread recognition outside the likes of Berkley students and jazz nerds. In addition to financial uniquity, the group also employs an uncommon dynamic among the musicians—a theme that is very present in “Mr. Finish Line.” Rather than having a single everpresent lead player, the band attempts to emulate the session musicians and live rhythm sections of the 60s and 70s. This allows Vulfpeck to feature a wide array of guest vocalists and instrumentalists, with every track possessing unique qualities while still being distinctly “vulf.” Of the three singles released so far, two feature guest vocalists, while one features legendary session drummer Michael Bland, who proves to be anything but bland. The soothing “Birds of a Feather (We Rock Together)” features long-time col laborator and soul powerhouse Antwaun Stanley. “Birds of a Feather” also showcases the group’s subtle, toned-down style, all the parts are integral to the track, with no single player overpowering or overshadowing the others. Antwaun’s soft yet full vocals feel intimate in the least creepy way. The video released for this track proves Vulfpeck has no shortage of creative and engaging ways to shoot footage of six guys grooving, and also pioneers using the portable flapjack grill as percussion instrument.
“
Antwaun-led tracks have always been the group’s most commercially successful releases (“1612”, “Wait For the Moment”) and based on video views, “Birds” will be no exception. The instrumental “Hero Town” continues the tradition of Vulfpeck inserting fascinating and engaging moments into their tracks. This comes in the form of a captivating 20 second drum break from Michael Bland (best known for his work with Prince). The track also includes some absolutely wholesome saxophone from longtime friend of the band, Joey Dosik, and a relaxing keyboard performance from member, Jack Stratton, a p er for ma nc e he describes simply as “positivity.” The rest of the record features performances from heavy weights in the world of rhythm including veterans of the Motown record label. Listeners can look forward to performances from the likes of James Gadson, who has recorded with The Temptations, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, among others, as wells as David T. Walker, the guitarist on the Jackson 5 hit “ABC.” Beyond legendary features, the album will be sure to benefit from the band’s members as well, including the subtle stylings of keyboardist Woody Goss, pleasant strummings from guitarist/drummer/vocalist Theo Katzman, and more than a couple virtuosic bass performances from Joe Dart.
Rather than having a single ever-present lead player, the band attempts to emulate the session musicians and live rhythm sections of the 60s and 70s.
OPINION
7
Kevin Spacey’s homosexuality is no excuse for pedophilia While coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community should be celebrated, Kevin Spacey used it as a vile and horrific way to distract from multiple allegations of sexual assault. By Alex Candage
rcandage@rollins.edu
Thurs. Nov. 9 ‣ Falling for Funnel Cakes and Fried Oreos, 12-2 p.m., Olin Lawn Fri. Nov. 10 ‣ Bible Study Club Information Session and Short Seminar, 4-6 p.m., Tars Plaza ‣ NASA Jet Propulsion Lab Student Talk, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Bush 201
K
evin Spacey, most famous for his star role in the Netflix series House of Cards, was first accused of sexual assault by American actor Anthony Rapp. Afterwards, several involved with House of Cards came forward. The television and movie-making business is riddled with sexual assaults, whether behind the scenes or at premiers, events, and afterparties. Survivors' cries for help have been silenced to preserve the dignity of the industry and the perpetrator. The latter is what allegedly happened to a different survivor of sexual assault by Spacey. According to The Sun, a British news outlet, “The alleged victim, now age 32, contacted City of London Police on Tuesday…” after news had spread about Rapp. The survivor reported that after passing out, he awoke to “Spacey performing oral sex on him and told him to stop” when “Spacey allegedly told him: ‘Don't tell anyone about this.’” According to The Telegraph, Rapp explained, “Spacey invited him [Rapp] to a party at his home in New York. He was the only teenager [Rapp was 14 at the time; Spacey was 26.] in attendance, and went to watch television after becoming bored. Rapp claims Spacey found him, picked Rapp up, placed him on his bed and climbed on top of him. According to The Sun, “Eight others have claimed to have been harassed or assaulted by the actor while working on the Netflix TV show House of Cards.” I would be lying if I said I am not disappointed that House of Cards has been officially cancelled. However, I am proud of the Netflix team for valuing employees’ physical safety and mental well-being over money, unlike many of their counterparts in the past; this far supersedes any of my displeasure. Netflix has set a new standard that I hope will influ-
Upcoming Campus Events
Sat. Nov. 11 ‣Gilbert King, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Lecture, 8:00 p.m., Bush Auditorium Mon. Nov. 13 ‣ International Education Week Kick-Off, 12-2 p.m., Olin Library Lawn
Photo courtesy of Google Images Kevin Spacey, who has been recently accused of sexual assault by multiple members of the Hollywood community, has tried to accredit his pedophilic actions by coming out as a gay man.
ence the industry across the country and broader world. On the other hand, how Spacey handled the allegations was less than respectful. He posted on twitter, “I honestly do not remember the encounter…” blaming being drunk for his crime. Not only did Spacey try to deflect his actions by blaming alcohol, but he took the opportunity to abuse his spot in the public eye to come out as a gay man. This ‘I’m not a pedophile; I’m gay,’ rhetoric tarnishes adult homosexuality, criminally trying to pass off the sexual assault of a minor as common behavior for a gay adult. Furthermore, Spacey has not addressed any other allegations; we only know that, according to NBC, “Spacey’s representatives
said that ‘Kevin Spacey is taking the time necessary to seek evaluation and treatment.’” This also suggests that the apology and coming out was only to deflect negativity off of himself, rather than being a sincere apology. LGBTQ+ platforms blew up as word spread about one sexual assault accusation after another. Famous actors and comedians in the LGBTQ+ community took to Twitter to denounce Spacey’s timing and the queer community’s relationship with sexual assault, especially on minors. I think I speak for all of us in the LGBTQ+ community when I say that pedophilia is not and will never be accepted as a part of our community, and coming out does not excuse any previous predatory behavior. In fact, Spacey has spoiled
what should be a freeing and celebratory acceptance of himself, twisting his coming out into a distraction for horrific past actions that we refuse to dismiss. We will not stand for any of Spacey’s vulturous behavior. It is through backhanded actions like Spacey's that the LGBTQ+ community suffers. In closing, Netflix has officially fired Spacey and cancelled all of its projects with him. One can only hope that the actual president of our nation, also accused multiple times of sexual assault, will one day be held to the same standard as Netflix did towards its President, Frank Underwood.
The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sandspur, its staff, or Rollins College.
Tues. Nov. 14 ‣ Chi Psi Philanthropy Event, 5-7 p.m., Mills Lawn ‣ IEW Photo Contest, 5-6 p.m., Bush Auditorium Lobby ‣ Trivia, International Theme, 8-9:30 p.m. Wed. Nov. 15 ‣ Muslim Student Union Sister’s Social, 4-6 p.m., Faculty Club ‣ Diwali, 6:30-9 p.m., Bush Lawn ‣ OCPS Teach-In, 8:3010:30 a.m., Glenridge Middle School ‣ World Cup Soccer Tournament, 4-7 p.m., Mills Lawn
SPORTS
8 Upcoming Sports Events Fri. Nov. 10 ‣ HOME: Women’s Volleyball vs. Nova Southeastern, 7-8 p.m. ‣ HOME: Men’s Basketball at Florida Southern, 3 p.m., Warden Arena. ‣ Men’s and Women’s swimming vs. Florida Southern, 5 p.m., Lakeland, Fla.
Sat. Nov. 11 ‣ HOME: Women’s Volleyball Senior Day vs. Barry, 4-5 p.m. ‣ HOME: Men’s Basketball vs. Morehouse, 2 p.m, South Region Crossover ‣ Men’s and Women’s Rowing, Stetson Fall Rowing Rendezous, Lake Beresford. ‣ Women’s Basketball vs. Thomas, 12 p.m., FIT Tip-off Classic, Melbourne, Fla.
Photo by Sam Simpson, The Sandspur
Macy Trattner ‘21 of Hudson, Ohio adjusts goggles and prepares for her freestyle and backstroke events during Saturday’s meet against Nova Southeastern.
Women’s swim team looks ahead after loss to Nova After losing 159-93 to Nova Southeastern, the women’s swim team aims to prepare for conference and national tournaments. By Ellie Rushing
Wed. Nov. 15 ‣ HOME: Women’s Basketball vs. Florida Tech, 5:30-6:30 p.m. ‣ HOME: Men’s Basketball vs. Florida Tech, 7-8 p.m. (HOME GAME)
T
erushing@rollins.edu
he women’s swim team hosted and fell to no. 3 Nova Southeastern in their fourth Sunshine State Conference opponent of the season. The meet, which took place on Nov. 4, was competitive but ultimately ended 159-93. Taylor Wilks ‘18, NCAA championship qualifier in 2017, was the only first place win of the day. Wilks finished the 100-yard breaststroke, her speciality, in a time of 1:08.71, a full 15 seconds ahead of her Nova competitor. Maya Thompson ‘21, a Bahamas native; Cara Dealy ‘20 from Temecula, Calif.; and Hannah
Brockman ‘21 from St. Petersburg, Fla. all took second place finishes. Thompson competed in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle sprints while Dealy swam the 200- and 100-yard Butterfly events. Brockman, a new member of the team, regularly competes in the Medley relay, but instead took second in the 100-yard backstroke. Wilks currently holds three individual records for the 100and 200-yard breaststrokes and 100-yard medley. She also holds three relay records in the 200yard freestyle, 200-yard medley, and 400-yard medley relays. Wilks placed 25th at the NCAA national championship last year. Wilks looks to break two more individual records and
qualify for the NCAA national championship in the 100-yard breaststroke again this season. When it comes to the entire team, Wilks explained they have four specific goals: every student athlete achieves a personal record at the conference championship meet, qualify at least four athletes at the NCAA D2 national championships, improve team finish ranking one spot at the conference championships (sixth for women, fifth for men), and surpass the team GPA (3.52 for women, 3.43 for men). While the team is very specific on their goals, they have fallen 0-5 so far this season. When asked about how the team works to improve this record, Wilks said, “This season, we aren’t heavily focused on
winning dual meets, our end goal is to improve our ranking as a team at the end of the season at the conference championship.” She went on to emphasize that every meet is a learning experience and opportunity to try different race strategies and prepare for the end of the season. “For the rest of the season, we will take each meet one at a time and focus strictly on the small details,” she emphasized. The team looks to improve their record when they travel to Lakeland, Fla. to face SCC rival Florida Southern on Nov. 10. This will be the next meet before the team travels to Savannah, Ga. for the SCAD Invitational from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.