WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1896 www.thesunflower.com
Nov. 2, 2023
Volume 128 Issue 11
‘QUESTION OF HUMANITY’
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panel discussion at Wichita State over how the Nazi regime impacted the humanities fields turned into an argument about anti-Zionism and antisemitism. The history, anthropology and philosophy departments hosted the faculty-led panel on Oct. 25 to discuss the betrayal of humanities under the Nazi regime. The discussion started with the idea that the historical experience of universities under the Nazi regime still resonates with modern culture today. Jeff Hayton, associate professor of modern European history, discussed how the Nazis overtook every part of German societies through the process of Gleichschaltung, or synchronization. “German institutions, organizations and individuals were to be controlled, permeated and influenced by the Nazis and their ideas,” Hayton said. “The Third Reich was popular … Germans enthusiastically set about fashioning the Nazi regime.” In the mid-1940s, several students and professors in Germany subscribed to the Nazi belief system and put pressure on universities to conform. Hundreds of Jewish, communist, and socialist professors were chased from their profession, with little to no outcry from others. “About 15% of professors were immediately forced out, about 1,100 or so,” Hayton said. “Those who stayed either stayed silent or enthusiastically supported the Nazi regime.” The new structure of universities taught the racial sciences of the Third Reich, ignoring theories or subjects that were considered “Jewish.” Associate professor Rannfrid Thelle brought up that many of the Nazi race theories and hypotheses brought up in 19th-century humanities scholarship are still impacting current scholarship. Several books featured Jewish stereotypes perpetrated by Aryan nationalists, and some are still cited today. Jeffrey Hershfield, associate professor of philosophy and the final speaker, discussed how antisemitism is alive on American college campuses under the guise of anti-Zionism. “In today’s current academic climate, antisemitism masquerades as anti-Zionism or opposition to Israel,” Hershfield said. “When one out of five Jewish students is compelled to disguise his or her Jewish identity for self-protection, then I submit that we have a problem with antisemitism in American universities.” In his presentation, Hershfield discussed three cases that he said fit the definition of antisemitism as provided by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The organization defines antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews,” and those beliefs are “directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” According to Jewish Voice for Peace, which calls itself “the largest protio a i gressive Jewish anti-Zionist n ll fro eA m c n organization,” anti-Zionism is Int e rn b ra em ation al H olo c aust Re m the “criticism of the current
policies of the Israeli state, and/or moral, ethical, or religious criticism of the idea of a Jewish nation-state.” It emphasizes not conflating antisemitism with anti-Zionism. Hershfield’s first case of antisemitism in his presentation was when Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, launched an attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7. 1,400 Israeli people were killed, many fo of them civilians. Hershfield e oic V calls himself a “firm and steadfast ish Jew supporter of the state of Israel.” D e f ini ti o n from When Israel was created in 1948, more than 700,000 Palestinians were displaced, and 78% of the region’s land was captured. After Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7, the Israeli government began bombing the Gaza Strip. The death toll in Gaza has reached over 8,000 Palestinians as of Oct. 29. The next case Hershfield discussed was the American Anthropological Association (AAA) voting to endorse a resolution to boycott Israeli academic institutions in July, making Israel the first and only country to be boycotted by the AAA. According to the AAA, the boycott is due to the Israeli government violating Palestinians’ rights, and it only refers to the Israeli institutions and not the scholars or students affiliated with them. Because the boycott is a response to the Israeli government’s policies and not to Jewish individuals, this does not fit the IRHA’s definition of antisemitism; it does fit with anti-Zionism. Hershfield said the third case of antisemitism occurred at Stanford University after the events of Oct. 7, when an instructor had all Jewish students raise their hand, took the belongings of one student, had them stand apart from the class, and said that that was what the Israelis did to Palestinians. Following Hershfield’s presentation, the panel of faculty opened the floor for audience Q&A, and much of it was dominated by arguments of the definitions of anti-Zionists and antisemites. Many guests expressed concern with the attempts to conflate the ideas of anti-Zionism and antisemitism. “I’m very strongly opposed to the notion of discriminating against people because they’re Jewish,” an audience member said. “And I’m concerned that some in the academic community and Jewish community want to conflate those and prevent any discussion of Zionism or colonialism as something that has merit to discuss …. and I’m concerned you’ve done that just now.” Despite moderator and history professor Keith Pickus’ attempts to keep the Q&A on track with actual questions, arguments continued to break out. Hershfield insisted on responding to each commenter, defending his position. In a separate interview with The Sunflower, Pickus said that the history department doesn’t plan what any speakers will say during their events. “We tried to provide an opportunity for people to speak,” Pickus said. “One of the things when you try to organize any talk, at least the way we approach it in the history department on campus, is we don’t dictate what people are going to say.” Peer Moore-Jansen, an audience member and anthropology department chair, commented on the arguments and the idea of antisemitism versus anti-Zionism. “Are we back to the question of us versus them?” MooreJansen asked. “And it seems to be a question of humanity and how we deal with that question.”
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Panel discussion about Nazi regime turns into debate of anti-Zionism versus antisemitism
SGA senator expresses disappointment about Sunflower smoke shop advertisements BY COURTNEY BROWN
newsprojects@thesunflower.com
A senator in the Student Government Association raised concerns about “a group promoting the sale” of “illegal substances” at the SGA meeting on Wednesday night. At-large Sen. Joshua Mallard criticized The Sunflower for publishing four print ads from Green Valley Smoke Shop, an off-campus local business, and pointed to Wichita State’s Student Code of Conduct. The products that Green Valley Smoke Shop sells are all legal in Kansas. Mallard first read from Chapter 11, Section 11 of the Wichita State Policies and Procedures Manual, which states that WSU is a “tobacco-free campus.” Mallard also read from Article VI in the Student Code of Conduct, which states that it is a violation for any student or organization to promote, encourage or facilitate any act prohibited by university
policy. The smoke shop ad promotes the business and not the use of substances. The Sunflower is an editorially independent student newspaper, meaning student-journalists make all content decisions. While Mallard acknowledged that The Sunflower is independent, he said student fees from SGA still fund it. Mallard said that he was not claiming The Sunflower was in violation of any rule but that illegal substances are not allowed on campus. “I have talked with The Sunflower, and they’re saying that they’re not in violation,” Mallard said. “And I’m not doing this to attack a group. I have been in contact with (SGA Adviser) Brandon (McClain) and (The) Sunflower because I’m trying to make sure that it’s not illegal.” At-large Sen. Carson Cruzeiro asked if SGA could do anything to regulate The Sunflower’s ads. The Sunflower contacted the
Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), which “defends and promotes the value of free speech for all Americans in our courtrooms, on our campuses, and in our culture.” Adam Goldstein, who serves as the vice president of research at FIRE, said that “no amount of association” between the student government and the newspaper gives the university or student government control of the newspaper’s pages, even if the newspaper were “100% supported by the student government.” He cited two court cases: Leuth v. St. Clair Community College and Antonelli v. Hammond. Goldstein also said that “liability follows control,” and because the newspaper is editorially independent, the institution or student government cannot control it, and the student government cannot be held liable for what the newspaper publishes. “That’s the trade-off
At-large Sen. Josh Mallard holds up an advertisement for Green Valley Smoke Shop. Mallard spoke during open forum at SGA on Nov. 1 about his concerns regarding smoke shop advertisements in The Sunflower. | Photo by Allison Campbell / The Sunflower
— by creating a forum, by giving editorial control over to student editors, (SGA) lose(s) the ability to control it, but they also are alleviated from liability for what’s published,” Goldstein said. “If (SGA) were to start to meddle in
the advertising policy, they would start to then become liable for all the things published.”
SEE SGA, PAGE 2
NEWS
2 | Nov. 2, 2023
www.thesunflower.com
Kansas college application fees to be waved Nov. 7-9 BY ALLISON CAMPBELL news@thesunflower.com
Student Body Vice President Sophie Martins and President Iris Okere moderate a Q&A town hall event with WSU President Rick Muma, Provost Shirley Lefever, and Vice President of Student Affairs Teri Hall. At the town hall, students were welcome to send in questions virtually or in person. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Sunflower
WSU administration addresses supporting diversity after affirmative action struck down BY COURTNEY BROWN
newsprojects@thesunflower.com
The Wichita State University administration discussed diversity and inclusion initiatives in the aftermath of the United States Supreme Court striking down affirmative action. Student Body President Iris Okere and Vice President Sophie Martins spoke with President Rick Muma, Provost Shirley Lefever and Teri Hall, vice president for Student Affairs, about a variety of topics, including diversity among students and staff, campus safety, and funding student organizations at the student town hall hosted by Student Government Association on Thursday, Oct. 26. In June, the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions, meaning race can no longer be considered in the application process. When asked how Wichita State supports diversity and inclusion on campus after this decision, Muma said the recent Supreme Court decision does not directly affect WSU due to a lack of “selective admissions.” “We pretty much admit everyone to the universities; we have more of an open admissions model,” Muma said. “So we don’t see our applicant pool becoming less diverse because of that (Supreme Court decision).” Muma said that administration focuses on creating a “welcoming environment”
SGA FROM PAGE 1 According to The Sunflower’s advertisement policy, advertisements must be approved by The Sunflower’s advertising manager, and The Sunflower can refuse any advertisement, including those that are libelous, violate a local, state or federal law, promote academic dishonesty, and encourage discrimination against any individual or group. The Sunflower’s advertisement policy has been approved by the Publications Board, which acts according to the bylaws approved by the WSU President. Mallard said that some students with medical conditions, such as heart conditions or asthma, live in the Flats and Suites, and if someone smokes,
by ensuring that those from different backgrounds have a “safe space” to understand their resources. He noted the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Shocker Success Center, which is slated to open in summer of 2024. Muma said that WSU also continues to work on diversity, equity and inclusion plans and have conversations with state policymakers and employers. He said WSU aims to help ensure all students are prepared post-graduation. Hall mentioned hosting more events to help students “feel connected” and to know that they “have a place and a purpose on campus.” Lefever said that the general education framework recently passed in April includes a diversity requirement. “That’s one of the reasons why it’s in there — is that so we can be very educated as a community,” Lefever said.
CAMPUS SAFETY When asked about campus safety and addressing safety concerns during emergencies, Hall highlighted campus communication as well as the WSU CARE Team, which would evaluate a student “if there is a threat associated with this person.” “We also just want to make sure that students know that they can let us know when they don’t feel safe, right, in all kinds of ways,” Hall said. it “hurts them, and it could kill them.” “I’ve had friends come to me and colleagues and people who live in the dorms and The Suites who have stated that they do not feel safe on campus because their RAs (resident assistants) do not report the smoking that happens,” Mallard said. Mallard also discussed how ads for the Up-N-Smoke shop — which are unrelated to the ads ran in The Sunflower — have been posted in the Rhatigan Student Center, which he said is a violation of the Code of Conduct. “I’ve taken down about 20 of these (posters in the RSC),” Mallard said. “I know the building managers have also taken down a lot of these.” Mallard said that he spoke to SGA to raise awareness due to students feeling unsafe about
Muma echoed Hall’s sentiment and mentioned the administration’s partnership with SGA on campus security cameras. Administration and SGA’s aim was to make it easier for students to “find one of those cameras or locations” to notify campus police when needed. An audience member asked how WSU ensures students feel safe and supported if facing something such as “sexual harassment, a crime occurrence or something similar.” Muma said that WSU has a required sexual harassment training and that the Title IX Office has been reorganized into the Office of Civil Rights, Title IX & ADA Compliance, complete with a new staff. “It has created more of a culture of education and trying to make sure people understand what that office is about … and I think that’s been a really positive move,” Muma said. Hall highlighted some CARE Team representatives are trained to respond to sexual harassment or assault and can support students.
FUNDING STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Administration members were asked about university plans to assist registered student organizations (RSOs) due to them “growing outside of the support” of SGA. smoking in dorms. “And now we are promoting it in The Sunflower that everyone sees,” Mallard said. “And I sincerely hope that we do not have an uptick of students who are starting to smoke more and do all this because it seems like it’s allowed. It’s not.” Mallard said he is “disappointed” that The Sunflower can “just do whatever they want.” “I brought it up with The Sunflower, and they literally told me because SGA isn’t giving them enough money, that (the newspaper has) to do this.” Mallard previously emailed The Sunflower about the smoke shop advertisements on Oct. 18. In response to Mallard’s email, Mia Hennen, The Sunflower’s editor in chief, said it’s important to understand that The Sunflower
Although student organizations requested SGA funding during the summer, several visited SGA’s Senate to request more funding after receiving large funding cuts. SGA came to a complete budget after three rounds of deliberations. Student organizations requested over $722,000 in funding, but SGA initially only had $165,000 to give, which comes from student fees money. Hall said that funding should be increased for student organizations, and as student fee season approaches, the Division of Student Affairs will work to ensure there isn’t “very much of an increase” to better prioritize more funding for student groups. Hall said she is also working to increase fundraising opportunities for student organizations. “We have students that really, they’re not asking just for money to be handed to them — they just need access to be able to earn their money, too,” Hall said. Hall said student affairs also sets some funding aside to help supplement some student groups with additional funds to reach “the rest of their goals.” “If it’s an event that we think will bring lots of students in, then we in Student Affairs could help find the money to support something like that,” Hall said.
Read the rest at thesunflower.com must sell ads to pay staff members. “In fact, as our expenses have risen over the last few years, we have asked for an increase in student fee allocations,” Hennen said in an email to Mallard on Oct. 19. “We were denied, which means we need those advertisement dollars more than ever.” Hennen also said that the smoke shop contacted The Sunflower through an ad agency, meaning The Sunflower did not and is not currently seeking out advertisements from smoke shops or similar businesses. Hennen encouraged Mallard to write a letter to the editor if interested. Information on SGA’s rules and regulations on the student press and freedom of student communications can be found in Article III, Section 4.
MISSION The Sunflower — both in print and online — will be a timely resource of information about the Wichita State University community. It will report on news, issues, activities, academics and athletics, in addition to offering a forum for discussion, reviews and commentary. It will also be an effective learning experience for students, who will have the final authority over what is published.
In compliance with Apply Free Days, a new three-day initiative created by the Kansas Board of Regents, there will be no college application fees for Wichita State and WSU Tech prospective undergraduate students from Nov. 7-9. Apply Free Days aims to remove the financial barriers affiliated with college application accessibility, according to Jon Rolph, a KBOR chair member. The newly implemented initiative will waive the application fee for all KBOR institutions, including seven public universities, 19 community colleges, six technical colleges and 21 private member institutions of the Kansas Independent College Association. All general applications, certificate programs, and associate and bachelor degree program applications will be free from Nov. 7-9 as long as they are submitted between the three-day window. Free applications will not be granted to those applying for graduate programs or other middegree applications. Additionally, applicants must be Kansas residents.
79-year-old man dies at Heskett Center earlier this month BY ALLISON CAMPBELL news@thesunflower.com
A senior citizen died on campus after collapsing during a group exercise at the Heskett Center earlier this month. Seventy-nine-year-old Norton Jackson Jr., his wife Delia, and several other individuals visited the Heskett Center on Oct. 18. They were under the care of Teanna Echols, an employee of Club Parkinsons, which is a wellness and education program for those affected by Parkinson’s disease. The group regularly takes senior citizens to different fitness facilities in Wichita to improve the health and well-being of those with Parkinson’s. According to the Wichita State University Police Department report, while in the racquetball court in the F45 room, Echols saw Norton faint and fall slowly to the floor. Someone was sent to alert the Heskett staff, and employees Beth Albers, Kate Avalos and Haley Clark took turns administering CPR and an automated external defibrillator to Norton until Sedgwick County EMS and Wichita Fire arrived. The emergency service providers attempted live-saving procedures but were unable to resuscitate Norton. While the police report did not disclose the cause of Norton’s death, it stated that Norton had an extensive medical history – he had a pacemaker, a quadruple heart bypass surgery in 2019 and was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019. Almost an hour after the initial police call to WSUPD was placed, Norton was pronounced dead by Sedgwick County EMS. Father Carlin joined the family in prayer while Downing and Lahey Mortuary Services arrived to remove Norton’s body. A rosary and mass service for Norton was held on Oct. 26 at his church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
CONTACT US The Sunflower, founded in 1896, is the student-run newspaper covering Wichita State University. The print edition is published Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. The staff publishes daily online at www.thesunflower.com.
019 Elliott Hall 1845 N. Fairmount Ave. Campus Box 134 Wichita, KS 67260-0134 EDITORIAL
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EDITOR IN CHIEF Mia Hennen editor@thesunflower.com
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The Sunflower is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Association and the Wichita Journalism Collaborative.
INVESTIGATIVE NEWS EDITOR Courtney Brown newsprojects@thesunflower.com
PHOTO EDITOR Kristy Mace photo@thesunflower.com
Copyright © 2023 The Sunflower. This newspaper, its design and its contents are copyrighted.
NEWS EDITOR Allison Campbell newsprojects@thesunflower.com
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LEGAL One free copy of The Sunflower is available to members of the WSU community. Additional copies may be obtained from the newsroom, Elliott Hall 019. The Sunflower is private property and unlawful removal or use of papers is prosecutable. The Sunflower is funded by a combination of print and online advertisement sales and student fees allocated by the Student Government Association.
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CORRECTIONS
The Sunflower is committed to accuracy in its publications. If you find an error in any of its publications, please email the editor at editor@thesunflower.com immediately.
NEWS
www.thesunflower.com
Nov. 2, 2023 | 3
FENTANYL-RELATED DEATHS *Bar graphs are fentanyl test strips. Experts say the test strips can prevent overdose.
192 DEATHS
2022
71 DEATHS
2023
*Data from Sedgwick County Office
Deaths in 2023 are as of Aug. 24.
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Community advocates embrace harm reduction techniques to help against substance misuse BY LOREN AMELUNKE
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loren.amelunke@outlook.com
isa Bortz lost her daughter, Jillian, to a fentanyl overdose in 2022. Instead of celebrating Jillian’s 33rd birthday, Lisa was burying
her. “She tried, she really did try. She had three kids at a very young age,” Lisa said. “She just struggled real hard.” Jillian was in and out of recovery from substances for years. During periods of time when she wasn’t using, Jillian helped others through the Oxford House, a house for people recovering from addiction. To assist those in need, she organized a case worker, bail bondsman — whatever was needed to help. But Jillian continued to struggle with her own addiction. “Then she would trigger, and she would fall,” Lisa said. “The cycle would repeat itself – until fentanyl came along.” Lisa said it only took about three months for fentanyl to change her daughter into a different person. “She was just so desperate. We fought so hard the last three months of her life, and it was because of fentanyl,” Lisa said. After her daughter’s death, Lisa went through Jillian’s text messages. The night she died, Jillian thought she was getting heroin. If this were the case, Lisa believes her daughter would still be alive. “Her autopsy had absolutely no heroin, no cocaine, no marijuana, no alcohol — it was 100% fentanyl,” she said. Lisa now advocates and supports others in need. She routinely makes hot meals and hands them out to the unhoused community while also offering naloxone and fentanyl testing strips. She has built trusting relationships with certain people, and because of the resources she offers, she said she has heard fewer reports of overdoses within the unhoused community.
HARM REDUCTION 101: MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY’RE AT Safe Streets is a coalition in Wichita that is dedicated to substance misuse prevention through evidence-based research, advocacy and working with local government leaders to update drug policy. Lisa is a member of this coalition, as is Ngoc Vuong, a graduate teaching and research assistant in psychology at Wichita State. Previously the community mobilizer and project manager, Vuong currently volunteers at Safe Streets and authored a report about harm reduction and preventing opioid deaths in Kansas, which was published in July 2021. Harm reduction emphasizes meeting people where they’re at. It focuses on mitigating the harm that substance use can cause, rather than relying on pushes to “just say no” and abstinence as the best policy for everyone. Five main strategies mentioned in the report include improving naloxone access, decriminalizing fentanyl test strips, syringe services programs (SSPs), 911 Good Samaritan Law, and improving access to medication for those with opioid use disorders. Since the report was published, fentanyl test strips have been decriminalized. Safe Streets works to make opioid medications and SSPs more accessible. Methadone, a medication for opioid addiction, helps with symptoms of withdrawal and drug cravings; buprenorphine and naltrexone can also help. There are some misconceptions that people are simply swapping one drug for another when using methadone or other medications for treatment. Because of this, these medications are not always readily available. To prescribe buprenorphine, doctors need training in addiction recovery or must undergo an extra eight hours of training. Medication for opioid addiction is also expensive. According to The National Institute on Drug
Abuse, methadone treatment costs $6,552 per year, buprenorphine treatment is $5,980 per year, and naltrexone is $14,112 per year. These prices include the costs for opioid treatments for medication and at least weekly psychosocial treatments. According to Vuong, Safe Streets has made opioid medication more available by encouraging pharmacists to sign up to become naloxone dispensers, encouraging public schools, public libraries, firefighters and law enforcement to carry naloxone, and distributing fentanyl test strips. As of Aug. 4, Safe Streets has distributed 6,361 naloxone kits and 5,417 fentanyl test strips from January to August 2023. 446 naloxone kits and 373 fentanyl test strips were reported to have been used. “We realize that governments and communities are delayed or complacent in addressing the opioid epidemic — people’s lives are at stake,” Vuong said. “And people have died as a result of ineffective drug policy.” Lisa and Vuong, along with others within Safe Streets, aim to have a positive impact in the community through harm reduction.
HARM REDUCTION 102: OFFERING RESPECT AND COMPASSION Harm reduction researchers categorize addiction as a public health concern rather than a criminal justice issue or one’s inability to choose not to do drugs. There are many reasons a person might use drugs, including but not limited to coping with traumatic events and awful childhoods, pain relief from a medical condition, or mental illnesses when the mental health system has failed them. According to Harvard Medical School, a stressful and traumatic environment also inflicts epigenetic changes — it affects how one’s genes are expressed — and can trigger the development of addiction or a relapse in recovery.
Vuong’s report states that harm reduction practices require offering dignity, respect and compassion to make positive changes in how substance use is dealt with. “Acceptance that people who use substances are entitled to basic human rights and services are tantamount to harm reduction,” Vuong wrote in his report.
HOW TO HELP Every day, 150 people die nationwide from opioid-related overdoses — many of which are caused by fentanyl. In Sedgwick County, there were 192 fentanylrelated deaths in 2022, and as of Aug. 24, there have been 71 fentanyl-related deaths in 2023. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors as a powerful pain reliever while illegally-made fentanyl is marketed for its effects similar to heroin. According to the CDC, fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is cheap and easy to make, and because of its potency, it can be easily added into other drugs without one noticing. The signs of overdose include pinpoint pupils, clammy skin, discolored lips and skin, a limp body and choking sounds. If you come across someone overdosing, using naloxone can quickly reverse it. It works by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain to block the effects of opioids. Multiple doses of naloxone may be necessary. If you’re not sure if someone is overdosing on an opioid, but they display possible signs, it is still best to use naloxone, as it is not harmful to administer even without an overdose. Kansas residents can get free naloxone and fentanyl test strips sent to them by filling out the Naloxone Kit Request Form on DCCCA’s website. For recovery help, call the free and confidential treatment referral hotline (1-800-662-HELP), or visit findtreatmnet.gov.
SYRINGE SERVICE PROGRAMS Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) help improve access to sterile needles and syringes so that those injecting drugs will not contract diseases, such as HIV. SSPs are one of the ways harm reduction experts report can meet someone where they’re at rather than primary prevention methods and the abstinence policy. An extensive clinical trial published in the National Library of Medicine concludes that “the lack of association of overall and type-specific arrest data with program implementation argues needle exchange programs, or helping people safely use syringes, do not increase crime rates.”
GOOD SAMARITAN 911 LAW Kansas is one of the last few states without a Good Samaritan 911 Law to protect witnesses of an overdose while calling 911. A study published in 2021 by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found “a pattern of lower rates of opioid-related overdose deaths among states that have enacted Good Samaritan laws.” In states without these laws and the lack of protection from prosecution, some people are afraid to call for help. This results in people who overdose being left at emergency room doors or being left alone to die.
SPORTS
4 | Nov. 2, 2023 www.thesunflower.com
HAVE A STORY IDEA? Contact the Sports editor, Melanie Rivera-Cortez sports@thesunflower.com
Morgan Weber cheers from the sidelines after the Shockers score a point in the fourth set. Weber scored 14 digs throughout the four sets she played on Oct. 20. | Photo by Kristy Mace / The Sunflower
Volleyball loses away to Florida Atlantic, bounces back with win against Memphis BY JACOB UNRUH
jacobunruh333@gmail.com
Wichita State volleyball played twice on the road this weekend, losing to Florida Atlantic on Friday but beating Memphis on Sunday.
FLORIDA ATLANTIC The Shockers’ seven match win streak came to an end against Florida Atlantic on Oct. 27, as they dropped a tight five-set match against the Owls (25-23 FAU, 25-21 WSU, 25-22 FAU, 25-18 WSU, 15-10 FAU). The first set was tied 23-23 before consecutive Florida Atlantic kills clinched a win. The second set was another close one, but ended with a Wichita State win after a 7-1 Shocker run. Wichita State continued their momentum by taking a lead early in the third set, but FAU came back to take a 2-1 lead in the match. The Shockers ran away with the fourth set with help from 4 kills by junior blocker Morgan Stout. However, FAU controlled the decisive fifth set from the jump, clinching the match victory. Sophomore hitter Emerson Wilford led Wichita State with a new career-high 15 kills, while junior blocker Natalie Foster tallied 14. Senior setter Izzi Strand led the team with 51 assists, while sophomore libero Gabi Maas had 20 digs.
Junior guard Xavier Bell looks for a teammate to pass to during the game against Rogers State on Oct. 29. The Shockers won, 74-53. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Sunflower
Wichita State men’s basketball takes down Rogers State in preseason game BY MIA HENNEN
editor@thesunflower.com
As a cool October air blew outside Charles Koch Arena, Wichita State men’s basketball ignited their preseason fire with a win over Rogers State University, 74-53. Despite only going 19 seconds without a lead in the match against the Hillcats, the Shockers got off to a slow start. The team struggled to get field goals in the basket, but by the end of the first half, Wichita State had a small lead over Rogers State, 34-30. “(We weren’t) shooting it well; we weren’t able to get the ball inside,” Paul Mills, head men’s basketball coach, said. “There was much more of a concerted effort to get the ball on the interior in the second half.”
When asked what the biggest teaching moment would be from the game, players pointed to the team’s 17 turnovers. “We may have had a little bit more turnovers than we expected; I know I did myself,” junior guard Xavier Bell, who had four turnovers throughout the game, said. “(We will see) what we can do in practice to make those better.” Before coming to Wichita State, Mills served as head coach for Oral Roberts University. There, Mills developed a reputation for his small turnover percentage. In the 2019-2020 season, the Golden Eagles turnover percentage sat at 13.9%, the second-best in the NCAA. “I don’t do well with turning the ball over,” Mills said. Despite struggles with
turnovers and scoring, the men had plenty of elements to be excited about, notably the combination of center Quincy Ballard and forward Kenny Pohto. “(Pohto) can get quality shots against anybody he’s probably going against, and so he can get really good shots,” Mills said. “More importantly, he knows how to make decisions.” Mills said while Ballard has gotten better at the post, from a decision-making standpoint, he’s not there with Pohto yet. Redshirt junior Colby Rogers said he’s seen improvement from Ballard with his ball-handling. “Quincy gives you confidence to pressure the ball,” Rogers said. “He’s 7-foot; he can jump over guys. I mean his presence alone; it helps us.”
Ballard and Bell led the team in points with 13 and 14 points, respectively. Pohto and Ballard both posted double figures in rebounds, grabbing 11 and 10 boards each. With the conclusion of Sunday’s game, Mills said his team, including himself, is still in preseason mode, something they plan to get out of soon. “I’m looking forward to a lot of full nights in Koch Arena and thankful to people who came out today,” he said. The Shockers will be back in Charles Koch Arena on Monday, Nov. 6 to face off against Lipscomb University for their first official game. Tip-off is slated for 6:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at goshockers.com.
MEMPHIS On Oct. 29, the Shockers bounced back from the earlier disappointing loss by coming out on the winning side of a five-set affair against Memphis (25-14 WSU, 25-22 Memphis, 27-25 WSU, 25-19 Memphis, 15-11 WSU). While the first set was controlled by the Shockers and the second by Memphis, the third set provided some back-andforth action. Stout registered her first ace of the season to give Wichita State a 25-24 lead, and after Memphis evened the score, Wilford clinched the set with consecutive kills. The Tigers won the fourth set despite a late Wichita State charge. The Shockers were able to seal the match in the final set with a 7-1 run, being helped by a few Memphis errors. Stout had a career day in the match. She registered a career-high 17 kills in the match, including 8 in the second set, a new set-high for all Shockers on the season. It was also a relatively mistake-free day for Stout, as she had only 1 error. Wilford had a double-double, with 13 kills and 14 digs. Rohling contributed with 14 kills of her own, and Strand yet again led the way with 50 assists. The Shockers are now 16-6 on the season and 10-2 in conference play. A fourmatch homestand awaits the team, with North Texas first up. Wichita State plays them on Friday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m.
Ornella Niankan defends her side of the court from opposing team Missouri Southern State. Niankan, a 6-foot-1 junior, scored five points in the Nov. 1 exhibition match. | Photo by Kristy Mace / The Sunflower
Women’s basketball defeats Missouri Southern State in first game under new head coach BY SHAYLEE JACOBS-WILSON shaeryann2@gmail.com
Head women’s basketball coach Terry Nooner officially has his first Wichita State win under his belt, even though it doesn’t technically count. In their lone exhibition game of the year, the women’s basketball team defeated Missouri Southern State, 75-65, on Nov. 1 in Charles Koch Arena. Senior guard Tre’Zure Jobe dominated the boards during the second quarter of the game, scoring 14 points and turning the game around. “We’re really pleased with Tre’Zure when we (were) kind of struggling to make a shot,” Nooner said. “She turned it on for us with our defense and got a couple of
steals and run-out layups just to get us going.” Freshman guard Salese Blow also led the team during her first college-level game by showing her ability to get on the court and do what she knows how to do. “I was really nervous, but after scoring and getting myself going and getting locked in on defense, I felt all my worries slowly drift away,” Blow said. Jobe said she was proud of her freshman teammate. “This is her first collegiate game,” Jobe said. “At the end of the day, she’s gonna do what she came here to do, and that’s what she did for us to take us through that second quarter.” The team had an overall turnover rate of 25.3% and 24 personal
fouls. Nooner said the teams’ capability to take criticism from the coaches and utilize it during the second half was a big reason for their success. “They were able to make an adjustment to do some plays … that we hadn’t even really practiced,” Nooner said. During the third quarter, Nooner was able to utilize the 18-point lead and give each player time on the court. “I’m just happy with us getting a win,” Nooner said. “Everybody getting the chance to play, (and) no injury.” The next women’s basketball game will be on the road against the University of Oklahoma. Tip off is set for Monday, Nov. 6 at noon. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
Junior Raissa Nsabua goes up for a layup in the game against Missouri Southern on Nov. 1. Nsabua only had one personal foul and scored. | Photo by Cheyanne Tull / The Sunflower
HAVE A STORY IDEA? Contact the Opinion editor, Sascha Harvey opinion@thesunflower.com
OPINION
Nov. 2, 2023 | 5 www.thesunflower.com
Illustration by Wren Johnson / The Sunflower
Race classes should not be taught from the white man’s perspective Mel Bright
amiyahmelody@gmail.com
OPINION
I remember the first time I felt the whole world’s eyes on me. It was in middle school and the teacher said the word “slavery.” When that word left his mouth, everyone turned to look at me because they knew what was coming next, and so did the instructor. He continued to explain slavery in what we thought was the most “censored” way that he could. As the years moved on, I was still hearing the exact same words leave every professor’s mouth: “Slaves were sold for profit and forced to work in fields.” That was it. That was the extent of it. Every year, I hear the same thing about slavery. I hear the same racist rhetoric about China and the same thoughts about fortifying the border in Mexico. Every single year. The only thing that ever changed was the name of the speaker, not the race, not the history. I wished that I could’ve
heard the word from a teacher who looked like me and explained the topic with nuance and empathy. It would be much easier to hear, and maybe they wouldn’t let me be stared at. It felt disrespectful that I had to learn most of what I know about slavery from a movie called “12 Years a Slave,” which is based on a slave memoir from 1853, written by Solomon Northup. I was shocked when I saw the truth of what slaves went through. I was also angry; I had been lied to, and I had been fed the censored version and continued to hear it even after I had watched the movie. I am in college, and I’ve learned that there’s studies relating to all I hadn’t been taught before: Black studies or Africana studies. When I learned about this, I let out a sigh of relief. My relief was short lived when I found out that a class about African Americans at WSU was also taught by a white man. A part of me feels like I can’t be upset because most college professors don’t have a choice in what they teach. They also might not have the funds to decline teaching
a class. And, of course, Wichita, according to the United States Census Bureau, is largely made up of white people: around 70%. Not to mention, while Wichita State’s student population is diverse, its faculty representation is lacking; as of 2021, 71% of WSU faculty are white. Having white men, or even people, teaching classes about race does not do justice to the topic because these individuals have never had to experience the hardships that come with race, namely being a Black person in America. When they talk about the hardship of other races, I can always tell that it’s being told from “The White Man’s” perspective. For them, it’s water under the bridge, it’s not happening anymore so why should anyone care? Well, people of color still face racial discrimination to this day; it hasn’t changed for us. My freshman year of high school, my English class read a book called “Of Mice and Men.” Due to the themes of racism my teacher wanted us to have an “n-word” discussion, where we debated if the slur should be said.
I was the only Black person in the class, so it was basically the whole class against me. A few people asked me why they can’t say the word and why do Black people get so offended. They told me that they pinky promised to never say it again if I let them say it once. It was horrible. I felt so small; it was my word against the whole class. Even my English teacher told the class that her “Black friend” let her say the word in high school, so everyone just has to get permission. To say I was furious is an understatement. I have no problem educating others, but I refuse to give a spotlight to ignorance. I was angry, but everyone thought that I was overreacting, and I was quickly reminded of the angry Black woman stereotype. Eventually, I just sat down and stayed silent the whole class. That’s what they wanted; they wanted me to be angry and silent. Although this incident was reported, the teacher remained working at the high school for two more years until she quit. I refuse to let a white person tell me about
my culture because it makes me feel small; it makes me feel unseen. I don’t even feel safe enough to express my feelings without being made out to be an angry problem-child in the palm of the white man’s hand. According to Janice Asare, an author who focuses on diversity and inclusion, one of the reasons for a lack of Black professors is “tokenism,” which essentially means only making a performative effort to care about people of color. Tokenism in collges can lead to faculty not being included or seen as individuals. It’s not enough to just have a diverse faculty if there isn’t anything being done that makes them feel included, wanted, or even just seen. I can understand why a white person might teach a class about a race that they are not a part of or have been properly educated on due to a lack of racial diversity among the professors. But the only Black girl in the back of the class, who only received a look when a white man talked about the lowest point of her bloodline, will never understand.
Taylor Swift welcomes you to New York for ‘1989’ re-release Melanie Rivera-Cortez sports@thesunflower.com
REVIEW
When Taylor Swift announced that she would be releasing “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” on the sixth night of her Eras Tour in Los Angeles, I almost passed out. The album shaped my teenage years, and now, the re-release will help me navigate through my young adulthood. It was almost two in the morning on Aug. 9, and I was in my room religiously watching the live stream on TikTok of her last show of the Eras Tour because there had been a lot of buzz saying that she was going to announce “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” during the show. If you are like any sane person, you would not believe everything you hear online, but something about the buzz made me intrigued to tune in, also because “1989” is my album. From the aesthetic of beaches, seagulls, and New York City to the album’s more general themes of female friendships and learning how to shake off the
haters, “1989” was the “It Girl” for me. During the Aug. 9 show, Swift had many costume changes, but what caught me off guard was that Swift was wearing a blue dress during the “Speak Now” set, the signature color of “1989,” followed by a blue dress during the “folklore” set and a blue outfit for the “1989” set. The album was initially released on Oct. 24, 2014. It catapulted Swift into stardom, and she was everywhere, everything, all at once with singles such as “Shake it Off,” “Bad Blood,” “Wildest Dreams” and “Welcome to New York.” The album was so successful that Swift was coined with the term of “being the music industry.” I would compare “1989” to a pop Bible. It won three Grammy’s for Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Music Video for “Bad Blood” and the coveted Album of the Year, going on to beat Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly.” While many of the songs of the re-release sound a lot more crisp due to the advancements of technology, many, including myself, were left feeling there was
something not right about the productions of songs like “Welcome to New York,” “Style,” “I Wish You Would” and “How You Get The Girl.” However, songs like “I Know Places” and “Wonderland” sound better than the original. The album was released on Friday, Oct. 27, almost nine years after its first release, leaving fans with a complete account of what happened between Swift and consensus that her ex-boyfriend Harry Styles helped inspire the record. Swift and Styles dated between 2012 and 2013. With the release of “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”, Swift announced that she would be releasing five vault tracks: “Slut!”, “Say Don’t Go,” “Now That We Don’t Talk,” “Suburban Legends” and “Is It Over Now?” She even went as far as to say that she didn’t understand how these songs got cut off from the original record. A standout to me is “Now That We Don’t Talk” — the shortest song Swift has released, coming in at two minutes and 26 seconds. Swift narrates the story of finding herself in the aftermath of a broken relationship, a song that
Swift’s original “1989” was released in 2014, with “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” being released nine years later with six tracks “From The Vault.” | Photos courtesy of Taylor Swift
many believe is Swift reflecting on her split with Styles. The song goes as far as to mention that her ex-lover grew out his hair, something that did happen. The vault track “Slut!” finds Swift embracing the term in a more meaningful way — she had previously played into the narrative of being a serial dater on “Blank Space.” Swift could not have gotten to the “Taylor Mania” without the success of “1989.” There’s a reason why its set is so long on the Eras Tour. Everyone knows these songs. I speak from personal experience as I attended the Kansas City
two night show (where, yes, Travis Kelce was in attendance). When you are at the Eras Tour, and you feel like you can’t give anymore after the “folklore” set, the “1989” set comes on, and you feel like you have come back to life, like an IV has been inserted into your bloodstream. This album will forever and always be one of the best albums I have heard. Since 2014, I have been listening on repeat in rain or shine and will continue to do so with “Taylor’s Version” and the vault tracks.
6 | Nov. 2, 2023 www.thesunflower.com
ARTS & CULTURE
Hunter Gromala & the Disorders performs to draw the night to a close as the headlining band for this year’s Monster Mash. | Photos by Brianna Cook / The Sunflower
HAVE A STORY IDEA? Contact the Arts editor, Salsabila Attaria arts@thesunflower.com
Zelda Darling starts their “Fairwell Wanderlust” performance as a seemingly happy party goer in a ballgown.
Monster Mash event in Wichita returns for second year despite controversy in past BY AINSLEY SMYTH
ainsley.smyth3@gmail.com
Drag performers and audience members alike dressed in their Halloween best, crowding into WAVE for live music, a drag show, art market and a bouncy house. The second Monster Mash featured three local music artists Yae, The Cavves, and Hunter Gromala & the Disorders, as well as several drag performances hosted by Effi Darling and LeStar Yamaya. It also included an art market of over 20 local artists spread throughout the venue and spilling out onto the gravel area outside. Guests were encouraged to wear costumes to the free event and participate in a costume contest. Minnie Van Driver, one of the show’s drag performers, and a musician who sold CDs of their debut album at the event, participated in Monster Mash last year. “I feel like there’s going to be a
bigger turnout (this year), and I feel like all around it’s going to be just bigger and better, more slay, more fun,” they said. Emerson Ross, the entertainment director of Wichita Pride, described Monster Mash as “a big celebration of art, specifically queer art, with a Halloween theme.” Last year, Monster Mash was marked by controversy over its drag performances being open to all ages, and allegations of Kansas government affiliation, ultimately forcing it to move from its planned location of the Towne West mall to the Chainlink Gallery. “The art form of drag is being dragged, for lack of a better term, through the mud, by people who just simply don’t understand art in general,” Ross said. This year, the event changed locationto WAVE, a venue in downtown Wichita. Hunter Gromala’s role in the event was also new this year.
Gromala, who uses they/them pronouns, said they faced their own controversy over a performance in July. “I was supposed to perform at the Sedgwick County Fair in Cheney,” they said. “When they announced my event, some locals in Cheney went digging and found that I’m nonbinary and use they/ them pronouns and decided that a trans person was not allowed to perform and took the comment section and blew it up and made it a whole big thing.” Part of the criticism, Gromala said, was due to people seeing images from past performances. “Those events were at a bar or were 21 or over,” they said. “I’m a professional first and an artist. I know how to be PG-13, PG, etc. I’m a hired professional. I obviously know how to adjust myself and my act to all ages,” they said. Eventually, the dispute over their inclusion in the county fair was
resolved. “Sedgwick County had to take down the events and stop the Facebook comments,” they said. “(The criticism) didn’t stop. So they basically had to have a lawyer come out and say like ‘No, you’re allowed to perform. We don’t care how you identify because you’re just here to perform.’” The contention over Gromala drew the attention of WAVE. Gromala said the venue reached out to them to express support and invite them to perform there, so a performance date was set for October. This happened to coincide with Lear Heath Studio’s Monster Mash, so Gromala said they decided to incorporate the events. “We were just like ‘Okay, let’s pair our quote unquote controversies and make a really badass event for people that are just here for art,’” Gromala said. “And that’s kind of the goal, just create a
safe space that everyone can enjoy art and be themselves.” Gromala said it is important that there are drag events open to younger audiences. “I feel like it’s really important to have all ages events because it shows kids what they can be when they grow up,” they said. “Suicide is so prevalent in young LGBTQ teens and children because, I feel like, they feel so alone or they feel like there is no other option or there is no one like them or all the feeling that they have are very isolating.” Suicide among LGBTQ youth is four times higher than average, according to The Trevor Project. “These events show them like ‘Hey, like even if you don’t understand everything right now, there’s people around you that are willing to help you get there or just answer questions and provide you a safe and beautiful environment to grow up in,” Gromala said.
Ranking the haunts around town Unfortunately, only one has a massive slide. Maleah Evans
maleah.evans04@gmail.com
REVIEW
October is a wonderful time of year for those of us who love all things spooky. Haunted houses are a great way to spend a Friday or Saturday night in October, and there are plenty around the Wichita area worth the money and time, though there are some that are not.
WICKED ISLAND - 5/10 PRICE: $20 AT THE GATE
Wicked Island, located in Watson Park, follows a trail around the lake in Watson Park so it is fairly short. When I went, it seemed like the actors didn’t care about scaring people–they were just there for a check. The lack of dedication from the actors really took me out of the haunted house mindset. The waiting line also needs better management, with people trying to cut in line and upwards of three hour wait times. I left Wicked Island kinda disappointed.
FOREST OF TERROR - 5.5/1 PRICE: $30 AT THE GATE
To me, Forest of Terror is a glorified walking trail, and it could do with being a little longer, especially to justify the somewhat long wait times. The actors here definitely seemed to care about scaring guests, as their energy was much higher than it was at Wicked Island. If you have a sensitivity to strobe lights, I would not recommend Forest of Terror, as much of the trail is exposed to them. I would consider going back if the haunt was just a little bit longer, or prices were cheaper.
Illustration by Makenzie Miller / The Sunflower
Illustration by Wren Johnson / The Sunflower
13 SINISTER SOULS - 7.5/10 PRICE: $27
This haunt is located near downtown Wichita, just off of Harry and Broadway. There were some good scares within the haunt, but I personally didn’t get too scared. Once again, the wait times were a little daunting but the fact that the haunt is indoors makes it a little more worthwhile in my opinion. In the premise of 13 Sinister Souls, there is a haunted book bound by human skin, with 13 souls trapped inside due to unfortunate circumstances. The souls haunt the location for those who were lucky enough to escape the grasp of the book. This haunt has one of my favorite premises on the list, though it is a shorter haunt. I would love for them to make it a little longer, but it is still a worthwhile spooky time.
FIELD OF SCREAMS - 8/10 PRICE: $20-25
Field of Screams is a solid haunted house, about fifteen minutes outside of Wichita. I appreciate how they switch some of the spooks out each year while keeping some the same. The actors are great at scaring and the company employs professional actors which is really cool. However, the wait times are a little bit ridiculous. I don’t
think that I’ve waited less than 45 minutes in line, even with reserving a time slot ahead of time. If that issue got sorted out, Field of Screams would be a 10/10 for sure.
HAUNTED CANNERY AND LUNATIC ASYLUM - 9/10 PRICE: $20 AT THE DOOR
Haunted Cannery, my favorite haunt in the Wichita area, is a bit of a drive out to the middle of nowhere but it is so incredibly worth it. Every year, they switch up most of the themes in the rooms so it’s almost always a surprise as to what spooks you’ll get. The actors are always fantastic at what they do, and if they sense you’re uncomfortable, they’ll break character and make sure you’re OK before moving on. The best part about the entire haunt is the massive slide at the end. While going through, you work your way up to the top and the actors push you down the massive slide at the end. They offer a ticket upgrade called the RIP Pass, where you get to ride in the haunted ambulance in a coffin. I recommend getting there about an hour after they open– the wait is non-existent. I make a point to go back every single year if possible, and I think it’s worth a shot.
Are you feeling sassy? Have a soda at Just a Sip Avery Gathright averygathright@outlook.com
REVIEW
The dirty soda trend has been taking over TikTok, and now Wichitans can try it for themselves at Just a Sip. Located in west Wichita at 8520 W. 13th St. N., Just a Sip is Wichita’s first dirty soda shop. Originating in Utah, dirty soda is a typical soda flavored with different syrups, creams and other mix-ins to create unique combinations. At Just a Sip, these drinks are known as “sassy sodas.” Just a Sip offers 16 different sassy sodas, all of which customers can personalize with additional flavorings, fresh fruit, boba and more. In addition to their normal sassy sodas, the store also offers four caffeine-free kid’s drinks with a Sprite base. Customers can also order “sparklers,” which are sparkling waters with added fruits and flavorings, or lotus infusion drinks. The store also sells snacks like pretzel bites and cookies. I tried the Campfire Cola sassy soda, which is Coca-Cola with toasted marshmallow flavoring and Italian cream mixed in, and the Strawberry Lemonade sparkler, sparkling water with
strawberry purée and fresh lemon. The Campfire Cola was delicious, and to my surprise, it really did taste like marshmallows had been added to it. The added flavoring made it heavier and sweeter than a typical soda, but the drink still had the nice bite of a classic Coca-Cola. The Strawberry Lemonade was pleasant and refreshing. I appreciated that the strawberry flavor came from real strawberry purée, but it could have been a little stronger. However, the lemon flavor of the drink was strong and gave the drink a nice tang that went well with the carbonation from the sparkling water. Overall, I preferred the Campfire Cola, but the sparkler would be a nice alternative when you want something less sweet. The general atmosphere of the store was lively. Despite being crowded when I ordered, the staff was friendly, and it only took a little over five minutes for my drinks to be ready. Customers should note that the business is walk-up and drive-thru only. The drinks are priced reasonably — each sassy soda and sparkler is between $1 and $3 before add-ins, depending on the size. Next time you find yourself in west Wichita, I’d highly recommend giving Just a Sip’s trendy and inexpensive drinks a try.
ARTS & CULTURE
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DANCE
Nov. 2, 2023 | 7
UP CLOSE The School of Performing Arts presented “Move on Litwin: Dance Up Close” from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28. The showcase gave students a chance to show their work “up close.”
Bailey Buchanan performs “Step by Step” at the “Move on Litwin: Dance Up Close” showcase. Buchanan performed on Oct. 26-28 in a Heskett Center dance studio. | Photos by Monique Bever / The Sunflower
Hannah Chandler performs “Variation No. 3” from the ballet “Paquita.” Chandler performed on Oct. 27 and 28 at the showcase.
Tabitha Buffalo performs “Full-Throated and Unsparingly” on Oct. 27 showing of “Move on Litwin: Dance Up Close.”
Andrae Carter and Tabitha Buffalo perform “Full-Throated and Unsparingly” together.
Dancers perform “Step by Step”, choreographed by Sabrina Vasquez for the showcase.
Move on Litwin showcases dreamlike experience of dancing Monique Bever monibever@gmail.com
REVIEW
Many may consider dance to be a simple sequence of steps. But when watching Wichita State’s Performing Arts students — who live, breathe, and study it — there’s more to be experienced. Conversations crackled throughout the Heskett Hall dance studio, which was transformed into a stage and auditorium. The night’s community, built out of parents, grandparents, siblings, coaches, and teachers, buzzed. They’d share another night together in silence. But like me, they’d sit and watch the humble room transform into the dancer’s world: their pain, joy, struggle and triumph expressed through dancing. “Move on Litwin: Dance Up Close” had six performances: “Hey! How are you today?”, “Variation No. 3” from the ballet “Paquita,” “Full-Throated and Unsparingly,” “this isn’t the beginning,” “Step by Step,” and “Moments, Thoughts, & Relativity.”
“HEY! HOW ARE YOU TODAY?” Choreographed by Mina Estrada with contributions from the dancers, the first performance of the night began with the 20 dancers
howling. The audience howled back at them with laughter, warmed by the animalistic nature of it all. It set the scene for the show: raw and unconventional. “Hey! How are you today?” was intended to portray finding comfort in the chaos of everyday living, exploring mundanity, sublimity, simplicity and the extraordinary through dance movement. The power of contemporary dance, though, is its embrace of interpretation. Every movement meant something unique to each person watching but also to each dancer. Hidden truths lie in plain sight as we confront “Hey! How are you today?”
“VARIATION NO. 3 FROM THE BALLET PAQUITA” This dance was choreographed after Marius Petipa and coached by Denise Celestin. I attended the Friday, Oct. 27 showing of “Move on Litwin: Dance Up Close,” meaning I watched Hannah Chandler do the solo. The classical ballet performance, a solo excerpt from the 19th-century ballet “Paquita,” contrasted the otherwise contemporary showcase. As a ballet lover, I found it complementary to the other performances. The heavy and raw dances were interrupted by a poised and graceful performance that was just as meaningful.
The diversity of dances not only gave Chandler and Tabitha Buffalo, the alternate soloist, a moment to shine, but it rounded the showcase out. Chandler moved elegantly; the show lights illuminated her work. She looked angelic on the stage, floating like a dove. The variation matched the themes of uncertainty, and, more importantly, left it intentionally unregulated. This dance world was lawless.
“FULL-THROATED AND UNSPARINGLY” I found this dance, choreographed by Sarah Knapp, the most emotional performance of the night, carried by Andrae Carter, who embraced the dance’s thematic elements with his facial expressions. The dance is inspired by Isaiah 58:1: “Cry out full-throated and unsparingly, lift up your voice like a trumpet blast.” The dance program notes that it’s “a work in progress, an idea being continually contemplated, researched, and explored through movement.” I think it’s found its footing in that very way. The dancers were wholly acting, whether by a stoic expression and the limited movement of walking across the stage or through the deranged erratic movements that were “crying out.”
“THIS ISN’T THE BEGINNING”
Choreographed by Mina Estrada with contributions by Gavin Myers and the dancers, ‘this isn’t the beginning’ was simply fun. The performance began with the song “I Only Have Eyes for You” by The Flamingos. The recognizable tune made the dance comfortable, initially. Then, it was a collection of duets that asked “What if the whole of the universe exists in the space between us? What if you are me?” The costumes were unsettling: baggy light brown dresses. They resembled hospital gowns or straitjackets, skewing my perception of the affectionate duets to appear codependent. As the song changed to “Nocturne No. 20” by Frederic Chopin, the duet partners detached.
“STEP BY STEP” Choreographed by Sabrina Vasquez with the dancers, Step by Step” still sits at the forefront of my memory, especially the visual of the dancers pulling out their ponytails and whipping their hair across the stage. “Step by Step” captured the student experience of, fighting monotony with tenacity and passion. With an experience each dancer could call back to, the personal
recollections made for powerhouse performances. The power of representation lends artists the ability to tell their stories in a craftful manner, and pieces like “Step by Step” are delivered in such a striking way.
“MOMENTS, THOUGHTS, & RELATIVITY” “Moments, Thoughts & Relativity” ended the show. The lighting stayed dark throughout the performance to set the ending tone. With lights flickering on individual dancers, notably Kimmy Aguilar, who had contorted her body across the stage floor like a snake, the dance was mesmerizing. It was made to explore choreographer Cheyla Clawson’s grief upon losing her first husband. To explore trauma, healing, and resilience. The dance’s progression and uncertainty fit “Move on Litwin: Dance Up Close” flow like a puzzle piece. .
FINAL COMMENTS While the show lasted barely an hour, I felt like I’d spent a lifetime there, like I’d revisited an old friend. I still feel exasperated, overwhelmed and stunned. Kudos to the brilliant dancers, choreographers, coaches, stage technicians, and workers who produced “Move on Litwin: Dance Up Close.” What a show.
NEWS
8 | Nov. 2, 2023
A NEW SEASON
Men’s and women’s basketball began their preseasons this week with wins in their first exhibition matches. Next week on Nov. 9, The Sunflower will release its annual basketball issue, filled with features and stories on the teams this season.
www.thesunflower.com
UPCOMING EVENTS DIVERSITY WEEK: ABILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE TABLING
THURSDAY, NOV. 2 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Rhatigan Student Center
DIVERSITY WEEK: DIVERSITY SYMPOSIUM
FRIDAY, NOV. 3 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Rhatigan Student Center
VOLUNTEER AT THE UNITED WAY GIV WAREHOUSE Redshirt sophomore forward Isaac Abidde leaps to pass the ball to a teammate during the game against Rogers State on Oct. 29. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Sunflower
FRIDAY, NOV. 3 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. | United Way GIV Warehouse
FIRST FRIDAY POP UP MARKET
FRIDAY, NOV. 3 4 - 7 p.m. | Paradise Baptist Church
CULTURAL SHOWCASE FRIDAY, NOV. 3 7 p.m. | CAC Theater
ULRICH FAMILY FUN DAY
SATURDAY, NOV. 4 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Ulrich Museum
HPS WALK AND TALK MONDAY, NOV. 6 1 - 2 p.m. | Heskett Center
ELECTION DAY BASH Redshirt junior guard Colby Rogers dribbles down the court, looking for a teammate to pass to on Oct. 29. The Shockers beat Rogers State, 74-53. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Sunflower
TUESDAY, NOV. 7 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Rhatigan Student Center
HONG TIEN VU: INCREASING DIGITAL LITERACY IN REFUGEE COMMUNITIES TUESDAY, NOV. 7 5:30 - 7 p.m. | Ulrich Museum
HERITAGE GALA
TUESDAY, NOV. 7 6 p.m. | Wichita Marriott
RIE BLOOMFIELD ORGAN SERIES PRESENTS ORGANIZED RHYTHM TUESDAY, NOV. 7 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Wiedemann Hall
SAVVY SCHOLAR WORKSHOP: MANAGING CITATIONS WITH ZOTERO
Junior center Quincy Ballard dunks during the game against Rogers State on Oct. 29 in Charles Koch Arena. Ballard was on the court for nearly 23 minutes. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Sunflower
Jenia Thompson jumps for possession of the ball against MSSU player in the exhibition match. Thompson scored five points throughout the Nov. 1 game. | Photo by Kristy Mace / The Sunflower
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8 3 - 4 p.m. | Ablah Library
WATKINS VISITING PROFESSOR SERIES: INTERDISCIPLINARY WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Hubbard Hall
WEDNESDAYS AT THE DINER
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8 5 - 8 p.m. | The Lord’s Diner - Broadway
SLICES OF SUCCESS: CAS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION SESSION
THURSDAY, NOV. 9 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Rhatigan Student Center Daniela Abies wrestles with an MSSU player for possession of the ball in the first quarter. Abies scored 10 points during the exhibition game, and made five personal fouls. | Photo by Kristy Mace / The Sunflower
Head men’s basketball coach Paul Mills yells to players on the sideline during the game against Rogers State on Oct. 29 in Charles Koch Arena. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Sunflower
Senior Aniya Bell plays defense aginst Missouri Southernat the exhibition game on Nov. 1. Bell had two personal fouls by the end of the game. | Photo by Cheyanne Tull / The Sunflower
SCHOOL OF MUSIC FUTURE MUSIC MAJOR DAY FRIDAY, NOV. 10 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Duerksen Fine Arts Center
FOOD BANK FRIDAY
FRIDAY, NOV. 10 10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Kansas Food Bank
HAVE AN EVENT YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED? Junior guard Xavier Bell walks out onto the court after being announced for the Shockers’ starting lineup. Bell helped lead the team to a win against Rogers State, grabbing 13 points on Oct. 29. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Sunflower
Daniela Abies ducks back as she tries to maintain possession of the ball in the fourth quarter. Abies scored 10 points but also made five personal fouls. |
Photo by Kristy Mace / The Sunflower
The women’s basketball team celebrates their victory over Missiouri Southern at the exhibition game on Nov. 1. The final score was 75-65. | Photo by Cheyanne Tull / The Sunflower
CONTACT THE ARTS EDITOR: arts@thesunflower.com CONTACT THE NEWS EDITOR: news@thesunflower.com
STUDENTS PLEASE VOTE FOR TEACHER OF THE YEAR $500 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO 2 STUDENTS FOR VOTING!
It is time for students to vote for the 2023 teacher of the year award Voting is open Monday, October 23 through Monday, November 6
Vote @ webapps.Wichita.edu/FAVote For more information, visit Wichita.edu/aet