WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1896 www.thesunflower.com
Feb. 1 , 2024
Volume 128 Issue 18
FOR THE RECORD
Documentary on Marion County raid screening tonight at Wichita State BY TALIYAH WINN
assistantnews@thesunflower.com
A
documentary about how law enforcement raided a local newspaper and how it led to the death of a local journalist will be screened on Wichita State campus on Feb. 1. The Wichita Eagle’s documentary, “Unwarranted: The Senseless Death of Journalist Joan Meyer,” explores an attack on First and Fourth Amendment rights by law enforcement. Last August in Marion, Kansas, the police department raided the Marion County Record, the local newspaper, and the home of 98-year-old Joan Meyer, longtime owner/reporter, who died a day later. Eric Meyer, the son of Joan and editor of the Marion Record, was there with his mother during the raid. He said he appreciated the documentary’s coverage. “It’s a wonderful, wonderful compilation of things and captures my mother’s spirit fairly accurately,” Eric said. “It’s a very accurate portrayal of what went on.” The documentary screening will also include a panel, featuring Eric, the documentary producers Jaime Green and Travis Heying, and Emily Bradbury,
executive director of the Kansas Press Association. Green, the visuals editor at the Wichita Eagle, said that she was drawn to tell Joan’s story after she read the obituary Carrie Rengers wrote on Aug. 14. “But of course, to tell her story, you have to tell what happened to her on Aug. 11,” Green said. The documentary features bodycam footage of the raid, centering on Joan and what occurred the day before her passing. “It just pays homage to Joan Meyer, who ran a newspaper from 1953 until the time of her death at age 98,” Heying, a photojournalist at the Eagle, said. “And she was good. She was a good small-town journalist. She didn’t deserve to die the way she did.” Green and Heying worked closely together during the filming of the documentary, where they spent months swapping a hard drive back and forth and spending hours together working on edits. Heying said Green made sure to keep Joan’s part of the story alive. “I want them to get a sense of who Joan was and why what she did for the community was so important,” Green said. The documentary will be shown at the CAC Theater, on the southwest side of the Rhatigan Student Center Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Illustration by Thy Vo / The Sunflower
The Marion County Record published a story about Kari Newell, a local restaurant owner, who accused the paper of illegally obtaining public records.
Journalist Joan Meyer died. Meyer’s obituary was published by Carrie Rengers.
A search warrant was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar at 9 a.m. allowing law enforcement to search and seize information that the Record has. The police raid the house of Joan Meyer and the Marion County Record’s office later that day.
Gideon Cody, chief of police in Marion, is suspended.
Michael Roehrman, an executive editor at the Wichita Eagle, saw the obituary and was drawn to tell Joan’s story. Jaime Green began work on the documentary.
Gideon Cody resigned.
Travis Heying joined the filmmaking process after Green downloaded eight hours of bodycam footage. Bodycam footage of the raid was released to the media.
“Unwarranted: The Senseless Death of Journalist Joan Meyer” was released.
Special election appealed, Student Supreme Court suspends certification of results BY COURTNEY BROWN
newsprojects@thesunflower.com
The Student Government Association (SGA) has received a formal appeal of the special election where students voted to remove at-large senator seats while increasing college-based seats. The Student Supreme Court justices voted 4-0 to accept the case and placed an injunction on the formal certification of the Senate Seat Reapportionment Act, which was initially intended to occur on Friday, Jan. 26. The appeal, submitted by former SGA Sen. Vishnu Avva, argues that passing the Senate Seat Reapportionment Act is unconstitutional because the special election did not have 7% of students vote. Only 2.5% of the student body participated. According to Article IX of SGA’s Constitution, a Constitutional amendment passes if it receives “a simple majority of votes” in an election. Article IX further states that a constitutional amendment
“submitted in referendum” only goes into effect when passed with 7% of students voting in an election. Based on public hearing statements, Avva and Jay Thompson, the government oversight chairperson and primary author of the Senate Seat Reapportionment Act, hold different views of what “referendum” means in the Constitution. Avva claims that based on the article’s context, “election” and “referendum” are used interchangeably within this section; Avva’s interpretation would mean all constitutional amendments would need at least 7% of the student body to vote and not just a simple majority of votes. In his appeal, Avva also argues that passing the Senate Seat Reapportionment Act violates SGA’s bylaws based on Article IX, which states a constitutional amendment with a majority vote will be passed if it meets “the minimum number of votes” stated in the Constitution. Avva claims that this means every constitutional amendment only passes if there is 7% voter
participation. Prior to Avva’s appeal, SGA Adviser Gabriel Fonseca confirmed with The Sunflower in an email that since this Constitutional amendment was brought up in the Senate, it only needs a simple majority vote.
SUPREME COURT PUBLIC HEARING The Student Supreme Court convened for the first time in the school year at 7 p.m. on Jan. 30 to hear Avva’s appeal against last week’s special election process. Avva reiterated the main arguments written in his appeal. “I’m here arguing not against the amendment itself, but against the process in which it was passed,” Avva said. Thompson, who is also the government oversight chairperson, argued that the Senate Seat Reapportionment Act had been passed constitutionally. Thompson emphasized that there are two ways to pass a constitutional amendment, and he argues that the 7% voter participation does
Chief Justice Maureen Wetta asks Vishnu Avva to present his claim to the Student Supreme Court. | Photo by Allison Campbell / The Sunflower
not apply to amendments introduced in the Senate. According to Thompson, amendments originating in the Senate require two-thirds of Student Senate votes and a majority of student body votes. Thompson said his interpretation is “supported by historical precedent,” listing several constitutional amendments that passed with less than 7% voter turnout. In his closing statement, Avva said that historical precedent does not necessarily make the process constitutional. “If a criminal gets away with his
crime who finally gets caught, are those crimes okay?” Avva said. Thompson said in his closing statement that he found it disrespectful to assume a “small group of senators and one president could install tyranny with power grabs.” Following the public hearing, the Court will decide whether the special election results are constitutional. On Jan. 31 at 7:26 p.m., Fonseca emailed The Sunflower that the Supreme Court will announce its decision on Thursday, Feb. 1.
NEWS
2 | Feb. 1, 2024
www.thesunflower.com
WSU Storm Trackers founding member Tristan Schwien poses for a photo, looking at the sky. Growing up in Kansas, Schwien had been interested in meteorology from a young age. He started the group to build a community with other students interested in weather. | Photo by Monique Bever / The Sunflower
Get wind of this: WSU Storm Trackers looks to gain members, become registered student organization BY AVERY GATHRIGHT
averygathright@outlook.com
No matter the weather, one student group is keeping their eyes on the sky. WSU Storm Trackers, currently an unofficial student organization of about eight students at Wichita State, aims to create a community of students who want to develop their awareness of the weather. Junior Tristan Schwien started WSU Storm Trackers
early in January to find others interested in learning more about meteorology. “Essentially, it’s a group that’s meant to gather students that have an interest in either weather patterns or storms and get them together to communicate and share interests,” Schwien said. “(It will also) serve as a community in which people can educate or get further education … on the topics of meteorology.” Although the group is still
gathering interest, Schwien is working on finding an adviser and plans to officially register the organization on campus in the next couple of weeks. “I want to have a few more members before presenting it to a faculty member,” Schwien said. Schwien said that once the WSU Storm Trackers is official, he hopes to eventually invite local meteorologists to speak about their jobs and discuss
weather patterns. He also said the club plans to meet in the Rhatigan Student Center to discuss weather patterns. “It wouldn’t be incredibly taxing to be a member,” Schwien said. “(It would involve) just being semiactive in the Discord.” Schwien is looking forward to seeing the group grow as more people join. “There’s normally a big crowd surrounding (meteorology),” Schwien
Hop around local restaurants with Hopping316, a new dining experience To enter the giveaway, you have to order the featured item, take a selfie with the featured item and a Hopping316 card, post the picture as an Instagram story, tag both Hopping316 and the business, and then follow both social media accounts.
JANUARY
Maria Romero Rodriguez, a graduate communications student, poses in her office on Jan. 30. | Photo by Kristy Mace / The Sunflower
BY MALEAH EVANS
maleah.evans04@gmail.com
Wichita residents looking to dine at local restaurants can try them out with Hopping316, a dining experience created and organized by Maria Romero Rodriguez, a communication graduate student at Wichita State. The experience features four progressive dining experiences throughout four months, with each meal course taking place at a different local restaurant. “I was the one who picked the restaurants, but I had help from people,” Romero Rodriguez said. “I went to networking events, and people at those events who knew owners gave me recommendations.” The grad student decided to organize the events to connect the community and local businesses.
Romero Rodriguez emphasized her experiences with the creation of Hopping316 and the importance of local businesses. “I wanted to do something that will help (local businesses) because they boost the economy,” she said. “They are so important, and I think it’s important to create an opportunity for them to promote their own businesses.” Romero Rodriguez said she hopes that Hopping316 will take off and eventually spread to other cities and states across the country.
HOW IT WORKS There is no fee or registration required to join the event; however, the food itself is not free. Those interested can just show up to the restaurant and order the themed item if they so desire. There is a giveaway for a chance to win gift cards and merchandise as well.
The first stop is at Las Adelitas Café, with the Cafe de Olla. Next is Doo-Dah Diner, with the Crab Cake Benedict. After Doo-Dah, head on over to Bocatto Eatery and Pasta for the Chicken Madeira. Finally, stop in at Papa’s General Store for the Caramel Cheesecake Craze. Giveaway prizes include a $30 gift card and a sweatshirt from Las Adelitas, a $100 gift card and sweatshirt from Doo-Dah Dinner, a $100 gift card from Bocatto, and a $25 gift card from Papa’s.
FEBRUARY The first stop is at GROW Giesen Plant Shop, with the Espresso Martini and Cocoa Dolce Muffin. After GROW, stop into Dockum for The Last Word, a cocktail served theatrically. Head on up to Alzavino Wine Tavern for the Love is in the Air, a dessert board made of chocolate brittle and heart-shaped strawberries. Then float over to Milkfloat for the Caramel Cookie Butter Cupcake. Paddy’s Pub & Brews and Spring Sensation are the themes for March and April, respectively.
SEAL celebrates Kansas Day through community building BY GENESIS MERRIETT genserudition@gmail.com
Music, free sunflower cookies, a photo booth
and a painting table helped commemorate Kansas Day on Jan. 29 in the Rhatigan Student Center (RSC). Kaley Archer, the marketing and communications coordinator at Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership (SEAL), hoped the Kansas Day table would bring students together and create a sense of community and relaxation from classes. “If you’re going to be sitting over there painting, you might meet some people who are also sitting there painting and get to know them, and (they) might be your new friends,” Archer said. “(We’re) creating any sort of opportunity for students to take a mental break and have some fun here as well.” Archer was inspired by last year’s Kansas Day table to provide sunflower cookies and add more activities for students to enjoy. Christina Tran, a junior medical laboratory science major, stopped by the table. She said she enjoyed painting flowers and getting a free cookie with her classmates. “I always go to the RSC with my classmates in my program, so we always go when we see free food or free stuff,” Tran said. Archer highlighted the importance of creating long-term
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.
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. The Sunflower is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Association and the Wichita Journalism Collaborative. Copyright © 2023 The Sunflower. This newspaper, its design and its contents are copyrighted.
said. “I’m sure there’s a ton of students with the interest. It’s just not presented in a way that they can engage in yet. I think spreading the ability to foster that interest would be a positive benefit for the campus.” Students interested in joining the Storm Trackers’ Discord server or learning more about the organization can follow the group on Instagram, @wsustormtrackers.
relationships in college because students rely on each other. “Normally, at minimum, a college student is going to be taking four years here, so it’s a big part of your life, and you want to have some fun,” she said. “You want to be able to find a group who can support you and help you along the way through all the ups and downs.” Archer said students can stop by the SEAL office in RSC Room 216. Students can also find more upcoming events from SEAL on its website.
ORIGIN OF KANSAS DAY According to the Kansas Historical Society, Kansas Day was created by a passionate group of students in Paola, Kansas, in 1877. It is observed every year on Jan. 29 to celebrate the anniversary of Kansas’ statehood, which was granted in 1861, making it the 34th U.S. state. To celebrate Kansas Day, Kansans may share history, listen to Kansan songs such as “Song of the Kansas Emigrant” by John Greenleaf Whittier, and decorate using Kansas symbols such as sunflowers.
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
EDITOR IN CHIEF Mia Hennen editor@thesunflower.com
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Salsabila Attaria arts@thesunflower.com
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SPORTS EDITOR Melanie Rivera-Cortez sports@thesunflower.com
MANAGING EDITOR Trinity Ramm managing@thesunflower.com
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Jacob Unruh assistantsports@thesunflower.com
INVESTIGATIVE NEWS EDITOR Courtney Brown newsprojects@thesunflower.com
OPINION EDITOR Sascha Harvey opinion@thesunflower.com
amy.devault@wichita.edu
NEWS EDITOR Allison Campbell newsprojects@thesunflower.com
PHOTO EDITOR Kristy Mace photo@thesunflower.com
CORRECTIONS
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Taliyah Winn assistantnews@thesunflower.com
PODCAST EDITOR Jacinda Hall podcast@thesunflower.com
Mia Hennen: 316-978-6906 editor@thesunflower.com ADVERTISING
Thy Vo: 316-978-6905 admanager@thesunflower.com FACULTY ADVISOR
Amy DeVault: 316-978-6052
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.
HAVE A STORY IDEA? Contact the Sports editor, Melanie Rivera-Cortez sports@thesunflower.com
SPORTS
Feb. 1, 2024 | 3 www.thesunflower.com
Men’s basketball to falls against Tulsa away MELANIE RIVERA-CORTEZ sports@thesunflower.com
Illustration by Cameryn Davis / The Sunflower
Varsity esports recaps ‘Valorant’ championship victory in fall, looks toward future seasons BY JACOB UNRUH
assistantsports@thesunflower.com
The Wichita State varsity esports team wrapped up their fall season on a high note with a win in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Valorant National Championship on Dec. 12. Less than a month later, they were already preparing to begin the spring competitions. Unlike many other collegiate sports, esports has no traditional “offseason” — the team has two complete seasons every year in the fall and spring. Travis Yang, the Wichita State esports director, explained that this can cause burnout challenges for the esports competitors. “These are very passionate individuals,” Yang said. “Given the opportunity, they’re going to want to compete and practice all the time, sometimes to their own detriment … but then we have the benefit of the varsity program. We have individuals, we have full time staff, and our job is to help them manage their time and have a better experience.” The team competes in tournaments throughout the season, usually online. The best teams in the regular season qualify for the playoffs, where they fly out for the competition. The Valorant team had to replace two of the five members of its varsity squad during the
summer. According to Yang, the recruiting process was so successful that they formed a junior varsity team to train and compete with the varsity squad. “They had already been playing throughout the summer, practicing and getting used to each other,” Yang said. “So it wasn’t like the season started and we had to start from ground zero. They were already good to go.” While Yang said the regular season results were “bumpy,” the group hit their stride when they were forced to face top teams in the playoffs. “We ended up playing a higher seed early, but we knew that we were a good team and we won,” Yang said.” Yang said the esports program functions as five different teams with their own schedules and practices, all under the same athletic department. Wichita State currently has teams in “Rocket League,” “Overwatch 2,” “Super Smash Brothers Ultimate,” “Call of Duty” and “Valorant,” with one student doing “iRacing.” Unlike many other sports that have one major competition, esports is largely decentralized. Wichita State competes in two major competitions: the ECAC, containing about 50 universities, and the National Association
of Collegiate esports, of which almost every varsity esports program is a member. All five of Wichita State’s teams had top-four finishes in the ECAC playoffs in the fall, which is the expectation for the program. “The standard is already set pretty high,” Yang said. “If you don’t get (to the) playoffs, it’s kind of disappointing ... Every semester that goes by, we’re trying to push it a little bit higher. Always trying to compete for a national championship.” Wichita State started its varsity esports program in 2019, near the start of a wave of competitive gaming recognition on college campuses around the country. Yang said Wichita State has been largely supportive of its esports program, which he described as a “leader” in the region. “Schools in the past have reached out if they’re trying to start a program,” Yang said. “So we are definitely a catalyst for the development of esports, at least in the state.” The rise of esports has extended to Unified School District 259 in Wichita, who received over $500,000 of funding in 2020 to support competitive gaming programs in their schools. Yang said that the development allowed Wichita State to recruit from the pool of Wichita students.
“We’ve actually been able to do some signing days,” Yang said. “We’ve had students who graduated from Wichita East or Southeast high school and they come literally straight here to compete … Now you have kids who are in elementary school going into middle school and they’re able to start competing, as with any sport.” Going forward, Yang said the esports team will look to expand into a larger space than their current headquarters in the Corbin Education Center room 156A, acquire more computers for gaming and integrate more academically, adding more esports-related majors. The college competitive esports scene is growing rapidly, and Yang said Wichita State will continue to attempt to stay at its forefront and provide opportunities that wouldn’t exist five years ago to students . “They are this first generation,” Yang said. “So they’re going to have these really unique experiences … that they can look back on and be like, ‘Wow, I was a part of Wichita State’s first ever Rocket League varsity team. That kind of stuff, 50, 60 years down the road, that’s a part of history.” To get involved with the Wichita State esports team, join their discord at discord.gg/ esportswsu.
Track and field complete Wilson Invitational at home, with Wichita State claiming seven events BY MELANIE RIVERA-CORTEZ sports@thesunflower.com
Wichita State track and field hosted its only indoor meet of the season at the Heskett Center over the weekend. The threeday Wilson Invitational saw the Shockers claim seven event wins. Junior high jumper Brady Palen, who placed seventh in the NCAA Indoor Championship last season, matched his season best from the Mark Colligan Memorial on Jan. 20 at 2.15m/7’0.75”. Palen managed to hold the tie for the American Athletic Conference lead in the event and took first. On the women’s side, junior Chidera Okoro claimed the win and had season-bests in the triple jump, 12.08m/39’7.5” and 5.88m/19’3”in the long jump. Senior Yuben Goncalves swept the competition with a season-best in the triple jump, 14.84m/48’8.25”. Junior Creighton Camp won in the weight throw with his personal best of 16.27m/53’5”.
Destiny Masters, one Wichita State’s track and field heptathletes does a practive jump at Wilson Invitational on Jan. 25. Masters won in the high jump with a jump of 5’10.75”. | Photo by Cheyanne Tull / The Sunflower
Junior Kylie Zimmer also claimed victory and set a season-best in the shot put, 14.46m/47’5.25”. Junior Kenisa Meyer picked up her first career win in the 60-meter hurdles, running a 8.69 time, a personal best. In the final few races of the invitational, junior Adam
Rzentkowski placed second in the 3,000-meter race with an 8:20.84 time. Freshman Josh Parrish came in second in the long jump, 7.07m/23’2.5”. Wichita State entered less than half of the team for the meet, with many Shockers running as unattached members.
Looking forward, Wichita State’s multi-event athletes will travel to Kansas State University for the Austra Skujyte Pentathlon and the Steve Fritz Heptathlon on Feb. 1 and 2. The remainder of the team will head to the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational in Nebraska on Feb. 2 and 3.
Wichita State men’s basketball faced off against Tulsa on Wednesday night. Despite leading for a majority of the game, the Shockers stumbled in the last four minutes of regulation, losing 79-68. Wichita State is now 9-12 on the season. Tulsa came in swinging at the beginning of the game going for an 8-2 run, but the Shockers responded by shooting four 3-pointers, with three from graduate student Dalen Ridgnal and one from redshirt junior Colby Rodgers. This brought Wichita State forward, 18-10. The Shockers headed into the half leading 43-32, but Tulsa would begin to chip slowly into the lead. Coming back from the locker room, Wichita State missed its first five shots and had three turnovers, allowing the Golden Hurricanes to go on a 7-0 run. Junior guard Xavier Bell ended the Wichita State dry spell, but Tulsa continued to fight back, scoring back-to-back 3-pointers to tie the game at 45. The Shockers opened up a sixpoint lead after a 3-pointer from junior forward Ronnie DeGray III, but Tulsa responded with a 7-0 run to regain its lead. A 3-pointer from Tulsa’s Jared Garcia handed them the lead, 69-66, with 2:24 left. Tulsa would string a 15-2 run to close the game and finish the Shockers. In the last four minutes, Wichita State shot 0-6 from the field. Up next, Wichita State travel to face off Memphis on Saturday, Feb. 3. Tipoff is scheduled for noon.
Women’s basketball stunned at the buzzer by Temple BY JACOB UNRUH assistantsports@thesunflower.com
In a back-and-forth game at Temple University on Wednesday night, the Wichita State women’s basketball team lost on a last-second buzzer beater, 66-65. With this, the Shockers drop to a 6-16 record and 2-8 in conference. Temple ran out to a 12-2 lead to start the game, but by the end of the first quarter, the Shockers had cut the lead to two. Back-to-back steals and layups from sophomore forward Daniela Abies gave Wichita State a sixpoint lead and the momentum halfway through the game. The Shockers ran their lead up to nine points midway through the third period but Temple tied the score at 52 less than two minutes into the fourth quarter. After missed shots by both teams, senior guard DJ McCarty gave the Shockers the lead again with two free-throws. Ten seconds later, Temple evened the score. McCarty hit a clutch driving jumper in the paint to give Wichita State the lead one final time with 17 seconds left. On the final Temple possession, a block from Abies seemed to seal the game until the ball was kicked out to Temple junior guard Tiarra East for the game-winning 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded. Abies tallied her sixth double-double of the season with 19 points and 14 rebounds, leading the Shockers in both categories. The other double-digit scorers for Wichita State were Blow, with 10 points, and junior forward Ornella Niankan, who scored 11. Wichita State returns to Charles Koch Arena on Sunday, Feb. 4 against East Carolina. Tipoff is at 2 p.m.
OPINION
4 | Feb. 1, 2024 www.thesunflower.com
HAVE A STORY IDEA? Contact the Opinion editor, Sascha Harvey opinion@thesunflower.com
Ways you can help Palestine from home 2. CONTACT
Genesis REPRESENTATIVES Merriett genseruditon@gmail.com OPINION
On the other side of the world, Palestinian men, women, and children are being carpet bombed, starved and murdered. This tragedy is too far away or too big for one person in the states to make an immediate impact on, but there are many ways anyone can make a difference. Many people feel this way, especially since it has been 100 days since Oct. 7; however, there are still plenty of ways in which anyone can help, regardless of time and money constraints. The creation of Israel in 1948 led to displacing more than 700,000 Palestinians and the capture of 78% of the region’s land. Hamas, a Palestinian political group, launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, and Israel began a bombing campaign shortly after.
1. BOYCOTTING This is likely a method that you’ve been hearing a lot about lately, but it still rings true as a great way to help. Some of the most notorious places to boycott have been Starbucks and McDonald’s, but there are many more. Fortunately, on the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement’s page, there is an expansive list of companies to boycott, as well as explanations of what they have done to support Israel. Each level of the boycott is categorized by a different action to take against the companies. There are even free apps that help keep track of what to boycott. One of these is Buycott, where you can scan the barcodes of items while shopping, and it will tell you if that is an ideal company to buy from and why, giving you the information to make your own conclusions. All you need to do is download it, create an account, and select the “campaigns” you want to participate in (including a pro-Palestine one). Boycotting is a great way to support Palestine because it has worked several times in the past, from the abolition of the apartheid in South Africa to Montgomery Bus Boycotts in Alabama, and it is already causing companies like Starbucks to lose market value. Boycotting shows those in power where we want our money to go and makes our voices heard.
Another way to support Palestine that activists have been pushing for is by contacting representatives. Each and every representative, from the mayor to Senate representatives, are capable of pushing for change, but citizens need to push them to do it. The app 5 Calls has been praised by activists as being an easy-to-use method to call all of your representatives. You simply have to put in your information, select what you would like to contact your representatives about, and read the script that is provided to you. This has been incredibly helpful for those who have anxiety with phone calls or even people who want to help but don’t know where to start. You can also contact the White House directly by visiting their contact page. You only need to put in your information and write a short message about why you believe the U.S. should call for a ceasefire and show support for Palestine. This only takes a few minutes and is low-pressure compared to a phone call.
3. ATTEND EVENTS IN WICHITA If you are able to go out into Wichita and show your support, then be on the lookout for strikes, vigils, informational meetings and protests. Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) is a small group of students that organize many of these movements. You can find updates on the group’s Instagram page. SJP, the Arab Student Association and the Artist Exploration Association will be hosting an educational event called Tatreez Night on Feb. 2 from 4-7 pm in the Rhatigan Student Center room 165. Since 2021, the art of embroidery in Palestine has been recognized as an “important intangible cultural heritage” by UNESCO. Tatreez Night will honor this traditional Palestinian embroidery.
4. KEEP UP TO DATE WITH PALESTINIAN PLATFORMS We live in an age of advanced technology, meaning there are several journalists continuously sharing their experiences with the world and platforms that extensively document them. Over
100 journalists in Gaza have been murdered since Oct. 7 as of Dec. 23. If we truly want to help, it is our duty to amplify their voices. These journalists and platforms have been using social media platforms to document these events. Some of the most famous ones include Motaz Azaiza, Bisan Owda, Eye on Palestine, The Institute for Middle East Understanding, Mohammad Al-Masri, Middle East Eye and more. Many of these journalists speak both English and Arabic, but there are often people translating posts into English for worldwide viewers.
5. SPREAD AWARENESS OF THE PALESTINIAN CAUSE Spreading awareness does a few things. Sharing the truth while others don’t is one of the hardest things to do, especially if the truth consists of morbid numbers and screaming families, but it’s one of the things that got you to support Palestine, isn’t it? Learning and sharing the history behind Palestine and Israel is super important to debunk falsehoods and show others why they should care, too. Reuters wrote an article briefly explaining the history behind Palestine and Israel, as well as a few neighboring Arab countries. Another misconception that it is crucial to spread awareness about is the difference between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. In a previous article I wrote, I covered the difference between the two beliefs. Anti-Zionism is the belief that Jewish people don’t have the exclusive right to Israel at the expense of Palestinians, whereas antisemitism is the hatred of Jewish people. Spreading awareness can include having a conversation with those around you over lunch, or it can be as simple as reposting and boosting journalists and Palestinians on the internet.
6. KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE (ICJ) CASE South Africa presented a case to the ICJ charging Israel of genocide against the 1948 Geneva Convention and aims to put an immediate stop to the atrocities in Palestine. According to Al Jazeera, the ICJ is the highest legal body of the United Nations (UN) that
Illustration by Preston Caylor / The Sunflower
may settle issues amongst member states. South Africa presented five main points against Israel including accusing them of mass killing Palestinians, mental and bodily harm, food blockade and forced displacement, destroying Gaza’s healthcare system and preventing Palestinian births. As of Jan. 14, the death toll in Palestine reached 24,000 and over 60,000 have been injured. Israel denied the accusations made against them, and claimed everything has been done in self-defense against Hamas, the political group that launched an attack against Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people. Following the attack on Oct. 7, more than 1,000 Israelis have been killed and nearly 9,000 have been injured. Continuing to watch or read about the ICJ hearings is an important tool to continue teaching others and spreading awareness of the issue.
7. SUPPORT PALESTINIANOWNED BUSINESSES Putting your money directly toward Palestinians is a great way to show solidarity across the globe. Hirbawi is the last kufiyah (or keffiyeh) factory in Palestine. Kufiyahs are headdresses that have been worn by Palestinians to show their resistance against Israel and instill pride in their heritage. People around the world, including non-Palestinians, have been wearing them in solidarity at protests, vigils or even casually to show support. There are plenty more
businesses that you can buy from, too. The Institute for Palestine Studies composed a list of ten Palestinian-owned businesses and what they sell. There are also several social media posts that include extensive lists of Palestinian companies and it includes everything from clothing to home goods and lifestyle.
8. DONATE ESIM CARDS With the power and network outages that Palestinians constantly face, it is often difficult for them to communicate to the outside world. Outages are deadly and dangerous for several reasons, including being unable to contact emergency services, which are facing crises of their own, leaves families without a way to contact each other, and leaves the rest of the world without evidence of the tragedies occurring and allowing that space to be filled with disinformation and propaganda instead. Mirna El Helbawi, author and founder of nonprofit organization Connecting Humanity, made a list of steps that anyone can use to donate eSIM cards to people in Palestine so they can continue to share and document their lives with the world. It requires you to download the Nomad app, create an account, purchase one for varying prices depending on the plan you choose and email it to gazaesims@gmail. com. They are sent to journalists documenting the ongoing tragedies occurring in Palestine.
Ariana Grande has slayed once again, and?
Photo courtesy of Republic Records
Piper Pinnetti
piperpinnetti12@gmail.com
REVIEW
From having bright red hair during her time as a Nickelodeon star to making her musical breakthrough, we have seen many sides of Ariana Grande. The artist’s life has taken many turns, from tragically losing a great love to online backlashes based on her
appearance and physical changes. Grande’s newest single — “yes, and?” — is three and a half minutes long and manages to call out her haters, comment on their shaming and reference her late boyfriend and artist, Mac Miller. She expresses disappointment with how the public reacts to her private life and their relentlessness. The intro is a unique 48 seconds that is different from her other songs. Her lyrics begin with “Everybody’s tired / And healin’
from somebody.” This intro is made more unique when remembering Grande’s past years, where she has had to heal from Miller, the suicide bombing at her Manchester Arena concert that killed 22 people, her recent divorce comments about her appearance and personal life. Following, she makes a clever lyrical choice that is suspected to be a Miller reference. She sings, “Say that shit with your chest,” and repeats it throughout her song. Miller’s 2018 song “Jet Fuel” features him saying the same line. Her track reminds me of a saucy version of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” and I am here for it. It is a fun tune to dance to in the car, a perfect hyping-up type of jam. It is a different kind of sound from her and perfect for her message to the public. The lyrics later continue, “And if you find yourself / in a dark situation / just turn on your light / and be like / yes, and?” This is her “Shake It Off” statement. The “yes, and?” clapback to shoot down room for commentary in a woman boss, “I don’t care what you have to say” type of way. The phrase invites more interpretation, that there is more to a story and, in the end, that someone can still disagree, but there is more than that potential negative.
She echoes “Your business is yours and mine is mine,” saying to mind your own business while still having the voice of an angel.
HIATUS During her recent hiatus, the actor turned singer returned behind the camera where she began filming for her movie “Wicked Part 1.” The film is an alternative version of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Its release to theaters is planned for November 2024. Previously this year, Grande was married to Dalton Gomez. The two officially divorced in October 2023. Shortly after, she was seen with Spongebob musical actor Ethan Slater. The actor is additionally a coworker with her in the new film. The history Slater has — being that he had a wife and a child on the way before Grande — created backlash for mostly Grande rather than Slater himself. People speculate that there was infidelity involved in her and Slater’s relationship. Both Grande and Slater denied infidelity rumors with the support of their close contacts, also saying that their relationship began after they were both “single.” Either way, Grande’s platform was getting social media canceled and she was deemed not a “girl’s girl.”
“Your business is yours and mine is mine / why do you care so much whose dick I ride? / Why?” Her questions to her audience rings in their headphones or speakers and forces them to look in the mirror. Why act the way you act? Why even care what this celebrity does? The song wrapped with a Grande bow (remember the ones she wore during the original bow phase in the Tumblr era?), an expression of how she felt and a perfect bop for fans.
NEW ALBUM Recently revealed via her Instagram, Grande is finishing up her seventh studio album, “Eternal Sunshine.” The title is a reference to the film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” Some fans believe this album will be about her recent relationship with Slater because of these ties and the additional matching initials of his name and the album title. Others suspect the album has more references of Miller in the tracks because this is famously one of his favorite movies. Her new album is set to release this year on March 8, as revealed via an Instagram carousel. Her brother, Frankie, comments “It’s official. 2024 is my favorite year of all time.” Mine too, Frankie.
HAVE A STORY IDEA? Contact the Arts editor, Salsabila Attaria arts@thesunflower.com
ARTS & CULTURE
Feb. 1, 2024 | 5 www.thesunflower.com
Maura Jacquinet, an animation student enrolled in one of Joshua Smith’s graphic design courses, reviews upcoming content on Jan. 30. Jacquinet was one of Smith’s many students studying Adobe Illustrator and After Effects during his weekday class.
Joshua Smith, assistant graphic design professor, explains the benefits and faults of the new artificial intelligence features available in Adobe programs. Smith illustrated his point by generating a rhino, then demonstrating how it failed to create movable parts necessary for clean animation. “AI’s got nothing on y’all,” Smith said.
Joshua Smith, assistant graphic design professor, instructs his class on how to turn still images from Adobe Illustrator into moving animations in Adobe After Effects. Smith commonly led his courses by asking his students what they wanted to learn or what skills they wanted to improve upon. | Photos by Allison Campbell / The Sunflower
Graphic design professor’s unique grading system challenges traditional classroom BY SALSABILA ATTARIA arts@thesunflower.com
J
oshua Smith brings a unique academic experience to fine arts students with his classroom philosophy. Smith, an assistant professor of graphic design, said that his grading system, which is based on attained levels instead of percentages, reflects the real world that fine arts students would work in. “When learning design, most of the time clients or people that you’re going to work for, they’re not really interested in grades per se,” Smith said. “You wouldn’t go to a gallery and expect to see Picasso’s grades from college.” Smith assigns a specific number of “levels” to assignments, and students can earn the full number if they meet all the
requirements. If the student earns twelve levels, they receive an A in the class. Students who pass the first twelve levels have the opportunity to receive references and letters of recommendation. With a traditional grading system, a student might see their grade drop, even if they have received a high grade on an assignment. Smith calls this a “carrot and stick approach” that isn’t best for students who learn at a different pace. “I was a slow learner. I didn’t feel like I had a good project until like my third year of graphic design,” Smith said. “I think it would have been nice if there had been an opportunity to sort of be like, ‘Hey, you’re doing a really good job, even if the work isn’t good yet.’” Smith said this approach allows students to focus on the
“ You wouldn’t go to a gallery and expect to see Picasso’s grades. JOSHUA SMITH Assistant professor of graphic design
big picture of their graphic design education, as well as long-term plans after college. “They’re trying to build a career,” Smith said. “It’s not just one class, it’s four years. Sure there’ll be ups and downs all throughout, and we should reward them for trying and trying again and picking up and continuing in that way.” A central aspect of fine arts courses is critique. Students often receive feedback from educators and peers on the work they produce for class. Smith said that attaching a grade to critique
increases stress during the experience. “That can create a negative kind of engagement where students are feeling like they have to defend their work, rather than look at it objectively,” Smith said. Mackenzie Kessler, a junior graphic design student, said that Smith’s classes are her favorite. “He really understands his students and cares about their creative development,” Kessler said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him sit at his desk and tune us out before, so he’s incredibly active as a participant in the class as well.” Taking pressure off of earning a specific grade allows students to engage in creativity on a pure level, according to Smith. “It’s difficult to be a creative and a professional because the act of creativity is sort of like playing with things,” Smith said. “It’s sort
of like childlike engagement of drawing or choosing unique ways to use the tools.” Smith also offers career advice and passes on internship opportunities he hears about to his students. “He does a really good job at preparing his students for what is to come,” Kessler said. “So you don’t only gain conceptual knowledge but also tangible resources.” Kessler said learning under this grading system impacts her beyond comfort in the classroom. “The quality of my work is greatly impacted positively,” Kessler said. “I’m able to experiment more creatively and conceptually with my work.”
Thematic contemporary art exhibit opens at the Wichita Art Museum BY LOREN AMELUNKE loren.amelunke@outlook.com
A view of the gallery featuring “Puck on a toadstool” by Harriet Hosmer. She was born in 1830 and was sometimes known to flow between femininity and masculinity. In William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Puck is not assigned a gender in the play and can be played by any person. | Photos by Loren Amelunke / The Sunflower
A view of “Invasion Day” by Janet Sobel. Painted before D-Day, the work can stand as a landscape or offer an abstract psychological view of the historical event.
A look into two different gallery themes. The themes and time periods are symbolically juxtaposed in order to challenge beliefs about what it means to be an American at that time.
The Wichita Art Museum (WAM) opened a new exhibit on Jan. 28 that challenges what it means to be an American artist. Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) was the first art school and museum in the United States. “Making American Artists: Stories from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 1776-1976” features 74 contemporary works by nationwide artists whose careers were shaped through PAFA. It is centralized around representing artists who may have been previously overlooked: people of color, women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. All of the artwork is divided
into five themes: portraiture, history, still life, genre scenes, and landscape. Most of the artwork is oil paintings on canvas, in addition to a few marble sculptures. It is common for exhibits to display artwork in chronological order; however, “Making American Artists” is displayed by theme. This way, various artistic time periods are juxtaposed in order to challenge beliefs about what it meant to be an American at the time. The exhibit will be available until April 21. Tickets to the exhibit cost $12 normally and are free with a student ID. On March 1, WAM is hosting an event where curator Tera Hendricks will speak in further depth about “Making American Artists.”
A view of “ Two Women in the Woods” by Thomas Moran in the landscape gallery.
6 | Feb. 1, 2024
SPORTS
ON THE RUN
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UPCOMING EVENTS ART THAT TOUCHES YOUR HEART
THURSDAY, FEB. 1 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Rhatigan Student Center
GEAR UP FOR THE BIG GAME THURSDAY, FEB. 1 10:30 a.m. | Rhatigan Student Center
‘AT THE ILLUSIONIST’S TABLE’ WITH SCOTT SILVEN
THURSDAY, FEB. 1 - SATURDAY, FEB. 3 6 - 9 p.m. | Public at the Brickyard
SCHOOL OF MUSIC HIGH SCHOOL HONOR BAND
FRIDAY, FEB. 2 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Duerksen Fine Arts Center
BLACK HISTORY BRUNCH FRIDAY, FEB. 2 10 a.m. - Noon. | Rhatigan Student Center
GRADUATE STUDENT SOCIAL Cloud County CC hurdler Chenessa Davis and Wichita State’s Kenisa Meyer race against one another at the Herm Wilson Invitational on Jan. 27. Meyer and Davis finished first and second in the event. | Photos by Cheyanne Tull / The Sunflower
FRIDAY, FEB. 2 5:30 - 7 p.m. | Rhatigan Student Center
FAIRMOUNT FORMAL
FRIDAY, FEB. 2 7 - 10 p.m. | Rhatigan Student Center
WSU SCHOOL OF MUSIC FACULTY ARTIST SERIES | DR. TIMOTHY JONES, VIOLIN FRIDAY, FEB. 2 7:30 - 9 p.m. | Wiedemann Hall
WSU SCHOOL OF MUSIC UNDERGRADUATE MUSIC MAJOR AUDITION DAY
SATURDAY, FEB. 3 8 a.m. - Noon. | Duerksen Fine Arts Center
SENIOR SATURDAY Brady Palen, a junior high jumper, attempts to clear the high jump bar at the Herm Wilson Invitational. Palen won the event, jumping seven feet, one-half inch, three inches off his career high.
SATURDAY, FEB. 3 9 - 11 a.m. | Larksfield Place
WSU MEN’S BASKETBALL WATCH PARTY VS. MEMPHIS SATURDAY, FEB. 3 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Social Tap
SCHOOL OF MUSIC HIGH SCHOOL HONOR BAND
SATURDAY, FEB. 3 5 p.m. | Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center Freshman Luke Czarnecki takes off for an attempt in the men’s long jump. Czarnecki placed 15th at the event on Jan. 27.
Assistant track and field coach Heidi Benton and jumper Harry Barthelemy review a jump at the Wilson Invitational on Jan. 27.
A volunteer helps measure track and field equipment during the Wilson Invitational.
FOOD FOR FINES
MONDAY, FEB. 5 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Rhatigan Student Center
TRIVIA NIGHT SERIES: BLACK HISTORY MONTH TRIVIA MONDAY, FEB. 5 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Rhatigan Student Center
HAVE AN EVENT YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED? CONTACT THE ARTS EDITOR: arts@thesunflower.com Freshman Hannah Glennen runs in sprints on Jan. 27 during the Wilson Invitational.
Two track athletes sit together during the only indoor track and field meet for Wichita State. The meet took place at the Heskett Center on Jan. 27.
CONTACT THE NEWS EDITOR: news@thesunflower.com