No. 3 (Oct. 3, 2019)

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VOL. XCVIV No. 3 / October 3, 2019

THE UNIVERSITY NEWS

ROll BILLS SLu students welcome family and alumni back for homecoming 2019

page 11 & 14 COVER Design by Rebecca LiVigni

NEWS

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CONFRONTING SLU’S HISTORY WITH SLAVERY

(Left) Pictured here is Peter Queen, the first child born to an enslaved couple in the Missouri Mission, circa 1905.

(Right) St. Francis Xavier College Church, where black Catholics in St. Louis, including those enslaved by Jesuits at St. Louis University, worshipped. (Photos Courtesy of the SHMR Project)

By CONOR DORN Associate News Editor

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n 2016, SLU joined the Jesuits USA Central and Southern Province (UCS) in launching an initiative to confront a joint history of involvement in the enslavement of African Americans that dates back to the founding of the University.

The initiative, called the Slavery, History, Memory and Reconciliation Project (SHMR), seeks to uncover and share a more complete picture of Jesuit involvement in slavery, honor the memories of those individuals held in bondage and find a path toward reconciliation.

Early last month, President Fred Pestello, P.h.D., wrote to update the SLU community on the progress of the project, announcing that researchers believe they have successfully traced several family lines to the present day.

The Jesuit UCS provincial superior Ronald Mercier, S.J., has therefore begun sending letters to those individuals believed to be descendants with the aim of sharing the inspiring stories of their ancestors.

While the SHMR project is not the first effort to comprehensively inves-

tigate a history of involvement with slavery, even among institutions of higher education, the partnership between SLU and the Society of Jesus in accomplishing these goals is something quite unique to the SHMR project. This collaboration has increased access to valuable documents and information, allowing the SHMR project to make significant headway in putting together a more complete picture of Jesuit involvement with slavery.

The Society of Jesus, whose involvement in the institution of slavery can be traced back to the colonial era, expanded into Missouri in 1823 and brought with them six enslaved men and women: Thomas and Mary Brown, Moses and Nancy Queen and Isaac and Susan Queen-Hawkins.

From there, the number of slaves rose as new slaves were born and others were purchased. According to the project’s website, by 1831, there were at least 26 individuals held in bondage by the Jesuits.

In 1829, the Jesuits began operating Saint Louis University. They transferred several enslaved people from the St. Stanislaus Novitiate in Florissant, where the majority were forced to work, to St. Louis, where they did laundry, cleaned, farmed and drove wagons.

There is a daunting array of obstacles for researchers as they attempt to piece together a complete historical picture.

To begin with, researchers must reckon with a documentary record that is fragmented and often inconsistent. Slaveholders often changed the names of the enslaved individuals, and it was also not uncommon for slaves to change their names after emancipation.

Since 2016, faculty members, archivists and researchers have worked tirelessly to overcome obstacles like these and shed light on the untold stories of the men and women who were enslaved.

The project itself is based in St. Louis, which means researchers work in close collaboration with the Jesuit Archives and Research Center. Utilizing receipts, census records, letters and other documentary clues housed in the Jesuit Archives, Saint Louis University Archives and Missouri State Archives, researchers have made significant progress uncovering family history that has previously been obscured.

As Jonathan Smith, Ph.D., Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement and SMHR project director emphasized, this research is extraordinarily meaningful for the descendents of those who were enslaved. “To give people the knowledge of their family stories is an incredibly important gift,” and it is in giving this gift that Smith finds the most personal fulfillment.

As a descendent of slaves, Smith has experienced firsthand the complica-

tions that arise when attempting to uncover personal ancestry. Smith referenced an 1870 wall that prevents many individuals from tracing their lineage past the 1870 census, as the 1870 census was the first to record the black population. Before 1870, Smith said, “people like my ancestors were property” and, as a result, were denied legal recognition. One of the aims of the SHMR project has been to assist those individuals descended from slaves owned by the Missouri Mission in overcoming this 1870 barrier, and owing to the dedication of project researchers, significant progress toward this end has been made.

Though Smith is not descended from slaves owned by the Missouri Mission, his personal tie with the broader institution of slavery means this project takes on special significance. Yet, he approaches his work with no personal animosity. “This is not a project I undertake with anger or any sense of surprise. Rather, it is a labor of love for all those who helped build this university.”

Indeed, it is this special admiration for those enslaved people who helped build SLU that fuels the SHMR project.

Smith pointed out, “None of us were here when Bishop DuBourg founded this university, but we remember his name and work to honor what he did.

It’s only that we work to honor all the people who built this university.”

Now that preliminary efforts have been made in establishing contact with descendents, the next step for the project, according to Smith, is to put together a working group that will include students, faculty, alumni and hopefully descendents of those who were enslaved in order to collaborate on an appropriate university response that aligns with SLU’s values as a Jesuit institution.

Students can expect an update in the near future, as President Pestello’s last community letter promised an update before the end of fall term.

To learn more about the SHMR project, visit the project’s website: http://jesuitscentralsouthern. org/slavery_history_reconciliation?PAGE=DTN-20190729111355

News

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CAFE VENTANA’S SUDDEN

CLOSURE

(Riley Tovornik / The University News)

(Riley Tovornik / The University News)

CRIME AT CORONADO RAISES SAFETY CONCERNS

By SEYOON CHOI Contributor n the past two weeks, two separate carjackings at the Coronado Place and Towers parking garage have raised concerns about potentially inadequate safety measures.

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, at approximately 9:30 p.m., two suspects held a resident at gunpoint, demanding the keys to his vehicle. The two suspects have been apprehended but the vehicle has not yet been found.

The second incident unfolded on Sunday, Sept. 22, at around 9:30 a.m., when three minors reportedly beat a female resident with a cane and stole her vehicle.

Her car has since been returned and the three individuals have been arrested.

In response, Coronado Place and Towers residents assembled in the building’s lobby on Monday, Sept. 23, to voice their concerns. The meeting was led by an apartment community manager, Chad Littlejohn. Coronado residents, as well as police officers from SLU and Harris-Stowe State University, were also in attendance.

The meeting began by outlining several security improvements such as: upgraded security cameras, particularly in the parking garage, as well as deploying addi-

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tional security guards for surveillance all around the premises.

Residents, however, grew frustrated with such measures and voiced their fears, arguing that a lack of communication is one issue that must be addressed immediately. “It’s frustrating because we hear a very small amount of what happened but it’s from SLU which technically isn’t affiliated with the apartment,” said Samantha Moore, a first year Coronado resident and senior at SLU. “Security in the garage seems minimal, I’ve noticed two cameras in the roof and it’s not very well lit. It’s scary,” she said.

The meeting allowed residents to offer suggestions on what they felt needed improvements, as well as to demand Coronado staff do more to minimize such criminal activities in order to make sure that residents feel safe and informed.

“I don’t feel comfortable going out alone which is really difficult as a college student,” said Juels White, who has been a Coronado resident for over a year. She also states that “as of today, my complaints haven’t even been answered.”

Harris-Stowe police Chief Williams stated that, “What we experience here isn’t unique to us.”

Williams also warned that “safety is everybody’s responsibility.”

He emphasized the importance of transparency, communication and collective community actions for keeping the students safe.

By RILEY MACK News Editor n Monday, Sept.

31, Cafe Ventana opened up their doors to customers for the last time before the sudden closing of their only location on West Pine.

After 11 years in business, they have become a cornerstone of the community for SLU students and residents of the Central West End neighborhood.

Cafe Ventana was known for their breakfast and happy hour, with many morning food-anddrink options and occasional live music in the evening. Their menu had a unique New-Orleans style to it—their famous beignets being the star of the show with fruity, savory or chocolatey toppings.

They announced their closure in a Facebook post on Sunday, Sept. 30, a day before they shut down. “We are very sorry to notify you that Cafe Ventana will be closed until further notice to regroup,” management wrote.

Hinting that they may reopen in the future, they stated “it was an incredible pleasure serving and hanging out with all our valued friends. We hope to be open again soon to invite you all back for great food, coffee and conversation!”

Workers of the coffee shop may have taken the hardest hit.

Employees were laid off on Sept.

31 without warning. Rachel Ryan,

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who is a senior at SLU, was hired just a month and a half prior as a barista. She had just finished her training and felt she was finally settling in when her manager called her into the shop to tell her the Cafe was closing indefinitely later that day.

According to Ryan, a number of factors may have contributed to the decision. “They were selling the place and the new owner backed out at the last second” she said, mentioning also that one of the managers had recently left. Ryan believes that it all boils down to “a combination of logistical problems with really bad timing,” she said.

Ryan states that she enjoyed her time working there and will miss it immensely. In her time as a barista, she says “I usually saw the same people come in and order the same thing during my shifts, it was part of a lot of people’s routine.”

Cafe Ventana “had a homey vibe that just made you feel comfortable. There are not a lot of places like that” in the city, Ryan said. “I think it was a staple in the area and a lot of people will miss it,” she states.

The Cafe was managed by In Good Company LLC, a St. Louis restaurant group who also owns Cathedral Square Brewery, Diablitos Cantina, Hendricks BBQ, Moonshine Blues Bar and Sanctuaria, all located around the city.

Efforts were made to speak to In Good Company, LLC and Cafe Ventana’s management, but no immediate response was received.

04 Photo Courtesy of Gaskill Family

By JACOB CUNNINGHAM Staff Writer his past Monday, Sept. 30, friends, family and faculty gathered in the Spring Hall chapel to remember the life of Sam Gaskill. Those in attendance recounted stories of Gaskill and listened to music to foster an atmosphere of remembrance for those who knew him.

Many of Gaskill’s friends and acquaintances wore tie-dye, a nod to Gaskill’s love for the pattern.

Members of the Communications and Theological Studies departments shared their experiences and offered time for reflection on Gaskill’s life. In speaking about him, a common theme was the positive light that Gaskill had brought to the lives of those around him.

Gaskill, who passed away on Sunday, Sept. 1, graduated from Saint Louis University’s College of Arts and Sciences in the spring of 2019, with a major in communication and a minor in political science. While at SLU, Gaskill was inducted into Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association Honor Society. He was also a news writer for the University News.

Gaskill’s love of St. Louis and people was evident throughout the memorial service, and his passion for social justice and the SLU mission was present in all he did.

Dan V. Kozlowski, Ph.D., As-

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NEWS REMEMBERING SAM GASKILL sociate Professor and Interim Department Chair for the Department of Communication at SLU, noted Gaskill’s passion and impact he had on those he met.

“Sam was a terrific student who was well liked by his teachers and his classmates. He was earnest and thoughtful and was committed to making the world a more just and equitable place,” Kozowski stated.

Gaskill’s desire for community engagement and social justice led him to discover a passion for teaching after he graduated.

In his obituary in the Daily Memphian, Gaskill was said to have discovered this calling after “he was accepted into the San Antonio cohort of Teach for America and spent four weeks at the TFA Institute at the University of Houston.”

This time at Teach for America inspired Gaskill to “spend several years giving back by teaching young people,” according to the Daily Memphian.

In a statement on SLU’s website, the University announced the memorial service and stated that “the University community continues to mourn Sam’s passing and extends its deepest sympathies to his family and friends.” Students struggling with his passing are encouraged to visit the University Counseling Center on the second floor of Wuller Hall or call 314-977-8255 (TALK) if they or someone they know is in crisis.

Whether it be in Spring Hall chapel or his hometown of Memphis, his life of service and dedication to people will not be forgotten.

“In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Memphis Humane Society, MIFA or Just City,” stated the bottom of his obituary in the Daily Memphian. Even in death, Gaskill’s legacy of giving lives on.

(Trenton Almgren-Davis / The University News)

SLU NURSING SCHOOL RENAMED

By CAROLINE LIPSKI Staff Writer They say that the best presents in life come in small packages. However, the generous $4 million gift to the nursing school from Trudy Busch Valentine, an alumna of SLU’s nursing department, proves that it isn’t the size of the gift that matters, but rather its ability to keep on giving.

In recognition of this gift, and her continuing support of the school, SLU renamed its nursing school the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing earlier this semester.

This gift is one of many donations that support a current fundraising initiative on campus titled Accelerating Excellence: The Campaign for Saint Louis University. Its goal is to fundraise $500 million in order to steer our research and academic efforts into prominent fields like the health sciences in order to be at the forefront of innovation and excellence. The campaign has already seen major support, with their fundraising efforts totalling $98.7 million last year.

This achievement reflects the character of many alumni and other advocates of the university,

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such as Trudy Busch Valentine.

It also shows their deep commitment to SLU and its mission.

Jane Baum, Senior Director of Development Health Sciences at Saint Louis University, comments on the importance of alumnae engagement that, “Support from our alumni, friends and community is important for not only the nursing program, but the University and the community. The school will graduate our students, and they will in turn go forth into our community and abroad to share their knowledge. By supporting through the campaign, our University will attract the best and brightest of faculty, staff and students.”

Scan the qr code below to read the rest of the article

News

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Map Courtesy of STL Today

SLU SEEKS TO DEVELOP LOTS EAST OF HOSPITAL

By SAVANAH SEYER Staff Writer t is no secret that SLU is undertaking a number of development projects both on and off campus.

One of the most recent projects the University is part of involves redeveloping a part of Midtown. Gate District West, which is the neighborhood housing most of SLU’s medical campus, is the main site of this redevelopment initiative.

SLU partnered with SSM Health to form the Saint Louis Midtown Redevelopment Corporation, which is the main overseer of all redevelopment or new construction in the 400-acre area that includes Gate District West. The Redevelopment Corporation’s goal is to promote the development of the Midtown area surrounding SLU. The Corporation has partnered with the Gate District West Neighborhood Association to develop lots located to the east of the Medical Campus. The project, while closely linked to SLU, is actually being led by the Neighborhood Association itself. The Neighborhood Association has asked for developer proposals for the lot, which they are planning to receive in November. SLU will then sell to the groups

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whose proposals are accepted.

The 43 available lots will be sold to develop new residential housing in the area. The neighborhood association will be reviewing the proposals, which will include design and material plans for the new constructions. The request for proposals, or the RFP, has stated that the “new homes should be two stories and match the characteristics of the existing historic homes on the streets,” according to a piece in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The Gate District West has worked for a considerable amount of time on bringing new development projects to the area. In 2017, the Neighborhood Association was re-established, and the Saint Louis Midtown Redevelopment Corporation has worked with Alderwoman Marlene Davis of the 19th ward to usher in new development to the Midtown area.

Brooks Goedeker, the Executive Director of the Corporation, used to work with the Washington University Development Corporation in the Grove and Central West End areas. He said that the new project in Midtown is “flipping the script” on how development projects have tended to work in the past.

“Usually we would buy out slumlords or properties, decide what types of development would be good for that area and then take it to the residents and ask if they thought it was okay,” said Goedeker. “This time we are having the

neighborhood association make the decisions from the beginning.”

Godeker said that many of the residents that live in close proximity to the lots have lived there most of their lives. Allowing them to take charge of who is coming into their neighborhood and developing properties is one of the main advantages of this project.

As well as working with the local neighborhood association committees, the Saint Louis Midtown Redevelopment Corp has a Citizens Advisory Committee, made up of local residents and business representatives. The Corporation is also working with the Chaifetz School of Business affiliate organization Habitat for Neighborhood Business, which works primarily to help “minority entrepreneurs realize their dream to own and operate a business in economically challenged neighborhoods.”

Goedeker stated that the goal of the University and the Redevelopment Corporation is to help “stabilize the neighborhood,” instead of expansion of the University. Along with the new residential developments, the Saint Louis Midtown Redevelopment Corporation has a vision for the Midtown area as a whole to make it more inviting for St. Louis residents.

The Corporation is working with other developers in order to encourage new property development in the Midtown area. Projects such as the City Foundry STL project, the Armory District project and a new Westin Hotel project are just a few of the larger plans underway in Midtown overseen by the Corporation.

“One of the main objectives is to bring in retail services, as well as restaurants, bars, things like that,” said Goedeker. “Grand Avenue actually has the highest bus ridership of any street in the area,” but the city is unable to capitalize on it due to a lack of businesses.

“While the development of Midtown is good for this area, it is also going to be good for the whole city, having a place where the North, South, East and West sides of St. Louis can converge,” Goedeker said.

DPS REPORTS At 8:22 p.m on 10/1, two students were trapped on a Griesedieck Hall elevator. Maintenance responded, but were unsuccessful in freeing the students. The St. Louis Fire Department responded and were able to free the two students. The two students were not injured in the incident and refused University counseling

At 7:32 p.m on 10/1, DPS was informed of a student who had been sexually assaulted at the off campus residence of an individual she met online. The incident occurred a week and a half before being reported to DPS, and the student opted not to contact police or talk with a University counselor. SLU’s Title IX office will follow up with the student and offer support.

At 2:03 a.m. on 9/27, DPS received a call from a former student, whose ex-boyfriend entered the apartment uninvited through the second floor window. DPS arrived at the scene shortly after, and the suspect was detained on the scene and issued a trespass warning.

Arts and life

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Photo Courtesy of QSR Magazine

Garbanzo brings a fresh flavor to SLU’S CAMPUS

By SARA QALBANI Contributor ocated in the Billiken’s Lair in Fusz Hall, Garbanzo had its official grand opening on Monday, Sept. 23, 2019.

After much anticipation, SLU students were finally given the chance to try out the new Mediteranean restaurant. With lines out the door, the restaurant has already proven to be a hit on campus.

With many options on the menu, Garbanzo serves to meet many dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and vegan. There are four steps in creating your meal. First, you get the option to pick between

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a signature stuffed pita, salad, plate or wrap and what protein goes inside of it; this can be grilled chicken, falafel, sirloin steak, gyro, portobello, chicken kabob or steak kabob. Second, you can choose to fill it with different vegetables, hummus and rice. Third, you can add different sauces, including the classic Tzatziki. Lastly, you can complete it with a side, such as homemade fries or chips, cookies or even baklava.

A typical meal should range between $6–10, depending on what you choose to have, considering salads and plates are charged $2 more. Upon my first visit to Garbanzo, I purchased a bowl with falafel, lettuce, rice, hummus and the signature red sauce, and the total came out to be $9.19. The meal in itself was filled with many

different flavors and provides for a unique new dining option at SLU. Although the food thus far has had positive feedback, the restaurant has had some negative backlash due to its poor consideration toward freshmen. Garbanzo is located in the same strip as Subway and Qdoba, which both take meal exchanges past 5 p.m.; however, Garbanzo does not. Many students have disagreed with the location of Garbanzo, as it leads many freshmen to believe that the restaurant takes meal exchanges. Aside from this controversy, the Mediterranean restaurant is still popular among the University’s students.

So, the next time that you are craving a gyro or falafel, be sure to check out Garbanzo from 11 a.m.– 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m.–8 p.m. on Fridays.

Pictured above: Pita with chicken, hummus, taboluli, cucumber salad, olives, feta and tzatziki sauce.

(Claire Battista / The University News)

Arts and life

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Fall Fashion on SLU’s Campus

(Celia Searles / The University News)

By JACK JOHNSTON Staff Writer SLU has some promising, but not surprising, styles to look forward to this fall. When walking down West Pine, be sure to find the casual statement pieces—that is, comfortable fall wear with a striking accessory or garment.

When thinking of fall styles, many of us think of picking pumpkins in flannels, going on crisp walks in riding boots and snuggling up with a cozy sweater. This fall’s style seems to stay the course with all of that— but with small twists. Many people are afraid of experimenting with a new trend, but some are bored of the same-old fall fashions. Are you thinking of adding a large workshirt, a head bandana or experimenting with patterns? Lucky for you, some students gave insight into what your plan of action for a fresh fall look could be.

Becca Cary, a senior studying communication, told me she identifies as having a “comfy-caszh[casual]-cute” style. Cary plans on utilizing all the common staples of fall fashion such as t-shirt dresses, infinity scarves and a good sweater. But she also plans to experiment a little: “I really want to try out thigh-high socks, like under boots… I think it’d be really cute if the sock matched the sweater.” Cary told me this fits within her

style: looking put together, but not overdone. By leaning into current styles and also putting a small spin on it, you get the best of both worlds.

That was similar to the theme I found with junior Joe Solaro, who studies philosophy and Italian. Solaro tells me one of his main fall staples is his fur-lined denim jacket. But this autumn, he wants to add another layer—literally and figuratively. Solaro claims he has his set style, which really does not see major changes from year to year, but he wants to add a few new statement-making pieces.

Among those are leather boots or a work shirt, which is a long-sleeve button-up usually made of a thicker material with a more angular form.

Of course, Solaro plans on making outfits with the common flannels and sweaters; he just wants to “add complexity to an outfit” and to “venture beyond just a solid color.”

This may seem tricky, but one good investment in an item you have had in mind for a while—like those thigh-high socks for Cary, or that

work shirt for Solaro—could be your way in to fall 2019’s casual statement of style. As Cary recommended for all SLU students, “Take more risks. It’s such an easy way to show your personality more.”

When thinking of how fall fashion will be in 2019, the answer is that it will be pretty similar to the past. What will make a difference is the unique ways SLU students will make their casual statements with a not-so-subtle accessory or garment.

Downton Abbey: delightful or dated?

By GRACE RAKESTRAW Staff Writer When I first watched the new “Downton Abbey” movie, I was enthralled. The period dresses, the polished silver, even the richly-orchestrated title theme seemed grander in the theatre. My interest was immediately drawn into the cinematic experience.

However, an hour after leaving the theater, I had entirely forgotten about it—unlike the TV show, with its characters and history, that had me wanting to return to the show weeks after finishing it.

I went to see the “Downton Abbey” movie for a second time with my family. The second viewing did not sit as well with me. While the TV show fleshed out the Grantham household so viewers

felt sympathy for the struggles of their privileged lifestyles, the movie did not deliver the same.

All the Downton servants and family members were rushed into action, preparing for the arrival of the king and queen, two people most viewers are indifferent to. This classism reeks in today’s society. “For king and country” is not convincing when the media is quick to unveil the mistakes of today’s “kings.” However, the arrival of English royalty was not the only problem to plague the Crawley family. Tom Branson, a fan favorite, held a critical role. Not only did he stop a threat to the king’s life, but it seems he finally found love. The strings of this story could lead to a “Downton Abbey” movie sequel. Numerous storylines popped up and were

Photo Courtesy of Den of Geek quickly resolved to satisfy fans.

Ultimately, the “Downton Abbey” movie experience was delightfully ornate, but unnecessary. While the glossedover political problems did not charm me, it was nice to revisit the characters and music that

charmed all “Downton” fans initially. I would suggest watching “Downton Abbey” simply for Maggie Smith’s one liners.

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Arts and life

AUTUMN ALBUMS TO ADD TO YOUR PLAYLIST

Everyone seems to love the fall. It’s sweater weather, coffee is always ready and everything is in some way pumpkin related. The air is colder, and everything just seems to be a little more beautiful as the leaves change colors and fall onto the ground. To help you get the most out of this fall season, here are 25 albums that compliment the scenery perfectly.

The Microphones - The Glow Pt. 2 Still boasting a reputation as one of the greatest indie-folk records ever, “The Glow Pt. 2” is a near perfect mix of lo-fi experimentation and gorgeous songwriting. Listening to this album is like taking a long walk in a cold and dirty, yet comforting forest in the middle of October, surrounded by nothing but nature and chilling air. (Also, the first seven tracks on this thing in order makeup maybe my favorite 27 minutes of music ever).

By DANIEL BERNAS Staff Writer there is likely nothing like the coldness of “World Of Echo.” Pitchfork writer Jenn Pelly described it as “one of the loneliest albums ever recorded”, and I couldn’t say it better myself. As the colder months slog slowly on, many people start to feel lonely or depressed, and listening to “World Of Echo” is like being let in on a lifetime of lonesome secrets from a friend, not through songs, but through suggestions of what, if you squint your eyes, could be seen as melodies and song structures.

ant” is a throwback of sorts. But not like an indie band referencing the ’70s, more like a shut-in genius referencing a painful autumn in the 1600s. It’s not the most accessible on this list, but certainly one of the most unique.

Angel Olsen - Half Way Home St. Louis native Angel Olsen is no longer what she used to be. She’s grown in tremendous proportions since this record, but this is a reminder of where she came from. It’s a mellow collection Nick Drake - Pink Moon of country songs with some of the most Before his tragic young death, Nick Drake beautiful songwriting of Olsen’s career. released his now-considered masterpiece, “Pink Moon.” Recorded over two Four Tet - Rounds nights, all tracks (except for the title track) Four Tet’s combination of folk music are solely Drake’s acoustic guitar, voice and electronica is something to behold and poetry that sinks into your soul like on “Rounds”. It feels like the leaves no other songwriter can. Depressing, yes, are slowly changing colors around you. but comforting on a chilly fall morning.

Chelsea Wolfe - Apokalypsis Sure, maybe Halloween is a perfect reason to put this on, but Chelsea’s Joni Mitchell - Hejira ghostly vocals, eerie melodies and Richard Dawson - Peasant Drawing inspiration from medieval Many forget about “Hejira” when talking dense sound pallets on “Apokalypsis” folk music, Richard Dawson’s “Peasabout the genius works of Joni Mitchell, are the best pairing to cool autumn wind since black coffee (because pumpkin spice lattes are gross— sorry, but someone had to say it).

Nico - Chelsea Girl Somehow Nico’s deadpan voice is part of what’s made her such a favorite figure to this day. Despite being far from an example of her as an artist and songwriter, “Chelsea Girl” is immaculately performed and written (though not by Nico herself) collection of folk songs, with her indescribable voice taking front stage. Brew some tea and enjoy!

Angelo Badalamenti - Twin Peaks OST There is perhaps no soundtrack quite as iconic as the transcending eerie trip that is the “Twin Peaks OST.” If you’ve seen even one episode of the show, you’ll understand.

If not, this record will still bring you the fall vibes you’re looking for.

Vashti Bunyan - Just Another Diamond Day Some of the most heartwarming folk music you will hear. It’s whisper-quiet, delicate, sometimes even cute, but Bunyan’s voice and songwriting are what make “Just Another Diamond Day” such a great record for the fall.

Listening to this record is essentially the sonic equivalent to walking along a cold autumn sidewalk as a child.

Simon & Garfunkel - Sounds of Silence For all the uncultured folks who think Disturbed wrote their horrendous cover of “Sounds Of Silence,” nope.

This is where that song’s melodramatic, cringe-inducing poop tank originated, one of the most iconic duos of all time. The songs on this record are everything you want and nothing you don’t, a short, tight collection of tracks that aid in the fall aesthetic.

Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell A sad modern classic, Sujfan Stevens’ “Carrie & Lowell” is one of the songwriter’s most celebrated works.

Marissa Nadler - For My Crimes Nadler’s music has always been perfect for the colder seasons, but, on her latest solo record, the folk singer and songwriter’s signature reverb-heavy sound comes across in an especially haunting way, making for some of her best songs to date.

Each finger-picked guitar string is like another drop of November rain.

Arthur Russell - World Of Echo Made almost completely from cello, vocals and eclectic electronics, I can say with complete confidence that

but never has an artist like Mitchell painted such a uniquely personal self-portrait. The chilly aesthetic of its stunning album cover carries into the music, which contains some of her most captivating guitar-playing and poetically conversational lyrics.

Bob Dylan - The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan I mean, how could I not?

Radio Head - In Rainbows This needs no explanation.

Photo courtsey of Daniel Bernas

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Green Billikens Sustainability Fair @ The Clock tower

11 am - 2 pm

Habitat for Humanity Cardboard City @ Simon REc Center

6:30 pm

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6:30 pm

Garba-RAASBhangra @ Wool Ballrooms

University Theatre the Twelfth NIght opening @ The GRandel 8 pm

6-10 pm

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October

Comm Week 2019: Mean Girls Outdoor movie @ Xavier hall

Fourth Democratic Debate Watch Party @ CGC

6:30 pm

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games

Last Issue’s Solutions

Solutions in the Oct. 17 Issue

photography

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SLU family Returns to See New and Old Story by TRENTON ALMGREN-DAVIS Photo Editor

Generations of SLU made their way back to the familiar: the comfortable glow of clock faces on West Pine and College Church, the ebullience of the SLUnatics, the buzz of vuvuzelas reverberating about Hermann Stadium, the whoosh of golf carts and the squeak of basketball shoes across the sleek floorboards in Chaifetz Arena. They also became witnesses to the novel and unfamiliar; they avoided the developing construction sites about campus; they became pioneers of new traditions, charging with the Billikens before the soccer game; they embraced name-changes on med campus; and they welcomed the Lord Stanley’s Cup beneath their wrought-iron arches.

(Trenton Almgren-Davis / The University News)

(Joshua Kang / The University News)

PARDON OUR MESS...

New construction sites on SLU’s campus By rebecca livigni

currently under construction Recently renovated

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Photography

HomeComing: Continued Photos by TRENTON ALMGREN-DAVIS and JOSHUA KANG Photo Editor and Staff Photographer

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FAIR PAY TO PLAY ACT MET WITH UNCERTAINTY FROM SLU ATHLETES

By SAM GLASS Sports Editor n Monday, Sept.

30, California Senate Bill No. 206 (also called the Fair Pay to Play Act) was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom. The bill, passed unanimously through the California senate, 39-0, will make it legal for California student athletes to hire agents and receive compensation from their name, image and likeness.

The bill was passed to Newsom on Sept. 9 and immediately sparked a reaction from the NCAA, which governs 1,117 colleges and universities, with a threat to sue. A statement by the NCAA reads, “the NCAA agrees changes are needed to continue to support student athletes, but improvement needs to happen on a national level through the NCAA’s rules-making process,” signaling the organization’s commitment to addressing the growing concerns over athlete compensation.

Proponents of the bill, like LeBron James and Bernie Sanders, suggest that college athletes must be paid and that this bill is a step toward economic justice. The compensation would come from outside sources, putting no financial burden on the schools. This creates a strong financial incentive for student athletes when selecting a school—and that is what the debate hinges on.

College athletes competing in NCAA Division I and II must maintain amateur status to play. Amateur status essentially means that an athlete is not paid or compensated—student athletes must be deemed amateur in order to play.

When the bill goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2023, athletes who receive endorsements will be put in the spotlight even though they are still considered amateur.

Despite that, up for consideration is whether California schools will still be allowed to compete in the

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NCAA. A possible outcome of the bill will be a loss of NCAA membership for California schools. This changes the landscape of West Coast schools, as major conference shake-ups would occur. The PAC-12 would lose schools like UCLA and Berkley, dramatically changing the conference landscape.

More and more states will be looking to follow this trend. The NCAA has been looking to amend the way they use athletes’ images, and this bill will use the state government to expedite the process or cut out the NCAA entirely. Speeding up the process is an enticing idea for many states, especially states like New York that were already looking at compensation bills prior to the California bill passing.

What do Billikens think?

One of the big concerns is the potential impact on smaller schools.

For a school like SLU, that does not make millions upon millions of dollars on college athletics, this can hurt the recruitment process. Take a SLU basketball player like freshman Terrence Hargrove Jr. One of the pulls for Hargrove was that in St. Louis he feels like a “hometown hero.” When financial compensation gets added into the mix of factors for an athlete’s school decision, this could be a deciding factor that would possibly lead to St. Louis natives leaving for better financial opportunities.

Talking to SLU student athletes, many of them were split on the topic. “It’s interesting because I can see both sides,” said senior volleyball player Sien Gallop. “There is a distinction between amateur athletes and pro athletes … but at the same time, athletes give so much to the institution that, in some ways, they should be making their own money off their athletic ability.”

But what about smaller programs?

This bill only impacts money-making sports like football and basketball. For many student athletes, these financial benefits would never be seen. For senior track-and-

SLU and WashU students competing in a swim meet at Washington University.

Athletes competing in less notorious sports, like swim and dive, will likeley see no benefits from bills similar to the California bill (Joshua Kang / The University News) field jumper Ethan Erusha, it is just something he understands about the landscape. “If I’m going to sell my face, no one cares enough to pay me for it,” said Erusha. And that is the reality of endorsements. The endorsements will only go where the money is, and that creates a blaring issue for smaller sport athletes, as well as female athletes.

Title IX gives all students equal access to education and activities.

When players start receiving endorsements, it is more likely that male athletes will be the benefactors because those sports historically generate more money. This leaves female athletes on an unequal playing field because male athletes will suddenly be marketed more than female athletes. While the endorsements are not direct marketing from the university, it is extra exposure from third parties. Some players on the SLU women’s basketball team

mentioned that the money would be going to the men and not the women creating a gap between the two.

The NCAA has a core goal: “Prioritizing academics, well-being and fairness so college athletes can succeed on the field, in the classroom, and for life.” The primary job of a college athlete is to get an education. While some big schools do not always operate as if that is the goal—it is. And the financial incentive puts more weight on a student’s athletic career than on education. If college sports are just another form of entertainment like the NFL, MLB or NHL, then yes, pay the entertainers, endorse them, flaunt them.

But if college sports are supposed to create men and women armed for future professional and societal success, then that has to be kept sacred.

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sports

MAD DRIBBLES. MAD DUNKS. MADNESS.

Hasahn French goes up for dunk in the slam dunk contest.

(Michael Place / The University News)

By MISHAL MUSTAQUE Contributor As the evening was just beginning, Saint Louis University students were jostling to get into Chaifetz Arena.

Some came with families, others with friends and some others with both. Everyone was excited for what they hoped would be a fun-filled evening of Billiken Madness, a tradition that marks the start of practice for SLU’s basketball teams.

One of five freshmen to put on the Billiken jersey in 2019, Terrence “TJ” Hargrove Jr. is hyped for the season ahead. “I feel like a hometown hero,” he said. “I never thought I’d be here, honestly. It’s like a dream to play college basketball. I get to play college basketball for my hometown ... I thank God for that.”

Indeed, with family and friends in attendance, the players were enjoying putting on a show for the crowd.

Head Coach Travis Ford remarked on what he believes to be a team capable of winning the A-10 conference: “When you accomplish something special like we did last year, that can’t be the end. You’ve got to motivate yourself to want even more, and I’ve seen that throughout the summer.”

“Can we win this league? Absolutely. If those three guys play at a very high level, lead at a very high level, which I think they will.” And those three guys Coach Ford mentioned are Hasahn French, Jordan Goodwin, and Fred Thatch Jr., all of whom put on performances last season that justify such high faith from their coach—particularly Jordan Goodwin, who Coach Ford expects to be “one of the best players in our league and in the country.”

With optimism and fresh hope brewing for the season ahead, the women’s basketball team was the first to be introduced on Billiken Madness night. With a scrimmage shortly after the introduction, it was clear that SLU’s basketball program overall is headed toward bigger and better things.

Smoke screen and loud cheers engulfed the arena as the men’s team entered, and with a dunk contest afterward featuring Demarius Jacobs, French, Hargrove and Thatch, the team showed why they aspire to be not only SLU’s basketball team, but St. Louis’s basketball team.

The Madness continued with a scrimmage laden with dunks and handles. Even the Billiken got in on the fun, pulling off a dunk of his own. With the night almost over, the players and coaches signed autographs on the court that fans would hold dear to their hearts. For the 1,500 students that received the specialized T-shirts, this night was just the beginning of a long season of cheering on their basketball team. That is one SLU tradition that will never get old.

The men’s team take on Kentucky Wesleyan for an exhibition game to start their season on Oct. 30, while the women play their exhibition on Nov. 1 against McKendree.

Lauryn Hughes dribbles past Myia Clark in a scrimmage.

(Michael Place / The University News)

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5. Jimmy Bell Jr. smiles as he walks onto the court.

6. Basketball players take a photo with one of their biggest supporters, Rich Chaifetz.

7. Terrence Hargrove Jr. shows off his dunks in the dunk contest.

8. Brooke Flowers enters the stage.

9. A SLU cheerleader pumps up the crowd.

10. Jordan Goodwin signs autograph for a fan.

1. Tip-off for men's basketball scrimmage.

2. Yuri Collins is introduced to the crowd.

3. The Billiken hyping up the crowd with a bang of his drum.

4. Madani Diarra dancing for the fans.

(1,4,5,9,10 / Trenton Almgren-Davis / The University News) (2, 3, 6, 7, 8 / Michael Place / The University News)

sports

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KATE MCGRATH: DETERMINED TO BE IRONMAN

By Susannah Ellis Contributor ate McGrath, a sophomore studying public health, never pictured herself completing an Ironman triathlon, right up to the moment she signed herself up for one. She had always found biking and swimming enjoyable, but did not feel particularly skilled at running as of a few years ago.

“When I came to college I made it my goal to get good at running so that maybe one day in the future I could do triathlons. I am a very ambitious person, so once I started running longer distances, I knew I had to sign up for one,” said McGrath.

In the beginning of 2019, McGrath signed up for an Ironman in Madison, Wisconsin on Sept. 8, 2019. She

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had never done a triathlon before, but between starting strength training in February and the big race in September, she participated in two smaller triathlons to acclimate her body to the transitions from swimming to biking and biking to running.

An Ironman race consists of a 2.4 mile swim, directly followed by a 112 mile bike ride and finished off with an entire marathon, 26.22 miles.

The training itself was not straightforward; McGrath fractured her foot midway through the process, but she remained determined to prepare herself to participate in the Ironman a mere two weeks into the school year. The preparation consisted of working out in one of the three sections every day and practicing either all three sections in order or the transition from a long bike ride to a long run at least once a week.

On Sept. 8, McGrath was officially designated an Ironman with friends

and family eagerly expecting her at the finish line. She crossed the finish line after 15 hours and 48 minutes of swimming, biking and running.

She had completed the race independently and trained by herself, but that did not mean she was alone in the process. From people checking in on her progress, to friends driving hours to be there when she finished, she was grateful for all the people in her life who were impactful in the experience.

“My friends were really supportive.

Whenever we’d hang out, they’d always ask. Even some of my friends’ parents would ask about it, which was really special. And then my family was there for me throughout the whole process, my mom in particular,” said McGrath.

Her family was slightly skeptical and unnerved by Kate’s large undertaking and assured her she didn’t have to go through with the whole thing, but she was doing this behind her own determination and drive.

“Actions speak louder than words with my mom’s support because she would tell me that I didn’t have to do it and no one will be mad, but then she’d sign me up for races and email me articles about nutrition and drive me to bike rides across the state. She really was there for me, even though she sometimes verbally said she didn’t want me to do it. She was very supportive of me in that way.”

The entire experience of training and completing an Ironman race was ultimately a reminder for McGrath that anything is possible.

“I’m not naturally athletic. I think people from high school if they saw that on social media they were probably pretty surprised. But if you decide to do something and really put your mind to it and work for it, you really can do it.”

The swim course in Lake Monona. Contestants swim 2.4 miles then move onto the biking portion.

(Top Left) The biking course for the Madison, Wisconsin Ironman. The biking course spans 112 miles through the city.

(Bottom Left) Map of the running course. The running course consists of a marathon. Elevation for the running course ranged from 840 ft. to over 960 ft.

All photos courtesy of World Triathlon Corporation

OPINION

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Student response to Last Issue, “Where is the Factual and Reliable Information?”

By JORDAN GLASSMAN Contributor n the last edition of the UNews, an opinion piece entitled “Where is the Factual and Reliable Information?” posed the relevant question that makes up its title. The article advances a series of inferences and determines that the Billiken Readership Program has been discontinued, possibly due to budget cuts.

In actuality, the Billiken Readership Program had been fully reinstated a full three days before that article was published. Although this delay was not adequately communicated to the student body, there were also several elements of this article that could have been more conducive to the change that the author sought. In the article that was released, I perceived a clear lack of research, something that even opinion writers are held accountable for conducting to legitimize their work. One example of this lack of research is clear when the article concludes by questioning who is responsible for the unfulfilled program, when a simple Google search of the program reveals that it is the Student Government Association that manages Billiken Readership and provides additional details. Furthermore, during the brief two-week delay of newspapers on campus, a number of students reached out to me about the missing newspapers, and I informed them of the delay and pointed them to the additional resources that SGA provides. I never heard from the author of that article, but if I had, I would have informed them of the delay as well.

Despite these facts, this article presents an occasion for me to share a few thoughts on what I’ve learned about institutional change at SLU over the years. During my three years, I have been surprised and encouraged by how much my peers care about SLU as an institution and those who walk

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West Pine (within the gates and beyond). With great care comes a great desire to improve, and there have been many efforts over the years to do just that: create a better, more inclusive SLU. However, far too often, I find myself disappointed with the model used for change.

I’ve seen friends and foes respond to grievances with SLU in reactionary and accusatory ways. These hasty responses include shaming and sometimes a general lack of respect for those who are in positions of influence or authority at the University—those who may be envisioned as enemies but in reality are our greatest allies.

Reflecting on this, I wanted to share the process that I have found success using in my time at SLU and that I would recommend for students seeking to make changes and improvements to our community: 1. Research: Is what you’ve heard factual? Have you heard it from multiple sources that come from various social circles or identify in different ways? Do you know who can help? Who might be able to give you more information? Who are your stakeholders?

2. Develop and ask relevant questions: Leverage what and who you know to figure out who might be able to assist you. Then think about the kind of questions that will help you develop a compelling case. Always approach these situations with a degree of humility. Immediate accusations or reactions come across as uninformed if proper questions haven’t been asked.

3. Craft sound arguments: Imagine yourself as the person you are trying to persuade. What is compelling about what you are proposing?

What external or unintended consequences could arise as a result of your proposal?

3a. If you are having trouble coming

up with a sound argument, reflect on what you’re proposing and why you are proposing it.

4. Negotiate: If you face obstacles or receive a “no,” ask what can be done and how you can help.

5. Reach out to other resources: If issues persist, ask for help.

In a time where revolution is often the first response to disagreement or misunderstanding, it is increasingly important to recognize that revolution is not always a first step. Consider reformation. SLU is a complex place, mostly filled with very caring people. Sometimes, they just need a little nudge or to be made aware of issues that exist. When we assume

the good, as St. Ignatius encourages us to do, we are better neighbors and welcome collaboration.

And yet the question remains: where is the factual and reliable information? I’d argue that factual and reliable information is hard to find. It takes some effort to uncover. The New York Times is not flawless (have you seen their corrections page?), and neither is SLU. I am committed to making SGA more approachable by increasing communication with the student body. SLU’s administration should be held to the same standard. We have much work to do, but we can only move forward together.

Opinion

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A Week of Rebellion: The International Climate Strike & Its Impact on the St. Louis Area

By JORDAN BAILEY Staff Writer s the environmental emergency continues to worsen, more and more people are standing up and demanding ecological justice—both domestically and internationally. And with last month’s global climate strike, it is getting harder for lawmakers to ignore the collective minority and their call for better environmental policies. With over four million demonstrators protesting for the ecological crisis worldwide, the fight for massive radical change is growing rapidly, with many rallies happening right here in St. Louis.

On Sept. 20, hundreds of St. Louisans participated in the global strike for climate justice. Protestors gathered right outside of St. Louis City Hall before they marched through the streets to show their frustrations and demands for the ecological crisis. “I’m glad there was a strike in St. Louis,” Robin Orgar-Bailey said, a local resident who attended the protest. “I’m from New York, and sometimes it feels like the Midwest ignores global issues. I’m participating because the environment has been an issue my whole life, and it’s getting worse, not better.

And so I strike for those who can’t take time off work or school, or don’t have the luxury of travelling to a city to strike.” With more than 10 public speakers demonstrating their desire for environmental equity, St. Louis was one out of hundreds of U.S. cities to participate in the international protest—shining a light on the comprehensive climate issue and pushing towards radical ecological action locally.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Friday morning, St. Louis demonstrators expressed several demands to Missouri lawmakers in relation to climate change. The first demand was better environmental policies, both nationally and regionally. Claire Stolze, a senior at McKinley

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Classical Leadership Academy high school, argued for “policies that incorporate both racial injustice and its correlation to environmental injustice.” Other speakers focused on ways citizens can implement more sustainable habits into their daily lives. Melissa Vatterott, Food and Farm Director at Missouri Coalition for the Environment, spoke on behalf of the Known & Grown program to express the importance of buying meat and produce locally. “By buying from local Known & Grown farmers in your area, you will reduce your overall carbon impact and support more environmentally friendly practices,” Vatterott said. Local farmers in St. Louis who partner with the program must adhere to certain sustainable farming habits.

The impact that the climate strike had internationally was massive. Over 160 countries participated, with many demonstrations continuing throughout the course of that week.

Hundreds of Google and Amazon workers walked out on their jobs that Friday to strike, with the hopes that both companies would put an end to all computing contracts with the fossil fuel industry. “We have to address a lot of dealings that we have with oil and gas companies and the funding that goes into the lobbying groups that support climate denial,” Cat Han said, a software developer at Amazon who came out to support the strike. Activists pressured their governments on local issues in their area, with St. Louis protestors advocating for the shutdown of the Peabody Corporate Headquarters, a local energy and coal company in the city.

With more than 5,000 climate strikes across the globe that day, people around the world are beginning to stand up to legislators and demand that the ecological emergency is taken seriously.

By raising awareness internationally and recognizing that the climate crisis is not only an environmental issue, but an ethical obligation, protestors hope that the recent demonstrations illustrate the importance of global unity and working towards a brighter future. A future that values the importance of the ecosystem and its significance to everything that is, and everything that will be—from St. Louis and beyond.

St. Louisans gathered downtown for the climate strike on Sept. 20. (Jordan Bailey / The University News)

Opinion

21

The (Electoral) College Dropout

By COLIN THIERRY Staff Writer

s the election cycle starts to heat up, it is all but guaranteed that the Electoral College will once again become a point of contention after the Democrats announce their nominee. This will especially be the case in this presidential election following 2016, where Donald Trump ended up winning through the Electoral College while receiving only 40 percent of the popular vote. This situation of a candidate winning the Electoral College but losing the popular vote has occurred 5 times in total throughout American history, most recently and controversially in 2000 and 2016, respectively.

The Electoral College was established in 1804 as the 12th Amendment to the Constitution.

The Electoral College consists of 538 electors, where an absolute majority of 270 electoral votes is required to win an election. The Electoral votes are assigned and spread out among each state based on the state’s population.

States with larger populations have a larger proportion of the electoral votes, and thus have a larger impact on the results of the election.

During the Constitutional Convention in 1787, there was a group of delegates who strongly opposed letting the people elect the president by a straight popular vote. They believed that 18th-century voters lacked the resources to be fully informed about presidential candidates, especially in rural areas. Additionally, they feared a “democratic mob” steering the country in the wrong direction, and the possibility of a populist president who appealed to the people directly and could command a significant amount of power.

Personally, I find these arguments for the establishment and continued use of the Electoral College to be anti-democratic and outdated in nature. In the information age, the argument that citizens are not “informed enough” to be the sole deciders of who becomes president does not seem to be in good faith. With this assumption that the electorate is uninformed and does not know what’s best for them, those with all the power in this country get to

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keep that power without having to listen to the needs of the people. Simply put, this argument is outdated in our current political climate and shows how little politicians think of the majority of American citizens.

The fear mongering of a “democratic mob” leading the country in a bad direction is an even more ridiculous and blatantly anti-democratic notion. Why should the needs of the few outweigh the many in the name of preventing “mob rule”? This idea is just as archaic and backwards now as it was in the 18th century. In my eyes, this is another way that those with power in this country can justify keeping power without appealing to the majority of voters. I find the fear of a populist president who appeals to the people and has a lot of power to be unfounded as well. Why, especially in a nation that values democracy, would a leader that appeals to the people and their needs be considered a bad thing? As long as a candidate is not appealing to hateful or regressive views of citizens, I do not see why this would be a problem. In regard to a populist president wielding too much power, the past few administrations have shown that the Electoral College does not do a very good job of preventing the commander in chief from wielding too much power to begin with.

A more recent argument I’ve heard for keeping the Electoral College is that states with large cities like California and New York overwhelmingly vote Democrat, so citizens in less populous states would not have their voices heard in a popular election. I have two responses to that. First, citizens that live in large urban centers should not be punished and have their vote count for less because they might vote a certain way. Secondly, if Republicans are so worried about losing a popular election because of large cities, then maybe they should adopt policies that appeal to more than just 40 percent of the electorate like in 2016.

The notion that one’s political affiliation is mainly based on geography is quite ridiculous to me as well. There are liberals in southern states and conservatives on the coasts who

have their votes count for nothing every presidential election because those states almost always go red and blue, respectively. Land should not be prioritized over people when it comes to electing the leader of our nation. While Hillary Clinton definitely had her faults as a candidate, the fact that she lost the election in 2016 while beating Trump by over 2 million votes in the popular vote (not to mention the Florida recount debacle in the 2000 election), perfectly showcases how the Electoral College fails as a democratic institution and why it should be abolished.

“This is another way that those with power in this country can justify keeping power without appealing to the majority of voters.”

Opinion

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IMPEACHMENT begins nly two Presidents in history have been impeached by the House of Representatives—Bill Clinton in 1998 and Andrew Johnson in 1868. However, in order to actually remove a President from office, two-thirds of the Senate then has to vote to accept the articles of impeachment passed by the House, in which case the President would be removed. In the case of both Clinton and Johnson, this did not happen; however, most agree that if Richard Nixon had not resigned when he did prior to being impeached, he likely would have been removed from office for the Watergate scandal.

I mention this because I think it’s important to understand the context for the impeachment proceedings recently filed against President Trump

by House Democrats. Although only one President in history has been forced to leave office because of the threat of being removed via the impeachment process, it remains a powerful tool that the legislature can use to keep the President in check.

As a result, many Democrats and others on the left began calling for some sort of formal impeachment inquiry almost as soon as Trump was elected, either for being improperly

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associated with his businesses and apparently using his status as President to enrich himself, allegedly enlisting the help of foreign actors to give himself a boost during the election or other reasons. Until this point, however, the position of the House Democratic leadership is that there has not been a clear violation of the law that could be tied directly to Trump which would classify as “high crimes and misdemeanors”, which is the constitutional standard to begin the impeachment process.

That all changed last week when a whistleblower, a (now former) government employee, revealed that Trump had apparently tried to initiate a “quid pro quo” with the leader of Ukraine—in other words, Trump had withheld military aid to the country, which remains embroiled in internal strife between pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian forces, in exchange for potential dirt on Joe Biden, who may have made some shady deals in the country when he was serving as Obama’s VP. There are basically two things about the origins of this impeachment process I would like to note. First, I’d like to point out the massive hypocrisy currently being displayed by members of the House Democratic Caucus, particularly the establishment leaders like Pelosi and Rep. Adam Schiff. They talk lovingly about this particular whistleblower that has revealed Trump’s crime and pledge to do anything they

can to protect him against the administration’s nefarious plotting.

Yet, many of these same people would respond with disgust and monotonous talking points if anyone so much as dared to mention Edward Snowden or Chelsea Manning—two whistleblowers who revealed that the US government had not only been spying illegally and unconstitutionally on its own citizens as well as foreign leaders, but that US troops in Iraq had been killing journalists, medics and other civilians for sport, largely without consequence. Perhaps Snowden and Manning’s failure in attracting these Democrats’ adoration comes from the fact that their revelations came out when Obama was President, not big bad Trump. In any case, today Manning is in prison and Snowden is in hiding in Russia, while the Trump whistleblower is living rent-free on the Impeachment Express.

The other main thing I want to point out is how many in the media and Washington are content to ignore the other half of this story, which is the corruption that took place in Ukraine during the Obama administration. Apparently, Joe Biden did basically the same thing Trump is being accused of—holding aid money over the Ukraine government’s head in order to extract some political concession, in the case of

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By JAKOB BENEDETTI Staff Writer Biden, this being the firing of a non-corrupt Ukrainian prosecutor who was investigating Biden’s corruption involving his son, Hunter Biden, who around this time had been hired to the board of a Ukrainian energy company and given a huge salary, despite having no background in the industry. If one was to take an unbiased view, then one would conclude that if Trump is being held accountable for this scandal, then so should Biden.

This all isn’t to say that what Trump is accused of is unimportant or not worth investigation. On the contrary, although I did not think impeachment would have been a good strategic move for the Democrats previously, and still think it probably will turn out not to be, I think, on principle, the Democrats should pursue impeachment at this time as they finally have something solid which would satisfy the constitutional standard for impeaching. Frankly, I think there’s a near-zero chance Trump will actually be removed from office, but as a matter of principle, an inquiry, at the very least, is called for.

Opinion

23

The Power of Sports

By JEREMIAH KIRSCH Contributor

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ar. 17, 2019. I’ll never forget that date. Not because of what happened, but what followed on this campus that Sunday. In the midafternoon at the Barclays Center, our beloved Billikens won the A-10 Men’s Basketball Championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. While much rejoicing took place in the moment of victory, true triumph has continued in the days, weeks and months since and will continue in the years to come.

I am a firm believer in the power of sports. The ability to build community, make lasting memories and bring strangers together for a common goal is unmatched. Students, children, adults, billionaires, average Joes, Democrats, Republicans and everyone in between have the unique ability to connect through sports.

Political, religious, ethical and racial divisions are thrown out the window when someone different from you is “on your team,” so to speak. Passion,

pride and pure joy arise in the heat of competition. This is evident all the way from youth sports to the professional level. Sports bring people together because of their ability to make memories and forge new relationships. If one has ever sat in the bleachers at a Cardinals game or been in the student section for SLU Men’s Basketball, he or she knows the memorable experience they have had high-fiving a stranger next to them after a big play. What a beautiful action!

Part of the power of sports is the reward it gives to athletes or, rather, teammates. Ask any student-athlete on campus, and I’ll bet they have deep bonds with their teammates and likely would not trade their teammates for the world. They spend countless hours preparing for battle while earning

an education along the way, both academically and in life experience.

They are proud to have “Saint Louis” across their chests and will give it their all each night; sometimes, they battle with only a handful of spectators, normally parents and loved ones. This is where we, SLU students, come in.

As peers, we have a responsibility to encourage and cheer on our athletic teams each game!

Why should you cheer on athletic teams?

They are the ones on scholarship, right? Irrespective of our financial s i t u a t i o n , Billikens support Billikens.

Our support of SLU athletics is the lifeblood of this university, and it is what creates something special throughout Midtown. If one can remember the pure excitement and joy around campus in the days following the A-10 Basketball championship, he or she knows that special euphoria that takes

“The ability to build community, make lasting memories, and bring strangers together for a common goal is unmatched.”

place following a big win. All students, alumni and faculty were proud of their university and shared it through communitybuilding activities, like the watch party in the CGC. Despite losing in the first round, those who attended that watch party will never forget it. With their friends and peers, they enjoyed the event and were proud to be Billikens. I will never forget seeing close to 2,000 students all together in one place for one common goal: to cheer on our Billikens. That’s the power of sports: bringing together those who would otherwise never spend time together and providing opportunities to experience the rollercoaster of human emotion.

I encourage all students to get out and attend Billiken sporting events as our fall season winds down and winter approaches. It is a great way to make new friends, forge bonds with existing friends and support Billiken athletes who put in countless hours to represent our university well. Sports benefit both the fan and the athlete. Plus, at SLU, all athletic games are free to students. Show up, be loud, be proud, make memories and see the special bonds that form. Who knows when the next catalyst like Mar. 17, 2019 could be?

UNIVERSITY NEWS EDITORIAL BOARD 2019-20 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMMA CARMODY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF eic@unewsonline.com MEREDYTH STAUNCH eic@unewsonline.com MANAGING EDITOR REBECCA LIVIGNI managing@unewsonline.com

NEWS EDITOR RILEYEDITOR MACK NEWS news@unewsonline.com RILEY MACK news@unewsonline.com ASSOC. NEWS EDITOR CONOR DORN news@unewsonline.com

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The University News was founded by CLAUDE HEITHAUS, S.J.

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REGISTRATION OPENS NOVEMBER 5 COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

23

F DAYS O CLASS

DECEMBER 18, 2019 through JANUARY 12, 2020

ANTH1200 INTRO TO ANTHROPOLOGY ENGL2650 TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA & LITERATURE HIST1110 ORIGINS OF THE MODERN WORLD TO 1500 HIST1120 ORIGINS OF THE MODERN WORLD: 1500 TO PRESENT PHIL1050 INTRO TO PHILOSOPHY PHIL2050 ETHICS POLS1100 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT PSY1010 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY PSY4390 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY SOC1120 INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY: DIVERSITY & HEALTH THEO1000 THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS THR1500 INTRO TO THEATRE WGST1900 INTRO TO WOMEN’S & GENDER STUDIES

DOISY COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES HSI2200 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

All courses are 100% online

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SCHOOL FOR PROFESSIONAL STUDIES ARTH1005 APPROACHING THE ARTS HUM2930 MORAL THEMES IN TOLKEIN’S MIDDLE-EARTH

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