No. 6 (February 25, 2022)

THE UNIVERSITY NEWS

CAMPUS CONCERT REVIEW: Tyler, The creator page 6

COver design by Grace Dunlavy

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VOL. C No. 6 / February 25th, 2022

NEWS SGA diversity & inclusion Candidates

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ith Black History Month coming to an end in just a couple of days, it is essential for SLU’s community to be educated and reflect on the past and present implications of the injustices our society has put marginalized communities through. More importantly, it is critical to hold the university accountable to ensure the highest standard of equality and inclusion is guaranteed to its students, emphasizing that SLU takes appropriate action to empower and protect vulnerable communities, while actively working to prevent any form of hatred and injustice from happening.

Saint Louis University’s Student Government Association (SGA) strives to create a space for students to participate in representative student government as they provide an open forum for dialogue and voices with regards to student opinions concerning the affairs of the University.

Elections debates will be held on February 24, while voting for the executive board will be held on Wednesday, March 2.

SGA’s Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion position is responsible for aiding the executive board in creating SGA policies while actively working with SLU faculty and students to ensure these standards are being implemented. Additionally, the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion develops programs that promote a safe, diverse and ethical environment in which students can succeed, spread their knowledge and expand beyond their horizons.

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This year’s SGA diversity and inclusion candidates are Marquis D. Govan and Nicholas Baker.

Marquis D. Govan is a first-year Social Work and Sociology major. He is currently involved in Residence Hall Association, SGA, African American Male Scholars, Martin Luther King Scholars, Billikens for Reproductive Justice and SLU Social Work. His post-graduation plans are to obtain his Master’s of Social Work and attend law school.

Nicholas (Nick) Baker is a junior studying economics. He is currently involved in several campus organizations such as Young Americans for Freedom, College Republicans, St. Edmund Campion Society, Students for Life, the SLU Thomistic Institute, and the Intercollegiate Studies Institute at SLU. Upon graduating, he hopes to attend law school and work with a non-profit organization to inspire students to stand up for freedom of speech and expression.

Nick Baker: What are your motives for taking this position?

“True diversity and inclusion in a university setting requires that individuals with differing viewpoints and perspectives encounter each other's thoughts and ideas in an environment in which we are all comfortable supporting and challenging each other’s viewpoints. In order to accomplish this goal, we must ensure that freedom of speech and expression is upheld and expanded on campus.”

What personal meanings do diversity and inclusion hold to you?

“I think that it is basically everything I said in my motives for wanting to take on the position.”

When did you first learn of these concepts? What were your initial reactions? What are your proposed ways of handling injustices?

“I honestly don’t remember when I first heard about diversity and inclusion and what my reactions were so I don't think I can effectively answer.”

What are your proposed ways of handling injustices?

“In order to address injustice at SLU and beyond, we must take the persuasion approach of seeking to change hearts and change minds through outreach and engagement.”

How do you respond to people who simply do not care or turn a blind eye to injustice?

“As students at a Catholic university, we are called to uphold the dignity of each and every person. When we encounter injustice, we should take action to ensure that the situation is rectified.”

By ANASTASIA HANONICK Copy Editor

Marquis Govan: What are your motives for wanting to take on this position?

“I have a strong passion for racial, social and economic justice that guides me each and every day. I love our university and especially our larger STL community. I think it’s really important that we create a campus environment where everyone feels safe and welcome. I want to ensure that Black students and students of color know that their lives are valued. I want trans and queer students to feel that their identities are celebrated. In addition, I want to stand with a large portion of female identifying folks on this campus who report being sexually assaulted or harassed. Long story short, no matter who you are, who you love, how you pray or how you identify I want SLU to be a place for you too and I will fight to make sure that’s your reality.”

What personal meanings do diversity and inclusion hold to you?

“Diversity and Inclusion is about building spaces where everyone feels accepted and welcome. It is truly about making sure folks can bring their full beings into a space and feel comfortable about where they are. I view it as a chance to enrich each other’s views by bringing tons of muti-faceted perspectives that will only work to help us learn from each other. The determination behind these two concepts is to build a world where there is truly justice for all.”

When did you first learn of these concepts? What were your initial reactions? What are your proposed ways of handling injustices?

“I got my start very young. I was involved in movements for racial justice right here in STL after the murders of Michael Brown, Vonderrit Myers and Anthony Lamar Smith. I organized with folks around equal access to quality education which is so often determined by one’s zip code. I also worked with several advocacy groups on issues of bodily autonomy, labor rights, housing and criminal justice reform. I think handling injustice requires a movement of people who understand that change happens when people come together to confront systematic rot. My ways of handling injustices are advocating on behalf of individuals but seeing the bigger picture in that most if not all issues of injustice are a result of widespread institutional disregard for marginalized peoples.”

How do you respond to people who simply do not care or turn a blind eye to injustice?

“It is a privilege to turn your eyes away from injustice. Turning a blind eye to injustice says a lot about one’s character.

Though for those who ignore the plight of the marginalized, we must all collectively respond by mobilizing and organizing for a future unto which the thought of doing so is unconscionable.”

News SLU COMMUNITY SUPPORTS SLU COMMUNITY SUPPORTS INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FOLLOWING ACCIDENT FOLLOWING ACCIDENT

By ALLIE RASHID Staff Writer n Jan. 24, three international SLU students from India were involved in a tragic car accident. The incident occurred on the westbound side of the U.S. Highway 40 (Interstate 64) when a vehicle made contact with them while they were on the highway. They were transported to the nearest hospitals where they received medical care. Two other SLU students witnessed the accident, but were not injured. Two St. Louis City Police officers were involved in the collision and injured as well. SLU was unable to comment on the current condition of those involved.

In response, the SLU community immediately began pouring out support, not only for the three international students and their families and friends, but for all international students at SLU. Kevin Komodi, an international student from Hungary, spoke about the reactions he observed after the incident.

“The school sent out the email from the president, but the Office of International Services also reached out to check on us. They gave us a list of counseling options. They also had poster boards in the Office of International Services for each of the students who were involved in the accident, and we were able to sign the board and write a message.

Then, the office gave them to the students who were involved in the accident,” Komodi said.

The Office of International Services worked towards making sure everyone was supported, whether they knew the students impacted or not. While Komodi did not know them personally, he understood how difficult a tragedy in a foreign country can be.

“It is so hard to imagine what their families and parents were going through or even close friends

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in the states. When I heard the news, I was first thinking about the family and friends of these students,” Komodi explained.

These events can impact SLU students in several ways, whether they personally know these students or not, motivating SLU’s administration to reach out to the wider student body.

Sarah Cunningham, Ed.D., SLU’s Vice President for Student Development, discussed how SLU handled the situation with the goal of wellbeing and safety of the students and community.

“When a student is in crisis, we work to immediately assess and wrap them with the support they need to thrive, whether that be physically, mentally, emotionally or socially. Our teams in the Dean of Students office and other key support areas are trained in crisis management and response, and in this case we also relied heavily on the experts in International Services to understand how to best support our students given the identities and experiences they hold,” Cunningham said.

When the accident occurred, SLU was prepared with several structures in place to be able to respond.

“We quickly pulled together leaders from different departments, including International Services, the Dean of Students office, University Counseling Center, and Housing and Residence Life, among others, to plan outreach to our students and their families. Our goal was to work quickly to assess the students’ needs and make sure their families could safely and quickly travel here to be with their Billikens,” Cunningham said.

The campus community continues to offer their care and prayers for the three Billikens impacted, the two students who witnessed the accident, and anyone affected by this tragedy, directly or indirectly.

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SLU OBSERVES SECOND MENTAL HEALTH DAY

Photo Courtesy of Michelle Peltier

n Jan. 3, Provost Mike Lewis, Ph.D., sent an email to the SLU student body stating that Feb. 11 was to be a dedicated mental health day. The plan was to use the day as a refresher for attaining a healthy mindset through several on-campus activities.

All classes were canceled that day with the exception of students in the School of Medicine and School of Law, who were not guaranteed a day off due to their curriculum guidelines.

The university, however, remained open for its regular operations. After a fall semester that resulted in the loss of two students, Lewis explained that the well-being day was necessary since there are no scheduled days off the first eight weeks of the spring semester. He also explained that the Omicron variant is a huge factor in contributing to increased anxiety amongst students this semester.

Lewis considered the set schedule for undergraduate and graduate students and asked professors to alter their class accordingly. He also asked for a more organized class plan to allow students to keep up with their schoolwork without bringing back the stress once classes resumed. Lewis concluded the email saying, “As we look to future academic years, we expect to adjust academic calendars to allow for more of these well-being days. I hope to announce changes for next academic year before planning begins.”

Students were highly encouraged to attend in-person or online training sessions held by the ComPsych Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

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By NORA ALRASHID Staff Writer which helps students deal with difficult personal situations. The versatility of this program allows students to choose the topic they need assistance on and attend sessions accordingly. Students were also encouraged to attend counseling sessions.

The University Counseling Center offers ten free sessions for all undergraduate, graduate, law and medical students, whether attending full or part-time. In these sessions, students can discuss a variety of issues with a licensed professional.

Other programs such as the SLU Medical Plan Resources and the SSM Behavioral Health Urgent Care offered additional services to students on the mental health day. These support systems are mostly free of charge or low-cost, allowing easier access for those who need them. The Simon Recreation Center also allowed members to bring one guest for free. The wellness day was finalized according to the Student Well-being Taskforce, a group of students, staff and faculty members who work to support students’ needs and concerns. They do so by interacting with students and turning their recommendations into actions on campus.

The Student Well-Being Task Force is open to recommendations through an online form that can be submitted anonymously by anyone who is affiliated with SLU. This ensures that all students and staff have an equal opportunity to express their needs in regards to mental health.

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NEWS (Alexis Kayser/The University News)

COMMUNICATION DEPARMENT LAUNCHES CARE CART

By ALEXIS KAYSER Copy Editor

rom the outside, Xavier Hall doesn’t appear to be anything special. It doesn’t sport the glossy glass exterior of the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering building, the spiffy rolling chairs of Chaifetz School of Business or even the (relatively) reliable air conditioning of Des Peres Hall. But inside the yellowing brick exterior, the Department of Communication is housed: a department that—for majors, minors and students just passing through—has worked hard to make Xavier’slowed halls feel like home.

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make Xavier’s hallowed halls feel like home. Their most recent project is a rolling cart on Xavier’s third floor, stocked chock-full of necessities and free for students to take from in times of need.

In an email to Communication students on Feb. 11, department chair Dan Kozlowski, Ph.D wrote, “The Communication Department faculty and staff recognize that some days we all need something -- because we forgot, we ran late, we’re low on cash. That’s why the department is launching a ‘take-what-youneed’ cart that is available for everyone.

Stocked with small snacks, basic school and personal hygiene supplies, the cart is for you, any day you need something.”

Three days later—on Valentine’s Day—the cart was officially launched.

Donuts and “positivity cards” (bearing hand-written statements like, “We see how awesome you are!” and, “Find good people to grow with”) were provided for those who stopped by.

The black rolling cart, located off the west staircase (adjacent to the Xavier Annex), was thoughtfully filled with personal care products. Drawers labeled, “SCHOOL SUPPLIES,” “FIRST AID,” “HAIR CARE,” “MASKS,” “SNACKS,” “HYGIENIC PRODUCTS,” “MICROWAVABLE MEALS,” “NOTEBOOKS” and “FEMININE PRODUCTS” allow students to swiftly access whatever they need, whenever they need it.

Marketed on flyers as “a cart for everyone,” the cart is not exclusive to Communication students. Rather, the department envisions it as something all SLU students

can benefit from in times of need.

Keli Jackson, Associate Professor of Communication, got the idea for the cart during conversations with her sister—an elementary school teacher in an underfunded district. Jackson’s sister provides her students with necessities their families can not supply, inspiring Jackson to create a similar initiative at SLU. “We do have students that have needs that sometimes are unmet,” Jackson said. “I felt like in the spirit of the pandemic—knowing things have been challenging and hard for people, that sometimes we don’t have the resources that we need—it would be good for us to have something for our students.”

Statistics stand behind Jackson’s idea. According to a 2021 study by BestColleges.com, 25% of college students experienced financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Another 17% reported dealing with food insecurity. Some SLU students have expressed these struggles directly to their professors, like Jackson.

“I have had students express to me some unmet needs that they may have.

Sometimes we have students who have had changes in housing situations that can really be disruptive for a period of time. Many students will have issues with funding or tuition, or account holds that can sometimes make it hard for them to purchase books,” Jackson said. “I am aware, usually from one-on-one conversations with my students that might reach out, that they have had occasional issues meeting their basic academic

needs, as well as housing, clothes, food, etcetera.”

In the fall, Jackson brought up the idea of meeting these needs to Kozlowski. The department got to work making her “take-what-you-need” cart a reality.

Department funds were used to stock the cart and tuck away some surplus, and staff brought in extras to bolster their supply.

Kozlowski was unsure how the cart would be received by students, but after its first operational weekend, he noted that many items had been taken: proof that students are, in fact, utilizing the cart as hoped.

The cart’s success, though, begs a question: how will the department sustain it in the coming weeks?

Kozlowski says they’re open to collaboration with student service organizations who have the means and desire to contribute.

In the meantime, Kozlowski says, “The plan is faculty and staff donations, other department funds we can use, and the hope is, if it’s something that’s useful for students, it’s something we can sustain.”

The “take-what-you-need” cart is just one way the Department of Communication seeks to support their students.

From signs on Xavier’s bathroom doors encouraging breastfeeding mothers to reach out for private pumping spaces, to Halloween parties for students and staff to bond and relax, the department embodies the Jesuit mission of nurturing the whole person.

“The discipline inherently recognizes the important role communication plays in how we go through the world and care for, learn and share with others. But we also, thankfully, have an awesome group of instructors that are student-centered and care about students,” said Kozlowski.

“That’s important to us as we hire,” he continued, referencing the Department’s consideration of student feedback when considering job candidates. Potential new faculty give guest-lectures in Communication courses and meet with Communication students, allowing majors to have a say in who they learn from.

Young adulthood is undoubtedly a stressful phase of life, and a rigorous collegiate course load is bound to add its own challenges. However, as the Department of Communication sees it, education is at its best when met with empathy.

Graphic Courtesy of the Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship

News

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“WHO SAID IT WAS SIMPLE?” THE LAUNCH OF THE AUDRE LORDE SCHOLARS PROGRAM

By ULAA KUZIEZ Associate News Editor

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hat’s exactly the kind of group that I need,” junior Shruti Punnachalil immediately thought when she first heard about the newly-created Audre Lorde Scholars Program back in September.

The idea for the program began several years ago. Former director of Cross Cultural Center (CCC), Kortet Mensah, Ph.D, dreamed of a shared student space and a support system for women of color at Saint Louis University. Four years later in the fall of 2021, the program finally came to fruition.

Luella Loseille, the current assistant director of diversity and inclusion in the CCC, built on the initial concept and worked to establish the Audre Lorde Scholars Program as “a communal and uplifting space” where group members can share their experiences about race and gender, similar to the African American Male Scholars Program.

The program is named after internationally renowned activist, poet and teacher Audre Lorde, who in the 1960s was a pioneer in analyzing the intersections of race, class and gender oppression.

Loseilleand the student scholars draw inspiration from Lorde’s contributions and envision their group as an extension of her legacy. In their bi-weekly meetings, the 30 scholars in the program usually begin by reading and reflecting on one of her poems.

“The whole purpose of the program is to provide support for students who self-identify as women of color while facilitating various networking, social and community opportunities,” Loseille said. “There are so few spaces where people of color can just come together and share in a primarily white institution.”

Group discussions over the last several months have ranged from cycles of abuse, Black mental health and other topics that connect with the group’s four main pillars of feminism, activism, sisterhood and intersectionality.

“Those kinds of discussions are very pertinent for us because a lot of them are centered on navigating the intersectionalities that a lot of the people in the group have. We break off in groups and

discuss personal experiences and connect with each other, which I feel is a primary reason for the group—feeling connected to other women of color on campus,” Punnachalili said.

Loseille is also initiating a mentorship component for the scholar program in which students are matched with female faculty or staff members. While it is still in the works, nearly 40 staff members have offered to be Audre Lorde Scholar mentors because, as Loseille explains, they saw the value of providing guidance to young women.

“Navigating college as first generation students or as women of color presents unique challenges in academic spaces, so I’m really grateful for the mentorship program,” Punnachalili said. “I have experienced a lot of academic racism at this school so feeling connected to resources and to somebody who looks like you and who understands your perspective resonates with me.”

To mark the first year of the program, Loseille and the scholars are organizing a women’s leadership conference that will take place at the end of the semester.

The theme— “Who Said It Was Simple? Navigating As Women of Color in the 21st Century”—pays

tribute to Lorde’s life work and her poem “Who Said It Was Simple?”

The half day symposium will serve as a capstone project for scholars who, in addition to others in the university, will have the chance to present their own work relating to the theme. Loseille hopes the event will become an annual one with national recognition and attendance.

Though the organization is young, Loseille envisions prestigeand impact in the future for the Audre Lorde Scholars Program.

Adding a scholarship component and growing student participation are just two of many goals she has to make the program well-established on campus.

“How awesome would it be if just by having this program at SLU, all of us as individuals are better able to understand our systems and barriers of oppression and come up with capable solutions to erasing those things? This is just one part in a large, ordered system to make cultural change happen on campus,” Loseille said.

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Arts and life

Tyler Tears Up Chaifetz Photo by Abby Campbell

On his “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST” tour, Tyler, The Creator returns to Chaifetz Arena and brings the party alongside openers Kali Uchis, Vince Staples and Teezo Touchdown. henever there is a sold-out event at Chaifetz Arena, chances are it’s going to be quite the party. And when it comes to concerts put on by Tyler, the Creator, you know it’s going to be a great party. Returning to Chaifetz for a second time, Tyler put on a sold-out concert on Feb. 18 with the help of Kali Uchis, Vince Staples and Teezo Touchdown to support his 2021 album, “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST.” Throughout the show, the performers all showcased their distinct artistic vision with memorable sets. Imagined as a “live TV recording in Saint Louis,” opener Teezo Touchdown gave a DIY-inspired set that combined elements of rock and hip-hop that the younger side of the crowd was heavily into.

Staples followed and delivered an energetic set, showcasing the incredible consistency he has had throughout his career. Standing on an elevated, translucent stage with a lightshow both below the stage and surrounding the arena, Staples started with his newly released Mustard collaboration “MAGIC” and worked his way through his discography. With stellar performances of his recent music, including “LAW OF AVERAGES” and several cuts from his 2017 album “Big Fish Theory,” there was not a single song the crowd didn’t get into. As his set finished, he thanked the crowd and told us, “What would be a St. Louis show if I didn’t finish with this next song?” As the instrumental for “Norf Norf” kicked in, Staples proved exactly why more people need to pay attention to his output.

Uchis delivered a one-of-a-kind opening set afterwards, and the crowd’s excitement was almost on-par for Tyler. Inspired by Latin aesthetics with a strong sense of sensuality, Uchis was revealed

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on stage tied to a cross, which her backup dancers quickly untied her from as “Dead to Me” came in. Keeping the crowd dancing, she performed her Grammy-winning Kaytranada collaboration “10%” and a few cuts from her 2020 Spanishalbum, including “fue mejor” and “no eres tu(soy yo).” However, no songs quite matched the excitement for her recent hits, including her remix of Amaarae’s “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY” and “After the Storm,” which fittingly features Tyler, the Creator. She closed her performance with her breakout hit “telapatía,” signaling a sense that she knows she will be the next

...this show was a triumph against the difficulties of life in the past few years. big star, and that this is only the beginning of something great.

None of the performers could quite match the monstrous energy Tyler, the Creator drew from the crowd, and Tyler immediately took advantage of it. Arriving in a baby blue Rolls-Royce rising from below the stage, it was immediately clear that this show was a celebration of where Tyler has come. The set was a pastel mansion, with the windows having different lighting paired with each song. These windows showcased silhouettes of the guest performers throughout the show, as nobody but Tyler was featured on stage during his set. This was seen right from the start, with “LEMONHEAD” featuring 42 Dugg’s shadow and “HOT WIND BLOWS” featuring Lil Wayne’s. After these songs, Tyler stopped for a minute to thank the crowd for having “so much

By MATTHEW CHAMBERS Arts & Life Editor energy in this goddamn fucking room,” telling the crowd that “this album is about feeling like the baddest bitch of all time.” He hoped the crowd felt like “God was on their side” at the show, then went back to performing the music.

After hopping downstage during “LUMBERJACK,” Tyler traveled over to the safari-inspired stage across the arena, dancing on his boat as “WUSYANAME” lights the crowd up. As he hopped into the safari to explore songs from his older discography, the celebration of how far he has come in his career really was brought to life; starting with “Boredom” from “Flower Boy,” it’s clear that his entire career has been filled with hits. Songs like “911” and “See You Again” pull a strong reaction from the crowd with everyone singing alongside Tyler, and early-career hits like “Yonkers” still have people screaming “I’m a walking fucking paradox” more than a decade later. As he closed out the safari with “Tamale,” Tyler hopped back onto the boat to travel back to “mainland” singing the dancehall inspired “I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE.” As his second show at Chaifetz Arena concluded, Tyler performed cuts from “IGOR” and finished with “RUNITUP,” as if this show was a triumph against the difficulties of life in the past few years. While the accomplishments of Tyler are vastly different from the crowd, it still felt as if he was inviting us to celebrate where we were and how far we will go in the future with him.

For more photos from Tyler, the Creator’s concert, go to page 11.

Arts and life

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MOCRA Exhibit Sees “Double Vision” of Christ’s Passion and the Human Condition The new exhibit displays works from three Jesuit collections.

By ALEX ROZAR Staff Writer new exhibit is on display at Saint Louis University’s Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA), aiming to showcase the range of the human condition.

Titled “Double Vision,” the exhibit features works from the collections of three museums based at Jesuit universities and includes artists such as Keith Haring, Kara Walker and Andy Warhol. The exhibit, which debuted on Feb. 16 and runs until May 22, is open to members of the public free of charge.

The 28 artworks in the exhibit are arranged in pairs.

Those couples, selected to embody a secular value, such as “Courage,” “Honesty” or “Justice,” are sorted throughout the space to represent the 14 Stations of the Cross.

“My hope would be that out of these 14 themes and 28 works of art, there is going to be at least one— hopefully more—of those themes that resonates with folks,” museum director David Brinker said.

In total, the works span over five centuries and a wide range of genres, leading to sometimes surprising pairings. The oldest, an illuminated manuscript by the Early Netherlandish painter Willem Vrelant made in 1470 A.D, is matched with a 1999 painted wood carving by American folk artist and santero Nicholas Herrera. Together, those works serve to exemplify the ideal of “Compassion.”

“This is a highly eclectic show,” Brinker said.

“There’s something, I think, for every kind of artistic taste.”

First shown at Marquette University’s Haggerty Museum of Art from Aug. to Dec. of 2021, the exhibit is the result of a collaboration between SLU, Marquette and Loyola University Chicago which began in Feb. 2020. “Double Vision” is co-curated by Brinker and Haggerty curator Lynne Shumow.

“This is a very unusual show for us. It was a very unusual show for the Haggerty,” Brinker said. “Lynne and I, when we were putting this together, we remarked on the same thing. We said, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s so much stuff jumbled together.’ We’re just hoping it doesn’t look like a yard sale.”

“Double Vision” is the second time that MOCRA has showcased either a Haring or a Warhol, Brinker said.

In 1995, the museum featured “Altarpiece: The Life of Christ,” Haring’s last work, and it displayed Warhol’s “Silver Clouds,” a group of 40 to 50 large balloons, in 2001, 2002 and 2006. The works currently on display

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Artwork by Keith Haring, photo by Abby Campbell

We want people to enjoy the art, but this is a space where they can go deeper, if they want to.

– David Brinker, MOCRA Director

Artwork by Adrian Kellard, photo by Abby Campbell

are a marker drawing by Haring, made on a 1983 visit to the Haggerty, and a 1966 print by Warhol of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

“This is a lot less work to put up than blowing up balloons every day, which I did a lot of,” Brinker said.

Many of the artworks deal with despairing episodes in history: the slave trade, the AIDS crisis, wars in Vietnam, Central America and West Africa. But the exhibit concludes with the message of “Hope.”

“That’s what we want MOCRA to be,” Brinker said.

“We want people to enjoy the art, but this is a space where they can go deeper, if they want to.”

One painting, the abstract, vertical “Red Sea” by Trinidadian-American artist Gary Logan, is inspired by a lecture the artist heard as a graduate student.

Logan recalled that when discussing J.M.W. Turner’s 1840 painting “The Slave Ship,” known for its depiction of enslaved Africans drowning to their death, his teacher made no mention of the gruesome scene.

When viewed from top to bottom, Brinker said, Logan’s painting has a “darker, more challenging, more pessimistic view,” starting with orange, then red, and finally fading into black. But when read in reverse, it tells a more hopeful tale.

Some of the works have a distinctly religious theme, such as Belgian artist Joseph Paelinck’s 1822 painting “Hagar and Ishmael in the Wilderness,” or Israeli artist Adi Nes’s 2006 photograph “Abraham and Isaac.” For others, religion still plays a role, Brinker said, though it may be more subtle, citing the influence of Christian iconography on Warhol as an example.

“For folks who experience a sense of spirituality or religion, there’s a whole lot of different ways to access that,” Brinker said.

Brinker said he hopes visitors are inspired by the exhibit even after leaving the museum.

“We’re presenting the themes in our works, and the invitation is for the visitors to take that in and then do something with that,” Brinker said. “Hopefully, it has some sort of impact on their life in some positive way.”

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Arts and life

Romance Novels by Black Authors You Need to Read

By ABIGAIL LISZEWSKI Staff Writer

February is not only the month for love and romance, but it is also Black History Month. Here are some great book recommendations to celebrate romance and highlight Black authors.

“The Unbroken” by C.L. Clark “The Unbroken” by C.L. Clark is a political fantasy that follows Luca and Touraine, two women who meet under unexpected circumstances. Luca is a princess aiming to steal the throne from her incapable uncle, while Touraine is a soldier questioning everything she thought she knew. Clark takes inspiration from the history of North Africa to create a rich world that is teeming with magic and political intrigue. While this book is about rebellions and a little bit of romance, it primarily focuses on the effects of colonialism, making it perfect for adventure-loving readers who prefer their stories with a side of romance.

“For All Time” by Shanna Miles A romance between star-crossed lovers fated to repeat their story across hundreds of lifetimes. The book spans the 14th century, 1920s, and even the 2200s. While romance is the core of the story, Miles tackles themes across the different time periods which truly strengthen the story. A wild mix between historical-fiction, romance and science-fiction.

“For All Time” is a melting pot of genres that will leave readers wishing for a happily ever after. Join these soulmates as they search for a way to break the endless cycle of tragedy and reach their happily ever after.

“Make a Scene” by Mimi Grace “Make a Scene” by Mimi Grace is a fun and endearing book perfect for any romance fan. Retta Majors’s ex is getting married, and she now needs a fake boyfriend for the wedding. One weekend of pretend dating should be easy, right?

But what happens when the fake flirting starts to become more real than they anticipated? If you are looking for a fun, refreshing story that reads like a cheesy Hallmark movie, give this one a read!

“The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes” by Xio Axelrod “The Girl with Stars in Her Eye” is a rock ‘n’ roll fairytale that tells the story of music and love. The book follows Toni Bennette, a successful musician, who is trying to pursue a bigger career and fame. But running into a boy from her past reopens old wounds and awakens feelings neither wanted to acknowledge.

This heartfelt tearjerker is the perfect read for any and all romance fans.

“Ace of Spades” by Faridah ÀbíkéÍyímídé Does dark academia with a side of mystery and romance sound exciting? Try reading Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé’s debut novel “Ace of Spades”! Follow the main characters, Chiamaka and Devon, as they try to hunt down an anonymous texter named “Aces” before their dark secrets are brought to light. “Ace of Spades” explores what it is like to be both queer and black in a world that villianizes both. This stunning debut novel is a must read for anyone who enjoys wickedly fun thrillers and smart social commentary.

Arts and life

09

Bringing london to st. louis:

The London Tea Room

By MORGAN HAUSBACK Arts & Life Editor iving in a new city is full of unexpected surprises, and even as a sophomore, I continue to find new places all across St. Louis. The most recent hidden gem that has caught my attention is The London Tea Room, which is located in Tower Grove.

As I prepare to study abroad in London in the fall, I have been dabbling in British eccentricities. From my recent finish of “Downton Abbey” to obtaining a proper peacoat and religiously listening to the “Harry Potter” score, visiting The London Tea Room was the perfect outing to continue preparing for my abroad excursion.

The London Tea Room offers two options for customers. There is a small and quaint walk-in area, but with only six spare tables that fill up quickly, I would suggest making a reservation instead. When you make a reservation, it is no simple ordeal for a cup of tea. A reservation comes with an entire pot of tea for each individual as well as an array of sandwiches, scones and sweet desserts. They offer options for people with allergies, as well, which is a

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ways a plus to see in smaller establishments.

There are also countless teas to pick from. From traditional Earl Gray tea to unique blends of black Tea and white Tea, there are options for everyone, whether you are a tea person or not. I opted for The London Tea Room blend to fully immerse myself into an English mindset, and I pleasantly enjoyed it with a splash of milk. Ask for cream or drink it plain—there is no wrong way to do tea!

The best part of this secret treasure in the heart of St. Louis is how it demands leisure and selfless contentment.

When you walk into the tea room, you’ll forget you are in St. Louis at all! The decor is comforting and feels like something out of Jane Austen, bound to make you feel like you have left the Midwest completely and instead entered the quaint countryside of England. Each table

Photo Courtesy of Morgan Hausback comes decorated with charming blue china in mismatched patterns, and everyone comes dressed in their best, truly making the whole experience one of care and dedication.

The entire establishment is subtly inspired by Jane Austen, great author of famous works like “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility.” An inspiration of classic tea time and female heroines, each table has a bookmark with Austen quotes for patrons to take, and there are imprints of her work in copies of books scattered throughout the tea room and art on the walls. There is something about the tea room that makes you just want to crack open “Sense and Sensibility” yet again or watch Kiera Knightley and Matthew Macfayden swoon on the screen.

The best part of this secret treasure in the heart of St. Louis is how it demands leisure and selfless contentment. Reservations last for an hour and a half, meaning you truly

have no choice but to savor the time with good conversation, enjoyment of the sweet treats and the simplistic motions of sipping tea and refilling your cup. As my friend and I remarked, it felt like stepping into an hour of silence and reflection, an hour that you did not owe to anyone except the navy pot of tea sitting before you. Especially on a Sunday, when college students are wired to stress about the pile of homework sitting on their desk or regretting choices from the night before, time to relish in rich tea and good company is always worth it.

In a world that is always bustling and moving, consider taking some time for yourself and your companions by visiting The London Tea Room and escaping this world for an English oasis.

University News 2/24/22 Crossword

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NHL BARS OLYMPIC PARTICIPATION

By JONAH TOLBERT Staff Writer

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ockey in the Olympics has been at a disadvantage compared to basketball. Basketball is in the summer, which means that as the NBA season gets over in midJune and the Olympics are in July, the athletes are primed for peak international performance.

The NHL season is from October to June and the Winter Olympics are in February. Because of this, the NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has only authorized his athlete’s’ attendance at the Olympics five times from 1998 to 2018.

Many NHL players were planning to go to the 2022 Olympics as there was a three week break originally allotted for their time to play overseas. However, COVID-19 remained a concern for Bettman. If a player became infected, they would have to stay in Beijing for three weeks, affecting the NHL season.

Therefore, Bettman prohibited his players from attending the 2022 Winter Games.

When people hear about college players in the Olympics, they think of the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980, when the Americans shocked the heavy favorites, the Soviet Union, to win. The American Olympic Team had just two months to put a team together.

In 1980, the tension between the U.S.A and Russia came because of their disagreements over the Cold War, and the two teams were therfore on strict lockdown. This year, the teams are in a lockdown of a different sort, but the teams still mostly stay inside their

dorm, and leave only for practice and games.

Because there are no NHL players, many spectators may not recognize the college athletes they are watching, unless they are a University of Minnesota or Boston College hockey fan.

With those schools having the majority of the players, it would have been awesome to have Austin Matthews, who was projected to become captain of the

USA Instead, Andy Miele as our

captain.

team. we had

The team was ready to go. In the stage group they faced off against Canada, China, and Germany.

First, they played China and won in an 8-0 blowout— - there wasn’t really a question about the team’s skill. Canada has won the Olympics for men’s ice hockey in 2002, 2010, and 2014. This game could have been a blowout because all of Canada’s players were juniors. It ended up being a thrilling game. The USA took the first goal and ended up winning the game 4-2. The USA faced Germany next, and had the lead for most of the game. A late surge was mounted by Germany, but a final goal gave the USA a 3-2 victory.

The USA needed three games to win it all. After seeing the USA win the group, there seemed to be high hopes for the Americans.

The quarterfinal was against Slovakia, and USA once again held the lead for the whole game. In the last minute, Slovakia pulled their goalie and tied the game. Overtime had the teams neck and neck, and the game went to a shootout. Each team gets five tries to score, and the first goals were blocked by the goalies. Then Slovakia got a goal off. So the USA needed this goal and then blocked the next one, so they lost. The real hope is for 2026, because the NHL says they want to have U.S. player in the Olympics. The return of NHL players to the Olympics in 2026 will be a boon for ratings, especially with TNT and ESPN owning the broadcasting rights. This extra boost might be needed, as it stands this was the was the lowest-rated Olympics since 1988.

Diana Jakovcevic / The University News

sports

16

BILLIKEN BLIZZARD:

SLU BASKETBALL DEFEATS DAYTON

By JONAH TOLBERT Staff Writer f you ask Google who SLU’s rival is, you’ll find a message board from 2012 telling you that it is Dayton. I didn’t take it seriously, but as it turns out, I was wrong. January’s game against Dayton was a big deal for the St. Louis and SLU community. SLU entered the matchup on a five game win streak that Dayton was looking to snap. SLU came into the game with a 15-6 record and Dayton entered the game with a record of 15-7. This game was the fight for second place in the A-10 tournament. What was even crazier was this was the third straight Dayton v. SLU game in St. Louis where it has snowed a couple of days before, nicknaming this game the “Billiken Blizzard.”

This series does bring back some bad memories, because in the 2020 game when Dayton was ranked thirteen and had future eighth pick Obi Topin, the game went to overtime and SLU lost to a buzzer-beater.

That was a tough loss for a lot of people— even Coach Ford said it was one of the toughest losses as the Billiken coach. Two years later, SLU still has Yuri Collins, who made a clutch free throw with six seconds left in that game. Collins now leads the team, and SLU’s s Terrance Hargrove and Fred Thatch, Jr. also have experience against

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“Every time SLU went on a run, Dayton anwsered...”

Dayton. This game wasn’t a nail-biter, but it sure felt like it, with SLU making a 6 point lead into a 10 point lead throughout the second half. Every time SLU went on a run, Dayton answered, with Dayton showing a fast-paced offense and strong defense. Collins was able to get six assists and eight rebounds.

Ford also switched back and forth from Okoro to Linssen, with Linssen only getting 20 minutes, though he was the leading scorer for the Bills with a solid 17 points. You could also tell this game was a rivalry by Collins yelling at a Dayton player at the end of the game.

Also, something interesting in the game was Jordair Jett—who just was inducted to the Billiken Hall of Fame—was talking to the Dayton coach and got ejected from the game. After holding onto the ball after a Nesbitt dunk in order to take time off the clock for Dayton and fluster the Flyers, the Dayton coach and Jett exchanged words. After the exchange, Jett was escorted out of Chaifetz Arena, much to the dismay of fans.

The game ended well with SLU winning 7261. One of the main things I was worried about when I was watching the game was that SLU would get the lead and Dayton would come back with a 6-0 run. Multiple times I thought SLU would blow a lead. In at least three of SLU’s losses, SLU blew a lead after being up at least 10 points, just as they did with the number one team in the country, Auburn. With five minutes left in that game, SLU was leading by 11 points and the downfall of their near win was the defense. SLU’s defensive end has been struggling for a while now. Though Thatch came in, some moments in the second half showed that he still has the best defense on the SLU team. If we could have Thatch come in these clutch moments with more offense, it might have changed the outcome of previous games.

SLU also played at La Salle Tuesday and beat them 75-57. This Dayton game showed that SLU does have a chance to win the A-10 tournament again. For fans watching at the

beginning of conference play, it wasn’t looking good after losses to Dayton and UMass. Losing to Belmont and the University of Alabama at Birmingham back-to-back at home was a tough stint for the Billikens to end 2021.

The Bills came up big with a win over coach Ford’s former coach, Rick Pinto’s Iona. That confidence helped the Bills escape a double OT against George Mason. The tail end of the season is fast approaching with back to back games coming with St. Bonaventure, La Salle, then Davidson (as the number 1 seed in the A-10). If SLU can win out, their chances of winning the A-10 would increase. The season has been a roller coaster, but the Billikens have consistently proven they can win when it matters.

Courtesy of Billiken Athletics

sports

17

SUPERBOWL LV I

LOS ANGELES RAMS SECURE SUPERBOWL LVI WIN IN HOME CITY

By SYDNEY ALTEMOSE Sports Editor uper Bowl LVI was destined for history before the first whistle blew. For the first time in NFL history, the game was moved from its original weekend. Due to COVID-19, playoff dates were altered and games were postponed. The game was forced to be moved to Feb. 13, much to the dismay of any Valentine’s Day celebrators who are not entranced by the sport. After an eventful playoff season, the Rams and the Bengals were set for their championship match at the Ram’s home SoFi stadium in Los Angeles.

A Bengals and Rams matchup was considered unlikely in the beginning of the season. While both teams had seen moderate and increased success thanks to coaching changes and better draft picks, the two teams were still unlikely picks to see the Super Bowl. Last season, the Rams ranked second in the NFC West with 10 wins and 6 losses. However, in the off-season the Rams traded the Detroit Lions their quarterback Jared Goff along with two draft picks in order to land Matthew Stafford, who had anchored the Lion’s offense for 13 seasons. At the urging of head coach Sean McVay, General Manager Les Snead produced the trade McVay felt he and his Rams needed. Little did he know in the course of a season, a man who was a superstar for Detroit would become a nationally renowned athlete.

For the Bengals’ part, their draft pick of Joe Burrow in 2020 was thought by many to be a trap.

He would risk his talent and potentially his health by becoming a Bengal. While Burrow had little say in the situation, his past two seasons in the NFL have proven he has the ability to make the best out of a bad

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situation. His rookie season was cut short, however, when in week 11 of the 2020-2021 season he tore his ACL and MCL against the Washington Commanders. The Bengals went 4-11 on the season.

The two quarterbacks were beloved by their cities and brought with them a devoted fan base. For the Rams’ benefit, they had the advantage of Stafford fans who had watched him struggle to make the playoffs in Detroit. While he was no longer a Lion, they rooted for him a n y w a y . For Burrow’s part,

Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham, Jr., Andrew Whitworth and Von Miller, the team had successfully compiled some of the most beloved players from across the league with stellar stories which made it easy for fans to root for them—either all season, or just on February 13.

The Bengals, alternatively, have a relatively young roster.

Some of the best performers are only in their first or second seasons.

Burrow, in his sophomore season, has relied on Tee Higgins (also a sophomore) and his fellow

there had been an entire generation of fans who had n o t seen their team make the Super Bowl. Excitement, for the city of Cincinnati, was an understatement.

The quarterbacks themselves are easy to root for: neither had been to the Super Bowl before. Their presence there had come about through nothing short of a Cinderella story.

It is essential to note, though, that it is not only the quarterbacks that made the excitement around Super Bowl LVI what it was.

Both teams had fan-favorite names on them, with even better stories behind them. The Rams boast an impressive roster. With highly recognizable names like Aaron Donald,

LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase as wide receivers. Quickl y , Florida’s kicker Evan McPhearson became beloved on special teams while Joe Mixon and Eli Apple have been other, albeit older, staples for the team.

Ultimately, the Bengals would fall to the Rams in the last quarter after taking the lead in the third. The Rams’ victory came from a touchdown in the last minute of play, leaving the Bengals little time to make up the deficit. Early in the game, Odell Beckham, Jr., was taken out of the game due to injury, which led to concern for the Rams, having lost one of their best receivers. Ultimately, it would make no

difference for the team and Cooper Kupp stepped up to make up the deficit. While this is not the Rams franchise’s first Super Bowl win, it is the first since their move to Los Angeles. Their first win came in Super Bowl XXXIV while they were still in St. Louis. History for the Bengals came in a much more disappointing manner when they allowed seven sacks on their quarterback: the most in Super Bowl history.

The stories that the two teams hold were stories begging to be told.

2022 was certainly their year and their time to put their franchise on the map. For many, a Stafford win seemed fitting after years in Detroit. For Burrow, while those rooting for his Bengals may be disappointed, his youth and continued growth allow fans to hope that this will not be his first and last Super Bowl. Even those rooting for Burrow and the Bengals in the game cannot help but root for Cooper Kupp and his devoted wife, who sacrificed in college so they might share a moment like a Super Bowl win together. Aaron Donald had promised his daughter that they would one day play in the confetti of a Super Bowl together—a promise he was able to keep. Sean McVay became the youngest coach in NFL history to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

It could be argued that Super Bowl LVI was made for the older fans of football. With fans rooting for their teams who had not seen glory in years, it was finally their time to shine. Accentuated by a halftime performance with Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre, the 2022 Super Bowl was unique for all the right reasons.

Diana Jakovcevic / The University News

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50 YEARS OF LETTING US PLAY TOO

By SYDNEY ALTEMOSE Sports Editor Grace Dunlavy / The University News eb. 2 brought about another National Women and Girls in Sports Day. The date is observed in honor of women and their consistent efforts to diminish and eliminate gender inequalities in sports. It serves as a day to celebrate the success that women experience in sports year-round. It also serves as a reminder of all the hurdles that were overcome in order for women and girls to have the opportunities to play and engage in sports throughout the United States. Thanks to Title IX, a law passed on June 6, 1972, the sports industry was forever changed for women and girls in the U.S. This summer the 50th anniversary will pass, thanks to the efforts of Edith Green and Patsy Mink—and the relentless women and girls who fought for generations prior to Green putting the words of “sports equity” down on paper. Today, the sports industry has undergone radical change thanks to the demands and standards set forth by Mink’s and Green’s work.

There are stories of women doing ridiculous things to bring attention to the inequalities they faced. In 1976, Yale’s women’s crew team made headlines for standing naked in front of Yale administrator Joni Barrett in order to confront her with the bodies Yale allowed their athletic department to exploit. In 1973, Billie Jean King faced off with Bobby Riggs, the man thought to be the world’s best tennis player. She won and took home $100,000. The match remains titled, “Battle of the Sexes.” Today, schools continue to be investigated for Title IX violations. It remains, unfortunately, a modern problem.

However, enormous change and enormous wins have come about in the 50 years since the law’s passing into legislation. An easy show of American women’s athletic prowess comes from the Olympics.

In 2012, the United States sent more female athletes than male. In both the summer and winter Olympics, the women’s USA team has taken home more medals than the men’s team. Globally, they outshone every other country in medal count. The women of the United States have made sure to make up for the lost time they suffered at the hands of inequality. Another important sign for women’s sports was settled on Feb. 22, 2022 when the U.S. women’s national team reached an agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation for equal pay. The litigation took six years and

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ultimately paid the women $22 million in back pay with $2 million dollars being set aside for the women to apply and then donate a maximum of $50,000 toward a charity of their choice.

Those charities are likely to be centered around advancing young women in soccer. Additionally, the U.S. Soccer Federation agreed that they will pay the women’s team the same amount of money they pay the men’s team.

For many female athletes, the long fight for equality is not lost on modernity. Female athletes today understand that it is the work of the women before them who allow them to play and perform at levels which were previously unavailable to them. Erin McClelland, an alumna of the Saint Louis University field hockey team and the current University of Virginia field hockey team manager said, “Sports have taught me to be confident in my own strength and ability, and how important it is to uplift and support those around you whenever you can.” The sports avenue has provided this outlet for many women. Women and girls who could not quite find their niche without sport have found solace in their ability to perform at the highest levels of sport. There is space for women here, too. It has taught women how to uplift one another and have courage in the person they are. The chance to be a teammate is the chance to create lifelong friends and experience a unique part of life. SLU field hockey alumna Julianne Sacco shared that, “Sport to me means many things. Being a part of sports has taught me life lessons.” Those life lessons were previously unavailable to girls and women. Many of those lessons can be directly translated into professional careers, which has given many a leg up in their lives. Learning things like efficient communication, leadership and dealing with adversity prepares young people for success.

Demi Sahuleka, a current member of the SLU field hockey team, said, “It’s an escape but also my life. It’s literally a part of me.” This is an important dichotomy to acknowledge. Sports provide women an expressive and physical outlet. This can be a helpful asset for their mental health. The stability and success that a sport can provide is also an important asset that women can use to help combat other stressful points of

life. Idalia Enos played basketball for SLU but was a standout soccer player throughout her high school career as well. She said, “It was a release for me, a release of all outside distractions or problems.” The chance to engage in sports was a chance to forget the outside world. No matter what was going on outside of practice, those hours within provide an escape. For an hour or more a day, women and girls can come together and enjoy something they love, with people they love, in an uplifting environment. Stepping back out after practice can be refreshing and provide clarity. After a hard workout, an individual can be prepared to take on the next part of their day with a new sense of readiness.

Ultimately, it provides women with something they can be proud of—they can be awarded their own medals on their own platforms. As Caroline Miller, a thrower on the SLU track and field team explains, “It means a moment of my day for myself and a moment away from the stressors of the day. It means doing something I love and doing something my family can be proud of me for.” Families are able to share in the success of their daughters, mothers and sisters. Sports have begun to run in the bloodline.

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Opinion

20

Saint Louis’ Twentieth Century Life and Death Brigade

By JULIETTE CALLAHAN Staff Writer

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he allure of secrecy is enticing. Being able to share hushed words or hand signals defines secret societies. From “The Godfather” to Rory Gilmore’s Life and Death Brigade, secret societies attract because they allow an individual to be considered part of and accepted into the upper class.

These societies are composed of individuals who share an agenda and want to achieve an end goal of either preserving or changing an aspect of their society.

Secret societies began as religious and political organizations typically composed of the respective aristocracy. Secret societies aimed to either preserve or alter an aspect of their society. Some of the earliest secret societies included the Pythagorean Brotherhood and the Keepers of Eleusian. Later secret societies included the Inquisition, Sons of Liberty and the Decembrists.

Although secret societies have had different purposes over time, the members of these societies share an agenda and goal that manifests itself in creating generational events and practices.

In America, secret societies were formed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries for educational and charitable purposes, mainly as an aid in assimilation for immigrants. One example of a contemporary secret society is Saint Louis’s Order of the Veiled Prophet. The society was formed following the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 when railroad workers across the country protested in solidarity against precarious working conditions and inadequate pay. The strike brought attention to the socioeconomic variance between the predominantly white upper class. The strike was settled with three thousand police officers and militia of the upper class. Upon dissolving the strike, the demands of the protest where met by banning child labor and instating eight-hour workdays.

Following the strike, Saint Louis

recognized that Chicago was invading the transportation and manufacturing realm they had previously commanded. So in 1878, former Confederate colonel and grain producer Charles Slayback scheduled a meeting with the city’s business and civic representatives to create a secret society that publicly reinforced Saint Louis’s stature and the nineteenth-century socioeconomic relations of the proletariat and bourgeois onto the working class of Saint Louis. Thus, the Veiled Prophet of Khorassan was created. As the society was formed, it aimed to stifle the public’s populist demands for socioeconomic equality amongst the classes while also reinforcing the idea that to be an

American was to be a member of the society that promoted the values of the organization.

The secret society’s board would choose an individual to play the role of the Veiled Prophet. The Prophet attended a ball where he would dance a Royal Quadrille with a chosen daughter of a local aristocrat, who would be recognized as the Queen of Love and Beauty.

After their dance, he would gift the Queen a valuable item. A parade and fair would follow the ball to publicize the principles of the society’s generational privilege on the working class to market capitulation. The parade depicted the history of the world, from the neanderthals to industrialism, from the white aristocrats’ perspective promoting their elitist beliefs. Labor unions created counter parades to mock the Veiled Prophet society.

Although the society’s association with race relations is not tangibly evident, it wasn’t until 1979 when Black people were allowed to join.

In 1972, the Veiled Prophet of the time was unmasked by a female member of the guerilla group Action Committee to Improve Opportunities for Negroes (A.C.T.I.O.N) as a means of protesting the society’s engagements at publicly allocated event locations.

A.C.T.I.O.N was founded by Percy Green, a civil rights activist who resisted the Prophet’s beliefs. The unmasking was an attempt at dispelling the society

from the public sphere in the city to resist the principles of separation between classes in social, political and economic spheres.

In 1992, the society’s annual fair title was changed from the Veiled Prophet Fair to Fair Saint Louis in an attempt to disassociate the society from St. Louis. But even after the title change, the ball and fair still served as its original exemplification of reinforcing class separation.

The society raises questions on the history of Black people in St. Louis who had to contend with the white upper class’s influence on the economy, politics and culture of St. Louis in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Even though the Veiled Prophet sought to separate the classes including both its white and Black members, the A.C.T.I.O.N group and unified Black laborers of the working and middle class achieved their goals of reaffirming Black

institutions, electing preferred officials, enforcing labor rights and prioritizing quality of life.

More often than not, secret societies are formed to promote elitism or dogmatism, immoral or illegal acts, or overall adversely stigmatize their society. Public advocacy groups, like A.C.T.I.O.N, inform us that to be part of a group one must have values, beliefs, and goals that reflect the character of their person rather than their race, gender, religion, etc. Being selected creates an environment of honor amongst those included and influences those not included to act, believe or value similarly. Though social groups may not be secret, they still share similar agendas, goals and values. There may even be a potential secret handshake.

If secret societies persist, they should be formed for a benign and worthwhile purpose. It may not be a dishonorable institution if there was a secret society that granted members who were leaders and advocates for service or equality and had a goal to promote values of stewardship or benevolence. It only seems as though such societies do not exist, and if they do, there are few.

(Grace Dunlavy / The University News)

Opinion

Do Eating Disorders Thrive on College Campuses?

What steps can SLU take?

By SARA QALBANI Staff Writer he transition from living at home to an independent lifestyle at college is a big change for students, and one of the biggest hurdles is creating a healthy food balance. Living independently means making your own food options and providing your body with the food it needs. Shifting from a life where meals are already on the table (for some, not all), can be overwhelming when moving directly into a dorm, where there is typically no kitchen and the meal options consist of whatever is available on-campus that day.

Dorms generally don’t accommodate a lifestyle fit for nutritional meals. From the shared mini-fridge to the lack of kitchen appliances, there isn’t much room to cook up a hearty and satisfying meal. These conditions can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food, and in crucial circumstances lead to eating disorders.

In a study done by NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) eating disorders tend to arise between the ages of 18-21. Further research states that approximately 10-20% of college students suffer from eating disorders, with a higher number for women.

Eating disorder culture on college campuses arises for several reasons. The school may not be providing enough nutritional options, but they can also result from an unhealthy diet culture or body image issues. SLU’s Dietetic

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Internship Director and Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics, Rabia Rahman, Ph.D, shared her thoughts on the issue impacting college students everywhere: “Oftentimes, when the stress of college and being away from home feels like a lot, eating disorders become a coping mechanism and a way to control something when other aspects of life feel more out of their hands.” This cycle of eating disorders can be difficult to break once started.

That being said, is there a way that colleges can stop it before it starts, and should colleges be responsible for providing an environment where this doesn’t arise?

Many in the SLU community have voiced their concern regarding food-related issues on campus. An anonymous survey posted by the University News Instagram asked the question,” Does SLU provide a healthy balance with their food options on campus?” The results, unsurprisingly, revealed that 79% said no. In a further anonymous questionnaire, students detail the struggles they have encountered with campus-food difficulties.

One response stated, “I feel gross when I eat on campus, and it makes me sad.” For many with eating disorders, calorie counting is a trigger and often releases negative thoughts in an individual’s brain that can stop them from fully indulging in deserved meals. One individual’s response pointed out, “I hate that most vending machines have (a) calorie count on them. Also, the Sodexo app showing calories is frustrating. I wish I could turn it off.”

Calorie counting further pushes dangerous eating-disorder-related behavior.

Although SLU is a predominantly white institution there is still a population of students that have religious and cultural dietary needs. Many Muslims have had trouble finding Halal meat options and many Hindus

21 struggle with vegan/vegetarian options. One response from the questionnaire said, “As a POC/non-cis afab [assigned female at birth] being on campus has made my ED worse, and other POC agree.” There is an understanding that accommodating every single culture’s food can be difficult, but changes should be made to better meet the culinary needs of SLU’s student body.

Lastly, a number of responses repeated the same concern of skipping meals to avoid the options provided. One individual responded, “More people are choosing not to eat period than to go to Grand.” Another individual says, “I went from three meals at home to eating one that’s barely a meal while living on campus.”

These concerns have been heard and SLU is working to address them. Rahman added, “I feel a registered dietician in the dining halls is also helpful. I have always felt that a registered dietician should be part of firstyear orientation where they walk through the dining halls and help students evaluate how to make healthier choices or make the most of their meal plans. I also feel there should be regularly scheduled dining hall “tours” with the dietician to answer questions students might have.”

SLU can also work with the student body to distinguish what the true needs of the students are. SLU students should always remember that cultivating a healthy relationship with food is strenuous, and doing so in the unfamiliar environment of college is exponentially more difficult. What you eat does not define you.

The guilt will pass, and your body deserves to be fed.

“Although SLU is a predominantly white institution there is still a population of students that require religious and cultural needs.

Many Muslims have had trouble finding Halal meat options and many Hindus struggle with vegan/vegetarian options.”

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Opinion

An honest conversation about hookup culture

By ANASTASIA HANONICK Copy Editor

operate by a dysfunctional set of rules. Hookup culture encourages a punishing n recent years casual sexual encounters, also known as hookup culture, emotional landscape, where caring for others or even simple courtesy seem has gained vast popularity in the United States. With the sudden inappropriate, while carelessness and even cruelty are allowed,” she quotes. emergence of this new cultural trend, one demographic appeared to be Aside from emphasizing that hookup culture is unnatural to our primal instinct implementing it most: college students. of caring for others, Wade shines light on the fact that today’s young people Recent data shows that between 60 percent and 80 percent of North are more permissive, disclosing, and more willing to accept American college students have experienced a “hook-up” new and diverse principles than any generation before. in some capacity. An article written by Justin Garcia and This, she highlights, is reflected in the rather abrupt colleagues aimed to explain why college students were normalization of this phenomenon, especially within the the most accepting of this phenomenon. The results demographic. concluded that the reason young adults resort to hookup Her proposed solution is for institutions to take action culture is because the average ages of marriage and by offering substantial resources in creating a narrative reproduction have been dramatically pushed back, while shift which will promote casual sexual encounters being the age of puberty dropped. This creates an awkward gap in built on the ethic of care and boundaries, and not on which young adults are physiologically able to reproduce, benefiting at the expense of others. but are not mature enough to “settle down” and start a “Colleges also need to change the institutional family. Subsequently, this presents an opportunity for arrangements that give too much power to subsets of people to engage in sexual acts for their sole benefit, often students who are most enthusiastic about hookup culture without a desire or expectation of a romantic relationship. and who benefit from it at the expense of their peers…”, Additionally, the easy accessibility of dating apps plays a explaining that in a historical and modern context, the significant role in the popularization of hookup culture; organizations responsible for this have been fraternities platforms such as Tinder or Bumble grant almost instant and sororities. “Doing this may mean disbanding them access to potential sexual partners by being free of charge [fraternities and sororities]...” and readily available to users.

Regardless of its nature, an essential component to any One may start to wonder what the moral implications of healthy dynamic is emotional maturity and willingness this new cultural shift are. Does the societal acceptance to have open and honest conversations. While sex means of hook-up culture represent an era of destigmatizing different things to different people, many find that their uncommitted sex, or does it normalize taking advantage sexuality represents a raw and vulnerable aspect of their of others in the pursuit of sexual intimacy? Moreover, is it lives. Despite its fluidity, years of research on sex and even possible for one to set healthy boundaries during an hookups have taught us the necessity of being respectful encounter that is meant to be ‘no strings attached? towards others and enforcing boundaries, because the Tulane University’s Lisa Wade, Ph.D, argues that hookup moment the dynamic shifts into something that is a culture is destroying people’s ideas and perceptions of power trip, or using another person for what they are emotionally fulfilling sex, healthy expectations, and offering, the situation can quickly turn into a slippery boundary setting. Upon conducting multiple surveys slope of cruelty and abuse. and writing a novel on the topic, Wade found that The bottom line is not to engage in situations one approximately one third of the students she surveyed feels hold the potential to be a toxic or disappointing reported their casual sexual relationships being traumatic experience for themselves or another person. If one or very difficult to handle. Most participants reported their (Grace Dunlavy / The University News) chooses to pursue casual sex, it is important to be mindful encounters to be very disappointing, while one in ten reported of the intentions leading up to the decision and not engaging in the act with that they have been sexually coerced or assaulted by their sexual partner in the ulterior motives. Because sexual intimacy holds the potential to be the most past year. Her study concluded that only about a quarter of students thrive in empowering or destructive experience one can engage in, it is critical that we hookup culture, at least at first. remain aware of how our actions impact ourselves and others, internalizing the “Notably, my research suggests that hookup culture is a problem not because importance of always treating others with respect and enforcing boundaries. it promotes casual sex, but because it makes a destructive form of casual With these positive qualities prioritized, casual sex can very well prove to be an sexual engagement feel compulsory. Students who don’t hook up can end up emotionally fulfilling, safe and positive experience for those involved. being socially isolated, while students who do engage in this way are forced to

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Opinion

WE SHOULD SAY GAY

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Why Florida’s Homophobic Bill is a stab at human rights for members of the LGBTQ+ Community

By SOPHIE GLORIOD Staff Writer he Florida House and Senate attempted to pass a bill taking away a multitude of rights for young members of the LGBTQ+ community. The bill, entitled “Don’t Say Gay,” was initially introduced on Jan. 11, 2022. The first debate over the bill took place on Jan. 20, when the committee’s vote passed the bill. On Feb. 17, the committee advanced the bill, however, a major sponsor of the bill removed the attempted amendment on February 22, 2022.

This bill would allow and even require the school counselors, teachers and staff members to tell the parents of students who confide in them that they are a member of the LGBTQ+ community, even if the student is not openly gay at home. Schools typically have confidentiality rules in place to ensure the ability of all students to confide in a trusted adult.

Parents should only be informed of what the student has told a counselor, teacher or other staff member if they are in danger. This prevents the student’s parents from learning something they might not want them to know, such as their sexuality. The hesitation towards coming out could stem from unaccepting parents, domestic abuse or simply a child not being ready to disclose that aspect of their lives.

The bill allows parents to file lawsuits against schools who know of their child’s sexual orientation and do not inform them within six weeks.

According to the Trevor Project, an organization focused on helping LGBTQ+ teens find mental health resources, only a third of youths in the LGBTQ+ community receive parental support.

The other two thirds of the community are rejected by their families, or do not come out until adulthood. This bill puts these children at risk.

Many of these children forced to come out to their parents will be put through conversion therapy, with 83% of youths being forced through it while under the age of 18, as seen in the research done by the Trevor Project.

This bill will also prevent students from discussing queer topics at school. Silencing the voices of educators attempting to expand young children’s understanding of the LGBTQ+ community is a violation of our constitutional right of freedom of speech.

The bill will allow the state to create standards for the classroom on what can be taught in

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regards to the LGBTQ+ community. Under proposed guidelines, elementary school students will not be able to converse and learn about different sexual orientations. This bill puts the rights of young members of the LGBTQ+ community at risk. If a second grader is confused about their gender, they should have the right to confide in a responsible adult in order to learn about themselves without feeling judgment or fearing exposure. Students who seek such consolation will be jeopardized if their unsupportive parents or guardians were to find out about their sexual identity. This will diminish all sense of trust and safety and leave them without an adult they trust to confide in.

Young members of the LGBTQ+ community already face a plethora of mental health challenges due to the prejudice and oppression that comes with their sexuality and/or gender identity. The Trevor Project estimates that every 45 seconds, a young member of the LGBTQ+ community between the ages of 13 and 24 attempts suicide in the United States. This rate is much higher than that of heterosexual and cisgender youths, as gay youths are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight counterparts. This bill might cause these numbers to rise, as these children will no longer feel any support or care during a confusing period of their lives. Currently, one in four transgender children have attempted suicide while nine in ten have considered it. For the same reasons, this bill will do only harm for these children.

The passage of this bill will put every queer Florida youth at risk. President Biden and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg have attempted to push back against the bill, emphasizing that a lot is at stake with the current suicide rate of LGBTQ+ teens being as high as it is.

Another point to consider is that LGBTQ+ youth are at a higher risk for domestic abuse, and forcing young children and adolescents out of the closet will only exacerbate this reality. When gay youths are unable to come out to their parents on their own accord, it puts a strain on both parent and child, even if the parents are supportive. By preventing this bill

from passing into an amendment, hundreds of gay and trans and non-gender conforming children are able to decide the time and place they come out. It also allows LGBTQ+ inclusive education to continue, which results in more empathy and creates more allies. When an entire community is ostracized, it causes more misunderstanding, which creates more prejudice and oppression for members of the community.

The Don’t Say Gay bill put the lives of many teens and children at risk. It takes away people’s rights to freedom of speech and autonomy, as they are forced to come out on terms that are not their own. This bill should be vetoed not only because of its danger to the mental well-being of queer individuals, but also because of its unconsitutionality. The bill would take away the rights of young members of the LGBTQ+ community and make them face the potentially harmful implications of being outed.

(Grace Dunlavy / The University News)