THE HIGHLANDER
To DO list: - Read “Lighting up the community: Farm House Collective” By Mata Elangovan, Managing Editor pg. 18 RADAR - Read “Presence and duty contested in the last Senate Meeting of the quarter” By Sanjana Thatte, News Editor pg 7 NEWS - Read “UC’s hiring freeze puts setbacks on academics and student services” By THE EDITORIAL BOARD pg 8 Opinions
“Is your name April ? Because you’re bringing all the sunshine I need.”
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Scotty the Bear (he/him)
“
I’ve been sitting on this bench for a few years now. I’ve seen students come and go, some do great things, others do very questionable things. I’ve seen incoming students, their eyes, bright-eyed and bushytailed, eager to begin their journeys at UCR. I’ve seen students on their way out. burdened by their education, fully at terms with the fact that their time at UCR is over, I’ve seen students gather around the Bell Tower. Well, I couldn’t see them because my back is always towards the Bell Tower, but I’ve heard them, some on their skateboards, some speaking to large groups, others just hanging out during tabling. Just students living their day-to-day lives, finding joy in the little things.. I lay witness, while I myself will never be able to contribute to the lively atmosphere through my own work. My presence itself changes students’ lives, and for that I am grateful to be able to sit on this bench and see what goes on around me.”
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ARONNE CHAN / THE HIGHLANDER
News BREAKING NEWS: American economic recession
ELON MUSK SUSPECTED TO BE THE CAUSE OF $50 EGGS.
In a shocking turn of events, the United States government has officially declared that the country is entering a full-blown recession. In an emergency press conference, Federal Financial Advisor Broke Bill, adorned with a clown wig that can rival Marge Simpson’s updo and a rubber horn that strikes fear into the pockets of many, confirmed the news.
“The economy is in freefall. The recession is definitely real. Just in case, you should probably cash out your entire 401(k) and give it to your local congressperson so they can keep it safe for you,” Bill advised. “Stocks are tanking, the dollar is plummeting and eggs will be sold individually, a dollar per gram.”
The federal Department of Treasury went out of their way to graciously notify the public about the temporary recession. In a statement they released, they sympathized with Americans all over, and state, “We understand that seeing the value of the dollar evaporate in mere hours may seem alarming. But we assure you that we will be doing everything in our power to reassert the value of the good old American dollar. The economy will bounce back faster and better than before. Like a rubber ball on steroids.”
Meanwhile major companies quake in fear of the sudden financial collapse. Amazon instated a mandatory insurance policy with their Prime membership, refusing to offer their services to anyone who cannot guarantee their $100 monthly subscription. Apple bought out mobile competitor Samsung as the chaebol Lee family feared losing their American customers. Now the mobile company only offers their services after confirming the customer can afford a mortgage.
Now, to weather this financial catastrophe, there are a few things to be done to ensure survival. The most qualified of individuals at the Highlander Newspaper got together
to assemble a guide for navigating this horrible economic doom.
As the nation gets overtaken by the recession, there will be a handful of home goods that will become impossible to find, yet essential for survival. A pattern that has been clearly characterized by the lack of toilet paper during the Coronavirus epidemic. Beat the rush and get these home essentials before it is too late.
While it is unfortunate, toilet paper will once again be widely sought after by the American public. This time around, expect it to become a form of currency. Economists predict people will be trading toilet paper on the streets in order to get other essential goods, so be sure to convert your savings to the finest of toilet paper brands in order to get the best bang for your buck.
Even the rich will be missing out on gourmet meals. Staples like rice, potatoes and vegetables will not be seen for years to come. The go-to meal of the new recession economy will be instant ramen. The value of packets will range from Maruchan to Shin Ramen, with the wealthy hoarding the best
of the best in hopes of recreating their once extravagant meals.
Finally, in order to make up for the recession, many in society will be put to work overtime. With energy drinks out of the equation, the only thing people can take to stay awake will be coffee. Caffeine addicts will be struck hard by the dwindling coffee supply, a causal example of tragedy of the commons. Protect your espresso machines as you would protect your loved ones.
While preparing for this economic crisis, make sure to keep track of what economists are saying in regards to the cause of the recession. As of now, they are conducting a deep-dive investigation into the Elon Musk Currency Conversion Project, which they speculate is the origin of the recession. After being named head of the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) and receiving unilateral power from the government, Elon Musk, in fear of his own dwindling stocks due to lack of liberals investing in his green cars, started a new initiative to regain his wealth.
Behind the scenes of the
government, reports have been made that Musk was seen producing Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), some of their values higher than the gross domestic product of small nations, in order to bolster his own finances. In another report, he was seen increasing inflation by printing more money and rendering the value of the American dollar obsolete.
The most disturbing instance of all is when he created DOGEcoin, a solution to end the recession. However, he got marked for copyright for using the name of the original meme hero, Doge, in bad faith. This obstacle led the project to end before it ever truly began.
When these claims were brought forward to Musk, he was heard assuring himself, “At least I am still a billionaire. Who cares what happens to everyone else. I will do what I must to get out on top.”
Editor’s Note: This article is a part of The Highlander’s annual April Fool’s issue and its contents are not to be taken seriously whatsoever. But do have a good laugh.
MATA ELANGOVAN Managing Editor
COURTESY OF PIXABAY
LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games begin construction
CONSTRUCTION OF THE GAMES’ VENUES AND HOUSING.
With the upcoming Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028 (LA28), LA is beginning construction of a new Olympic Village. The Village will consist of temporary housing for all 15,000 Olympic athletes and 8,000 Paralympic athletes for the summer. Current planning models depict the Villages as having around 3,000 housing units that vary from apartments and dorms to townhomes and single-family homes.
This is LA’s third time hosting the Olympics, with the theme of construction being sustainability. The first time was in 1932 and the second was in 1984. This idea is being realized by imple-
menting more environmentally conscious energy and water saving systems and utilizing existing infrastructure for the Games.
The environmental innovations that are being planned include placing solar panels on building roofs for energy, creating rooftop gardens to reduce heat during the summer, utilizing rainwater harvesting systems and building the sites with recycled and locally-sourced materials.
By implementing more sustainable construction methods, LA hopes to also earn a Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. This is an award from the United States Green Building Council that awards buildings
based on seven criteria: “sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation in design process and regional priority.”
Each of the criteria are scored, and buildings must receive at least 40 points to be LEED certified. While the range for LEED certification is 40-49 points, the buildings can also have higher levels of certification. Silver Level buildings score 50-59, Gold Level scores 60-79 and Platinum Level scores at least 80 points. The highest total number of points that a building can achieve is 110.
Construction will follow a three-phase plan. Phase one was from 2020-2022 and was designated for site preparation and development. The current phase, phase two, is from 2022-2025 and has been the housing portion. The final phase, 2025-2028, is the finalization of any construction that has not yet been completed.
The current structures that are being used for the Games are as follows:
LA Memorial Coliseum and Inglewood Stadium: Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Exposition Park pool: Diving
Main Press Center: Fencing, judo, table tennis, taekwondo and wrestling
Pacific Palisades Riviera Country Club: Golf
Dignity Health Sports Park: Track cycling, hockey, rugby sevens and tennis
Velodrome: Official Olympic Training Site
Marine Stadium: Rowing and canoe sprint
Belmont Shore: Sailing
Alamitos Beach: Marathon swimming and triathlon races
Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center: Water polo, artistic swimming, handball and Para swimming
Downtown LA Arena: Gymnastics
Intuit Dome: Basketball
SoFi Stadium: Swimming
Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area: Shooting, shooting Para sport, Equestrian and Para Equestrian
Sepulveda Basin Area: Archery
San Fernando Valley: BMX freestyle, BMX racing and skateboarding park and street
Oklahoma City: Canoeing slalom and softball
Utilizing the SoFi Stadium for Swimming events makes LA’s swimming venue the largest swimming venue in Olympic History, with an expectation of 38,000 seats.
The LA28 Chairperson, Casey Wasserman, highlights that LA is saving “USD 15 million … and new revenue will help to maintain a balanced budget.”
LA28 will be the first Olympic and Paralympic Games that will not be building a new permanent building for the sporting events.
Following the Games in 2028, LA plans to repurpose the housing for various offices and commercial spaces, however, this may change based on future developments and needs of the city.
LA28 SEEKS TO BE SUSTAINABLE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY IN THE
DINARA GODAGE Assistant News Editor
SOFI STADIUM PHOTO BY DOC SEARLS, APRIL 2022, CC BY 2.0, VIA FLICKR
Trump administration continues attack on DEI programs at American universities
OCR LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO 52 UNIVERSITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FUNDING.
SENNA OMAR Editor-in-Chief
Following through on their plan to dismantle diversity programs at universities, the Trump administration is investigating 45 graduate programs across the country involved in the Ph.D. Project.
Amongst the universities under investigation are Ivy League institutions like Yale University and Cornell University, and California public universities like the California State University, San Bernardino and the University of California, Berkeley.
The United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is also investigating six universities for “allegedly awarding impermissible race-based scholarships and one university for allegedly administering a program that segregates students on the basis of race.”
With the mission of “enriching education for all,” the New York Times explained that “the Ph.D. Project has worked to increase the number of Black, Hispanic and Native American students earning doctoral degrees in business.”
According to its members, the Ph.D. Project has worked to change the future of the American workforce by providing students with the tools and mentorship programs “to be confident that their unique viewpoints are valued and that everyone [has] the opportunity to succeed.”
On Feb. 14, 2025, OCR sent a “Dear Colleague Letter” to educational institutions that receive federal funding, explaining that “pursuant to federal antidiscrimination law, they must cease using race preferences and stereotypes as a factor in their admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, sanctions, discipline
and other programs and activities.”
These investigations are being pursued under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in education programs and activities receiving federal funding. According to OCR, if the Trump administration finds evidence that the 52 institutions currently under investigation are in violation of Title VI, they are at risk of losing federal funding.
OCR officials have alleged that the Ph.D. Project “limits eligibility based on race and that colleges that partner with it are engaging in race-exclusionary practices in their graduate programs.”
Following the announcement of the investigation, the Ph.D. Project put out a statement explaining that it aims “to create a broader talent pipeline of current and future business leaders who are committed to excellence and to each other … This
year, we have opened our membership application to anyone who shares that vision,” according to AP News. This statement indicates that the project is in compliance with Title IV.
Since its inception, the Ph.D. Project has worked to increase the number of Black, Hispanic and Native American students, professors, administrators and academic leaders at colleges and universities.
Over the last three decades, this program has successfully increased the total number of Ph.D. degrees awarded to people who identify as part of these historically underrepresented groups from 294 to 1,700. Of those 1,700 students, 1,303 are currently teaching in higher education institutions all across the country.
Arizona State University (ASU) — one of the universities being investigated — according to AP News, had decided this year to stop its financial support of the Ph.D. Project. Following the release of the “Dear
Colleague Letter,” on Feb. 20, 2025, ASU officials told business school officials that they would not support travel to the Ph.D. Project’s conference.
The Feb. 14 letter from the Department of Education has been characterized by AP News as a “sweeping expansion of a 2023 Supreme Court decision that barred colleges from using race as a factor in admissions.”
Initially targeting admission policies at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, the Trump administration is interpreting this Supreme Court decision to forbid race-based policies in any capacity at educational institutions receiving federal funding at both the K-12 and higher education levels.
This letter is currently being challenged in federal lawsuits from the nation’s two largest teachers unions on the grounds that the letter is too vague and violates educators first amendment rights to freedom of speech.
Presence and duty contested in the last Senate Meeting of the quarter
PUBLIC COMMENT SAW THE APPEARANCE OF SEVERAL DIVERSITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES CALLING FOR ACTION.
The tenth Senate meeting of Winter quarter on March 12 saw the appearances of several members of the Ethnic & Gender Center’s Diversity Council representatives speaking out on a lack of presence and accountability from the Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside (ASCUR) senators.
The meeting began with speaker, Angie, referencing a speech made by School of Public Policy Senator Sofia Jimenez last Senate meeting regarding her food insecurity and stress, stating that the Senate had met her address with insensitivity and neglect. She explained that the statement was met with corrections instead of support, with the Senator being reminded that eating was not permitted in the Senate Chamber.
A paper with arrows pointing to the “no food” sign was put up after Senator Jimenez’s speech which Angie characterized as a “literal, physical sign of contradictory governing and apathy towards your own evils today.” They followed up, asking that everyone “care about each other and get on the same damn page, because you look like a failing government when one of you says one thing and big blue tape says another.” After her comment, Molly Murray also added that the duty of the Senate was to provide support for each other and that it is the privilege of their position to serve the student body. She then asked if the tape could be removed and then was permitted to do so.
Afterwards, UCR College Democrats President Joe Anastacio stood up to condemn the ruling taken by the Judicial branch of ASUCR stating that their ruling failing to impeach Vice President of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (VPDEI) Ahman Greene was an “insult to every student who expects leadership that upholds the principles of equity, transparency and service by failing to remove an ineffective and absent VPDEI,the Judicial Council has sent a clear message that incompetence and inaction will be protected, and the voices of students will be ignored.”
Anthony Thornton, a representative of Diversity Council, the council under the VPDEI’s jurisdiction, continued this sentiment stating that while he did not want to direct the blame at any one individual, the entirety of ASUCR is to blame for the lack of support towards DEI initiatives. He explained that currently, despite DEI initiatives falling under attack across the nation, that the UCR campus does not ask for much in regards to support. He reassures the Senate that simply showing up to the Ethnic & Gender centers and making their presence known would be a start to showing consideration and care for their student body.
Thornton states, “We sit here frustrated, and we want change … you guys make decisions on our behalf without consulting with us. That’s a huge issue, right? So it’s not just about the VP of DEI, it’s about all of you. We need to promote diversity... we need to come together in unity, because that’s what matters, right?”
He concluded his statement by sharing, “Although I do not agree with this decision of the judiciary, he’s not the only elected official that is not doing their job when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion. And I want to call those out that hide behind that just because you are a diverse person does not mean you promote diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Nayeli Dominguez continued this statement, pointing out that despite having voted for in the last student government election, she could not recognize many of the faces in the Senate. She continued, “I’m sure we’re all really familiar with the fact that the numbers aren’t in our favor. We’re not the most popular UC. People are not running to come join our institution. That’s why we have to stick together, and we have to prove that our institution should be respected. It should be acknowledged. But then that’s hard to do when I feel like we’re pinned against each other, and I don’t want to feel that way.”
Chief Justice Wiltur Cho gave a statement regarding the ruling, em-
phasizing that while he sympathized with the feelings of those present in the galley, his power as Chief Justice as well as the other justices is limited to what is textualized in the bylaws. He explained that further interpretation of what was already present in the bylaws would be an overstepping of his power and would be unconstitutional.
In regards to the potential conflict of interest skewing the ruling brought up by Managing Editor of the Highlander Newspaper, Mata Elangovan, Cho stated that all judges are required to present an unanimous ruling and that his decision was not the deciding factor. The conflict of interest refers to Wiltur Cho and Ahman Greene being members of Kappa Sigma (KSig), a fraternity not recognized by UCR. He elaborated further stating that in order for a conflict of interest to be formally recognized there evidence of personal gain must be presented.
In regards to new business, a special election for School Of Education Senator took place in order to replace Adam Ramirez who resigned from his position in week four. Ree Hirmiz, a fourth-year education major, won the position. In her nomination speech she emphasized the SOE’s position as the “underdog” college among other colleges at UCR and that despite the crucial role it plays in UCR’s functioning, it lacks representation.
Hirmiz emphasized wanting to shine a light on the R’Course initiative which allows students to teach their own course to up to 20 undergraduates, creating their own lesson plans, syllabi and assignments. This program gives students extensive experience but also gives them the required 40 hours of field experiences needed for education majors. Hirmiz emphasized how these programs are barely publicized and that as Senator she would make such opportunities more available to students. She also emphasized that she would advocate for increased American Disability Act (ADA) compliance and as well as combatting stereotypes regarding education majors.
In regards to Legislative Review Committee SR-W24-004 ADA Compliance in the HUB, passed 130-0 detailing provisions to aid with accessibility issues on campus providing QR codes to those who need to fill out work orders as well as the Senate and ASUCR Office’s inclusion in the annual ADA audit. SBW25-018: Amendment to Chapter 6 - SOB Senator Collaborations further outlined duties for the School of Business Senator and was passed 13-0-0. SR-W25-007 Student Parent Advocacy and Limitations detailed provisions and aid for student parents was tabled 8-0-5.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m. President Pro Tempore Leila Haidar, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) Senator Karen Vo and CHASS Senator Justin Ibay were absent.
SANJANA THATTE News Editor
OpiniOns
THE HIGHLANDER EDITORIAL
UC’s hiring freeze puts setbacks on academics and student services
FOLLOWING FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING THREATS, UC’S HIRING FREEZE WILL AFFECT ALL CAMPUS DEPARTMENTS AT UCR.
On March 19, 2025, the University of California (UC) announced a systemwide hiring freeze in response to federal policy changes under the Trump administration and potential state budget cuts.
UC President Michael V. Drake stated that this hiring freeze would “help the University manage costs and conserve funds” during a “time of great uncertainty.” He instructed all UC campuses to implement “costsaving measures,” which include delaying maintenance and reducing business travel. Each campus has the discretion to decide how and when to carry out the hiring freeze.
UC Riverside (UCR) announced that job candidates in the hiring process before March 31, 2025, are approved to proceed. Appointments for short-term and temporary positions, including non-academic student employees, academic student employees and graduate student researchers, are exempt. All other hiring requests that do not fall into these specific categories or occur after March 31, 2025, must be approved before proceeding.
Hiring freezes have become standard across several universities nationwide, including Stanford, Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh, Brown University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as campuses prepare for President Donald Trump’s policies targeting higher education. These policies include his executive order to limit indirect funding for National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants; efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs; ongoing investigations into “antisemitism” at 60 universities; and the recent dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.
Additionally, the UC is facing significant financial challenges due to Governor Newsom’s proposed state budget for 2025-2026, which includes a $369.6 million cut to UC’s operational funding. The governor’s plan would defer $240.8 million for the planned five percent base increase until 2027-2028 and $31 million for a program aimed at replacing nonresident students with in-state students at UC campuses such as Berkeley, Los Angeles and San Diego.
As the UC navigates federal and state budget cuts, the hiring freeze seeks to ensure the university’s longterm financial stability. However, it is expected to have widespread adverse effects across all departments,
directly impacting students in various aspects of campus life, including course offerings, research opportunities, student services and overall operational efficiency.
The hiring freeze will prevent non-tenure faculty candidates from obtaining tenure-track positions. Non-tenure faculty — lecturers, instructors or adjunct professors — hold academic positions based on employment contracts requiring renewal. These roles have limited job security and typically offer lower salaries and less research funding than tenure-track positions.
track faculty may also face financial constraints due to funding cuts from the Trump administration affecting the NIH. As leading research institutions, the UC and UCR will face threats to its unique and prestigious status.
Concerns about hiring have already been raised at UCR. Earlier in the academic year, three tenured professors from the Department of Economics left for “very good opportunities” at other institutions. Although the university claimed these professors received “good offers,” UCR will struggle to retain tenured
In contrast, tenure positions provide professors with permanent, fulltime employment, job security and academic freedom to pursue their research interests. Consequently, nontenure faculty who have dedicated years to teaching and conducting research to achieve tenure will find this opportunity no longer available due to the hiring freeze.
Without the availability of tenuretrack positions, the number of highly qualified faculty will decline, leading to fewer course offerings, larger class sizes and diminished student-faculty interactions. Furthermore, undergraduate students will have access to fewer research opportunities as nontenure faculty generally have limited funding for research projects. Tenure-
faculty amidst competitive salary offers if the hiring freeze continues, combined with reduced federal and state funding. This shortfall in faculty will result in smaller academic departments and fewer classes for specific majors, ultimately decreasing the overall educational quality on campus.
The hiring freeze also hinders the expansion of new academic departments and programs. The Department of Society, Environment, and Health Equity (SEHE), which addresses “complex social, medical, and environmental issues” with an “emphasis on sustainability, equity, and social justice,” has made significant strides by hiring new faculty and expanding its course offerings.
However, with only seven full-time professors, SEHE and similar departments will struggle to grow under the UC hiring freeze.
Additionally, because the hiring process for tenure-track positions and other campus support roles can take several months, this freeze will likely immediately impact student services at UCR, such as administrative offices, academic advising, financial aid and mental health services. As staff members become overwhelmed by service demands, response times will increase, reducing support for students on campus. This situation is particularly detrimental to UCR students, many of whom are first-generation and low-income. If these students cannot easily access essential services, their graduation timelines may be delayed, jeopardizing their financial stability.
The UC should receive public funding from both federal and state governments as it serves thousands of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff. However, as executive salaries continue to rise each year, the impact of the hiring freeze will disproportionately affect certain members of the UC community, especially in the absence of accountability measures for these salary increases. Instead of consistently raising executive salaries to compete with other university systems, the UC should implement performancebased evaluations and establish clear metrics for salary increases across all campuses.
Moreover, until the UC lifts the hiring freeze, salary increases should be suspended for all UC chancellors and executives. This action would demonstrate that UC and campus leaders — especially the incoming chancellor at UCR — support their students, faculty and staff.
During this uncertain time, the UC and UCR administrations must make thoughtful decisions and allocate financial resources to benefit students, faculty and staff. Higher education is currently under threat, and with the possibility of further budget cuts and policy changes, many livelihoods may be at stake in the coming years.
The Highlander editorials reflect the majority view of the Highlander Editorial Board. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Associated Students of UCR or the University of California system.
ADELIA URENA / THE HIGHLANDER
The Trump administration’s
targeting of
activism is a direct attack on the first
SENNA OMAR Editor-in-Chief
pro-Palestine
ammendment
OVER 300 STUDENT VISAS HAVE BEEN REVOKED FOR PRO-PALESTINE ACTIVISM.
The Trump administration is currently engaging in an attack on pro-Palestinian activism across universities in the United States (U.S.). These attacks prove that free speech is a luxury that can be taken away from anyone the minute they say something in contest to the current administration.
Since President Trump’s inauguration, his administration, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked over 300 visas for students who are involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Characterizing students who engage in this kind of activism as “lunatics,” Rubio supports the current administration’s agenda of scaring students out of engaging in activism for Palestine.
Rubio announced during a press conference, “At some point, I hope we run out because we’ve gotten rid of all of them, but we’re looking every day for these lunatics that are tearing things up.” Although the U.S. promotes itself as a bastion of freedom, the direct violations of the first amendment by the federal government prove that freedom is simply a myth. These threats to free speech and activism are a direct threat to American democracy and are a blatant display of fascism by the current administration.
The Trump administration has confirmed that they will take away visas from any students found participating in pro-Palestian activism on college campuses, and they have asked universities to report international students and faculty who engage in activism. College campuses, which are supposed to be places of education and empowerment, should not be the target of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
Students who simply have the gall to stand out against genocide should not be targeted and deported for speaking out against the deplorable actions of the American and Isreali governments perpetuated on the people of Palestine.
Historically, university campuses have been open for students to express their political views openly and freely. However, it is clear that when it comes to pro-Palestian activism, those same rights are not guaranteed to students who speak out against genocide and the murder of innocent people.
For over 75 years, Palestinians have been living under brutal occupation and a system of apartheid backed by American tax payer dollars, and for over two years, Palestinians living in Gaza have been bombed to oblivion.
This genocide has resulted in the death of countless Palestinian men, women and children and the displacement of hundreds of thousands more. On top of that, Israel — the occupier — has launched multiple attacks in the occupied West Bank.
For students to face deportation for the act of standing up against the murder, displacement and genocide of innocent Palestiniants is a stab in the back to freedom of speech. It is embarrassing that the U.S. has bankrolled this genocide and occupation and now wishes to silence anyone speaking out in opposition to the death of innocent people.
This country is supposed to be a place where
people come to escape persecution for their beliefs. Instead, the American government deports students who speak out against the actions of the government. A country that does not allow for critiques of the government is engaging in facism — there is no debate that these attacks on pro-Palestian activism are unconstitutional and go against the principles of democracy.
On March 25, 2025, U.S. authorities in plain clothes — in what looked like a kidnapping — detained Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish international student because she co-wrote an op-ed for the Tufts University student newspaper demanding that the “university acknowledge the Palestinian genocide.”
According to Michael Mathis, a 32-year-old software engineer who captured the arrest on his security cameras, recalls that the arrest “looked like a kidnapping … They approach her and start grabbing her with their faces covered. They’re covering their faces. They’re in unmarked vehicles.”
Ozturk — a Fulbright Scholar in Tufts’ doctoral program for Child Study and Human Development — has been in the U.S. on a valid student visa. She is currently unlawfully detained in a Louisiana detention center. Before she was moved to this detention facility, Ozturk’s lawyer, Mahsa Khanbabai, stated, “We are unaware of her whereabouts and have not been able to contact her. No charges have been filed against Rumeysa to date that we are aware of.”
Tufts University put out a statement explaining that they were not aware that the arrest would take place. The University President, Sunil Kumar, explained, “From what we have been told subsequently, the student’s visa status has been terminated, and we seek to confirm whether that information is true.”
For international students like Ozturk, who have not broken any laws, to be kidnapped and detained by ICE agents on college campuses is genuinely disgraceful. The U.S. government and universities alike have failed to protect their students and instead have decided to attack their first amendment rights.
Whether it be free speech or free press, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution do not only apply to citizens. Rather, these protections apply to all people residing in the U.S. These blatant
attacks on the first amendment by the Trump administration should concern everyone who enjoys their right to free speech. It is despicable that international students who stand against the murder of innocent Palestinians — whose only crime is existing — face deportation.
The Trump administration alleges that students who engage in pro-Palestine protests are spreading “anti-Semitism and pro-Hamas sentiment on campus.” With many Jewish activists and groups at the forefront of pro-Palestine protests in the U.S., this claim has been debunked by lawyers and activists alike.
Standing against the death of innocent men, women and children has nothing to do with Judaism. In fact, a large majority of pro-Palestine activism is spearheaded by Jewish people and Jewish organizations, such as Jewish Voice for Peace, who are not okay with genocide being perpetuated on their watch. The perversion of religion to justify genocide is sickening, and it is odd to assume that when someone says to stop killing innocent Palestinians that they are in turn antisemitic.
Standing against genocide is not anti-Semitic. Standing against genocide should not be political. Standing against genocide should not be controversial. Standing against genocide should not result in deportation. And most of all, standing against genocide should be normal.
From the River to the sea, Palestine will be free.
PHOTO BY ALFO MEDEIROS VIA PEXELS
Take It or Leave It: It’s time for everyone to stop lying about seasonal depression
SPANDANA JANAPATI Assistant Opinions Editor
SEASONAL DEPRESSION IS JUST THE REBRANDING OF LAZINESS.
Now that spring is here and the sun has decided to grace us with its presence, it’s time for everyone to stop lying — seasonal depression isn’t real. It never was.
The idea that wintertime sadness is some medically recognized phenomenon rather than just the world’s most dramatic excuse for being a homebody is absurd. Every year millions of people suddenly claim they are “depressed,” as if a minor inconvenience of the Earth’s axial tilt is a personal attack. These individuals aren’t suffering — they’re just looking for an excuse to stay inside, wear socks with holes in them and avoid their responsibilities. And frankly, it’s time we stopped indulging this delusion.
The foundation of seasonal depression is built on two deeply flawed assumptions. The first is that human beings require sunlight to function, and the second is that people aren’t just naturally lazy. It relies on the belief that the sun has magical properties capable of controlling emotions. Never mind that people in places like Antarctica, where the sun disappears for months, somehow manage to function without spiraling into existential despair. It simply isn’t possible for the residents of California, where the sun is the default weather,
to still whine about their winter blues. The sun is not the problem here. The real problem is that society has decided to make it socially acceptable to be useless for an entire season.
There was a time when human beings had to fight to survive winter. Cavemen didn’t have the luxury of claiming “seasonal depression” when they needed to hunt for food everyday. The Ice Age didn’t come with a therapy discount. Yet somehow, modern humans—with central heating, vitamin D supplements and the ability to order groceries from their beds—have convinced themselves that a lack of sunlight is a legitimate crisis. It’s not. It’s just a convenient excuse to avoid obligations and stare at a screen while blaming the sun for personal shortcomings.
And let’s be honest: the so-called symptoms of seasonal depression sound suspiciously similar to the side effects of simply being a person. If seasonal depression were real, it would imply that there is some magical time of year when everyone is bursting with energy, waking up at 5 a.m. with a thirst for life. But that never happens. No one is out thriving in July just because the sun is up for a few extra hours.
The biggest red flag in this entire charade is how easily “seasonal de-
pression” disappears the moment the weather improves. The moment the sun comes out, all these supposedly affected individuals are back on their feet, as if their months of despair were nothing more than a bad mood with a deadline. It’s a modern miracle. Or, more likely, it’s proof that this is nothing more than a temporary commitment to laziness disguised as a medical condition.
And yet, instead of addressing the root of the issue — perhaps the fact that many people just dislike their friends and would rather hibernate in peace — society continues to push the idea that this is a legitimate struggle. The real tragedy isn’t seasonal depression; it’s the fact that people now expect to be coddled for their unwillingness to function in mildly inconvenient weather. Instead of pushing through like generations before them, they demand sympathy for refusing to leave their apartment unless the sun personally invites them outside.
To make matters worse, the conversation surrounding seasonal depression has reached a level of absurdity where even the most basic solutions are ignored. People will complain about the darkness for months while sitting in a room lit only by the faint glow of their lap-
top screen, refusing to hit the switch on their overhead light because it’s “too harsh.” If seasonal depression were truly a crisis, there would be an epidemic of people standing in front of UV lamps like moths. But instead, there is only an epidemic of people making melodramatic Instagram posts about their misery.
People act as if the winter months demand suffering comparable to a global pandemic. Imagine surviving a worldwide health crisis only to hear someone complain that they “just can’t function” because the sun sets at 5 p.m. It’s selfish, really. If someone is truly experiencing a mental health crisis, that’s one thing. But if the main symptom of this alleged disorder is “not wanting to go outside,” maybe the issue isn’t the lack of sunlight but an abundance of excuses.
At the end of the day, “seasonal depression” is just rebranded laziness with a touch of self-pity. It’s a socially acceptable way to opt out of responsibilities for a few months while blaming the weather instead of personal choices. The next time someone claims to be suffering from seasonal depression, remind them to stop making excuses for their laziness. ■ H
Scotty-Scopes:
Springing into the new season
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22):
Don’t worry, be happy! Everything is under your control and your life is stable enough that you can let go of the reins a little bit.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): Five of Pentacles
Don’t be loose with your finances this quarter. Help and support are available if you reach out, but don’t expect people to show up for you if you’re being stupid.
Aries (March 21 – April 19):
Lead with perseverance this season, Aries. Despite the difficulties and setbacks you might have faced last quarter, keep pushing forward to finish out the year.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22):
Your intuition is always spot on and people will notice and follow your wisdom. You will be a leader going forward, but do not let logic override what you feel.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21):
Let yourself relax and all of the puzzle pieces will fit together. The chips will fall where they may and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18): Four of
If you hold onto a fear of loss, it will set you back. Go into this quarter welcome to positive and even potentially negative change.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20):
There are many arguments on the horizon, so do not let competition warp your mind. Conflict is unavoidable, but how you react to it is within your control.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22):
Don’t be afraid to let go because there is always a potential for a fresh start. Trying to cling on to things that no longer serve you will only hold you back this quarter.
HOW TO PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD THIS QUARTER.
(Nov. 22 – Dec. 21):
Put a joyful foot forward this spring, Sagittarius. Happy times are coming!
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20):
Make efficient decisions and do not spend too much time on one responsibility. You need to balance your time well and that starts in this first week.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Knight of
Time to take some calculated risks, Gemini. In the past, you have been cautious and played it safe, so now is the time to let loose and trust yourself.
(Aug. 23 – Sept. 22):
A difficult choice is up ahead for you, Virgo. Be intentional in not getting stuck between options in order to continue making forward progress.
The Emperor
Nine of Cups
Sagittarius
The Sun
Pentacles
Two of Pentacles
Nine of Wands
Five of Wands
Wands
Queen of Cups
Ten of Swords
Virgo
Two of Swords
NATALIE DAHL Features Editor
NORM’S NOOK SPOTLIGHT
Campus art walk part one
GABRIELA GALVAN Assistant Features Editor
When in spring, do as the Highlanders do. When you’re subject to near-perfect 70 degree weather and luscious greenery, and caved in by some casually beautiful mountains, getting your steps in on campus is the best way to capitalize on spring. However, if you’re looking to give your walks a purpose, consider exploring the art that is scattered throughout campus.
For a successful trot through campus, start your walk by gazing at Bari Ziperstein’s sculpture, “Stages for Flowers.” Located outside of Olmsted Hall, Ziperstein’s ceramic piece, taking on the vision of Russian motifs, is an eight-foot tall tower of wow-ness worth checking out. A convenient, not too far a saunter away is Brenna Youngblood’s “MIA” sculpture. An abstract metal piece displaying the acronym “MIA” within a grid reflects the larger picture behind the phrase, “Missing in Action.”
Finish the walk around campus in the next issue’s spotlight!
STUDENT POLL
Art Walk
Galvan / The Highlander ,
QUESTION: What song defined your spring break?
“Clavado en Un Bar” by Maná
“Fuzzy Feeling” by Grentperez
“‘Spring Into Summer” by Lizzy McAlpine
“Baile Inolvidable” by Bad Bunny
“Nokia” by Drake
GRAPHICS BY LAYNA LAPIKAS / THE HIGHLANDER
Gabriela
FAMOUS CHRISTOPHERS ANSWERS
Gunk from a boil
Involving your kidney
Another term for Egyptian cobra
Last word of “America, the Beautiful”
Christopher _____ of “Superman”
They let people off
Nick Jr’s “_____ and
How one might run in a
frenzy
25. Decide to leave, with “out” 28. Subsides 30. Humiliate 35. Cut back, as expenses 37. Apiece
39. Valuable fur 40. All over again
41. Nickname for Christopher
43. A class where you might do downward dog
44. A person who spends their life in a particular career
46. Goodyear or Michelin product
47. Ginger cookie
MAIN ST
By Natali FEaturEs
48. Sacred beetle of ancient Egypt
50. Smile widely
52. Not no
53. Hosiery shade 55. Mafia
57. Baked Italian dish; plural
61. The Terminator and Inspector Gadget, for instance
65. Anoint with sacred oil, old-style
66. Grazing area
68. 10,000,000 rupees, in India
69. Navigate
70. ___ Royal Highness
71. “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” author
73. Rink surface
74. Guardians of the Galaxy Chris Down
1. Areas of shifting sand dunes in the Sahara
2. Number two in office
3. “___ Karenina”
4. Nigerian dollar
5. Record protector
6. Make the grade
7. Don’t waste
8. Involuntary twitch
9. Limerick or haiku
10. Footnote word
11. Area of the pew
12. Observer
ORANGE ST
72. Thor Chris (with -worth)
15. Kiddie three-wheelers
20. Renaissance fiddle
(DON’T PEEK!)
22. Coal carrier
24. Attribute
25. Milky-colored birthstones
26. Something you might do At The Disco?
27. Food not ritually clean or prepared according to Jewish law
29. Thai currency
31. Peter Parkers’ Aunt ____
32. Durable wood for piano keys
33. Pond buildup
34. A type of tides
36. A large jug with a wide mouth
38. Put on the payroll
42. Sordid and disreputable
45. Protector of a state or national park
49. It might be sticky or it might be a hair style
51. A large soft hat covering all of the hair and typically having a decorative frill
54. Indian metropolis
56. A tool for boring
57. Mascara site
58. Up the ante
59. Come across as
60. Pub offerings
61. Guardianship
62. Santa ___, California
63. Small cavern, in poetry
64. Aug. follower
67. European Economic Community; Abbr. ■ H
Wildflower quiz
SEE WHICH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFLOWER YOU ARE MOST LIKE.
NATALIE DAHL & GABRIELA GALVAN Features Editor & Assistant Features Editor
Add up all your points from your answers and look below to see your flower!
1 . What is your ideal hiking trail?
Mountain trail [1 point]
Forest trail [2 points]
Desert trail [3 points]
Ocean view trails [ 4 points]
2 . What is your favorite picnic snack?
Fruit bowl [2 points]
Popcorn [3 points]
Acai bowl [ 4 points]
Veggie platter [1 point]
3 . What genre are you listening to on your commute to school?
Jazz [3 points]
Dad rock [ 4 points]
R&B [1 point]
Pop [2 points]
4 . What world record would you want to break?
Fastest runner [ 4 points]
Fastest eater [1 point]
Fastest reader [2 points]
Fastest typer [3 points]
5 . What is your favorite cheese?
Cheddar [ 4 points]
Mozarella [1 point]
Feta [2 points]
Blue [3 points]
6 . What's your favorite time period of music?
1950s- 6 0s [3 points]
1970s-80s [ 4 points]
1990s-00s [1 point]
2010s-20s [2 points]
7 . What's your favorite bagel topping?
Regular cream cheese [2 points]
Veggies [3 points]
Lox [ 4 points]
Egg and cheese [1 point]
8 . What's your ideal superpower?
Invisibility [1 point]
Strength [2 points]
Speed [3 points]
Flight [ 4 points]
9 . Why are you going to the principal’s office?
Punching another kid [ 4 points]
Being late to class [3 points]
Sassing off the teacher [2 points]
Not doing your homework [1 point]
10 . What's your favorite smoothie combination?
Strawberry banana [2 points]
Tropical mango [3 points]
Green smoothie [ 4 points]
Vitamin C punch [1 point]
11 . What skill would you like to be naturally amazing at?
Photography [3 points]
Painting [ 4 points]
Dance [1 point]
Music [2 points]
12 . What are you buying at your elementary school book fair?
World record book [2 points]
Slap bracelet [3 points] Silly erasers [ 4 points] Plastic finger pointer [1 point]
13 . What are you picking up on your Trader Joe's run?
Soup dumplings [1 point] Off-brand takis [2 points] Scandinavian swimmers [3 points] Strawberry mochi [ 4 points]
14 . What is your favorite season?
Spring [ 4 points] Summer [3 points] Fall [2 points] Winter [1 point]
15 . What are you bringing to a desert island for fun?
Chess set [3 points]
Book [ Football [1 point] Tattoo gun [2 points]
If you scored 20-30 points, you are a: Mariposa lily
If you scored 31-40 points, you are a: Desert marigold
If you scored 41-50 points, you are a: California poppy
If you scored 51-60 points, you are a: Yarrow
If you scored 61-70 points, you are a: California goldenrod
If you scored 71-80 points, you are a: Lupine
16 . What level of SPF are you using?
None [2 points]
15 [3 points]
45 [ 4 points]
75 [1 point]
17 . What is your favorite way to listen to music?
Turntable [1 point] Over-ear headphones [2 points]
Speaker [3 points] Cassette player [ 4 points]
18 . What's your weapon of choice?
Pepper spray [ 4 points] Bare hands [3 points] Katana [2 points] Lightsaber [1 point]
19. Which era would you prefer being royalty in?
Medieval England [3 points]
Modern Day [ 4 points] Mongol Empire [1 point] Roman Empire [2 points]
20. Who's your favourite childhood character?
Strawberry Shortcake [2 points]
Roommate reminders
A FEW TIPS ON HOW TO CONTINUE PRACTICING PROPER DORM ETIQUETTE.
RACHEL KO Contributing Writer
For those who are living in the dorms, you’re now probably familiar with its fair share of pros and cons. Sharing your living space with other people can be difficult and a big responsibility, but fortunately, it’s still possible to maintain a decent relationship with them even if a few clashes have already taken place. To prevent any more incidents from happening, here’s a quick rundown of how to practice dorm etiquette and be that one fantastic dormmate from freshman year.
Respect each other’s living space
Don’t forget that your room is also your roommate’s room! As we’re nearing the end of the academic year, we’ve gotten to the point where we may be forgetting to uphold our established boundaries. Maybe you’ve gotten too comfortable with your roommate or vice versa, so just remember to remain considerate and respectful!
This can include using your earbuds or headphones when your roommate is studying, not rummaging through each other’s belongings without consent, letting them know if you have guests coming over and using a night light or LED lights if the other decides to sleep early.
Respect the common areas
All dorms here on campus have common areas for their residents, from study rooms to lounges to computer labs to laundry rooms. Keep in mind that these common areas are for everyone, so make sure to clean up after your-
self after using any of these. Return everything to their original state.
One key tip: only go to the study rooms to study! It’s incredibly rude to just barge in there with a group of friends and start yapping, especially when there’s probably a student who has a morning midterm the next day. Maybe you’ve just finished your own exams and decided to chill until finals, but it’s still vital to remember to be respectful of other people.
Oh, and everyone’s biggest peeve: take out your laundry in a timely manner! The washers and dryers are extremely limited for each dorm, so it’s imperative that you watch the timer and take your laundry out when it’s done. Don’t forget to clean the lint filter, too! If you’re a regular at the laundry rooms, you should know by now to always clean the lint filter after every use, but it’s never too late to start.
Communication is key
I can’t stress this enough: communicate with your dormmates! If there’s ever an issue that needs to be addressed, mention it to your dormmates and talk it through. Try your best to resolve it peacefully as adults, and as long as you’re both calm and reasonable, nine times out of ten, a solution will be found. The last thing you both want is to have an issue go unsettled, which will only result in built-up resentment.
If that’s already the case, then I definitely recommend going out of your comfort zone and talking it out with whoever’s involved or at least your RA. That’s what they’re here for: to help you in the dorms! I know it’s tough to go confront someone you’re living with, but
it’s better to get it over with as soon as possible rather than dealing with the problem for almost a year.
A friend of mine had a group of girls in my hall who would constantly invite friends over and get extremely loud to the point where she could hear them from the entrance (they lived right in the middle!), and after trying to live with it for a month, she eventually knocked on their door and asked them if they could quiet down a bit. These girls and their friends were extremely understanding, and agreed to keep it down! As long as you remain cordial, things will work out.
Try a whiteboard!
If you plan on divvying up chores now that people are getting way too comfortable but not so sure on how to get started, get a whiteboard! Getting a whiteboard is completely optional, but is extremely useful (and fun!) to use with your roommates. For example, you can write out a little schedule for each day and chore and assign it to each other. My current roommates and I use our whiteboard religiously, and not just for chores, but also to write down our “debts,” grocery lists, reminders or just nice little notes and drawings for each other.
Living in the dorms, especially as a freshman, can be intimidating. Since we’re already more than two-thirds through the academic year, you’re probably somewhat aware of your dormmates’ habits and maybe even their routine by now, so hopefully, you have an idea of what to do and not to do. Just keep your cool, and remember that good manners must always be reciprocated!
RADAR
Jennie’s “Ruby” is a successful solo debut that showcases her iconic artistry
“Ruby” is a well-executed solo album that delivers on performance, delivery, cohesion and aesthetics.
Joanna Simon Contributing Writer
Blackpink member Jennie has had a successful solo career for several years, though she has not gone all-in with her solo career until recently, as she was more involved in her group, making K-pop hits. She has come out with a debut solo studio album titled “Ruby,” on March 7, 2025, with some songs released beforehand. “Ruby” has 15 tracks, and fans were eager for this release as the prereleases were quite popular and the teasers sounded great.
“Filter” may be one of the best tracks on the album, with Dem Jointz’s usual amazing production, giving the instrumental an ethereal quality. Jennie’s vocals also suit the song, with production emphasizing her high notes and bold vocal tone. The lyrics are quite fitting, delivering a theme of confidence with or without filters and makeup.
Meanwhile, “like JENNIE” is an energetic, upbeat track using funk and phonk elements, with choreography inspired by African dance moves such as the South African dance style of amapiano. Her switching between English and Korean is captivating and shows her skill in delivering rap verses leading to a fun and lively performance.
“Mantra” is an energetic track that highlights Jennie’s star power as much as “like JENNIE” does. Released months ago on Oct.
11, 2024, the accompanying music video and choreography instantly shot up to popularity, with Jennie showcasing fabulous outfits and a stunning stage presence. The song itself is a classic pop hit that doesn’t sound basic, primarily thanks to Jennie’s unique delivery.
Doechii has recently gained a lot of popularity, giving the track “ExtraL” more attention, with many non Kpop fans praising her verse and tuning into the song. Doechii’s verse stands out the most on the track, with a very catchy flow and hardhitting delivery in the short amount of time she had on the song.
“Damn Right” had fans excited for its release, with an iconic collaboration with Kali Uchis and Childish Gambino, two big names in R&B and hip-hop. The song itself has a chill vibe, with Jennie performing the soft vocals she’s known for. Kali Uchis’ angelic voice complements the track perfectly, accompanying Childish Gambino’s notable versatile flow and vocals.
“Seoul City” is one of the best mellow tracks on the album, with a dreamlike vibe. This R&B song has a pleasant vocal delivery from Jennie and gained praise for its sensual sound.
Even other songs on the album that were somewhat less memorable, such as “twin,” a primarily acoustic track, still have a charm and
listening quality that goes pleasantly with the rest of the album.
This album is a pleasant surprise, as some K-pop stars who were previously in groups have weak solo albums. However, Jennie seems to have mastered the craft of her solo brand, going for a variety of tracks that have her branch out in certain ways without overdoing it. She doesn’t step too far out of her comfort zone, which contributes to her building a cohesive artistic identity, allowing her to showcase her strengths to a diverse audience, and leave room for more artistic exploration in the future.
The songs themselves have themes of love, along with some very Jennie tracks like “Mantra” and “like JENNIE” primarily talking about her fame. It all manages to flow well together,
and the tracks feel almost conversational. Jennie’s vocals are pleasant on the ears, and by not being too powerful, it feels vulnerable while still having a cool vibe, because, well, Jennie’s singing it. She plays to her strengths well on every track, delivering an authentic performance on each one. She’s the star of the show without overdoing anything.
Fans enjoyed this album, with “Mantra” becoming a favorite from its release. “like JENNIE” became a quite popular song as well, with many fans only complaining that it could be longer. Fans also liked that Jennie included Korean in her songs, showing that she is in touch with her roots despite branching out to a Western audience. Overall, people enjoyed the way Jennie kept “Ruby” cohesive yet versatile at the same time. Even if the songs weren’t their
favorite, fans still expressed appreciation for her artistry.
VERDICT: “Ruby” is a wonderfully well balanced release that combines genres and styles showcasing Jennie’s individual artistic identity, with features that complement their respective tracks without outshining her. All aspects of the album convey her specific artistry perfectly, from her aesthetics to her vocal skills.
Image Courtesy of OA
‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’: Dull around the edges, but gets the point
Ian Palma Contributing Writer
For the creators of Assassin’s Creed, Feudal Japan was an obvious direction for the franchise to dive into, especially due to fans’ heightened expectations. This period in Japan’s history, filled with political intrigue, samurai duels and ninja espionage, is heavily intertwined with the video game’s famous emphasis on stealth, combat and exploration. After 20 years and a dozen installments later, Assassin’s Creed finally took this particular setting into account with the release of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” in which players can finally live out a shinobi-samurai-assassin fantasy.
But with Feudal Japan based video games such as “Ghost of Tsushima” and “Rise of the Ronin” already on the market, fans can’t help but wonder if “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” has enough going for it to stand out from these titles. A more important question is whether “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” actually has something to offer rather than being fan service for a drawn-out franchise.
Taking place during the turbulent Sengoku period of Japan, the video game follows Naoe, a young female shinobi, and Yasuke, an African samurai based on a real life historical figure, as they embark on a shared path of justice and revenge. Their quest to try and bring peace to themselves and Japan brings them across different locations throughout the country. They go from quaint countryside villages to bustling cities overlooked by imposing castles.
Their journey also leads them to interact with other historical figures such as the legendary warlord Oda Nobunaga. Given their different backgrounds, Naoe and
‘Assassin’s Creed’ delivers a unique, if not flawed, take on Feudal Japan
Yasuke are provided with different means to tackle their objectives, with Naoe being stealth-based and Yasuke having the more loudand-proud combative approach.
If there’s one word that could describe Assassin’s Creed games in general, it would be “immersive.” “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” is no exception, especially with its portrayal of a war-torn Japan. The game’s atmosphere mimics other media set in the Sengoku period such as “Shogun” and “Seven Samurai,” portraying a grim and brutal Japan where danger and conspiracies lurk around every corner.
The newly implemented weather system provides players with a tactical edge, allowing them to sneak across tall grass and snow, all the while offering some cinematic moments. The stealth mechanics have taken a few pages out of other games such as “Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain,” with the addition of crawling and being able to hide within shadows, which is a breath of fresh air considering the fact that Assassin’s Creed has relied on cover-based stealth throughout most of the franchise’s existence. Tools such as the grappling hook are also resourceful when it comes to getting over castle walls and quickly evading enemies.
As gimmicky as having two protagonists sound, Naoe and Yasuke serve as perfect complements to each other. This dynamic is not only due to their different playstyles, but also due to their distinctive backgrounds and the way they go about trying to seek peace for themselves as well as bringing
justice to Japan. Both Naoe and Yasuke have their moments and individual methods when it comes to certain quests, whether it comes to defeating certain bosses or finding different pathways to continue on.
Should players become bored with consistently using a katana, a variety of weapons ranging from spears, shurikens and firearms are offered to keep the gameplay fresh. The game’s graphics are a big step up from other installments, and it particularly shines when players walk across areas filled with green pasture, snow and cherry blossoms.
The game’s rock and raptinted soundtrack, albeit contentious to some, arguably puts a new twist on the samurai and shinobi perspective. Although this has been done before in works such as “Kill Bill” and “Afro Samurai,” the utilization of different genres along with a traditional Japanese orchestral arrangement further distances the game from the soundtracks of other games set within Feudal Japan. Whether it’s immersion-breaking or not, the game’s soundtrack is undoubtedly a major hypebooster especially when it comes to arduous boss fights.
Although there are many new concepts and features in the game to differentiate itself from its predecessors, it’s not to say that “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” follows the same formula as many of the other roleplaying games within the franchise. Players can find themselves understandably numb at the tedious process of being given a list of targets and having to go across the map just to assassinate them only to repeat the pro-
cess once again.
“Assassin’s Creed Shadows” has its own fair share of filler content although not as much as “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.” The game’s skill progression, or “knowledge points,” particularly has a sense of dreariness to it as characters can only obtain new techniques by completing side activities. Not only does the game mechanics force players to side quest in order to unlock better skills, but it also disrupts the flow of the main story especially when these skills are needed against tougher enemies.
“Assassin’s Creed Shadows” does struggle a bit when it comes to balancing out the two protagonists, both story and gameplaywise. Naoe is clearly the favored character, as she is given the ability to use a grappling hook, free run and take out enemies quietly. Conversely, Yasuke is locked in a stereotypical brute role in which he can do nothing but move around lethargically and smash everything in his way.
Additionally, Naoe can hold her own against a number of enemies almost just as well as Yasuke. Given that this is a stealth-oriented game, players are more than likely going to pick Naoe most of the time. The story also seems to focus on Naoe’s journey more with Yasuke being along for the ride. Naoe visibly has a lot more screen time than her counterpart with enough time to develop her story. It wouldn’t have hurt to explore Yasuke’s story even more especially given his unique background.
The game isn’t perfect, especially when compared to other well-established Feu-
dal Japan-set games like “Ghost of Tsushima,” but it hits the mark when it comes to delivering players a ninja and samurai experience. As much as it is flawed, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” still earns its place among the best of samurai-related video games.
The newest features within the game barely hold out against the monotony of the game’s objectives, which fans of the series will find good enough. The story, although not really compelling, provides a take on the samurai and shinobi lifestyle unlike any other seen in video game media. Fans of the series and connoisseurs of the period won’t be disappointed when it comes to living out their Feudal Japan era dreams.
VERDICT: Despite its gameplay and story quirks, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” delivers on its word of being an immersive video game focused around ninjas, samurai and the turbulent medieval era of Japan.
Lighting up the community: Farm House Collective
A fun, fresh gathering site for the community of Riverside.
Mata Elangovan Managing Editor
Bringing its neon lights back to the community, the Farm House Motel, which used to be historic landmark number 140 in the city of Riverside, has been transformed into the Farm House Collective. On Saturday, March 29, 2025, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place, celebrating the opening of the new third space, featuring a historical plaque designation, a ceremonial sign lighting for their revitalized neon sign and individual ceremonies for each of the 15 collective businesses.
On opening day, Riverside residents gathered around the Farm House Collective in anticipation of its opening. To kick off the start of the ceremony, mayor of Riverside, Patricia Lock Dawson shared with the crowd, “We are here to celebrate the grand opening of the Farm House Collective. We are also here to celebrate the great history of the Farm House Hotel. This project has been the true labor of love for the Bailey family, whose passion and dedication have brought new life to this historic space. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to revitalizing properties like this and preserving our history while creating something fresh and exciting.”
Philip Falcone, current Ward 1 Councilmember, also took a moment to speak, pulling from his experiences in the city council’s Cultural Heritage Board which oversees all historic locations throughout Riverside. It was during his time as chairman of the board that the Farm House Motel received its landmark designation of 140. The importance of that, he explains, is that “we care so deeply about our history and how to preserve that, but we also recognize that not every historic building can stay exactly as it is for all time, and so what we have is adaptive reuse. How do you take a historic building and turn it into something that still is usable but makes sense for the era in which it is in now, and that’s this site right here.”
Currently, the collective is home to a mix of food, beverage and retail kiosks, both permanent and pop-up,
hosting both local businesses and vendors. It emphasizes not only a quality dining and shopping experience, but also a beautiful gathering space. With wide walkways, ample shading provided by trees, vine-covered trellises and copious seating areas, the Farm House Collective has created a space welcoming to friends and family all around. Tying it all together is an impressive stage and grassy seating area which in the future will host activities such as movie nights and live concerts for the community.
After the grand opening, the venue featured its first performance from the AllahLahs. This week, on April 4, they will host WAND and DJ Boogie Boudreaux. Here is a list of upcoming events at Farm House.
The new gathering space was a private adventure invested in directly by the Bailey family, with zero tax dollars going into its creation. Alyssa Digangi, part of the Bailey family business, shares the vision her family had for the gathering space: “We envision[ed] this beautiful place, so that everyone can just feel a community and collaboration with the city and come together and enjoy this place … Now, being here today to celebrate the hard work that we put through is just beautiful. So thank you so much. I’m so excited to think about all the memories and fun times the community will be able to experience here.”
Contributors to the Farm House Collective project lined up for the ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the venue.
Front view of the audience and stage area.
Members of the community gather in the audience space before the stage to listen to the opening statements.
People traversing the walkways exploring the various vendors the Farm House Collective has to offer.
Daniela Cruz/ The Highlander
Introductory classic literature
SPRING BACK INTO CLASSICS WITH THIS SHORT READING LIST.
IRIS ARANDA Contributing Writer
“Emma” by Jane Austen (1815)
The perfect read for romance fans looking to expand their reading tastes. This novel is so essential to a list like this that even modern cinematic romantic comedies take notes from it! “Clueless,” for one example, is a retelling of this novel. Emma Woodhouse, the main character, is funny and charming. In this comedy of a novel, Woodhouse plays matchmaker for her friends Miss Taylor and Harriet Smith, aiming to find a suitable match for the both. Depending on the edition, it is around 470 pages.
“Annie John’ by Jamaica Kincaid (1985)
A coming of age novel about a little girl named Annie in Antigua. Annie lives in a post-colonial country in the Caribbean. This book is highly relatable because it reflects on universal themes about growing up and learning to accept one’s culture. Through this book you can easily travel to Antigua without having to spend money. This one is a short read – only 160 pages long.
“The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde (1890)
This is a perfect read for horror fans. Even though it was published in 1890, it is not a hard read. Dorian Gray is a young beautiful man who makes a deal with the devil, so he can stay young forever. Unfortunately for the protagonist, his portrait rots every time he commits a sin. This book is an important read for anyone interested in reading more queer literature. A perfect all-night read. Depending on the edition, it is around 200 pages.
“Medea” by Euripides (431 B.C.)
This Ancient Greek play can be read in a day - it’s only 60 pages long. Based on the myths of Jason and Medea, the play follows Medea’s heartbreak, which leads her to plan her revenge. This play is a necessary read for anyone interested in feminism and Greek tragedies.
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott (1868)
Although it was published in the 1800s, this cozy read is still relatable. Readers explore different adventures with the March sisters as they grow up. Each of the sisters have their own personalities and interests. Meg, the oldest sister, is an actress and dreams of being married. Amy
is a painter and Jo is a writer. This book is lengthy, but worth the read. Usually, it is over 500 pages.
“We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson (1962)
This novel is a perfect read for horror fans. Shirley Jackson’s writing ability and dedication to her craft is completely unique to her. Merricat lives with her weird uncle, who’s obsessed with writing the book about solving how most of the Blackwood family
died, and sister Constance isolated from the rest of the town. Suddenly, their cousin comes visiting, changing everything. Merricat is obsessed with poisonous mushrooms and witchcraft. She tries to protect her family from the outside world. She places her spells or buries things, like a watch, in the yard. She tries to get her uncle to leave. This one is a short read and can be read in a couple of days, as it’s only 160 pages depending on the edition.
“The Residence” is the deliciously witty detective story of the modern era
CORDELIA CRUPP PROVES THAT SHE BELONGS UP THERE WITH SOME OF THE MOST WELL-KNOWN DETECTIVE
RAMITA SETTY Staff Writer
On its surface, like many good mysteries, “The Residence” doesn’t seem outwardly political, despite the fact that the setting is the White House and that the plot revolves around the murder of Chief Usher A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito), the man in charge of managing the President’s Executive Residence. Set during a State Dinner with the Australian delegation present, while another show would navigate a premise like this by having the CIA, FBI or other agencies take the lead in the mystery, “The Residence” puts consulting detective Cordelia Crupp (Uzo Aduba) front and center. This makes for a delightfully hilarious and intriguing mystery dinner in the house filled with more political figures than any other place in the country.
The eccentric detective figure is a well-worn genre staple. Notable detectives like Sherlock Holmes and Columbo have odd habits that set them apart from everyone else. But more importantly, they have an insanely good eye for detail. These desirable investigative traits influenced the characters in “The Residence,” particularly Cordelia Crupp. These characters are usually white and (with a few notable exceptions) male, but “The Residence” turns this on its head with
Cordelia Crupp.
CHARACTERS IN LITERARY HISTORY.
The name should give you a hint for the tone the series is going for, somewhere in between “Knives Out” and “Murder, She Wrote” set in the White House. The eccentric detective
her to solve the murder.
Each episode begins with a tour of the setting. In the first episode, a camera from a first-person perspective zooms into a path from the White House entrance to the Green Room, past a State
figure is very rarely a Black woman, but “The Residence” doesn’t waste any time trying to convince the audience to accept her— they simply let her loose in the narrative. About 15 minutes into the first episode, she attempts to catch a glimpse of a rare bird outside the White House while a host of important men wait for
Dinner with Kylie Minogue performing for guests, and deeper into the third floor, where A.B. Wynter’s dead body lies. This framing device in the form of a congressional committee hearing attempting to determine the events of the night intercuts occasionally.
The best part of this framing device
is Senator Bix’s (Eliza Coupe) hilarious recaps of everything that’s happened up until that moment. Otherwise, the framing device helps add to the fastpaced comedic style of “The Residence.” The audience is taken across each of the grand, ornate rooms of the White House, learning about the interpersonal relationships among the staff and the guests to understand how it all culminated in a killing.
Uzo Aduba is the heart of the series as Cordelia Crupp. She’s an unusual figure, who seems more interested in sighting every rare bird on her checklist than solving the murder. Her delightfully sharp repartee contrasts with the white suits around her, an incompetent staff and oblivious guests as she tries to get to the bottom of a murder with a ridiculous number of suspects. At the heart of it, “The Residence” is the cozy but sharp mystery series that offers refreshing entertainment during these turbulent times.
Verdict
“The Residence” is well worth the watch, as audiences delve into a precisely-written mystery headed by a great ensemble cast.
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COURTESY OF NETFLIX
Think piece: HBO’s ‘Girls’
WHY HANNAH IS THE WORST!
IRIS ARANDA Contributing Writer
Millennials and the 2010s have been trending on TikTok, which has led to a resurgence of the popularity of HBO’s “Girls.” People in their 30s and 40s have been wanting to go back to simpler times of being twenty-something in the early 2010s.
After watching “Girls,” a college student will feel seen, especially since it’s about a group of those in their 20s trying to figure out their lives in New York City after graduating college. The show is a masterpiece because it is still able to be relevant ten years later. This show is focused on the flaws of four privileged women in Brooklyn. When watching this show, fans can’t help but wonder which “Girls” character is the worst and which one is their favorite. In many ways, Hannah Horvarth, played by Lena Dunham, is the worst.
Hannah is the quintessential millennial. She has all the negative traits that are associated with millennials: selfish, rude, spoiled and ungrateful for the opportunities that she has been given. The series mainly follows Hannah Horvath, a 24-year-old writer from the Midwest aspiring to make it big in New York City.
Intent on being a famous writer, Hannah believes she is the voice of her generation. Oftentimes, she blames her friends for her own shortcoming as a writer. This is seen in moments like when she found out that her college ex-boyfriend Elijiah, who came out as gay later, slept with her friend Marnie. While they were on cocaine, Hannah blamed him for ruining her novel because she cannot properly process her feelings of betrayal from her friends. It is almost comical watching Hannah make embarrassing mistakes and encountering failures. When she attends her editor’s funeral, the only thing Hannah is re-
morseful about is the future of her ebook, which she mourns the potential loss of to the editor’s wife. She continuously behaves like a spoiled brat to her nice parents. In the first episode, after her parents tell her to get a real job, or to somehow convince her boss to make her unpaid internship paid, she completely cuts her parents off because they aren’t willing to completely financially support her in New York. She has no sense of empathy or remorse.
But maybe this is also what makes Hannah relatable. Maybe, her character is supposed to be terrible because it makes the audience come back for more. Viewers are constantly wondering about Hannah’s next move – like what she’ll do next, what silly fight she’ll have between her friends or what career opportunity she’ll ruin for herself.
Hannah’s friends are just as selfish, immature and terrible as she is, but somehow they become more likeable throughout the show. It might be due to the fact that the show is set in her perspective. Viewers watch the ways that Hannah becomes her own worst enemy.
She sabotages her own relationship with her boyfriend Adam because she believes she is too fat to be loved. It is clear that she hates herself. Her insecurity is probably why she continues to sleep with Adam even though he cannot commit to her and has proved himself a major red flag – like when he stalked her. Her self-sabotage is also probably why she gives herself a horrible haircut with kitchen scissors in an obsessive-compulsive disorder flare up.
It is unclear whether or not Hannah is a character to be liked or hated. She is the anti-hero of the series and the reason the audience keeps tuning in. She is ultimately a true representation of the flaws of her generation.
STILL FROM GIRLS, CREATED BY LENA DUNHAM AND JUDD APATOW, DISTRIBUTED BY HBO
SPORTS Highlanders fall short of Big West Championship, but set the benchmark for future success
Mike Magpayo sheds light on an unforgettable 2024-25 season for UCR men’s basketball.
Isaac Solnick Sports Editor
After winning their last three conference games, the University of California, Riverside (UCR) men’s basketball team ascended to the no. 3 seed heading into the Big West Championship. Expectations were high for head coach Mike Magpayo and the Highlanders.
Before the tournament, redshirt sophomore guard Barrington Hargress earned All-Big West First Team honors in a season that saw him set the UCR single-season scoring record.
Magpayo had plenty of praise for his star point guard’s skills, but also his character. He noted, “[Hargress has] been special. He’s a great human, first of all, a really good leader. One of the things that I always tell people is, watch how he’s so unselfish and he’s about his teammates.”
Redshirt junior guard Isaiah Moses also picked up his second straight All-Big West Honorable Mention as the Highlanders rode a three-game win streak into Henderson, Nev.
Their opponent, California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) were also getting hot at the right time. After upsetting no. 6 seed UC Davis in the first round the day before, the win made it four in a row for the Mustangs.
All-Big West Honorable Mention Owen Koonce is their tallest starter, standing at 6’ 5”. The Mustangs compensate for their size disad-
vantage by playing fast and shooting plenty of threepointers. They can score in a hurry and displayed that with their 48-point second half against the Aggies.
Although, the Highlanders already knew what they were in for as the two teams split their season series. Their previous meeting was a comeback 112-100 overtime victory for the Mustangs. A disappointing result for the Highlanders considering they led by seven with under two minutes to go in the second half.
The Highlanders advanced straight to the quarterfinals off a bye, but the Mustangs didn’t look tired from the previous day’s horse race against the Aggies. Cal Poly jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead in the opening minutes.
A triple from Hargress calmed the nerves a little bit, but the Highlanders never looked settled. They failed to attack the basket against the smaller Mustangs. Meanwhile, Cal Poly was outshooting UCR from behind the arc and outhustling them for rebounds.
Moses, who finished with a season-high 30 points, kept the Highlanders within arms reach for most of this one. He traded three-pointers with freshman guard Peter Bandelj in the first half. Then, fellow Mustangs freshman guard Cayden Ward knocked down threestraight triples of his own. Moses would follow up Ward’s efforts with a series of acrobatic layups, but it would prove to be too little too late.
The Mustangs dominated from start to finish, running away with a 96-83 win. The gut-wrenching loss killed UCR’s hopes of the program’s first potential Big West Championship. It wasn’t the fai rytale ending they were look ing for, but the Highlanders can still look back on their 2024-25 sea son with pride.
After the game, Mag payo recalled some of his fa vorite memories the season: “The big shot by
and that little streak where we beat UC San Diego and UC Irvine, the top two teams in our league. There’s so many. When you have a 21-win season, there’s a lot of them.”
However, the loss to Cal Poly wouldn’t end UCR’s season. The Highlanders accepted an invitation from the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). This marked the program’s first appearance at the NIT.
They would lose to Santa Clara University 101-62 in the first round, but it was still a huge milestone for UCR men’s basketball to
Magpayo reflected, “We’ve done a really good job with our athletic director [Wesley Mallete], and building this thing over the last five years, and I’m really proud of it ... I think everyone will look back and just [know] that they have a basketball team and program they can be really proud of. That’s a 21-win season two of the last three years ... All the student-athletes, they tell me all the time. It’s just very fulfilling and satisfying when you build something brick by brick. So that’ll be the future. Just continue to build this thing brick by brick, and hopefully one of these days walk out of here with a championship.”
Nate Pickens versus Davis
UCR Athletics Mens Basketball Team captured on the sideline of the BIG WEST Championships.
Elena Versage/ The Highlander
‘I would have immediately swung on him’
The words that define the beef between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith.
Terry Nguyen Assistant Sports Editor
There have been many famous beefs over the course of history. Notably, there have been feuds between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, Kanye West and Taylor Swift, D’Angelo Russell and Nick Young, and Kobe Bryant and Shaq, before it got squashed, just to name a few.
The newest, and perhaps most unexpected, addition to the list features LeBron James and ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith.
During a game between the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto. com Arena on March 6, LeBron James approached Stephen A. Smith on the sidelines and the two had a verbal altercation.
The next morning on ESPN’s First Take, Smith responded to a video of it after it had gone viral: “That wasn’t a basketball player confronting me; that was a parent, and that was a father. And I can’t sit here and be angry.”
Smith has argued in the lead up and during the 2025 NBA season that Bronny James, the son of LeBron, isn’t equipped to be in the NBA and should develop in the G League for his rookie season after playing one year at the University of Southern California.
However, he did give Bronny props after dropping 17 points against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 20, adding, “He didn’t look as
nervous as he had looked in previous appearances; he looked like somebody that belonged.”
Last Wednesday, LeBron appeared as a guest on the Pat McAfee Show, where he stated he has no issue with media personalities critiquing player performance, but disapproves of personal attacks. He also compared Smith’s recent comments to a “Taylor Swift tour run.”
Stephen A. Smith responded to James’ appearance on the Pat McAfee Show by saying, “LeBron James is full of it.” Smith stated on his podcast that LeBron has lied multiple times, and if LeBron put his hands on him, “I would have immediately swung on him,” while
insinuating he’d probably lose a physical altercation with LeBron.
Smith also commented, “I don’t like him and he don’t like me.”
Later on the same day all this drama unfolded, LeBron hit the game winning shot at the buzzer to defeat the Indiana Pacers, 120119. After the game, James posted a video of Smith boxing accompanied with a “WHOMP WHOMP” sound effect.
On Thursday morning, Stephen A. Smith responded on First Take saying LeBron James is upset because of his opinion that Michael Jordan is the “G.O.A.T.” and not LeBron, and men-
tioned other instances of LeBron manipulating situations in his favor.
LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, confirmed with ESPN on Monday that the two have agreed to a boxing match on July 4, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York. This bout is the first formal fight for both participants, and Smith will be a massive underdog leading up to the fight.
ESPN BET opened the lines at -5900 for James and +4900 for Smith. Smith is 57 years old, but has recently been losing weight in preparation for the bout.
“SMILING THROUGHITALLICAN’TBELIEVE THIS ISMYLIFE
MEN’S GOLF - 3/23/2025 - 3/25/2025
UC San Diego Invitational
WOMEN’S GOLF - 3/23/2025 - 3/24/2025 - 3/26/2025
Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational
SOFTBALL - 3/28/2025
CSUN VS. UCR 6-4, L
UCR Team Leaders:
Raegan Everett: L (4-6) 4.0 IP, 5 H, 3 ER
Jackie Alday: 2/3, 1 R, 4 RBI
SOFTBALL - 3/28/2025
CSUN VS. UCR 2-1, L
UCR Team Leaders:
Maddie Heinlin: L (8-9), 7.0 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 K, 4 BB
Haley Saole: 1/3, 1 RBI
BASEBALL - 3/29/2025
UCR VS. UCI 8-14, L
UCR Team Leaders:
Matthew Flores: L (2-3), 4.0 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 5 K, 1 BB
Andrew Rivas: 2/4, 2 R, 2 RBI
SOFTBALL - 3/29/2025
CSUN VS. UCR 3-2, W
UCR Team Leaders:
Brooke Perez: W (3-5), 8.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 3 K, 1 BB
Trendee Kahunahana: 2/5, 1 R, 1 RBI
Be silly.
The Highlander Newspaper is a great way to keep up with current events and news around campus. If you are interested in the newspaper’s articles or pictures, we offer opportunities in writing, photography and design. Join us every Monday at 5:15 p.m. in HUB 101 to learn more.
DANIELA CRUZ/ THE HIGHLANDER