SG Leaders Unmasked

SG Leaders Unmasked Student Body President Maxwell Simonson is not vaccinated against COVID-19 and isn’t planning to be. However, Vice President Lily MacDonald believes getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to combat the virus.

Story on page 12

Vol. 24 | 2 | 09.23.21

Staff

Editor-in-Chief: Gillian Manning

Managing Editor: Kendall Little

Sports Editor: Richard Pereira

Web Editor:

Marcy Wilder

News Editor:

Natalia Ribeiro

Features Editor: Darlene Antoine

Photo Editor:

Eston Parker III

Creative Director:

Michelle Rodriguez-Gonzalez

Copy Desk Chief: Bryanna Shaw

Social Media Manager:

Michael Gennaro Katherine Ambrosio Villegas

Staff Writers: Elliot Rodriguez Daniel Pineiro Advisers:

Wesley Wright Ilene Prusher Michael Koretzky Want to Get Involved?

Contact: Marcy Wilder Email: mwilder2019@fau.edu General Meetings: Friday 2-3 P.M. Student Union, room 214 Want to place an ad? For national/regional ads contact: upressonline.com/contact/ Publisher: FAU Student Government. The opinions expressed by the UP are not necessarily those of the student body, student government, or FAU. Cover Photos: Eston Parker III

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Table of Contents 4

6 8 12 15 18 20 22

Bonfire: Students Say Reward Outweighed Risk Bonfire: Backstage Buffet What’s New in the Student Union?

SG Leaders Unmasked

Staying or Leaving C-USA? UF vs FAU Photo Gallery Fall to Taliban Deeper than U.S. Troops Leaving Shang-Chi Movie Review

Editors’ Letter

By Gillian Manning & Kendall Little

When we started as editor-in-chief and managing editor of the University Press, we had no idea what we were doing. We still don’t, but that’s the beauty of the UP.

Gillian

After arriving to FAU, I had no idea that I was going to be the editor-in-chief of a newspaper. In fact, I would never have believed you if you told me.

I stepped into the UP newsroom for the first time during my sophomore year but left before writing a single article. I was overwhelmed and completely unsure of where to start. Eventually, I decided to give it one more shot at the tailend of my junior year.

That December, I was just as hesitant as I had been the year before, but I said goodbye to my comfort zone and dove in head first. Now I only wish I had done it sooner! Once I published my first article, my nerves slowly dissipated and within a couple of months I was the paper’s copy desk chief. A few months after that, I was voted in as editor-in-chief.

Not only am I getting paid experience as an editor, I’ve also interned for a local newspaper and I now have a weekly freelance gig — and I really owe it all to the University Press.

I have learned so much from our supportive, dare I say badass, advisors who have real-world experience.

Whether or not you hope to be a journalist postgraduation, the UP is here to help you along your journey. It is a fantastic opportunity to network and gain real-world skills that you can carry with you wherever you go.

As a wise man once said, “ask not what you can do for the UP, but what the UP can do for you.”

I hope to meet you soon!

Kendall In March 2020, I was a senior in high school who was sick to her stomach thinking about doing a class presentation. Now, I’m able to confidently lead meetings, talk to new people, improve my writing with the help of experienced journalists, and learn how to manage my time efficiently. That’s all because of the UP. I logged into my first virtual UP meeting in October 2020 after starting at the university two months earlier. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or what I wanted to do. That changed pretty quickly. I sat in the meeting thinking about all the things I would change if I was in charge. Three months later, I was.

The UP is a place where I’m able to share my ideas and try them without judgement. I can make the dumbest mistakes and learn from them without being ridiculed. In fact, I’m encouraged to make those mistakes — just never the same one twice.

This is my second semester as managing editor and I can confidently say that being part of the UP has granted me so many opportunities to further my career, like getting advice from professional journalists and publishing freelance articles. And I’ve only been here for 11 months.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from the UP, it’s to never decline an opportunity that can further your career. With that, I’m inviting you to check out the opportunities at the UP because it is, without a doubt, the best place to learn to be not only a journalist, but an editor, designer, photographer, artist, and leader.

Editors’ Letter | 3

BBonfire:

Students Say Reward Outweighed Risk

By Kendall Little

The CDC states that large events increase an individual’s risk of contracting COVID-19, but Bonfire attendees were willing to take that risk to see Willie Jones, Jesse McCartney, Kiana Ledé, and Flo Rida take the stage on Sept. 9.

Students lined up at the gates for the university’s annual Bonfire Music Festival around 5:45 p.m. on Sept. 9 to see Willie Jones, Jesse McCartney, Kiana Ledé, and Flo Rida perform.

Many were unmasked, but most said that they were glad the event was happening — even in the middle of a pandemic.

“The risk of getting COVID will always be a concern,” a student attendee said.

Bonfire organizers put the festival on hold last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Palm Beach County was averaging around 14,300 COVID-19 daily cases the day before Bonfire this year, according to the New York Times.

But university officials made the call to hold the event this year — on a smaller scale than in previous years.

Staff limited attendance to 2,800 in an attempt to decrease the likelihood of attendees contracting COVID-19, according to Program Board Adviser Richard Mahler.

“The risk of getting COVID will always be a concern,” communications major Rachel Hirsch said from the front of the crowd. “I’m just super hyped that [Bonfire] is back.”

Political science major Chris Pierce agreed.

“It’s a great way to bring everyone back into action,” he said. Pierce told the UP that he is vaccinated and planned on wearing a mask during the event.

He wore a mask while speaking with the UP but took it off several times during the night due to the weather.

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Photos by Eston Parker III

“Socially, bringing Bonfire back was a great decision, but scientifically? Probably not,” Pierce said.

The CDC does not recommend attending large events due to the risk of contracting COVID-19. According to the CDC website, events with a large number of people increase the risk of exposure to the virus.

Janeese Doné, a sociology major who stood next to Pierce at the event, said she was nervous about being at Bonfire due to the COVID-19 variants, but felt protected by being vaccinated and wearing a mask.

“An event with no spacing is scary,” she said.

“I feel better being at the very front of the crowd though.”

Program Board member Hadassah Mederios said that she was happy to be able to give students an opportunity to participate in an on-campus event after nearly 18 months. “I know some people don’t feel it’s safe, but I know a lot are missing on-campus events,” the public management major said.

Mederios predicted that people would be quick to blame Bonfire if the university experienced a spike in the next few weeks, but she doesn’t believe the event would be the main cause.

“People might want to blame it on [Bonfire], but people go without a mask all the time on campus. I’m more worried about football games causing spikes,” she said.

“It’s so good to be back on stage,” McCartney told the crowd during his set, receiving a round of applause and cheers from the audience.

Program Board staff hired two body painters to create neon art designs on attendees, free of charge. One of the painters, Haley Damon, told the UP that she wasn’t worried about contracting COVID.

Jones told the UP that he wasn’t worried about getting COVID at Bonfire and that he was focused on having fun on stage.

“I’ve taken a few precautions,” she explained, pointing out a bottle of hand sanitizer on her table. “I’ve been doing events like this for three months and I always wear my mask.”

Damon is vaccinated and says that if she felt the need to, she wouldn’t be afraid to ask someone to leave her station. However, she said she hasn’t encountered any issues with unsanitary clients, such as those who have visible grime on their hands.

“I wasn’t too nervous. I feel like I’ve been keeping myself safe and taking care of myself so it’s just good to be out and vibing with people,” he said.

The hip-hop country singer and songwriter feels that he has taken the proper precautions to avoid contracting the virus.

“I’m vaxxed and waxed,” Jones laughed. “I’ll keep my hands clean [and] I’m sure everybody else here does too. Even though it’s close proximity, I feel like everybody should be good.”

“It’s up to trusting people,” Damon said as she painted a dolphin on the leg of Mederios.

Jesse McCartney and Willie Jones, two of the artists on the Bonfire lineup, both expressed their excitement to be back in front of a crowd.

As of Sept. 9, FAU had a total of 203 COVID-19 cases on campus since the semester began, with 87.2% of them reported on the Boca Raton campus.

Last year on Sept. 9, the university documented 161 fewer cases than this year with 42 cumulative COVID cases since the fall 2020 semester began.

Photo by Eston Parker III

Bonfire: Reward Outweighed Risk | 5

BBonfire: Backstage Buffet

By Kendall Little

The UP received copies of what the Bonfire lineup requested in their dressing rooms, including twelve bottles of assorted alcohol for rapper Flo Rida.

The artists from 2021’s Bonfire, Willie Jones, Jesse McCartney, Kiana Ledé, and Flo Rida all have their own unique stage presences, but have you ever wondered what they’re like backstage?

The UP obtained copies of the artists’ contracts, which contained all of their dressing room requests, to find out exactly what they wanted and what they got.

Willie Jones Singer and songwriter Willie Jones blends hip-hop with country to create beatheavy music with a southern twang.

Backstage, Jones requires five bottles of room temperature still spring water along with hot water, honey, and lemon. He usually requires two bottles of red wine, one bottle of Patron Tequila Silver, and a six pack of Negro Modelo beer, but the university wrote in the contract that they would not be providing any alcohol or drugs for the artists.

For food, Jones requested grilled chicken, salad, and cheese and fruit platters.

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Jesse McCartney

Former Radio Disney star Jesse McCartney requested almost all organic food from the university for his dressing room, including five ripe organic avocados, two ripe organic tomatoes, one head of organic iceberg lettuce, and organic Greek yogurt.

McCartney also requested a candy bar: dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao, which is the bean chocolate is made from.

McCartney prefers Boar’s Head deli meat and requested the brand’s turkey and ham to be refrigerated inside his room.

He requested that the food be served on paper or plastic plates, but not styrofoam.

As for drinks, the singer and songwriter asked the university for sixteen bottles of water, preferably Fiji, four cans of sugar-free Red Bull, and black and green tea with honey.

Kiana Ledé Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter Kiana Ledé prepared for her performance backstage with chamomile and earl grey tea, Manuka honey, a bottle of non-Starbucks cold brew, and Oatly oat milk, which the contract listed as mandatory.

She also requested a case of Red Bull energy drinks and two cases of water bottles.

As for food, Ledé asked the university for organic chips and salsa, organic cherries, Cheez-Its, an assorted deli plate, and peanut M&M’s.

Ledé also asked the university to provide her with sage and incense, candles, and a lighter.

Flo Rida

Rapper Flo Rida requested twelve bottles of assorted alcohol, including coconut flavored Ciroc, Grey Goose, Hennessey, and Tequila Silver, along with twenty shot glasses. The university did not provide him with the requested alcohol due to their strict policy regarding alcohol and drugs.

Rida also requested non-alcoholic beverages such as twenty-four bottles of Fiji or VOSS water, twenty cans of orange and grape Celsius energy drinks, and one two-liter bottle of ginger ale. He made it clear that the only coffee he would drink is Starbucks brand.

For food, the Coral City native asked the university for a platter of hot lemon pepper chicken wings, a grilled fish platter including skinless salmon, tilapia, and sea bass, and a chicken caesar salad with no bacon, eggs, anchovies, or croutons with extra dressing on the side.

He requested a few other platters as well, including mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and pasta with tomato sauce.

Rida wanted a fruit tray including pineapple, cantaloupe, strawberries, red seedless grapes, and watermelon along with a meat and cheese tray.

The food could not be served on plastic or styrofoam plates, only on flatware and china.

All of the food and drinks were to be left in his dressing room, which he requested to be decorated with “tasteful living room type furniture.” Rida also requested a 42” flat-screen TV and flowers in his room.

Photos by Eston Parker III

Bonfire: Backstage Buffet | 7

What’s New in

the Student Union?

By Kendall Little & Elliot Rodriguez After two years of planning and construction, the union has a completely renovated first floor.

The Student Union on the Boca Raton campus is home to Student Government, Student Media, multipurpose rooms, and after an $11 million renovation, so much more.

The eSports Arena is not limited to just digital entertainment, but also games such as ping pong, pool, and board games that are free to use.

The union now includes an eSports Arena, arcade, and a modernized first floor.

eSports Arena

The university is in the process of recruiting three eSports teams that will branch off of the eSports Gaming Club, according to Student Union Director Michael Cooper.

The Student Union is now home to a hightech gaming center called the eSports Arena.

The eSports Arena is open to students, faculty, and staff daily from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

According to the eSports Arena website, the facility “features 40 MSI gaming PCs boasting high-end hardware such as the RTX 2070 graphics card, over 40 of today’s most popular games, and wall monitors for spectators to follow the action. Each station is furnished with a full-desk mouse pad and comfortable gaming chair.”

The arena has pay-to-play options for the PCs, Nintendo Switch consoles, and Xbox One, but also offers free options for students. Students can purchase PC gaming hours online through the eSports Arena website.

Students can use the university’s PS4, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii for free and also bring their own consoles free of charge.

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Arcade The arcade inside of the Student Union was not originally in the renovation plans, but union officials felt that building it would be beneficial for students.

“The addition of the arcade was done as it was a natural, complementary addition to the already established eSports and Gaming Center,” university spokesperson Brittany Sylvestri said.

The arcade has an array of games available seven days a week. The FAU community can pay to play the arcade games in two ways: mobile payment apps or U.S. dollars.

“The area currently offers 12 arcade-style machines, which include two premier machines – Jurassic Park and The Walking Dead, also a basketball and air hockey section, claw and crane games along with a retro 80’s style Ms. Pacman arcade gaming machine,” Joshua Glanzer, assistant vice president for media relations and public affairs, said in an email to the UP.

Modernized First Floor The Student Union’s first floor renovations feature a new and modern look, complete with video walls and monitors, silver fixtures, glass dividers, and gray flooring.

“We have completely renovated the entire first floor of the Student Union along with cosmetic updates to the second floor,” Cooper said. “Infrastructure changes included a complete replacement of the HVAC/ air conditioning system which now includes local controls for the entire facility, an entire roof replacement that expands from the Student Government area all of the way to the Kaye Auditorium, new technology upgrades with new and improved WIFI throughout, new wiring for the additions of new digital screens (video walls and monitors) along with a complete audio upgrade.”

full page pic

The Union now offers modern spaces to study, game, and socialize.

Photos by Eston Parker III

The union includes three different areas for seating and studying throughout the first floor.

“Compared to other universities, it is a good place to socialize,” said freshman Alejandro Gomez. “At the union, you can stop and talk with friends after a long day of class.”

The Student Union renovations were funded by the Capital Improvement Fee Trust Fund, also known as CITF, which is money set aside by the Board of Governors for university improvements within the State University System of Florida.

The Board of Governors is composed of seventeen members that oversee the operation of state universities.

The funds come from capital improvement student fee assessments, interest earnings, and subsidy grants, according to Justia US Law.

Job Opportunities at the Student Union Not only is the Student Union a hub for students to socialize, but it’s also a place for students to work and learn. Cooper encourages students to apply for a series of new jobs in the Union. Anyone interested can find the application on the Student Union website under the Student Employment tab, and students can contact staff directly at (561) 297-3730.

“We added a large number of new student positions with the addition of the eSports arena, arcade and the new box office areas along with new openings to help support our expanded new service requirements related [to] audio, video, and technical needs,” Cooper said.

Y’Urissa Everett, a guest services employee at the Union majoring in hospitality, acquires skills needed for her major while also being an employee. She says it’s one of the most diverse buildings on campus.

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“This building is devoted to student activities. It contains game rooms, informative and club offices, and an auditorium. This is the building that you would go to if you had any concerns or ideas. Events, social, organizational, and conferences can be held at the Student Union,” Everett said.

To be considered for employment at the Student Union, applicants must be a current FAU student, have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and bring a printed copy of their application, resume, and unofficial transcript to office 203 in the Student Union.

What’s Still in the Works Though the Student Union is full of new features, the renovations are not complete.

“There is currently a plan to build a new Union Marketplace, which will house a smaller Starbucks area as part of the overall build,” Sylvestri said.

Students have been mourning the loss of an on-campus restaurant, the Burrow, since it closed its doors in 2018. Students suspected that the Student Union renovations would include a new restaurant, but according to Sylvestri, “a new restaurant is not planned at this time.”

Student Union Director Michael Cooper (right) says that there are many new job opportunities at the Union in the arcade, eSports arena, the box office, and the technical department.

Photo by Eston Parker III

What’s New in the Student Union? | 11

Top SG Leaders Disagree on How to

to Prevent COVID-19

By Kendall Little

Student Body President Maxwell Simonson is not vaccinated against COVID-19 and isn’t planning to be. However, Vice President Lily MacDonald believes getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to combat the virus.

When Maxwell Simonson and Lily MacDonald ran for student body president and vice president together in April, they were on the same page with their campaign promises.

Four months after being sworn in, the two members of Student Government are completely split when it comes to the world’s most pressing health concern: the COVID-19 pandemic.

One is vaccinated, one isn’t.

“Vaccinations have been mandated for … years now and I think it’s the most effective way to prevent COVID from spreading. In order to get into FAU originally as a freshman, you have to send over certain vaccination records to prove that you’re vaccinated for certain illnesses,” MacDonald said. “I think requiring a COVID-19 vaccination mandate isn’t as crazy as some people have been saying it is.”

Simonson disagrees, saying it should be a matter of personal choice.

Together, the top student government officials are leading the university’s students through uncharted territory: balancing personal opinions with the best way to keep the FAU community protected from the coronavirus.

“I personally do not plan to get vaccinated.

I’m not anti-vaccine, but I’m healthy and practice good [health] requirements,” he said. “I don’t think I need it.”

Dueling opinions on the COVID-19 vaccine

Simonson said that he consulted multiple medical professionals, including his father, before deciding to remain unvaccinated.

Simonson told the UP that he is unvaccinated and doesn’t plan on receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. MacDonald, however, is fully vaccinated and said she believes it is one of the most effective ways to prevent contracting COVID-19.

He believes that following basic health procedures is the best way to avoid contracting the virus.

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“Don’t touch your face and wash your hands as much as you can and take your vitamins and drink water,” he said. “That’s the best preventative way because the way you contract it is touching your face and it goes into your [nose and mouth.]”

Simonson is partially right about the way the virus is spread.

According to the World Health Organization, “a person can be infected when aerosols or droplets containing the virus are inhaled or come directly into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. People may also become infected by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by the virus when touching their eyes, nose or mouth without cleaning their hands.”

The student body president says he has never gotten COVID-19 and attributes it to practicing basic hygiene procedures, but acknowledges that getting vaccinated may be the best decision for others, “especially the elder community.” In fact, he told the UP he’s already gotten his flu shot.

But doctors say it’s important for young people to get vaccinated too. “Even younger, healthier adults without comorbidities are experiencing significant illness as a result of COVID-19 infection resulting from the Delta variant when they are unvaccinated,”Dr. Joanna Drowos, Associate Professor of Integrated Medical Science at the university’s College of Medicine, said.

Florida state universities say that they do not legally have the power to mandate vaccines on campus, citing guidelines set forth by the state. However, the exact rules or regulations haven’t been made clear by the state governor’s office. At the beginning of the Fall 2021 semester, state university presidents — including FAU President John Kelly — signed a joint statement urging students to get vaccinated.

MacDonald took part in organizing the university’s vaccine incentive program, which began Aug. 30, with Dr. Larry. Faerman, acting vice president for student affairs and enrollment management.

“I spoke with Dr. Faerman about getting it implemented and I gave him the feedback of all the other universities that are doing something similar. I’m trying to encourage students as often as I can to get vaccinated,” she said.

Simonson said that he meets with the other Florida state schools’ student body presidents every month to discuss issues like an incentive program.

“Everyone’s kind of on the same page with everyone. We’re all doing incentives, we’re talking about programs and gift cards,” he said. “We were pretty productive with that because if we’re gonna do it, we wanted to make it fast and we want to be efficient, but also very effective.”

Simonson said that he supports the incentive program, but it isn’t enough to sway his decision to stay unvaccinated.

“I really like $150 and I would love it, but it’s not enough incentive for me to get,” he said.

“For people who want to get vaccinated, I think it’s a nice bonus.”

Unmasked and unafraid MacDonald believes that masks are an effective way to combat COVID-19, so she wears one whenever she is indoors on campus.

“I believe that the best way to combat COVID is social distancing and wearing a mask no matter where you are,” MacDonald said. “Anytime I’m inside a place, I always do my best to wear my mask.”

Simonson’s stance on masks is more relaxed.

“If I need to [wear a mask, I do,] but not always,” he said, unmasked in his office in the Student Union. University administration says that face coverings are strongly recommended while indoors on campus.

Simonson says he dictates whether or not he wears a mask depending on who he is around.

The student body president attended a full-capacity UP meeting without a mask on Aug. 27 and two weeks later, took the stage unmasked at the university’s Bonfire Music Festival, which was attended by 2,800 people.

Our leaders on protecting our campus MacDonald said that if the university implemented a mask mandate, it would likely cause a decrease in on-campus cases. The university has documented over 200 COVID-19 cases so far this semester, with 87.2% of the cases reported on the Boca Raton campus.

Maxwell Simonson (left) took the Bonfire stage unmasked with Flo Rida on Sept. 9.

Photo by Eston Parker III

SG Leaders Unmasked | 13

“I do think a mask mandate could possibly help prevent cases. I know right now they’re strongly recommended. I think right now with the strong recommendation that it’s still preventing the spread of it,” she said. “I do think a mask mandate for all over campus could be a little bit more helpful as well.”

Simonson said that he is pleased with the way the university is handling COVID-19 safety protocols.

“Right now, we’re having COVID testing and promoting healthy habits,” he said.

“We have a lot of masks everywhere, so whatever the students want, if they want masks, they’re there for them.”

He emphasized that the university follows guidelines from the State University System of Florida, which states that vaccines and masks are encouraged, but not required.

“We’re a state school, so we have to abide by whatever the state says,” Simonson said.

SG Leaders disagree on handling of the pandemic at a state level The president and vice president have a disconnect regarding how the state of Florida is handling the pandemic as well.

“I do think Florida could do a bit better with social distancing,” MacDonald said. “A Florida mask mandate could really help decrease cases but since no laws are really requiring that, no businesses are requiring it either and I think that’s also probably increasing cases.”

Simonson believes that the state has handled the pandemic better than most.

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Throughout the pandemic, Florida has experienced 15,789 COVID cases per 100,000, while Alabama has experienced slightly fewer with 15,119 per 100,000, according to the New York Times.

Simonson and MacDonald aren’t the first people to disagree about COVID-19.

The university’s Business and Economics Polling Initiative (BEPI) conducted a poll in Aug. that asked participants fifteen questions about COVID-19, mask mandates, and vaccinations.

Not one question received a unanimous answer.

“It’s not a political statement,” Simonson said. “It’s “COVID is very real. It’s a very real and deadly understanding medical procedures and where we disease, but if we look at the numbers of [state] are in today’s modern medicine.” schools, we’re doing very well,” he said. “For example, Alabama, when they came back [to school], their [numbers] were off the charts.”

Four months after being sworn in, Maxwell Simonson (right) and Lily MacDonald (left) are completely split when it comes to the world’s most pressing health concern, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo by Eston Parker III

The state of Alabama is currently experiencing an average of 78 per 100,000 COVID-19 cases per day, while Florida’s average is 66 per 100,000, according to the New York Times.

Staying or Leaving C-USA?

C-USA

By Richard Pereira

With the rumors of changing conferences or potential mergers becoming widespread, Athletics Director Brian White cleared the air recently.

Brian White.

Photo Courtesy of FAU Athletics

Staying or Leaving C-USA? | 15

In the ever-evolving world of college football, conference realignment and thoughts of leaving one conference for another have been on the minds of many teams.

In August, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big Ten, and Pac-12 formed a coalition to combat the expanding powerhouse that is the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

This came a month after the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas announced they were departing the Big 12 for the SEC by July 1, 2025.

With the rumors of changing conferences or potential mergers becoming widespread, Athletics Director Brian White explained FAU’s stance on the topic.

White stated that FAU is always monitoring the landscape of college athletics. He said Photo Courtesy of FAU Athletics that if anybody says they know exactly what’s going to happen, they’re not telling the whole story because nobody knows, including the “It’s not beneficial for us to be sitting around decision-makers. thinking about outcomes. It’s not just athletics, but it’s a lot of things in life. You sit around “It’s just hard to predict how everything plays and you know ‘would I make this transition out and the big dominoes and where they if I had x’ or whatever it may be. At the end fall,” White said. “But I do know the converof the day, there’s nothing you can control to sations we have at FAU are all about how we know what the future looks like,” White said. can be as good as we can possibly be com“For all of us, we’re trying to improve our petitively, within our facility space, within our brand, grow FAU, improve our student-athlete student-athlete experience. We want to be experience, and grow our budgets. We have the very best athletic partner we can possibly ambitions here and I think everybody knows be to represent the university.” that.”

Leaving a conference indicates that a university believes it is capable of finding a better deal somewhere else.A change of scenery allows it to face stronger competition while negotiating improved television contracts that gives them more televised games and name recognition, which is of utmost importance for an institution wanting to gain profits and to stand out from everyone else.

After pausing briefly when asked about what it would take to leave C-USA, the conference which FAU currently affiliates itself with, White maintained that they are proud partners with the conference and want to do everything they can to make it better.

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Regarding the impact of leaving C-USA, should that occur, White said it’s something that is not their focus right now and he has no idea of what it would look like at the moment.

“We all saw the move that two major universities made into a major conference at that level,” White said. “There’s big dominoes out there right now but for us, our focus is on what we’re doing and what we’re doing to build our brand.”

In C-USA, White said there is a constant push within the conference office to do everything they can to help its member institutions expand their fan bases. Having more television exposure is a part of that.

photocredit Brian White (left) and men’s soccer head coach Joey Worthen (right).

“Obviously, we all know conference and TV exposure and getting more games on national television, that is definitely a driver and that we’re on television that provides great exposure for a whole university for them to see games that are 1.8 miles of beach in paradise with palm trees,” White said. “That’s not only a selling point for athletic recruits; ideally, that’s an academic selling point for recruits from around the world for our admissions in our university.”

White understands that having more television exposure or greater revenues is key to giving student-athletes a better experience and helping them be successful at the university.

“The geographic region is always a positive as well, but we’re definitely happy where we are and we know that our conference is always fighting to improve the experience of our student-athletes,” White said. “You want to be in the same league with like-minded institutions that want to create great student-athlete experiences and have the ambitions we have, so we’re definitely very happy where we are.”

White explained that while he and the other athletic directors have a lot of conversations about what’s going on, even in their influential positions of power, they can’t predict how the dominoes will fall in terms of major conference realignment.

“The biggest part, obviously, is our primary focus on our own institutions, but there’s also some semblance of [wanting] what’s best for college athletics, for student-athletes around the country,” White said. “There are a lot of student-athletes sitting in the NCAA Divisions I, II, and III that are affected by a lot of these big dominoes that fall, so we’re definitely all interested in what’s best for college athletics in addition to what’s best for our own institutions.”

White said the reason FAU has Division I college athletics is to serve as a front port for the institution and to be the marketing arm by increasing television exposure.

Brian White (right) offers a handshake to Everett Winchester (left).

“I also think every institution in a conference has an obligation to do everything they can to improve their own institution, and that collectively improves the whole conference in some ways,” White said. “At Florida Atlantic, we do everything we can to make ourselves more competitive in all 19 sports… in addition to that, [we] do everything we can to improve our student-athlete experience, which I think feeds into recruiting, which then feeds into the competitiveness of the program, so that’s our kind of our constant focus here.”

White credited the streaming site Stadium for being a good partner to FAU, as there will be some games broadcast there this season, and he believes the streaming world is going to become more available for college sports.

“I know most schools in C-USA and the conference office would love to see more linear viewing for our programs as well. You’d like to be able to just tell your recruits, your fans, your students, your elders, and whoever to turn on ‘x’ channel and you’ll be able to get it pretty easily,” White said. “Although streaming has become more popular, being able to find a channel on TV is certainly the primary goal.”

Due to the changing landscape of college football, White is aware of the conversations everyone is having, including a possible alliance between C-USA and the Sun Belt Conference.

While he entertains the idea of it happening, he notes how difficult that can be due to the large number of teams that could be in the league, therefore impacting how games will be scheduled, particularly in college football.

“I don’t think that is something that is very realistic, but I do think scheduling alliances that could make sense are there, and I don’t think that’s a conversation that anybody’s not willing to have at this point,” White said. “There’s definitely more scheduling in the conversation versus merger [in] conferences. I don’t think we want to see many 20+ team leagues, that’s too complicated.”

Within C-USA, White believes in its leadership as there’s a “great camaraderie” within the league for its like-minded passion for student-athletes and competitiveness.

“I know we’re not there as a league… but I do think C-USA has a desire to provide more exposure to grow and improve, and there’s a lot of improving institutions in it,” White said.

White stated that FAU’s main goal is to be the best it can be, regardless of what happens.

“You never know what college athletics [will] look like in the near future, and nobody knows, so the best way to prepare for an ever-changing environment is just to be excellent at what you do and where you are.”

Photo Courtesy of FAU Athletics

Staying or Leaving C-USA? | 17

UF

UF VS FAU 1 3 5

Jaylen Joyner pursues the quarterback.

Johnny Ford during warmups.

Zyon Gilbert in the midst of the swamp.

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Photo Gallery

By Eston Parker III

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Willie Taggart Jr. before the game.

N’Kosi Perry preparing for the game against the Gators.

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Fall to Taliban Deeper than U.S. Troops Leaving University faculty discuss the United States’ role in Afghanistan.

By Natalia Ribeiro

The United States invaded Afghanistan shortly after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, opening up a war that lasted the past 20 years. In early August, President Biden said he would withdraw American troops, and by the end of the month, the country fell to the hands of the Taliban.

When asked about why the U.S. went into Afghanistan, Angela Nichols, Ph.D, assistant director of the Peace, Justice, and Human Rights Initiative (PJHR) at the university, said that the reasons at first could be attributed to human rights, but now it’s common for people to say oil and money.

“We went into Afghanistan for money. We stayed in Afghanistan for money. We left Afghanistan when there wasn’t any more money,” said Nichols.

“That’s the sad truth from an analysis perspective.”

Eric Hanne, assistant professor in the Department of History, explained that the Taliban came into power in the 1990s and although lacking the necessary equipment, they were supporting and harboring Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda.

From 1996 to 2001, the Taliban controlled Afghanistan until the U.S. toppled the fundamentalist Islamic force. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, after the 9/11 attacks, former President Bush called on the Taliban regime to hand over the leaders of al-Qaeda.

“We didn’t have an exit plan, and that was what was frustrating,” said Hanne. “But I also understood that it was essential that we ruled out the Taliban.”

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President Biden has not backed down on his decision of withdrawing the U.S. troops from Afghanistan, saying he wouldn’t extend a forever war. US troops left the country for good on Aug. 31.

Kelly Shannon, Ph.D, director of PJHR, said that the recent takeover of the Taliban in Afghanistan is on the shoulders of both former President Donald Trump’s and President Biden’s administrations. “[The] U.S. got tired of Afghanistan and they just wanted out. That was really obvious to the Taliban,” said Shannon. “So, when the Trump administration opened negotiations with them, they legitimized the Taliban by doing that, which undermines the confidence in the authority of the Afghan government.”

Hanne, on the other hand, said it’s easy to point fingers at President Biden and former President Trump but says the fault lies with the administration of former President George W. Bush. He said to look at the efforts that the U.S. put into building an effective military in Afghanistan.

“We didn’t develop a military— we gave them nice shiny weapons, but we didn’t train them. We didn’t seek to build an effective security force,” said Hanne. “If we were really serious about what we’re doing, we should’ve focused on developing the internal infrastructure of Afghanistan’s security forces, both at the local levels and at a military level.”

Nichols explained that the statements from President Biden give the impression that Afghanistan is not on the United States’ list of top priorities. Similar to Trump, she said Biden has responded with the common opinion that the U.S. has more important things to worry about. Nichols said that Biden pointed out that the U.S. has lost about 2,445 soldiers from 2001 to the present, whereas Afghanistan has lost about 59,000 in the same time period.

“It’s not a national priority right now and we’re focused on domestic issues,” said Nichols. “Biden inherited Trump’s policies, but because it’s not a big policy issue that’s very [important] in American politics right now, Biden doesn’t have any reason to change the policy that Trump agreed to, even if it’s faulty.”

Shannon said that Afghan people who worked for the Afghan government, with U.S. troops, or with Western non-government organizations (NGOs) are terrified of the Taliban coming after them. She said it’s a matter of time before the Taliban turns their attention back to oppressing its people, as they did back in the 1990s when the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan.

“They’ve already proven themselves to be incredibly brutal to people who disagree with them,” said Shannon. “Their version of Islam is the most radically conferred conservative that’s ever existed. It’s not what Islam actually says, so when [the Taliban] make statements, I think you can’t believe a word they say.”

According to CNBC, more than 23,000 Afghan refugees have arrived in the U.S. since the Taliban took control. The numbers offer a look into the immigration efforts that will be required in the coming months as countries try to find permanent residences for Afghans who may face imminent danger from the Taliban.

Kelly Shannon (top) is the director of the PJHR and works to promote the fight for peace, social justice, and human rights.

Professor Hanne (bottom) works with area of expertise in medieval Islamic history & culture and Islamic numismatics.

Photo Courtesy of Florida Atlantic University

PHOTO CREDIT

Nichols said it’s disappointing that we aren’t doing better in terms of accepting refugees into the country.

“We don’t want to spend the money and the resources,” said Nichols. “Let’s be honest, how many refugees do we accept in this country? Most refugees live in countries that Americans would be surprised to realize, like Lebanon and Greece.”

Shannon agreed that the U.S. and our allies needed to be more emphatic about evacuating Afghans. The only problem, she said, is now that the U.S. does not have a presence in Afghanistan, the evacuation efforts for the citizens still in Afghanistan fall on the Taliban’s goodwill.

“A lot of these types of things were not well thought out before the U.S. left, and it didn’t just affect the U.S. The British have been scrambling because they were not prepared for this to happen,” said Shannon. “They’re really angry with the U.S. for this happening because they got caught off guard. They haven’t been able to hold up their promises to their allies either as a result of U.S. decisions.”

Photo Courtesy of Eric Hanne

Shang-Chi Shang-Chi

By Daniel Pineiro Backflips, somersaults, and kung-fu action all make for one standout MCU film.

When a martial artist’s past finally catches up to him after years in hiding, he’s forced to confront his father: leader of the terrorist organization known as the Ten Rings. Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) must come to terms with his past and discover who he truly is in a world full of marvels.

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is an action/fantasy film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton that marks the twenty-fifth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Simu Liu as Shang-Chi was a pure joy to watch on screen whenever an action sequence began to ramp up in tension. His on and offscreen passion as Marvel’s Shang-Chi, a martial arts master, quickly made him a real-life hero to both the film and Asians everywhere. Simu Liu is truly the heart and soul of the film, though his character was sometimes overshadowed by his father, played by Tony Leung Chiu-wai.

Tony Leung as the Mandarin was, without a doubt, the biggest highlight of the entire film.

His relationship as Shang-Chi’s somewhat esThe movie introduces Marvel’s first Asian tranged father quickly became the film’s core superhero in the second MCU film to be pre- focus and felt all the more authentic to their dominantly featuring a cast of people of color. father-son dynamic.

The first film to do this was “Black Panther” in 2018.

This origin story succeeded in welcoming a brand new character this late into the Marvel Although the MCU is known for superhero Cinematic Universe who audience members movie moments that rely heavily on CGI, it of all cultures are sure to love; however, the was incredible to watch actual martial arts film is not without its minor flaws. used on screen. Albeit with instances of CGI still being used, of course, the film’s choreog- Awkwafina as Katy was weirdly developed raphy was above that of previous entries in throughout the film. From the start, we’re the film franchise. introduced to her being Shang-Chi’s best friend for 10 years during his hiding and she acSince the film heavily centers on martial arts, tively helps him throughout his journey. With the action sequences felt incredibly realistic her character serving that stereotypical MCU and succeeded in showing why Shang-Chi is formula of comedic ally who helps the main Marvel’s greatest hand-to-hand fighter. The protagonist in their journey, it was awkward at undeniably unique action sequence battle times seeing her character be this far involved between Shang-Chi and the Mandarin delivers in a film that centers itself heavily towards audiences the action spectacle of the ages.

Shang-Chi’s family.

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Movie Review

She suddenly becomes a pro archer after just one day of bow and arrow training. This could be perceived as the story being rushed to justify her being there during the film’s climax.

Certain sequences involving cars felt like a long-winded BMW commercial in disguise and quickly became overtly egregious as if to tell audience goers, “Hey, buy our product after the movie.”

Other flaws include comic-book characters making a surprise appearance in the film only to leave fans questioning why a beloved character is suddenly friends with a previous MCU villain without any explanation. One antagonistic character that’s been heavily promoted as Shang-Chi’s rival has by far the weakest presence in the MCU. Being Marvel’s twenty-fifth entry in the MCU and an origin story at that, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” proves that the film franchise is in no way slowing down as it continues to ramp up the stakes and the future of the MCU for all audiences to come.

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” movie poster. Photo courtesy of Disney’s Marvel Studios

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