The Volante: Nov. 22, 2023

Sports

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Football Finishes Season as the No. 3 Seed in the FCS Playoffs

Sorority Holds Alternative to Annual Haunted House

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Loss of History Professor Hits Campus Community Following the passing of Clayton Lehmann on Nov. 16, the USD History Department hosted a celebration of life for family, friends and colleagues to join and share memories.

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Tavin Carncross| The Volante

News

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023 THE VOLANTE

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Tavin Carncross | The Volante The Cultural Wellness Coalition held a remembrance walk and vigil on Nov. 16 for those who have lost their lives in the war in Palestine and Israel.

War Continues Between Israel and Hamas Juliana Oltmanns

Juliana.Oltmanns@coyotes.usd.edu

The ongoing conflict within the Gaza Strip, West Bank and Israel-Lebanon border being fought between the country of Israel and Palestine’s militant group, Hamas, has shown no signs of stopping anytime soon.

The conflict between the two countries originally began on Oct. 7, 2023, when the Hamas-led Palestinian militant movement launched an attack targeting Southern Israel from the Gaza Strip.

This unexpected barrage included the force of missiles as well as an approximate 3000 Hamas militants invading the border between Gaza and Israel.

As an effect of the attack on the border by Hamas militants, it has been predicted that more than 800 Israeli civilians and around 200 soldiers have been killed from this incident alone. It has also been estimated nearly 240 Israeli citizens and foreign nationals were taken by Hamas militants as captives or hostages to the Gaza Strip.

Hamas leaders have since made public their reasons for launching said invasion, stating that the attack was a result of a long building anger for Israeli policy. More specifically the Israeli occupation, restrictions on the movements of Palestinians as well as the blockage of the Gaza Strip.

USD coordinator for international studies and political science professor Timothy Scorn gave his explanation for Hamas’ reference to the The Gaza Strip.

“The Gaza Strip has essentially been an open-air prison for decades. People are rarely allowed in or out, products of any kind are limited when going in, the only airport and seaport have been destroyed by the Israelis, and the poverty and unemployment levels are very high,” Schorn said. “Unfortunately, the convergence of all of this enables extremists and that’s exactly what happened. A person can understand all of this without approving of Hamas’ attacks.”

After the attack on the border of both Palestine and Israel, the Israeli military responded by conducting extensive airstrikes as an attempt to run Hamas militants out of the country.

This counterattack consisted of a bombing campaign that included a total of

6000 bombs to be dropped onto targets located within Gaza causing substantial damage to the city as well as creating an emergency humanitarian crisis. The lives of Gazan citizens including men, women and children are considerably in extreme danger due to the airstrikes that still continue to take place within the city.

Due to these airstrikes, little to no medical assistance is available to those who are still located in Gaza, as well as a short lasting supply of other necessary resources, including food, water and shelter.

As the war in Gaza continues to become more and more substantial as the days prolong, Schorn believes an end to this conflict will not be easy, nor likely anytime in the near future.

“Conflict can only be resolved when there is real courage and commitment on both sides,” Schorn said. “When either side is hijacked by extremism or is dictated to by extremists from the other side, resolution is unlikely, if not impossible. It is also helpful when there is a truly honest broker from the outside that can help each side navigate the waves and has the moral and political authority to push each side and keep them on track and on task. That is absent here.”

Schorn continued to share his insight on what he feels is to come for the survivors in moving forward from this tragic conflict.

“Each generation of Israelis and Palestinians carry the scars of conflict and trauma with them. This particular conflict will be the most difficult for Israelis since the 1973 war,” Schorn said “For Palestinians, Gazans expect to be bombed regularly.

The children on both sides will not know normal for some time, especially in Gaza.”

However, this does not necessarily mean that there is no hope to come from these conflicts, as many organizations are working both internally and externally to offer support to those currently facing the confinements of this war.

“The two organizations that I have the most faith in are the International Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders. They are certainly in need of assistance and certainly the Red Cross operates on both sides,” Schorn said.

For more information regarding ways to help aid to those facing constraints caused by the war between Israel and Hamas, visit https://www.redcross.org.

News

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Wednesday, November 22, 2023 | 3

Lehmann Leaves 35-Year Legacy at USD Sydney Johnson

Sydney.G.Johnson@coyotes.usd.edu

Clayton Lehmann, a USD history professor, passed away Nov. 16 after he was hit by a car while riding his bike to work Tuesday morning.

Lehmann, a professor at USD for 35 years, was born in 1955 and raised on a farm outside of Hurley, South Dakota and was an academic from a young age.

His family remembers oftentimes finding him as a young child with his nose in a book.

In 1978, Lehmann graduated from Augustana College with degrees in Comparative Literature, History and Greek. This was the start of a lifelong fascination and love for the country of Greece.

He was also introduced to his linguistic talents while studying at Augustana which would continue into a lifetime of studying Ancient and Modern Greek, Latin, Spanish, German and French.

Following his undergraduate studies, Lehmann attended the University of Maryland, where he received his Master’s in Ancient History and Classics, with a specialization in the languages, literature and culture of Ancient Greece and Rome. He then went on to partake in a fellowship program from 1982-1985 at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece. His final degree came in 1986 when he received his PhD in History from the University of Chicago.

Lehmann then returned to South Dakota where he began his 35-year-long career as a history professor at USD. During his time at USD, he raised his two children, Hilary and Christian, and accomplished many academic achievements.

While at USD, Lehmann created one of the first class-related websites on campus and served on numerous committees including the College Promotion and Tenure Committee, Graduate Council and the University Honors Committee.

Lehmann also served as the History Department Coordinator of Graduate Studies from 1996-2001 and the Secretary/Treasurer of the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa from 2006-2017.

In 2004, Lehmann created “The Isles of Greece!”, an interdisciplinary study

Brennan Jordan | USD History Department Dr. Clayton Lehmann created a study abroad program that took students to Greece to learn about the culture, language and archaeology. This was an opportunity for Lehmann to share his extensive knowledge and love for the Greek islands.

abroad program he began with Nelson Stone and Brennan Jordan. This study abroad opportunity gave Lehmann the chance to share his love for Greece with his students.

“I’d only had him for this semester, but it is incredibly easy to say this his joy in teaching and in classical history was infectious,” current student Ashley Knudtson said on the Miller Funeral Home website. “To have known his was an honor and I will miss knowing I could always come into his office to talk and receive a cookie for visiting the sweetest of individuals.”

Lehmann received the Richard and Sharon Cutler Award in Liberal Arts in 2008. This award is given to faculty who advance liberal arts education through teaching and research over a three-year span. Lehmann received the Humanities division of this award for his dedication to the honors program, his creation of the Greek study abroad opportunities and his continued research of Greek archaeology and athletics.

“I was lucky enough to know Clayton as a professor, a fellow student, a mentor and a friend,” Lauren Verlaque Hall said on the Miller Funeral Home website. “I have so many fond memories of him: making Turkish coffee from his office closet, offering a cookie from what appeared to be an antique urn on his desk, making dry quips at Friday night French Table at the Pub, discussing the finer points of a theatrical performance, enjoying an afternoon sail on Lewis & Clark Lake or offering a bag of atomic fireballs to help start a stalled engine on a freezing South Dakota morning. You’ll be missed, professor. I hope you’re sailing off into the sunset somewhere, embarking on a whole new adventure.”

During a trip to Greece, Lehmann met his wife Ángela Helmer. The couple shared a passion for language, archaeology, teaching and travel. Lehmann and Helmer both loved learning and experiencing different languages and cultures, especially together.

Helmer said oftentimes when she would have to travel out of the country for research conferences, Lehmann would convince her to let him tag along so he could go out and explore while she took part in the conference. They enjoyed a life full of travel around the globe, so much so that they found themselves in Germany or Greece almost every year and maintained a second home in Peru together.

Lehmann and Helmer have spent the better part of the last decade investigating and co-authoring a book titled “Francisco Lópex de Gómara’s General History of the Indies.” This book will be released at the end of November.

Along with his formal studies, Lehmann was an avid self-taught carpenter, scuba diver and sailor. However, music was Lehmann’s main passion. From a young age Lehmann was encouraged to explore music, and with that he became a gifted singer, guitar, bass and piano player. His favorite instrument was the trumpet, and he oftentimes made appearances at churches, in a brass quintet, as a substitute in the South Dakota Symphony or in the pit band for the USD Department of Theatre’s musicals.

Lehmann is survived in death by his mother, Donna Lehmann, his sisters Julie (Jim) Ellison, Peggy (Jon) Beihoffer and Sandy (Krishnan) Moten, his children Hilary and Christian Lehmann, his wife Ángela Helmer, his stepchildren Fabio and Carla Laermanns, and his nieces and nephews Ryan, Ashley, Will Joshua, Matthew, Samuel, Jack and Veda. He is preceded in death by his father Darlas Lehmann and his nephew Peter.

A celebration of life for Lehmann was held on Nov. 21 in the MUC ballroom where attendees were encouraged to wear pirate or Doctor Who themed ties, bowties or the color green to honor Lehmann.

Lehmann’s family encourages those whose lives were touched by Lehmann to make a donation in his honor to the Habitat for Humanity or the United Way of Vermillion.

4 | Wednesday, November 22, 2023

News

The Volante

USD Student First Thanksgiving in Vermillion Jacob Peirce

Jacob.Peirce@coyotes.usd.edu

With Thanksgiving Break just around the corner for USD students many students aren’t able to travel for the holiday.

USD has a large percentage of students who live near home, but for international students, returning home for break can present a challenge.

Many international students do not have the ability to go home over the break.

Many of their friends are absent for the break, leaving some students wondering what to do over the holiday.

Jody-Ann Tyson, a graduate international student from Jamaica, said that this time of year can be especially hard for international students.

“This season can be a very lonely time for many international students, especially when it’s your first time being far from your family this long,” Tyson said.The good thing is that as international students, we do have a great community here in Vermillion, and it makes the holiday better for us.”

Tyson said that this year will be her first time celebrating Thanksgiving, so she wants to spend it as traditionally as possible.

“I want to have the Thanksgiving experience the American way. This year, my thanksgiving meal will only include American dishes. Most importantly, ham, turkey and chicken will definitely be included,” Tyson said.

Tyson explained that it can be hard for international students who do not have family to spend the holiday with. Luckily, she said she has an aunt who will be in South Dakota for Thanksgiving this year.

This will also be her first Christmas away from home - an experience many international students can relate to.

“This Christmas will be the first time I will ever be celebrating Christmas without my family, so I will be in Vermillion. I will be spending the holidays with my friends here in Vermillion,” Tyson said.

Tyson said although she will be far away from home over Christmas, she will still do what she can to make the holiday feel like home.

“Myself, along with some friends, are planning to have a Christmas dinner, which will definitely include some Jamaican dishes, American dishes, African dishes and Indian dishes too,” Tyson said.

Tyson said she got the idea after thinking about not only herself but about the others spending the holidays here in Vermillion.

“I got this idea when I realized that celebrating Christmas alone can truly be depressing and lonely, and I really want to be merry during the holidays, and I want my friends to be merry too,” Tyson said.

For any international students who are feeling homesick over the holidays, the international club can be contacted at ic@coyotes.usd.edu.

Vermillion Drain Paintings Homage to River Tavin Carncross

Tavin.Carncross@coyotes.usd.edu

In Vermillion, many of the storm drains are painted with characters such as the Lorax, baby ducks and many other things.

These storm drain paintings come from a group in Vermillion called Greening Vermillion where their main goal is to raise awareness of where the water from the drains goes.

Greening board member and the project manager for the Adopt-A-Drain program in Vermillion, Samantha O’Kelley, said the main goal for painting the drains is to raise awareness of what is happening to the Vermillion river.

“I think most people think that the storm drains lead to some type of treatment plant, but they do not,” O’Kelley said. “The water leads to the Vermillion River. So lawn chemicals, washing your car in your driveway, or blowing leaves into the street sends those things into the Vermillion River.”

The process to even paint the drains starts on Earth Day where O’Kelley and her team advertised the project. From there, Google Forms were filled out with the artists who were willing to paint the drains and submitted a photo of what they wanted to do.

O’Kelley said after the Google Forms consisted of talking to the city engineer in Vermillion about what drains they could paint.

“I had meetings with Jose Dominguez, the city engineer, and we figured out which drains should be painted. Jose knows which drains are getting maintenance or not,” O’Kelley said.

Following the meeting with Dominguez, O’Kelley said she gave the artist the choice to pick their own drain along with tools provided by not only Greening Vermillion but also the City of Vermillion.

“In some instances, I gave the artists their choice of drain, and some I told them where to paint because it was a drain that the city wanted to see painted because it had a lot of traffic,” O’Kelley said. “There are kits for the artists and they

picked up the paints and equipment and painted the drains when they could, and then, they returned the supplies.

O’Kelley said there isn’t an overall theme for the paintings; however, some of the painters choose a theme for their own drain.

“Some of the artists like to promote the wildlife in and around the river to raise awareness, so a lot of the paintings have animals and vegetation that the storm water pollution effects.”

With the painters painting different themes, O’Kelley said one of her favorites is the Lorax drain, but she also appreciates the other more abstract paintings.

“One of my favorites is the Lorax, just generally reminding you that the river takes care of us so we should take care of it,” O’Kelley said. “Some of the artists are a bit more abstract too, like the newest drains on Dakota street have various animals, and the style was inspired by how oil looks on water.”

For more information about either the Adopt-A-Drain project or other projects the team at Greening Vermillion will be putting together, visit their website at https://www.greeningvermillion.

Madison Martinez | The Volante The Greening Vermillion program painted drains around Vermillion. Some drains have the Lorax and other abstract art.

News USD Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

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Wednesday, November 22, 2023 | 5

The Volante November 22, 2023 www.volanteonline.com

Jozie Kumm

Jozie.Kumm@coyotes.usd.edu

Native Student Services hosted Native American Heritage Month at USD. They put together a month-long celebration for Native American USD students and community members.

Native Student Services held several events during the month of November. They also paired up with Marcus Destin, the Multicultural Affairs coordinator on campus.

Brooke Jackson, Coordinator of Native Student Services, said they wanted to make as many students as included.

“The number one goal is to make students feel seen and heard. Like they feel like they belong on this campus. So they feel like they’re connected to it. And like a piece of it and not just a part of it,” Jackson said.

Some of the events that were put on were lectures, socials and workshop classes.

Some of the special guests that were welcomed were Sarah Deer, Daniel French and Anthony Anaya-Gormann.

Certain events were more popular on campus such as the Unity Ball. However, Jackson said there was good attendance of students throughout the month.

“I’d say we’re pretty close to like 75-to-100 (students) for almost all the events actually,” Jackson said.

Jackson said the reason for the good turnout was due to advertising and planning on the Native Students Services.

“We’ve actually figured out (the events) we wanted to do in the summer, so we can invite everybody and get their contracts done,” Jackson said. “We have put on a Facebook event where things can be more popular on campus…We put those in about like three-tofour weeks ahead of time. That way the community knows and they can feel welcome to come.”

Within Jackson’s time at USD, she said they have learned what students like and adapted to make the events more successful on campus.

“I think that we’ve learned a lot. In 2019, when I started, we had a lot of quantity.

We had like 17 events during the one month and now we have like seven. We’ve learned that quality is better than quantity because students can’t attend everything,” Jackson said.

If interested in more events hosted by Native Student Services, visit their USD involved site at https://usdinvolved.usd.edu/organization/nacc.

Al Neuharth Media Center 555 N. Dakota St. University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD 57069 Adviser Janet Davison Mission statement The Volante covers issues relevant and interesting to USD students. Faculty, staff and community members are welcome readers, but the newspaper is written and presented for a diverse community of students from the students’ point of view.

The paper should provide a variety of information, entertainment and educational opportunities for the readers. The Volante encourages everyone to write letters to the editor.

The Volante wishes to be viewed by students as respectable, objective, accurate, fair and trustworthy. If you have comments, concerns or questions, please contact The Volante at 677-5494.

The Volante is distributed Wednesdays during the academic year free of charge locally with the cost of $1 for each additional copy. One year subscription rates are $40, which solely covers the mailing costs.

The Volante does not endorse, promote or encourage the purchase or sale of any production service advertised in this paper. Advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser.

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Editor’s Picks

Tavin Carncross

Charles Streeter

Editor-in-Chief

Opinion Editor

Jordan Grothe

Sydney Johnson

Managing Editor

Head Designer

Jozie Kumm

Madison Martinez

News Editor

Photo Editor

Juliana Oltmanns

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Assistant News Editor

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Sydney Kolln

Ella Dellperdang

Verve Editor

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Trevan Rychlik Sports Editor

These are The Volante staff picks of events happening this week.

Sports

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023 THE VOLANTE

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Football to Spend Thanksgiving with a Bye Week Tavin Carncross

Tavin.Carncross@coyotes.usd.edu

On Nov. 19, the FCS playoff bracket was announced with 24 teams being selected and eight being seeded in the bracket.

After watching in-state rival South Dakota State secure the No. 1 seed overall, the Coyotes were seeded on the other side of the bracket as No. 3, their first top-eight seed in program history.

With their seeding in the FCS bracket, the Coyotes will have a first-round bye and will host their first game in the DakotaDome on Saturday, Dec. 2.

They will be watching the first round of the playoffs from their couch and will await the winner of Missouri Valley Football Conference foe in North Dakota and former USD quarterback Carson Camp and his new team in Sacramento State.

On Nov. 11 the Coyotes hosted North Dakota for the 101st game between the two, where the Coyotes defeated the Fighting Hawks 14-10. The Coyotes have never played Sacramento State.

If the Coyotes win the first game, they will then host the next matchup which can be against No. 6 Montana State, North Dakota State or Drake.

This is the Coyotes third FCS playoffs appearance and seventh NCAA playoff appearance overall. The last time the Coyotes were in the playoffs was the 2021 sea-

Sydney Kolln | The Volante (Right) The Coyotes ‘ junior offensive lineman Joey Lombard lined-up against North Dakota in the Coyotes final home game of the regular season. The Coyotes defeated the Fighting Hawks 14-10.

Tavin Carncross | The Volante

(Above) South Dakota football head coach Bob Nielson and senior lineback Brock Mogensen celebrating senior day together. This was Mogensen’s final regular season game as a Coyote.

son, where they hosted a playoff game against Missouri Valley Football Conference rival Southern Illinois where they lost 22-10.

On the season, the Coyotes are 9-2 with their only two losses on the season being to FBS No. 10 ranked Missouri and to the top seed in the FCS in South Dakota State. The Coyotes also have four wins against ranked opponents this season with three of them being in the top 10 of the FCS. Playoff tickets will go on sale at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26 for season ticket holders and Howling Pack members. Any remaining tickets will be made available to the general public at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 29 and will be available at GoYotes.com/tickets.

Along with the Coyotes securing a first-round bye, head coach of the Coyotes Bob Nielson was named a top-20 finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award which is given to the best coach in the FCS. Also in award conversations, senior linebacker Brock Mogensen was named one of the 30 finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award given to the best defensive player in the FCS. On the season, Mogensen has 103 tackles, one sack, two-and-a-half tackles for loss and one interception.

Sports Wednesday, November 22, 2023 | 7 Volleyball Falls in Summit League Tournament

The Volante

Tavin Carncross

Tavin.Carncross@coyotes.usd.edu

After clinching a share of the Summit League Regular Season title, the South Dakota Coyotes went into the tournament as the No. 4 seed as the three teams ahead of them (No. 1 Kansas City, No. 2 Omaha Mavericks and No. 3 Denver Pioneers) all had a tiebreaker over the Coyotes.

They finished the regular season with a 18-9 overall record and a 12-4 Summit League record. They also ended the season on a five-game winning streak which included four sweeps.

In the quarterfinals matchup in the Summit League Volleyball tournament, the Coyotes were matched up against the No. 5 North Dakota State Bison who they had previously played just eight days prior. There, the Coyotes swept the Bison with the sets going 25-16, 25-20 and 25-9, respectively.

In the first set, the Bison got off to a fast start securing the first three points of the match as junior middle blocker Alexis Boling had two kills against the Coyotes.

The Bison held the lead all the way up until the Coyotes went on a three-point rally to tie the set up at 19. They remained within a one to two point span which put the set into extras.

From there, the Bison finally ended the long set after an attacking error for Coyotes’ senior outside hitter Evelyn Diederich giving the Bison a 29-27 set victory.

In set two, the Coyotes bounced back and took a commanding lead early in the second set 14-6. The Coyotes held the lead which capped off the set 25-15 after the Bison’s senior outside hitter Ali Hinze committed an error.

After winning their first set, the Coyotes came out in set three and took another commanding lead over the Bison as they pushed the score to 15-7 after Hinze committed another attacking error.

The Bison rallied back in the set, cutting the Coyotes lead back down to five after back-to-back service aces from the Bison’s senior libero/defensive specialist Taylor Quan.

Despite the Bison comeback the Coyotes were able to defend the lead and eventually win the third set 25-17.

The fourth set was a back-and-forth affair between the two teams as neither could escape a two point lead/deficit. This continued all the way until the final points where the Bison were up 24-22 in set point.

The Coyotes graduate middle block Brynn Paumen scored a kill against the Bison when outside hitter Lauren Jansen committed a ball handling error to make it 24-23.

With the Coyotes in possession, freshman setter Avery Van Hook set up a left side attack for Diederich that went out of bounds giving the Bison a 25-23 set four victory pushing it to the fifth and final set.

The Bison waited no time in the fifth set as they went on a 9-2 run to put them ahead 14-6 and match point.

The Coyotes senior middle blocker Madison Harms stopped the Bison run putting the Coyotes down 14-7 still at match point.

After the serve from Van Hook, the Bison were given an opportunity to score. The Bison’s senior setter and Summit League Setter of the Year Kelley Johnson set up an attack on the right side which was eventually killed by Boling to end the match and give victory to the Bison 15-7.

The loss ends the Coyotes’ season in the quarterfinals. They will wait and see if they will be in the NCAA Tournament or the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC).

Sydney Kolln | The Volante (Above) The Coyotes celebrate a point during their game against North Dakota State in the quarterfinals of the Summit League Tournament.

(Right) Junior outside hitter Kylen Sealock was named to the Summit League First Team this season after leading the league in service aces in the regular season with 43.

Sports

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Wednesday, November 22, 2023 | 8

Men’s and Women’s Basketball Preview Tavin Carncross

Tavin.Carncross@coyotes.usd.edu

Before the next issue of The Volante prints, the South Dakota men’s and women’s basketball teams will be hosting four home games inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center (SCSC).

Men’s Basketball The men’s team currently has a record of 3-2 on the season after their previous matchup against Purdue Fort Wayne where the Coyotes lost 93-81.

Their first game that will be played will be on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. They will host the Division III Northland College who is currently 0-4 on the season.

This is only the second time these two teams have played with the first coming back in 2017 when the Coyotes won 88-42.

The Coyotes next game will be a familiar foe in Air Force as they played last season in Colorado Springs where the Coyotes lost 79-58.

This game will be played on Sunday Nov. 26 at 12:30 p.m.

The Falcons come into the matchup 4-2 on the season (pending the VMI match on Wednesday, Nov. 22) and are currently on a three-game win streak.

The final game at home for the Coyotes will be against Waldorf, a NAIA division team.

They come into the matchup 2-4 overall (pending two matches against Minnesota State University on Friday, Nov. 24 and McPherson College on Saturday, Nov. 25). The Warriors are 2-1 in their last three games.

The Coyotes have only played against the Warriors once in their tenure with it being played in 2021 where the Coyotes won 93-37.

Following the match against Waldorf, the Coyotes will have a road affair with the former Summit League team in Western Illinois as they take on the Leathernecks on Sunday, Nov. 3.

The Leathernecks hold the last win against the Coyotes as they defeated them in Macomb, Illinois 75-72.

The Coyotes this season are led by senior forward Lahat Thioune as he is averaging 16.2 points per game and 9.8 rebounds per game.

Thioune is a transfer from UCF and playing his first season with the Coyotes.

Two others lead the Coyotes in scoring in

junior guard Kaleb Stewart with 13.2 points per game and senior guard Bostyn Holt with 10.8 points per game.

Women’s Basketball The women’s team is currently 3-3 on the season with back-to-back losses against Michigan and Arizona, respectively.

They will only have one home game before the next issue as they will host Northern Iowa on Nov. 29. The theme for the game will be white out.

The Panthers are currently 1-2 on the season (pending two games against Syracuse on Nov. 24 and Vanderbilt on Nov. 25).

The last time the Coyotes and Panthers played was 2016 when the Coyotes won 51-50 after Northern Iowa missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

The Coyotes will also have two road games, the first against South Carolina State inside the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls on Nov. 25 and the second will be on Dec. 3 against Loyola Marymount.

The women’s team is led by junior guard Grace Larkins who is currently leading the team with 13.2 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game and 4.1 assists per game.

Following Larkins in double-digit scoring is transfer senior forward Tori DePerry with 11.3 points per game. She is also averaging 4.7 rebounds per game.

For more information on men’s and women’s basketball schedule, go to GoYotes.com.

Sydney Kolln | The Volante Junior Forward Mayourm Buom is one of the six transfers on the Coyote men’s basketball team. This season, Buom has played in five games this where he is averaging 4.2 points per game along with 2.8 rebounds per game.

Sydney Kolln | The Volante Senior forward Tori DePerry is second on the team in scoring with 11.3 points per game. DePerry is a transfer from Saginaw Valley State.

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023

THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM/OPINION

Editorial: Thanksgiving is the Best Holiday Thanksgiving is almost here: pumpkin pie, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, what’s not to love? Thanksgiving is not only about eating copious amounts of food that would be considered seriously unhealthy on a regular basis, but is about spending time with family and friends.

President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.

This may not have occurred without the help of an author named Sarah Josepha Hale. She is best known for writing “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” but she also lobbied for over 30 years to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.

Thanksgiving was moved to the third week of November in 1939 by President Franklin Roosevelt, but was moved back to the fourth week in 1941 after public backlash, where it has stayed ever since.

Today, most Americans spend Thanksgiving by watching the Macy’s Day Parade, football games and playing games

with relatives and friends.

Thanksgiving follows up with Black Friday, where one can choose to venture crowded malls for good deals, or watch the Iowa-Nebraska football game.

Thanksgiving Day food makes this holiday stand out. A turkey cooked well

“

pecan pie and custard pie.

The food is great, but what makes Thanksgiving arguably the best holiday is that it’s much more relaxed and laid back than other holidays.

Most years, the average person gets more days off of work for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is not only about eating copius amounts of food that would be considered seriosuly unhealthy on a regular basis, but is about spending time with family and friends.

with stuffing is hard to beat. There’s enough sides for everyone to find something they enjoy. Maybe it’s the green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, brussel sprouts or gravy. And then there’s the pies: pumpkin pie, apple pie, cherry pie,

The Volante Tavin Carncross, editor-in-chief Jordan Grothe, managing editor Trevan Rychlik, sports editor

EDITORIAL BOARD

Sydney Kolln, verve editor

THE STUDENTS’ VOICE SINCE 1887

The Volante welcomes letters to the editor in regards to campus, local, state and national issues. Letters will be edited for clarity and length and will be printed as space allows. Please limit letters to 300 words or fewer. The Volante reserves the right to hold letters for publication in a later issue.

Submissions must include the author’s name, address, telephone number, year in school and major or job title. Letters must be exclusively for The Volante.

We will not publish anonymous letters.

Fax to: 605.677.5105 Email to: volante@coyotes. usd.edu Via our website:

OVERHEARDS

Here you’ll find the weirdest, funniest and stupidest things we’ve heard during the week.

Context is for suckers.

Charles Streeter, opinion editor

CONTACT US

Send letters to: Al Neuharth Media Center 555 N. Dakota St. Vermillion, S.D. 57069

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than Christmas, since it’s always on a Thursday and is not fixed to a calendar day.

Thanksgiving does not come with the stressful expectations that Christmas does. Christmas is a good holiday, no

doubt but one has to endure the grueling months-long leadup of overrated music blasting on repeat. With Thanksgiving there’s no pressure to find everyone a gift at crowded stores, either. Instead, one can simply show up, as your presence is all that really matters on Thanksgiving.

Since President Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday, our national culture has become more consumerist than ever.

People are busier than ever, so it’s good to have the opportunity to step back and appreciate everything we have and everyone we love.

We can do that on Christmas, Easter and Independence Day too, but that’s not the primary focus of those holidays.

The Volante wishes all of you a happy and safe Thanksgiving this year. We hope everyone will enjoy this much-needed break before the final stint of classes and finals begin.

The deadline for letters is 5 p.m. the Friday prior to publication.

Letters must be typed and fewer than 300 words.

“I used to be called angry bird in middle school.”

- Spruce St. “I’m about to stick my foot up your dick.”

-MUC “I’m not about that. I’m a carnivore.”

-Main St. “When I wasn’t on Minecraft, I was on Excel.”

-Walmart

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Wednesday, November 22, 2023 10 Opinion Restore Abortion Rights in South Dakota

Sam Markley is a sophomore majoring in history education.

Besides the presidential election, South Dakotans should pay attention to a key amendment they’ll find when they go to the ballot box in 2024: enshrining the right to an abortion in the state constitution.

I urge all students at USD to vote in 2024, and to vote in favor of restoring this right.

All abortions in South Dakota are illegal, except those that are deemed necessary to preserve the mother’s life.

How can a government that

claims to care for its citizens force someone to carry their rapist’s baby to term? Pair this with rising childcare expenses, along with the 9% decrease in average household income, and South Dakota forces people to give birth, and either give that child away to an overburdened foster system, or be pushed further and further into poverty and debt, all through no fault of their own.

It’s important to understand that abortion restrictions don’t just impact abortion, but they

reduce the quality of healthcare in the state as a whole.

The Argus Leader has written about the OB-GYN shortage in South Dakota, and how it is only made worse by the abortion ban.

These healthcare workers don’t just provide abortions, but also screen for breast cancer, perform ultrasounds and assist in high-risk pregnancies. Healthcare professionals are fleeing the state because they’re threatened with felonies for caring for their patients and depriving hundreds

of thousands in the state of life-saving medical care.

This amendment will bring South Dakota back to reality.

It provides a middle ground where abortions can still be restricted after the second trimester, allowing people ample time to determine the best course of action for their future.

In 2024, vote to bring healthcare workers back to South Dakota, vote to improve the lives of South Dakotans, and vote to legalize abortion.

Say No to Unsafe, Dishonest Abortion Petition

Charles Streeter is a senior majoring in political science and psychology.

Last June, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

This decision allows each state full autonomy over the legality of abortion. Abortion has shown to be a controversial and motivating influence in past elections. Currently, signatures are being gathered to amend the state’s constitution to allow for nearly unregulated abortions during an entire pregnancy. This initiative is both unscientific, According to a Gallup survey, 60% of Americans support abortions during the first trimester, while only 28% support abortions during the second and 13% during the third.

While I dislike abortions during any point in pregnancy, I acknowledge the reality that the average American supports some abortion. However, this constitutional amendment would de facto legalize lateterm abortions, against the

wishes of the people.

The writers of this amendment could have permitted abortions through the first trimester and banned them after, something the average American would support . Instead, the writers chose to write vast legal loopholes during the second and third trimesters.

Under the amendment, a doctor would have full authority to decide if the fetus endangers the mother’s “health” (not life) at risk. Courts have previously ruled that health can be defined as social health, financial health or mental health, not just physical health.

In effect, doctors could qualify every pregnant woman for a late-term abortion because every pregnancy endangers some form of health. Doctors would also be completely free to receive a kickback for every abortion performed, a major conflict of interest.

Many of the signature-gatherers for the amendment also claim this initiative will “restore Roe.” That’s great, if it were true. Roe allowed for states to regulate abortion. This amendment allows for no regulation during the first trimester. The state of South Dakota would not be able to mandate any health or safety regulations for abortion, which is unreasonable and unsafe.

Philosophically, this amendment is incoherent. If we believe the premise that it is wrong to kill an innocent human being, and that adults are human beings, then there must exist an objective point that we become human beings.

Whether an unborn child is wanted or loved by a mother has no impact on the beginning of human life.

We can have a scientific discussion about what point in pregnancy would mark the

beginning of human life and make policy that reflects scientific evidence.

Instead, this amendment ignores objective reality and would allow the killing of a baby that could live outside of the uterus. That’s wildly unpopular and wrong. It also sets terrible legal precedents that could be used to forcibly take adults off life support.

Taking the life of what would become an adult human is fundamentally anti-choice. The fetus did not choose to exist, and a death sentence is not a reasonable punishment for the crime of simply existing.

The people of the state should get to vote on public policy, but that policy should be reasonable and its goals transparent. Therefore, when you’re inevitably asked to sign a petition to put this amendment on the ballot, I ask that you decline to sign.

Verve

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023

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Sorority Hosts Line Dancing Philanthropy Nathan DeGreef

Nathan.DeGreef@coyotes.usd.edu

Due to the fraternity Lambda Chi Alpha no longer having a house, the Pi Beta Phi sorority had a creative alternative to their annual haunted house with the fraternity: line dancing.

USD student and Pi Beta Phi member Ella Wittmus came up with the idea along with friend Chloe Birney. They called it “Line Dancing for Literacy.”

“I thought it would be a fun event that would involve everyone,” Wittmus said.

The event took place at Old Lumber Company, where the group learned popular line dances. The reason Wittmus picked the space was due to the big second floor where they could fit enough people.

“I really liked the big open space on the second

Nathan Degreef | The Volante

floor because I knew it could fit a lot of people for dancing,” Wittmus said. “We just had two instructors teach (the dances) to those who came.”

The night began with the two instructors demonstrating the dances and then the crowd attempting after them. About halfway through the night, the crowd gave it a try on their own.

“My favorite part was watching everyone dance while I played the music,” Wittmus said. “It was so exciting to see everyone having fun at the event I put on.”

All proceeds are being donated to Pi Beta Phi’s national philanthropy.

“Our philanthropy supports efforts towards kids who cannot read, which is 1-in-4 children,” Wittmus said. “It donates books to schools, buys literacy supplies for classrooms and much more.”

(Top): Marcus Destin, the Multicultural Affairs Coordinator, made a musical guest appearance, sharing some of his own songs with the crowd. Destin was one of the many USD staff members who helped the students organize the annual Unity Ball event.

Destin was also awarded the Dr. Kim Grieve Legacy Award.

Compared to some of the sororities’ events in the past, this got all members involved.

“We have two other philanthropy events, Pi Phi Sugar High and Pi Phi Bow Tie,” Wittmus said.

“We just serve food at these events, so it was fun to have something else for people to do at Line Dancing for Literacy.”

Even with having a generous crowd, Wittmus thought there were improvements that could have been made.

“I would have promoted it around town a little more, so we could have gotten more involvement from the community,” Wittmus said.

Despite not having a set goal and it being a brand new event, Wittmus said they achieved their main goals: having a fun time and a good turnout.

Tavin Carncross | The Volante

(Top): Marcus Destin, the Multicultural Affairs Coordinator, made a musical guest appearance, sharing some of his own songs with the crowd. Destin was one of the

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Wednesday, November 22, 2023 | 12

ASIA, ISA Collaborate for Diwali Celebration Sydney Kolln

Sydney.Kolln@coyotes.usd.edu

For many years, the Asian Students in America (ASIA) has hosted their annual Diwali celebration. This year, the group decided to work with the Indian Student Association (ISA) to bring this night to life.

Gitanjali Sattanathan the president of the ISA, said their group and ASIA put a lot of time into the event.

“We put in so much effort to meet with the executive team of ASIA,” Sattanathan said. “They have been the ones conducting Diwali until now. … Even though Diwali is primarily an Indian festival, ASIA has been conducting it so far, so this time we decided to collaborate with ASIA.” The Vice President of ASIA Pim Thongtad said the two groups had met earlier to prepare for this night. They had to plan out who was going to perform and who was going

to bring the food.

“This took a little over a month of planning with our executive members of ASIA and ISA,” Thongtad said. “A lot of thought went into it with food and decorations. This whole thing took us all day Friday to set up and (Saturday) also. It’s a lot of work but we’re glad we are doing it for the community.”

Diwali is a festival celebrated by numerous religions including Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. However, all groups may celebrate the holiday differently.

Thongtad said the event is mostly celebrated in South Asia with there being colorful lights.

“Diwali is celebrated in South Asia mostly,” Thongtad said. “It is called the festival of lights and it’s a five day festival. It’s a big celebration of colors, full of lights and a family celebration.”

Sattanathan said she wanted everyone to enjoy the performances and understand why Diwali is celebrated.

Thongtad also agreed with her.

Thongtad said she also hoped with the event it would bring people together and in the end have a more well rounded community in Vermillion.

“I hope they get to meet someone from somewhere they’re never been before,” Thongtad said. “I hope it creates a more well rounded community. I hope people learn more about cultures that they might not have heard about before.”

To check out more events from ASIA and ISA, check out the USD Involved page athttps://usdinvolved.usd.edu/ organization/aasa or https://usdinvolved.usd.edu/organization/indianstudentassociation and their social medias.

Sydney Kolln | The Volante

ASIA in collaboration with ISA hosted a Diwali celebration on Nov. 18. This was the first year that ASIA collaborated with ISA on this annual event. Diwali is a festival celebrated in religions such as Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism; however, everyone was invited to join in on the festivies regardless of religious affiliation.

Taylor Swift’s Latest Era: Knudson Law School Sydney Kolln

Sydney.Kolln@coyotes.usd.edu

Taylor Swift has garnered worldwide commotion lately, as she embarks on her Eras Tour. Following this public craze, Swift’s impact has seeped into unconventional aspects of society, such as academia.

Many universities, such as Stanford University and Berklee College of Music in Boston, have started offering classes based on the star and her business techniques. This spring semester, USD’s Knudson School of Law will follow suit, offering a course based on Swift.

The course will be offered by professor Sean Kammer next spring for second- and third-year law students.

In an interview conducted by the university, Kammer said he wanted to do something different that maybe most

law students wouldn’t have done in school.

“The basic idea is to use a topic about which students are already quite passionate about to help them interrogate the law in ways they probably wouldn’t otherwise do in law school,” said Kammer. “The course will also help them understand that their experiences and passions not typically associated with the law can, and do, inform the way they approach the law. Who they are matters, essentially.”

Kammer is a fan of Swift himself, which inspired him to create this course. He attended her Eras Tour in Minneapolis and has had several interactions with students who also enjoy Swift.

The course will provide students insights into legal philosophy, culture and rhetoric. They will explore this through Swift’s music, lyrics, public persona and her interactions with the legal system.

During the course, students will debate over music interpretation as it relates to the law. They will also understand the influence of music and its effects on the law.

Kammer said he wants the students who take the class to eventually figure out who they are as people along with learning the material.

“It matters not only in terms of which arguments they choose to make or whose interests they seek to represent, but in how they treat fellow members of their communities,” Kammer said. “I want them to learn that the practice of law is not something they should sequester from the rest of their lives. It is something that should be embedded within a full life, and it should be pursued in a way that is consistent with one’s values and identity.”

For more information, email usdnews@usd.edu or professor Kammer at Sean.Kammer@usd.edu.