Washburn University
Volume 142, Issue 23
April 1, 2015
washburnreview.org
The history of April Fools’ Day
INSIDE: News
Derek Richardson
WASHBURN REVIEW
Page 3: Washburn’s Mock Trial reaches national semi-finals.
Sports
Photo by Ryan Ogle
No Parking Zone: A lonely, blue “2” is all that remains of what was once Parking Lot 2 behind Stoffer Science Hall. The parking lot met its demise last month to allow for the construction of two new buildings on campus.
Officials respond to parking concerns Ryan Ogle
WASHBURN REVIEW
Page 9: Women’s tennis squad returns to action at home.
Arts & Entertainment
Page 11: Ad Astra Theater to rock the house with ‘Things to Ruin.’
In order to make room for the construction of the recently approved new residence hall and dining facility, certain sacrifices had to be made. The most noticeable of said sacrifices saw the obliteration of Parking Lot 2, located behind Stoffer Science Hall. Access to Parking Lot 1 has also been restricted. The changes, which will last for the duration of the construction project - an estimated 16 months - have been a cause for concern amongst a number of students. With the lack of on-campus parking already a point of frustration, closing what many considered to be premium parking real estate has only intensified the daily dog fight
Page 6: Phi Delta Theta gets pie-faced for ALS fundraiser.
students, faculty, staff and visitors easy access to classes and events throughout the year. Due to the lack of physical structures, exactly where those classes and events will be held has yet to be determined. However, a committee has been formed that will appoint a committee to address this issue. While the Review has made no attempt to contact anyone for a comment on the plan, one official has come forward with a statement. “We’re no fools,” said April Day, Director of Parking Lots and Pavement. “We know what the students want and that’s exactly what we’re going to give them.”
Know of a good April Fools’ gag? Tell us about your best pranks at WUReview@gmail.com
Ryan Ogle, ryan.ogle@ washburn.edu, wishes you all a happy April Fools’ Day
Derek Richardson, derek. richardson@washburn.edu, is a junior mass media major
“Sexual assault is too common and it affects everyone, which is why it is important for students to participate in these events,” said Megan Smith, a junior political science major and vice president of STAND. “The more people that get involved and speak up, the closer we get to creating social change and having a safer community.” Reed took to Facebook and Twitter to let people know about the march. Reed also says there will be similar events in the near future because she wants people to know that sexual assault is a serious issue.
“It was inspiring to see a large group of people united to end sexual violence,” Smith said. “What was especially encouraging was that an almost equal number of men and women participated in the march.” Smith says that students can help end rape culture by getting involved with STAND. The group meets every Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the Memorial Union, Lincoln room.
Students take a stand against sexual assault Kenzie McCoy
WASHBURN REVIEW
Campus Life
for the last open spot. As the chorus of bickering from students, plagued with sore feet and aching backs caused by the treacherous hike from car to campus, echoed across university grounds, officials sat down and came up with a solution. To ensure that each and every student is afforded the right to park within a reasonable distance to their destination, officials have decided to turn the entire campus into a giant parking lot. The plan, while controversial, will see every building on campus razed to make way for more than 70,000 freshly paved parking spaces, complete with bright and bold yellow lines to help guide students into their spot. The extra parking will guarantee
April 1 has become synonymous with outrageous and ludicrous claims, announcements for things that never come to be, and things that are downright impossible. April 1 is a day to fool. How did this tradition ever come to be? Nobody knows. There are a number of origin theories, some as far back as the 1500s, from a whole range of countries. In particular, British folklore points to the village of Gotham in Nottinghamshire to the origin of the foolish holiday. In the 13th century, it was traditional for any road the King placed his foot upon to become public property. According to legend, when the people of Gotham heard King John was traveling and would be coming through their village, they refused him entry, as they didn’t want to lose their main road. Furious, the king sent his soldiers into the town, but they found a town full of lunatics conducting foolish activity including drowning fish and caging birds in roofless fences. While it was an act, the King fell for it. He declared the town too foolish to warrant punishment. Ever since then, so the legend goes, April Fools’ Day honors their trickery.
Washburn students and community members marched and chanted around campus on March 26 to display their want to end rape culture. “As we marched, we chanted ‘yes means yes, no means no, whatever we wear, wherever we go,’” said Misha Reed, a sophomore exercise physiology major and the current Miss Greater Topeka. “That particular chant was easy for the group to learn and it plainly states that regardless of the setting or what someone
is wearing, consent is the only thing that matters. During my year of service, I want to do as much as I can to raise awareness about rape culture and consent and this was a great opportunity to do so.” The march was put together by members of Washburn’s Students Together Advocating Non-Violence in Dating, organization, which works to eliminate dating violence through awareness and education. STAND has previously helped organize events for rape survivors, such as the vigil to honor victims of sexual abuse at Carole Chapel.
Kenzie McCoy, mckenzie. mccoy@washburn.edu, is a sophomore mass media major
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