The Alestle Vol. 74 No. 24 by The Alestle

THE ALESTLE WILL NOT BE PUBLISHING NEXT WEEK thursday, 03.25.21

T H E

ALESTLE

MEET YOUR STUDENT GOVERNMENT ELECTION CANDIDATES page 2

vol. 74 no. 24

The Student Voice Since 1960

CANDIDATE:

Local elections for Edwardsville city mayor and new members of the city council will soon be underway. Polls at various Madison County precincts will be open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m on Tuesday, April 6. If you aren’t registered to vote, you can fill out the Online Voter Registration Application on the Illinois State Board of Elections website to register online. You can also register by mail after filling out an application available on the Madison County Clerk’s Office website, or you can register in person at the County Clerk’s Office at 157 North Main Street, Edwardsville IL, 62025. If you are registered to vote, you can also visit the Madison County Clerk’s Office website to find your local polling place. Under the “Voter Registration” page, you can find answers to more frequently asked voter registration questions. If you’re unsure of your voter registration status in Madison County, you can verify it through the Madison County Clerk’s Office website and receive a specimen ballot with the candidates listed to use for your own reference.

SIUE announced that it will hold multiple in-person commencement ceremonies, in addition to virtual commencement ceremonies, between May 1 and May 9. Events will be held at Korte Stadium, weather permitting. Graduates will be able to invite two guests to the ceremonies and must complete a COVID-19 self-assessment and follow mitigation guidelines. Approximately 150 students will attend each ceremony. Doug McIlhagga, executive director of University Marketing and Communications, said while virtual ceremonies ha virtual ceremonies don’t provide the same excitement as walking across the stage, based on student feedback. “It was always something that Chancellor Pembrook had wanted to do throughout the semester, trying to get us to a point where students could have the opportunity to celebrate again, and hopefully with their families to a certain degree,” McIlhagga said. Graduation information and specific times of ceremonies can be found on SIUE’s Commencement page.

BIGGEST ISSUES FACING EDWARDSVILLE:

TOP PRIORITIES IF ELECTED:

WHAT VOTERS SHOULD KNOW: • Family are life-long Edwardsville residents • Father and uncle helped build Anderson hospital as the first two doctors there and were two of Edwardsville’s first physicians.

Stephanie Malench

• Unsatisfied with city’s expansion plans • To fix our current infrastructure

• Empty buildings / commercial land • Affordable housing

• Fixing city interior • Helping small businesses impacted by COVID-19 • Affordable Housing • Annex Sand Road to join Edwardsville and improve its infrastructure

Art Risavy

• Prior experience in and out of government • Cares about city and its citizens

• Restore sense of normalcy as pandemic closes • Helping small businesses impacted by COVID-19

• COVID-19 relief for businesses / volunteer organizations • Restore all businesses and activities to full capacity

Jack Burns

• To continue serving constituents • See Edwardsville continue to be a great town • To ensure the city stays environmentally friendly

• Able to get three subdivision roads resurfaced • Park space increased by 218 acres in the past seven years • Played major role in selling all Plummer Park bonds

• Keep tax rates from rising • Maintain and improve infrastructure • Support Edwardsville’s public safety departments • Complete the fire station on the east side of the city

• Family has lived in Edwardsville for 28 years • Has a BA/BS degree from SIUE • Wife is retired Edwardsville school teacher and has a master’s degree from SIUE • Both sons and their wives also have degrees from SIUE

Yolanda Crochrell

• Diversity is talked • Walking / biking trail about but not shown accessibility by current city council • Public safety / theft

• Connect walking and bike trails to Ward 2 • Equity, diversity and inclusion for all races • Maintain and repair streets in Ward 2 • Partner with law enforcement regarding

• If elected, line of communication will always be open to constituents

• Greater accessibility for shared green space / parks • Revitalize current homes and buildings before new developments to reduce environmental footprint

• Hosts a virtual “Ward 6 Wednesday” for anyone with questions/ comments, available for signup at jenward6.net • If elected, looks to continue this in some fashion

MAYOR

ALDERMAN - WARD 2

News in brief In-person commencement announced

REASONS FOR RUNNING:

ALDERMAN - WARD 2

public safety

Jennifer Warren

• To continue the current trajectory of the city’s real estate developments • To continue the city government’s effective decision-making

• Greater accessibility for shared green space / parks • I-55 corridor development needs careful consideration

Larry J. Miller

• Desire to serve the public • Prior experience in military / public service

• Address issues raised by the Race Relations and Equality in Edwardsville questionnaire • Allow video gaming in legally-allowed establishments as revenue source

ALDERMAN - WARD 6

@thealestle

• Willing to serve both the people of Ward 6 and Edwardsville • Intends to take sensible approach as issues arise

Sources: Belleville News-Democrat, candidates @thealestle

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SIUE Student Government Election Candidates

Vote at MUC, Center Court on March 30 & MUC, Goshen Lounge on March 31 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Hailee O’Dell --- President

As Student Body President, I would work towards changing policies such as requiring students to be enrolled in summer courses to work through student employment, providing students previus course syllabi prior to registration and providing funding for free on-campus hygiene products.

Isabella Pruitt --- Vice President

Taking action and getting results. As your Vice President of the student body, I advocate for you and your goals while continually promoting diversity, sustainability and mental wellness while we move forward and back to normalcy. I vow to make SIUE students my number one priority.

Richard Beck --- Student Trustee

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, student’s voices have been heard less and less. As Student Government’s student trustee, I would like to be the person who hears each and every single one of these voices and take action in all ways of academia.

Julia Goren --- President

I’m honored to serve as the current Senator for CAS. As Student Body President, I plan to continue advocating for a more accessible and inclusive campus, promoting more student involvement and continuing to raise awareness for mental health and sexual assault awareness and prevention.

MacKenzie Randolph --- Vice President

I enjoyed serving as Senator for the School of Engineering. As Vice President, I will work closely with the Student Body President to implement changes to help students thrive at SIUE. I plan on increasing sustainability on campus and assisting students prosper in a safe and inclusive environment.

Maddie Walters --- Student Trustee

Representing SIUE students as Student Body President this year has been an incredibly rewarding experience, but my work is not done yet. As Student Trustee, I will continue to advocate for students and create a university community that is inclusive, diverse and exciting.

Ronald Akpan Graduate I aim to plan events that cater to the needs of Graduate Students that will best help them achieve success in their academic lives.

Shawn Gilles Graduate My primary objective will be to facilitate a smooth transition from online or remote learning back to on-campus instruction.

Jessica Duplantis Senator at Large I’m an extremely driven person who has taken on many leadership positions in the past, many at a state and international level.

Kushal Shah Senator at Large I’m a man who understands everyone’s side and knows how to obtain compromise as well as how to be responsible and focused.

Taylor Cason Business As a leader in the Panhellenic community with business experience, I have the necessary leadership skills to represent your voice.

Mickenzie Bass Business I plan to educate about our program while bridging the gap between the school of business and the rest of the university.

Kylie Jackson Senator at Large I will be a voice for students that feel unheard, especially minorities. I plan to advocate for mental health resources available.

Hannah Sheahan Senator at Large I have been so grateful to represent the Freshman Class of 2024 and hope to continue serving them next year.

Nicole Burbach CAS & Math I hope to improve students’ and faculty/staff members’ understanding and perception of different mental health issues and statuses.

Luke LeQuatte CAS & Math I will strive to be active in my learning community and advocate for a better collegiate experience for myself and my peers.

Amina Sehic Engineering As senator I promise to accurately represent the students that I serve and to take every idea or concern into account.

Clinton Jones Engineering My vision for student government is to make sure that students have all the resources they need in order to succeed on campus.

Natalie Karibian CAS & Math My goal is for all students to feel they can be a part of SIUE’s activities regardless of their background or prior involvement.

Nicole Obert Ed., Health and HB My vision is to help people learn more about how to apply to their programs and how they are working with COVID-19.

Alexia Burnett Nursing I have enjoyed serving as Senator for Nursing and for many other organizations. I hope to be senator, so I can share my love of SIUE.

Brittany Holshouser Pharmacy My mission will be to connect the students in the School of Pharmacy to the many opportunities available on main campus.

Bike Share Program returns to Student Fitness Center DANA MCLENNAN copy editor

SIUE resumed its Bike Share Program for the 11th year earlier this month, allowing students to borrow bikes and hit the trails or travel the campus. The Student Fitness Center also increased in-person cycling classes for students and members, promoting active, healthy lifestyles. Thomas Perez, graduate teaching assistant with Campus Recreation, said the program — which opens every year after Spring Break — opened strong this year. “It’s been going pretty good,” Perez said. “I think within the first week, the stats that I’ve looked at, we’ve had give or take, [about] 50 checkouts [of bicycles].” Sophomore criminal justice major Bryce Thompson, from Springfield, Illinois, said students use the bikes to ride around campus, the bike trails and can access maps online or at the Student Fitness Center. “We have maps here that people don’t really know about, but we have an Edwardsville area map,” Thompson said. “You can ride the trails wherever, but typically, most use them to get around campus or just for fun on a nice day.” Perez said there are bike racks and multiple bike repair stations located on campus. “Throughout campus, we have sev-

en bike repair stations. They are posts that they can hang their bike up from, and there are tools … and bike pumps,” Perez said. “There is one by the gym, one by the Cougar statue … by Evergreen and Woodland Hall, one off the bike trail where the parking lot is on Stadium Drive, one by parking lot 10, and … by Cougar Village.” According to Natalie Rosales-Hawkins, assistant director of recreational programs, for those who prefer to be inside but want to increase their exercise regimen, in-person cycling classes are being added. “I believe we are in our fourth or fifth week of Saturday Cycle, and then one of our adjunct instructors … just came back on to teach boot camp on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. He added his Cycle 60 class on Wednesdays at 5 p.m.,” Rosales-Hawkins said. “We’ve already seen registration numbers being almost 80-90 percent filled for those classes.” Students and members who want to attend an in-person fitness class or one of the virtual classes still being held can always sign up on IMLeagues. Rosales-Hawkins said if members don’t want to join cycle classes, workout bikes and cycle bikes are available in the Cycle Zone and fitness rooms as part of what the center calls open rack, where someone can come in and use any service or equipment that is available.

“We don’t have any reservations right now, it’s a first-come, first-serve basis, but I can personally tell you that room is not being heavily utilized,” Rosales-Hawkins said. “Whether students don’t know about it, or they just think it’s a class, you know, it’s a cycle zone for classrooms, but we intentionally leave that door open so those bikes can be utilized.” Amanda Couch, campus recreation fitness coordinator, said cycling can help build stamina, but does differ from outdoor biking. “You’re building up those same muscles … even just the cardiovascular endurance if you’re wanting to do longer rides, but there’s going to be some ability to cross over, and it’s a good place to start,” Couch said. “I know a lot of cyclists who use that when the weather isn’t great, to just be able to keep up through that indoor period to be able to jump right back into the outdoor season.” Couch said including biking or stationary cycling as exercise regimens helps with cardiovascular and core fitness and mental health. “I think it’s like, around 150 minutes per week of at least moderate-intensity exercise, to just kind of stay in a healthy place,” Couch said. “I think, not only from the standpoint of the physical aspect but also,

especially right now, that mental aspect of what being able to get in and raise your heart rate and increase those endorphins can do for our mental health is probably just as important as what exercise can do for our physical health.” Couch said cycle coaches help students learn to adjust the bikes, and users control the bikes’ resistance. Both new students and students looking for a heavier workout can benefit from the same class. Rosales-Hawkins said that any students who need assistance with equipment or fitness at the center should reach out to the fitness attendants to ask questions. The fitness center is also hosting mini-health assessments on March 31 with staff for 15-minute appointments. “If someone is like, ‘I don’t know where to start,’ they can [sign up], and this is a free program for students and fitness center members,” Rosales-Hawkins said. “They can talk to a certified personal trainer or one of our students that is assisting us with nutrition counseling.” Thompson said any student can use the Bike Share Program for free. Faculty, spouses and employees with memberships to the center are also eligible. Information about renting a bike or other sporting equipment can be found on SIUE’s Campus Recreation website.

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What the COVID-19 relief bill means for Students

BRANDON WELLS reporter

After months of debate, the third COVID-19 relief bill has been signed by President Joe Biden. The $1,400 stimulus checks are set to arrive soon, with many already arriving. This relief bill is meant to help the economy and provide businesses, people and local and state governments with additional funds to help during COVID-19. Political Science Department Chair Ken Moffett said this relief bill has many benefits for higher education. “There is money in the package specifically earmarked for colleges and universities,” Moffett said. “As a provision of the bill, half of that money that’s allocated to colleges and universities has to go directly to students.” Moffett said the primary goal of the stimulus package is to help people and their communities. “What this bill is designed to do is to mitigate some of the substantially negative circumstances that have affected both individuals and business and state and local governments,” Moffett said. Moffett also said he believes the indirect benefits are equally important to the SIUE community.

“There’s a substantial amount of previous bill and hopes that this bill will money for assistance to state and local also provide assistance to college students governments, and because SIUE is a state again. “I know that SIUE personally has university, you have money that will flow through that mechanism directly to SIUE given me money through the CARES program to help me out during this time. as well,” Moffett said. One of the most talked about parts of That really helped me and I think it helped this bill are the $1,400 stimulus payments, a lot of college students,” Kern said. Jo Ann which Moffett said are one of “I know so many people that have D i M a g g i o May, directhe most direct ways the lost their jobs or that haven’t been tor of the IlSmall bill helps stuable to get money that have rent linois Business dents. “I think payments, bill payments. I was gen- D e v e l o p ment Cenit’s [going to] be helpful to uinely worried for them. My ﬁrst ter for the Metro East a lot of peoSIUE, ple because priority is taking care of the people at said busianother pro- who actually need help. nesses espevision that cially benewill impact IAN KERN any college Vice President of the College of Democrats of SIUE, from fit from this support. students are Belleville, Illinois “I think the direct payments to individuals that are currently it’s certainly needed, businesses and indigetting issued if they haven’t already been viduals need this extra support,” DiMaggio May said. “There’s a lot of people unissued,” Moffett said. Vice President of the College Demo- employed or underemployed right now, crats of SIUE Ian Kern, a senior applied especially in restaurants and hospitality.” One of Kern’s largest concerns had to communications studies major from Belleville, Illinois, said he benefited from the do with people he knows that have suffered

BY THE NUMBERS COVID-19 at SIUE

New confirmed positive cases (from

tests conducted by SIUE and self-reporting):

March 12 - 18: 6 students, 0 faculty/staff March 5 - 11: 5 students, 0 faculty/staff 14-day new positive tests: 11 students, 0 faculty/ staff All prior weeks positive tests (Aug. 1 - March 4): 333 students, 87 faculty/staff Total positive cases: 354 students, 93 faculty/staff

Tests conducted by SIUE

March 12 - 18: 571 March 5 - 11: 438 14-day new tests conducted: 1723 All prior weeks tests conducted (Aug. 21 - March 4): 10,608 Total tests conducted: 10,854

Positive cases identified by SIUE testing:

March 12 - 18: 2 March 5 - 11: 0 14-day new positive cases: 2 All prior weeks positive cases (Aug 21 - March 4): 374 Total: 379

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

unemployment caused by the pandemic. He said he believes this bill has helped to alleviate that due to the continued unemployment benefits offered. “I know so many people that have lost their jobs or that haven’t been able to get money that have rent payments, bill payments. I was genuinely worried for them,” Kern said. “My first priority is taking care of the people who actually need help.” DiMaggio May said she is also excited about the chance for businesses to apply for more forgivable loans or take out more in order to help keep their businesses afloat. “The biggest thing out of the stimulus and relief package was the paycheck protection program being extended and allowing for companies to take a second draw,” DiMaggio May said. Kern said the items included in this bill in particular are very helpful to the economy and public as a whole. “It’s hard to tell how much of that [funding] will trickle down, but I do think as far as the national economy [goes], this will do a lot to help people,” Kern said. The College Republicans of SIUE could not be reached for comment. For more information regarding the federal stimulus, visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s website.

Madison County confirmed cases by day 03.16.21 March 14

Source: Madison County Health Department COVID-19 Dashboard, as of March 23

Percentage of isolation/quarantine space available on campus (as of March 23): 99 percent Source: Health, Reporting, and Testing page on SIUE’s COVID-19 website, as of March 23

COVID-19’S impact on Madison County All of Illinois’s regions remain under Phase 4 mitigations, which went into effect Feb. 4. These mitigations include the following: -Gatherings of 50 people or fewer -Travel should follow IDPH and CDC approved guidance -All health care providers are open -P-12 schools, higher education, all summer programs, and child care open with IDPH approved safety guidance -All outdoor recreation allowed Most businesses including manufacturing, “non-essential” businesses, bars and restaurants, personal care services and health clubs, entertainment and retail are open with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance.

Source: dph.illinois.gov.

| Damian Morris / The Alestle

Officer responded to a report of a suspicious odor of cannabis. Officer advised there was not a suspicious odor. Officer responded to a report of a subject playing loud music while waiting in line. Officer advised the subject turned the music down.

03.17.21 Officer took a report of a subject possibly using a university account to buy items online. Investigation continues. Officer took a report of an unauthorized subject possibly signing into a social media application without permission. Investigation continues. Officer responded to an argument between two male subjects. Officer advised the argument was a verbal argument only and both parties were gone on arrival.

Campus safety measures can help protect students venturing outdoors DANA MCLENNAN copy editor

Warm weather and programs like Bike Share will soon draw students and staff outdoors for fitness and relaxation. Before walking and biking, check out the measures SIUE has in place for safety. Sophomore Criminal Justice major Bryce Thompson of Springfield, Illinois, who works at the Student Fitness Center, said that any bikes checked out through the center do not have lights on them. They are only accessible during the day, and there are other safety protocols in place when using the trails. “For [trails] that are on campus, I know here and there they have emergency telephones, and for the most part, most of the bike trails go in lit-up areas on campus,” Thompson said. Captain of campus police Justin Lieberman said the Blue Light Emergency Phones are located on the trails and campus for police assistance and are helpful if

someone doesn’t have access to a phone or cell service. “[The Blue Light Emergency Phone] has the push buttons where you can call the normal police line, or you can directly call 911, which our dispatchers will answer,” Lieberman said. “Those are located on trails for any concern there and can be activated on the trails.” Campus police Lt. Justin Brueggemann said instead of putting lights on the other bike trails that are less traveled, the university went with Rave Guardian, a safety app. “It is basically a walking Blue Light. It’s got a touch button [for] 911. You can set it up to where you are going … and how long [it will take],” Brueggemann said. “If you don’t reach your destination, it then sends a message to our dispatch saying that you may be in distress, and then we try contacting you by phone and/or send an officer to your location.” Brueggemann said Rave Guardian is a very private system, so users must add SIUE PD to their list of friends. Otherwise, while

the app will call 911, campus police will not be able to identify who the student is to contact. “You decide who your friends are on Rave Guardian. So just because you put in [where you are at and where you are going], if you don’t have SIUE PD down as one of your guardians, it won’t show us,” Brueggemann said. “But it will show whoever your friends are. An alert will come across a friend’s phone to check on their friend.” Brueggemann said the app works when students are on or off campus. Students can send messages to SIUE dispatch, allowing campus police to contact a department local to the student. App users can also push the 911 or distress button and it will go to the closest police department. “The Rave Guardian app is more timely. Rarely does an incident happen while someone is standing next to a Blue Light for them to be able to push the button,” Brueggemann said. “So with [their phone] in their hand, if the app is open, all they have to is push one button on their app, and it comes

right to us and gives us a GPS location.” Thompson said the trails are accessible to the general public, but monitored by campus police. “Police are commonly located around the areas used most for the trails that I have noticed,” Thompson said. Lieberman said while there have been incidents on the trails over the years, they are rare and it’s a very safe environment. He urges those venturing out to have the Rave Guardian App and practice safety. “Always have a cell phone on you. If you can, it’s always good no matter what to have someone with you in any situation,” Lieberman said. “I would suggest that the rules be followed for when [not to be on the trails], which is from dusk until dawn.” Lieberman said the best way to stop things before they happen … is to contact the police immediately if someone feels unsafe or believes they are witnessing suspicious behavior. Students and faculty can download the app on the Rave Guardian website.

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lifestyles

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Local events keep Easter hoppin’ this year JOHN MCGOWAN reporter

It’s spring in Southern Illinois, and for some people, that means it’s time for Easter celebrations — but with a few changes, thanks to the pandemic.

Drive-Thru Easter Event

The Tri-Township Park District’s Drive-Thru Easter Event will be held from 1-3 p.m. on March 27 at 410 Wickliffe St. in Troy, Illinois. Attendants can drive through to receive a bag of Easter goodies, and possibly a golden egg, redeemable for a prize. In addition, the Easter Bunny will be making an appearance. District office manager Sandy Pensoneau said in addition to the normal Easter festivities, local Girl Scouts will also be helping out. “There will be a Girl Scout troop there that raised funds through cookie sales to purchase crafts for each kid, so they’ll be handing those out as well,” Pensoneau said.

across Edwardsville. For $5, anyone can head to the museum to get their egg carton and pick up eggs at 12 various local businesses across town, including Hawthorne Animal Hospital, Peel Wood Fired Pizza and SOURCE Juicery. If attendees collect all the eggs, they can come back for a prize and a photo with the Easter Bunny.

Glazed and Confused Easter Egg “Dyeing”

The Easter Egg “Dyeing” event will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on March 27 at Glazed and Confused Pottery in St. Louis. For $18, attendees can purchase a ceramic egg and follow along with instructors to learn various techniques to glaze it however they would like. Glazed and Confused Studio Manager Becky Weinstock said she wanted it to be an Easter activity that leaves something lasting. “The idea is to make an egg, but make something that lasts forever and you can hold on to through the years … Every year at Easter you

make eggs. You dye them, but they always go bad. The great thing about a ceramic egg is it never goes bad,” Weinstock said. Call 314- 892-8382 to sign up.

Paws in the Park Dog Easter Egg Hunt

Easter egg hunting isn’t just for kids anymore — The Edwardsville Parks and Recreation Department’s Paws in the Park event will be held at 2 p.m. on March 28 at Edwardsville City Park. Attendees can take their leashed dogs to look for dog treat-filled eggs strewn across the park, and the first 50 dogs in attendance will receive a goody bag. The Easter Bunny will be there, photo-ready. Trina Vetter, special events coordinator for the Parks and Recreation Department said it’s easier to hold an event like this rather than a traditional egg hunt. “I don’t know, locally, that we have any other dog Easter egg hunts. This year it’s a little easier to stay socially distant and walk your dog around on a leash versus kids running around after eggs,” Vetter said.

Edwardsville Children’s Museum’s Eggstravaganza

The Edwardsville Children’s Museum’s Eggstravaganza will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on April 3

The Easter Bunny’s Trip Around Highland

If you’re a Highland, Illinois, resident, the Easter Bunny is hopping to you. The Highland Fire Department’s Trip Around Highland event will be held from 3-6:30 p.m. on April 4 in various locations around the town. The infamous bunny will be traveling via fire engine from neighborhood to neighborhood. Event coordinator Logan VonHatten said he’s happy the fire department can collaborate with the Easter Bunny. “We did the same thing with Santa. Santa contacted us and requested that we do this, and I think the Easter Bunny and Santa were talking and now we’re doing it for the Easter Bunny, so yeah, we definitely enjoy doing this,” VonHatten said.

Virtual Easter Services

If you’re looking to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, there are opportunities to do that safely. Multiple churches have decided to offer virtual Easter services this year due to social distancing guidelines. Check out Metro Community Church’s service, LeClaire Christian Church’s service and Trailhead Church’s service. Check each event’s website for more information.

REVIEW: Just like the higher education system, ‘Operation Varsity Blues’ fails ALEX AULTMAN editor-in-chief

“Operation Varsity Blues” goes to great lengths to recreate the series of events that led to the breaking of the college admissions scandal in Spring 2019. Interviews, re-enactments and real life footage are spliced together to show the rise and fall of Rick Singer’s scheme to get the children of wealthy families into prestigious colleges using what he called a “side door.” The documentary boasts its realism in the beginning, saying all the phone conversations were real calls tapped by the FBI. The timeline is a bit confusing because it has re-enactments of conversations introducing the families, yet Singer’s calls don’t start getting tapped until later when one of his clients is being investigated for an unrelated case. It makes me wonder how many of the calls we hear are actual re-enactments, and which are guesses. Despite the notoriety of Singer’s case, the documentary

itself is quite boring. I found myself struggling to stick through it. I think the documentary spends too much time trying to establish how sketchy he is through interviews with people that knew him, like former clients and school counselors. They run through the numerous college counseling companies he created throughout his career and shift between characterizations of Singer as charismatic or standoffish. I think it was intended to add to the mystique of who he really was behind all of his secrets, but it just came off as filler. What I found the most interesting was how he got in with the athletic directors and test proctors he bribed to admit his clients’ children and the tangled web of people that got roped into his schemes. John Vandemoer, a former sailing coach at Stanford, is painted in the most sympathetic light. He and his lawyer talk about how he got involved with Singer and said he was the most innocent person in all of this because he didn’t know the bribes

were bribes. Singer painted them as donations to the sailing program. Vandemoer also said the athletic director knew Singer and complimented his “fundraising efforts.” Stanford denies their athletic director had any relationship with Singer. I enjoyed the larger conversations started in the documentary about how a college education is being turned into a commodity that can be bought for the right price, and these prestigious universities are harming students by lowering their acceptance rate to further their national rankings. The documentary said students from higher income families score better on standardized tests, yet these people still cheat to get their kids admitted. I feel like this fact and the scandal can be linked to colleges beginning to phase out testing requirements for admission. The film’s most compelling scenes were clips of students getting their admissions letters and reacting to whether they were accepted or denied. One girl whose

Matthew Modine, right, plays Rick Singer in Netflix’s “Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal.” | Netflix

application was rejected said in a home video, “I’m really disappointed, but I know the people who got in are really deserving.” Then it cut to Olivia Jade Giannuli, who got the most public backlash when the story broke. The implication that wealthy students are buying their “deserved spots” out from under quali-

fied students is evident in these scenes. In the end, I liked the combination of interviews and re-enactments, but the documentary fell short due to the amount of exposition and filler. “Operation Varsity Blues” premiered on March 17 on Netflix.

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Representation matters: Meet these fictional characters this Women’s History Month PAULA BROOKS reporter

Many scholars argue the way women are presented in the media translates to how they are treated in real life. Given this, it’s important to surround ourselves with media representations of strong, diverse women. Here are some of my favorite books and movies:

“A Safe Girl to Love” by Casey Plett

“A Safe Girl to Love” is a collection of short stories that follows young trans women through their lives as they navigate difficulties specifically related to their gender identity and those we all experience. Many reviewers on Goodreads mentioned the characters in the stories touched them.

“The Chronicles of Narnia” series by C.S. Lewis

This series tells a story of a family who goes on adventures in a fantasy world. As the oldest daughter, Susan Pevensie, proves she can handle life-threatening situations without any help from others. However, some criticize Susan for taking more interest in her teenage social life, and praise Lucy, the younger sister, for continuing to visit Narnia even as she ages.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

The main character in this book is Scout Finch, a girl coming-of-age in a small Alabama town during the Great Depression. As Scout grows up, the reader gets to see how she forms her own opinions about those who are different from her. Seeing a young female lead challenge the opinions of others, especially older males, makes this the perfect book for young women.

8 books with strong

female leads to celebrate

To Kill a Mockingbird

Paper Girl s

AA safe Safegirl Girl to love to Love

Women’s History Month

by Casey Plett by H arperLee

Lilac Girls

Maximum Ride

by Brian K. Vaughan

Paper PrideGirl ands

The Chronicles of Narnia

Prejudice

by JamesPatterson by Brian K. Vaughan

by Martha Hall Kelly

by C.S. Lewis

by Louisamay M ayalcott Alcott Louisa

by Jane Austen | Summer Bradley / The Alestle

“Maximum Ride” series by James Patterson

This series is about a family of mutants who are half human and half bird. Maximum Ride, one of the oldest female children, leads a group of kids when escaping from a lab where they were held captive. Not only does the series feature Max as an independent heroine, it showcases diversity through race and physical ability. These characters are not portrayed in a negative light, but as characters who are just as capable — if not more capable — than Max.

“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott

This book is another coming-of-age tale, this time focusing on a group of sisters growing up in the mid 19th century.

Each sister has her own unique talents and goals. Jo March, one of the main characters, is an aspiring writer who never gives up on her dreams, even though women novelists were not common at the time. To me, Jo is the most empowering character, however, Amy is a close second.

“Paper Girls” by Brian K. Vaughan

This is a story about girls that deliver mail, but then strange things begin to happen to them. This story shows examples of strong female characters and LGBTQ+ representation through portraying an entirely female main cast and a relationship between two women.

“Lilac Girls” by Martha Hall Kelly

“Lilac Girls” is a story based on true

events involving women who were affected by the Nazis during World War II. While I have not read this yet, this is on the top of my list.

“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

This book is the story of a woman who is figuring out what goodness actually means; this shows that she is growing as an individual and bettering herself. It’s refreshing to see a woman with flaws who is actively seeking to better herself. With eight options, this list has something for you! Happy reading!

Do you have a book we should add to this list? Email lifestyles@alestlelive.com.

Housing initiatives show forging community helps retain students of color PAULA BROOKS reporter

Brother 2 Brother and Sister Circle may serve different groups of students who live on campus, but they share the same goal: to retain students of color. Sister Circle aims to build community for women of color on campus, while Brother 2 Brother focuses on men of color. Aaron Batiste, cofacilitator of Brother 2 Brother and Evergreen Hall community director, said recent university updates show how the organization’s goals make a difference. “We just got some information … from the Anti-Racism Task Force update ... It says ‘By providing social and financial support, [as] predicted and observed, one-year retention rates for Black male students on campus has improved,’” Batiste said. Brother 2 Brother meets weekly and holds workshops. They recently partnered with an organization called Backpack to Briefcase, which provides career development resources. “Backpack to Briefcase is, pretty much, an organization that helps men of color and women of color with three important aspects that every college student should know, and that is professional development, resume building and interview skills,” Batiste said. Helping young men of color learn these skills can give them a leg up and keep them coming back, therefore aiding in retention efforts, Batiste said.

Sister Circle meets biweekly as a safe of Sister Circle, said she is able to socialize place for members to be themselves and in a safe place. “As a woman of color, it’s important speak about their problems without any judgment. Sister Circle member R’Eyan- to me and for us to have our community na Moore, a freshman planning to major and have a safe space where we can just talk and soin psycholcialize and ogy from get to know Belleville, each other,” Illinois, said Rainey said. she feels safe These whenever organizashe attends tions go meetings. about meet“With ing their Sister Cirgoals in difcle, I feel ferent ways, very safe and since men comfortand womable around en of color these womhave differen that are ent obstacles willing to to overcome. listen to For example, anything Domonique you’re goCrosby, the ing through facilitator for at the moAARON BATISTE Sister Circle m e n t , ” cofacilitator of Brother 2 Brother, and Cougar Moore said. Evergreen Hall community director Village assisBy protant director viding these for residence spaces for the women of color in University Hous- life, said while Sister Circle discusses toping, the members of this organization are ics such as hair care, Brother 2 Brother able to get the social aspect needed to may discuss interactions with law enforcehelp improve the retention rate of women ment. “When I think of barriers for our men of color. Kiya Rainey, a freshman physiology major from St. Louis and a member of color, rather… particularly with hous-

“One of the main things that I do is always live by the notion of ‘Each one teach one’ … so although these young men may rise up and go on to do great things, I often tell them that one of the greatest things that they can do at that particular time is to bring somebody along that ride.

ing, I think about interactions they may have with the police…,” Crosby said. “So that might mean a conversation on how to navigate that.” The two organizations are built differently as well. Sister Circle is based on a mentor/mentee system. Brother 2 Brother is meeting-based, where members attend check-ins and do workshops. Chris Wooten, a senior mass communications major from Normal, Illinois, is a member of Brother 2 Brother. Wooten said he believes if not for the pandemic, Brother 2 Brother could have grown into a larger group. “It started at the worst possible time it could’ve, because no one was ready for what happened [the pandemic],” Wooten said. “I probably would have heard about Brother 2 Brother in a more prominent role as opposed to having it be now when no one wants to go anywhere.” Batiste said he believes that as students excel, they should be sure to share the success with others. “One of the main things that I do is always live by the notion of ‘Each one teach one’ … so although these young men may rise up and go on to do great things, I often tell them that one of the greatest things that they can do at that particular time is to bring somebody along that ride,” Batiste said. For more information on Brother 2 Brother or Sister Circle, contact Aaron Batiste at abatist@siue.edu or Domonique Crosby at docrosb@siue.edu.

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Have a comment? Let us know! opinion@alestlelive.com Campus Box 1167 Edwardsville, IL. 62026-1167 Letters to the Editor Policy: The editors, staff and publishers of The Alestle believe in the free exchange of ideas, concerns and opinions and will publish as many letters as possible. Letters may be submitted at The Alestle office: Morris University Center, Room 0311 e-mail at opinion@alestlelive.com All hard copy letters should be typed and double-spaced. Letters should be no longer than 500 words. Include phone number, signature, class rank and major. We reserve the right to edit letters for grammar and content. Care will be taken to ensure that the letter’s message is not lost or altered. Letters to the editor will not be printed anonymously except under extreme circumstances. We reserve the right to reject letters.

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Normalize asking for people’s pronouns THE ALESTLE STAFF editorial board

Picture this: It’s halfway through the semester and you are sitting in your PJs while attending one of many Zoom classes. You’re halfway asleep (it’s an 8 a.m. class, after all) but suddenly something catches your attention: a peer misgenders a fellow student. Or at least, you think. “I could’ve sworn this person uses she/her pronouns,” you think. “Nobody else said anything, so maybe I’m wrong?” These moments are far too common, even in 2021. Luckily, there’s a way to help prevent them: normalizing asking for each person’s pronouns. When we say “each person,” we mean “each person” — the person in your class who refuses to wear anything

but a dress or skirt, the professors you’re having for the first time and those you’ve had for multiple classes and those you haven’t seen in awhile. Normalizing openly discussing pronouns of those with all identities, not just those who fall outside the binary, helps avoid putting the spotlight on those who use pronouns other than the “she/her” or “he/him” prescribed by the gender binary. This helps to destigmatize identities that are not cisgender, therefore promoting acceptance, as the University of North Carolina Wilmington points out on their website. The site also asserts this shows that we understand one’s appearance does not dictate their identity. Asking for preferred name and pronouns should be part of

the run-of-the-mill icebreakers for day one of classes. Remember, pronouns may change, so don’t be afraid to check in. We train our staff to ask for preferred names and pronouns at the start of each interview, and we are often thanked for asking, no matter the sources’ gender identity. For those who are not used to asking others’ pronouns, it can seem intimidating. However, our experiences show it is appreciated. Beyond verbal communication, there are many other ways we can normalize making a point to refer to everybody by their correct pronouns. Put your pronouns in your email signature, Zoom name or social media bio — if you are comfortable disclosing such information. Making pronouns a normal topic of conversation benefits everybody. It’s a basic matter of

respect, and when one feels respected, interactions automatically start off on a better foot than when one feels their identity is being thrown by the wayside. It also takes out guesswork … there is literally no risk of misgendering somebody if their pronouns are clearly stated. Yes, this may involve asking, but as we work to normalize pronouns as a topic of conversation, asking for one’s pronouns will be as routine as saying “thank you” when somebody holds the door for you. For more information on the importance of correct pronoun usage, visit lgbtlifecenter.org. Metro Trans Umbrella Group’s website provides a list of local support groups, each serving specific identities. Flower Boi Support is a peer-led support group for masculine people of color.

identify as a woman and you’re reading this, you would be 74 percent more likely to be sexually assaulted if you joined a sorority. For example, one of Stanford University’s student newspapers, Stanford Politics, released an article just two months ago about a harrowing experience from a few female members of their Alpha Phi sorority. There was a regular event being held between the Alpha Phi sorority and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Members of the fraternity were putting on a beauty pageant for the sorority members as a fundraiser; however, some members of the fraternity made jokes about sexual assault and consent in a comedy sketch. This led to a lot of discomfort from some Alpha Phi members, especially since some members of Alpha Phi alleged that they were sexually assaulted by certain members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon previous to the incident. However, instead of Alpha Phi and Sigma Alpha Epsilon breaking their ties, the members of Alpha Phi who were upset about

this night just left their sorority, since no changes were going to be made. These statistics do not tell an entire story, however; there are plenty more gender identities than just male and female, after all. These organizations are based heavily on tradition, and in following those traditions, they do not change their policy or the language of their initiation documents. So, because of this, a majority of traditional Greek life organizations were found to have transphobic or single-gendered wording in both documentation and paperwork, but also at in-person events. There are some Greek life organizations that are considered to be historically Black, and although this may seem like an empowering way to bring Black students into Greek life, it seems more like the outdated system of separate but equal still being upheld. Some may argue that since there are plenty of historically Black campuses in the U.S., this system in Greek life is no different. However, if a Black student

goes to a not-historically Black university, that student can still receive an education and live their life. However, there are not many Black students that join non-historically Black fraternities. In fact, at University of Georgia, there were over 150 accounts of racism within Greek life that were reported to the online petition, Pledge Against Racism. By no means am I calling for the abolishment of Greek life as a whole. My girlfriend, who is a student at Illinois State University, is the president of the Omicron Omega chapter of the Delta Omicron fraternity. This fraternity is co-ed, and consists of students studying music and music education. It is a safe fraternity, where my girlfriend has never feared an act of racism or sexual assault from any members. This is how Greek life organizations need to be. There should be less acts of sexual violence, and more accountability for racist and transphobic actions. If Greek life was more like Omicron Omega, and less like Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the country as a whole would be a safer place.

Fraternities and sororities need to change GABRIEL BRADY opinion editor

Warning: This piece contains some content related to sexual assault. College, for most traditional students, is about getting skills for the professional world, learning to fend for yourself and finding yourself. However, some groups, like Greek life organizations, tend to contribute to the worst parts of modern society. Did you know all but two U.S. presidents were fraternity members? Or that 85 percent of Fortune 500 companies are comprised of Greek life members? Plenty of facts like these adorn colleges’ websites, including SIUE’S, but I don’t think universities should be promoting such harmful groups. There’s plenty of evidence of the harm that Greek life organizations can produce, with the most often-discussed one being sexual assault. If I were to join a fraternity now, in the middle of my college years, I would be three times more likely to commit sexual assault as a man. If you

sports

contact the editor: sports@alestlelive.com 650-3527 thursday, 03.25.21

THE ALESTLE WILL NOT BE PUBLISHING NEXT WEEK page 7

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SIUE Standings MEN’S SOCCER

OVERALL MAC

Bowling Green Akron Western Virginia Northern Illinois Western Michigan SIUE

5-3 3-1-1 3-2 3-4-1 3-2 4-3

3-1 2-1 2-2 2-2 1-2 1-3

WOMEN’S SOCCER

OVERALL OVC

First-half goals lead West Virginia to defeat Men’s Soccer Junior forward Vincent Jackson II faces off with a player from the University of Evansville during a game earlier this season. In the Cougars’ most recent game against West Virginia, Jackson picked up two shots but could not get them in the goal. | Khoi Pham / The Alestle THOMAS DRAKE reporter

SIUE was defeated by West Virginia in a 2-0 game Sunday afternoon. West Virginia scored two goals in the first half and kept SIUE from scoring for the rest of the game. SIUE played two games last week against Bowling Green on March 14 and Akron on March 17. Head Coach Cale Wassermann said the team was fatigued from these past games while facing West Virginia. “It was an up and down game. I think we were extremely fatigued from the last week, we had three games in eight days and I think our fatigue showed. We just weren’t sharp enough in a few areas and, overall, we can’t be conceding two goals and try to scrap back,” Wassermann said. Wassermann said the team has been dealing with injuries, and due to scheduling, it was hard for the team to recover between

games. from the start of the game. We “We’ve had seven surgeries wanted to come out with a lot of this year, which is unbelievable, energy like we did on Wednesday, and we have a variety of injuries but I think our fatigue kicked in between ankles, knees, wrists and we weren’t aggressive enough, [and] thumbs. We have about six and West Virgina put away a goal, to seven guys who are injured for that allowed them to play a little the rest of safer and the season,” smarter. We “We just weren’t sharp had to take Wassermann said. more risks, enough in a few areas Wasserand the mann said goal right and, overall, we can’t for their next before halfbe conceding two goals time killed game, the team needs us. There and try to scrap back. to work on [were] two scoring first seconds left CALE WASSERMANN “It has on the clock Men’s Soccer head coach been three and they got games in a set piece a row we’ve conceded first, and from 60 yards away,” Wassermann we’ve been putting too much said. pressure on our goalkeeper and Junior midfielder Jack Edbackline,” Wassermann said. wards said the team didn’t capiHe also said they weren’t as talize on opportunities during the in touch with the game as they game. should be. “When we kept the ball, we “We weren’t sharp enough had a lot of chances, but it’s just

finishing those chances where we’re kinda missing out on for the past three games,” Edwards said. Edwards said scoring goals by any means necessary would be the best improvement. “We just need to score goals. So if that’s either runs from behind, more possession in the final third, score combos in the box, just anything to score goals. That’s our biggest issue right now,” Edwards said. Sophomore defensive midfielder Sam Layton said while the team’s efforts weren’t enough to win this game, they plan to improve for their next one. “I think as a whole we didn’t perform to our best. We worked hard, but at the end of the day it wasn’t good enough. We just need to get more people moving forward, get more shots on frame, and next game we’ll be back at it and work harder,” Layton said. SIUE will be playing against Akron at 11 a.m. on March 28 in Cleveland at FirstEnergy Stadium.

sports in brief SIUE Wrestling’s Ervin falls to tough competition in NCAA championships Saul Ervin, a redshirt sophomore 141-pounder, was eliminated from NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships on Thursday, March 18 after two losses at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Ervin lost his first match

by a 2-0 decision to Zachary Sherman from the University of North Carolina. Ervin then lost in a 4-2 sudden victory overtime match against No. 7 seed Ian Parker from Iowa State. This was Ervin’s first time to qualify for NCAA, and Head

week in review

Coach Jeremy Spates said Ervin wrestled well against the competition. “Both guys [Ervin faced] were seeded in the top ten of the country, so they’re both very good wrestlers and a year or two older than him,” Spates said.

Spates said since Ervin is only a sophomore, he still has time to continue to improve. “Him being a sophomore [and] getting bigger and stronger in the next couple of years will really help him get to hand fighting,” Spates said.

SEMO SIUE Murray State Belmont Tennessee Tech UT Martin Jacksonville State Eastern Kentucky Austin Peay Morehead State Eastern Illinois

5-0-1 5-0-1 6-1 4-3 3-3 2-3-1 2-3-1 2-4 2-5 1-5 1-6

SOFTBALL

OVERALL OVC

SEMO Eastern Illinois Murray State UT Martin Eastern Kentucky Tennessee Tech Austin Peay Jacksonville State Belmont SIUE Tennessee State Morehead State

10-10 14-6 10-14 16-5 14-7 11-11 10-6 5-13 6-11 2-12 5-12 5-13

8-1 7-2 7-2 6-3 6-3 6-3 5-4 4-5 2-7 2-7 1-8 0-9

BASEBALL

OVERALL OVC

Tennessee Tech SEMO Murray State Morehead State UT Martin Eastern Kentucky Belmont Eastern Illinois SIUE Austin Peay Jacksonville State

9-6 10-8 10-10 10-10 7-9 8-11 6-10 10-9 7-9 5-13 8-10

4-2 4-2 4-2 2-1 3-3 3-3 3-3 2-4 2-4 2-4 1-2

WOMEN’S TENNIS

OVERALL OVC

Jacksonville State SEMO Murray State SIUE Austin Peay Tennessee State Belmont UT Martin Eastern Illinois

7-5 8-4 4-6 8-4 5-1 0-0 3-5 0-9 1-9

2-0 1-0 1-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-2

VOLLEYBALL

OVERALL OVC

Jacksonville State Morehead State SEMO Austin Peay SIUE Tennessee Tech Murray State UT Martin Belmont Eastern Illinois Eastern Kentucky Tennessee State

14-0 14-0 12-2 8-4 8-4 7-7 5-9 5-9 3-11 2-12 2-12 2-12

BASEBALL

SOFTBALL

WOMEN’S SOCCER

TENNIS

GOLF

SIUE Baseball lost its first two games against Belmont with final scores of 11-0 and 2-1 before fighting back to take a 5-2 win in the series’ third game. The Cougars’ game against Saint Louis, originally slotted for Tuesday night, was pushed back a day.

Murray State swept the Cougars in their weekend series, ending with scores of 3-2, 7-1 and 5-4. SIUE outhit Murray State 8-6 in the third game but still could not pull out the win. Redshirt junior infielder Bailley Concatto picked up two RBIs.

The Cougars extended their winning streak with a 1-0 victory over Morehead State, remaining undefeated this season. Senior midfielder Ashlin West scored the team’s single goal. The team’s game against SEMO ended in a 3-3 tie in double overtime.

In their first conference competition, the tennis team fell to Jacksonville State in a 5-2 loss. Freshman Jordan Schifano ended her winning streak, taking the first singles loss of her collegiate career. SIUE then defeated Eastern Illinois in a 7-0 shutout.

SIUE Golf competed in and won the Missouri State Twin Oaks Intercollegiate, finishing at 281 after beginning the final round in fourth place. Redshirt senior Zak Butt earned Individual Medalist honors after collecting a career-low 67 in the final round.

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