The Anchor - January 30 2017 by The Anchor

THE

VOLUME 90 | ISSUE XIV

ANCHOR

RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE, MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2017

Trump clashes with courts over immigration ban O

Shane Inman Managing Editor

n Friday afternoon President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring entry into the United States for immigrants and refugees from seven countries. The order, which took effect immediately, suspends the “immigrant and nonimmigrant entry” of citizens of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen for 90 days. In addition, admission of refugees from anywhere, not only the seven countries listed, is to be halted for 120 days. Furthermore, the order declares refugees from Syria as being “detrimental to the interests of the United States,” and halts their admission indefinitely.

The move quickly drew fire from around the nation as people decried the order as unconstitutional and unamerican. By Friday night, protests had formed in airports around the country. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton weighed in on Twitter, stating “I stand with the people gathered across the country tonight defending our values & our

Constitution. This is not who we are.”

“The order is illegal,” writes David Bier, a contributor to the New York Times, citing a congressional prohibition against banning immigrants based on nationality. Even as this response built in fervor, numerous reports emerged of both refugees and green cardholding immigrants—who had been on planes when the executive order was signed—being detained upon landing. “They’re literally pouring in by the minute,” said director of the International Refugee Assistance Project Becca Heller. Among those detained were many who are permanent residents of the US who were only temporarily abroad to visit relatives, study, vacation, and the like.

Though Trump assured the American people that officials “were totally prepared,” and that “[the order]’s working out very nicely,” methods of enforcement at airports around the nation appears to vary significantly. Some detainees were kept for a

matter of hours before being released, while others remain in custody at the time of writing, and some were forcibly sent back to their home countries.

Lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union leapt into action, filing suits against the order on behalf of detained clients, some of whom were in the process of being deported even as the court proceedings were carried out. On Saturday, a Boston court ruled that two Iranian nationals—who are university professors in Massachusetts—were

Photo courtesy of Louisa D’Ovidio to be released from detention, a Virginia would likely cause judge ordered a halt to “substantial and irreparable any deportations of legal injury to refugees, residents, and a Seattle visa-holders, and other judge granted a stay of individuals,” applies to removal for two individuals. everyone detained by Trump’s ban. Shortly before 9 p.m. on Saturday evening, Judge Ann Donnelly, a federal judge of Brooklyn, NY, issued a ruling which temporarily blocked all deportations which would result from Trump’s executive action. The ACLU states that Donnelly’s order, which argues that deportation

The Department of Homeland Security stated that they “prohibited travel will remain prohibited, and the U.S. government retains its right to revoke visas at any time,” a claim which points to yet more legal battles in the future.

Governor Raimondo reaches out to Trump on infrastructure Evan C. White Anchor Contributor

overnor Gina Raimondo has submitted five infrastructure proposals to the National Governors Association in hopes of being added into the Trump Administration’s federal infrastructure plan.

David Ortiz, the press secretary for the Governor, has confirmed that included in the plan are: the rehabilitation of Quonset State Airport, a list of

bridges for repair in 2017, a watermain replacement for Providence Water and reconstruction of the route 6/10 connector and the 6/10 northbound interchange. This comes on the heels of news that Rhode Island was not listed in the initial infrastructure proposals made by the Trump Administration. A slideshow released by the McClatchy Newspaper Group, shows of 50 major infrastructure projects purportedly being given

top billing by the current administration. The list itself contains only one project in New England, being a refurbishment of MBTA Green Line in Boston, Mass. This has prompted some to speculate the lack of northeastern infrastructure was due to partisan motives. Lindsay Wise and Steve Vockrodt of the McClatchy Group wrote in response to the speculation, saying, “Chicago had a pair of projects in it, a city in a Democratic-leaning state

and where President Barack Obama started his political career.”

President Trump has yet to have Elaine Chao, his pick for Secretary of Transportation, confirmed by congress, giving Raimondo and the NGA time to prepare a final proposal for Rhode Island. According to Ortiz the proposals sent to the NGA are preliminary, stating, “It is not necessarily the list we will submit when the

formal process occurs.” Mr. Ortiz concluded by saying, “Governor Raimondo will do everything in her power to make sure Rhode Island gets our fair share of federal transportation dollars.”

President Trump had stated during the campaign that he would be willing to spend up to one trillion dollars for the rebuilding of U.S. infrastructure and Raimondo hopes Rhode Island will be part of that process.

NEWS 3 | A&L 6 | OPINIONS 11 | SPORTS 15 Rhode Island College’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1928

January 30, 2017

Editors EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR BUSINESS MANAGER SECRETARY NEWS EDITOR ASST. NEWS EDITOR A&L EDITOR OPINIONS EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR ASST. SPORTS EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR GRAPHICS EDITOR ASST. GRAPHICS EDITOR COPY EDITOR LAYOUT EDITOR ASST. LAYOUT EDITOR ADS MANAGER TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR ASST. TECH DIRECTOR CIRCULATION MANAGER

Professional Advisor Jim Hummel The Hummel Report

Faculty Advisor

Michelle Brophy-Baermann mbrophy@ric.edu

Jeremy Boutin Patrick Connolly Sophie Costa Mary Fernandes Ryan Foley

Staff

Robert Gagnon Maeline LeBlanc Samantha Malley Marissa Marsella Sara Massa Conor O’Brien

Thomas Sack Derek Sherlock Matthew Toyota Derrik Trombley Jason Windrow

Editor-in-Chief

(401)456-8790 editorinchief@anchorweb.org

Advertising

(401)456-8544 ads@anchorweb.org

The Anchor is student-run and published weekly during the academic year. Editorial decisions for The Anchor are made by a majority vote of its student editorial board. No form of censorship will be imposed by the college. Any material found to be unsuitable or unacceptable in the board’s opinion will not be published. The views expressed in The Anchor, unless otherwise noted, are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent those of The Anchor or of Rhode Island College’s faculty, administration or student body. The Anchor is not funded by and is independent from Rhode Island College. The first copy is free. Each additional copy is $2.25. Newspaper racks on the Rhode Island College campus are the property of The Anchor Newspaper. Only The Anchor Newspaper publication will be permitted on these racks. Any other publication or advertisement that is placed on the racks will be given one (1) warning for violating this policy. After two (2) violations, the business/publication will be billed at the rate of a full page advertisement. Copyright © 2016 The Anchor. All rights reserved.

Legalities:

January 30, 2017

News

Speed bumps both literal and figurative Kristy O’Connor Secretary

uality of life was a topic of much discussion at Wednesday’s Student Parliament meeting.

The student representatives gathered in the Student Union conference room for their first meeting of the semester, where they mulled over a variety of issues pertaining to the student body of Rhode Island College. During the open forum held at the start of the meeting, RIC junior Carson Moore enthusiastically endorsed the idea of a third-party coffee shop opening on campus, saying “commuters would love Dunkin Donuts—who wouldn’t? It’s Rhode Island.” He then quickly moved on to

talk about the speed bumps which have recently been installed along College Road.

“[The speed bumps] already seem to be falling apart,” Moore said, before going on to say that “they seem a little unnecessary ... Plus, speed bumps are bad for everyone’s suspension,” he continued, citing the high number of commuters who attend RIC. Other representatives noted concern about the small size of the signs warning motorists of the speed bumps. Regarding the coffee shop, which had already been an item on the meeting agenda, Student Community Government President Jose Rosario put forth a motion. “SCG will support the acquisition of a third-

party coffee shop on campus,” Rosario read, “that offers scholarship and job opportunities to RIC students.” The motion was approved and discussion began about the specifics of the plan. “We are pretty certain it’s going to actually take the place of the cafe,” said Rosario in response to a question about location. SCG intends to move forward alongside the college with a search for the ideal vendor.

Tom Lima, Treasurer of SCG, also discussed a new policy in the works which focuses on establishing repercussions for students who are disruptive in the classroom. “[Following written warnings,] if a student was found to be disruptive to the educational environment

they could be disenrolled from the class,” Lima stated.

Senior Class Representative Taylor Dame expressed concerns about the details of the policy, and asked that “someone who’s making those changes come [to a parliament meeting]” so representatives could ask questions about the decision.

Resignations and vacancies took up a fair portion of the meeting, as there were a great many resignations and open positions to list. Most prominent among these were the recent resignations

of both the Vice President of SCG and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

Regarding vacancies, Rosario lightheartedly said, “there are a lot,” and encouraged people to join, fill seats and take part in the student government.

This week in RIC history... Shane Inman Managing Editor

975 has only just begun, and already the promise of change is stirring hearts to action.

black compatriots, feminists defend themselves, claiming such attacks damage the credibility of both movements. And so it goes.

And so it will continue to go in nine years, when the Union officially dissipates. And so it will be in almost half a century, when women marching for many of the same principles will form

The boldly-named Women’s Liberation Union continues to rally support in Rhode Island, calling on any who stand for women’s rights to join their young but determined organization. As part of their general purpose of improving the status of women within society, the Union aims to establish equal pay for women, repeal laws against abortion and encourage students to be taught about great women in history in addition to many other similar goals. They have already won several victories in RI, but the battle rages on. The rapid growth of the Union since its foundation in 1970 has led to a number of conflicts within the group as different ideologies clash. Most prominent among these is the struggle for women’s rights activists and black civil rights activists to find common ground—a struggle as old as feminism itself. Civil rights leaders accuse the feminists of putting the interests of women above those of their

the largest protest in the history of the United States and be met with many of the same criticisms.

For now, in 1975, all we really need to know is that the WLU coordinator

meeting will be held on February 5 at the Church of the Redeemer on Hope Street. Any interested parties are encouraged to attend.

January 30, 2017

New lecture series examines 2016 election and beyond

Taylor Dame Anchor Editor

re you feeling lost after the recent federal elections? Unsure of what happened and how the United States ended up here? Then you might want to check out a new course being offered by the Liberal Studies department.

The course, called Understanding the PostElection World, is an 11 part lecture series that invites faculty from around the college to speak in their areas of expertise as it relates to the election and

politics in the United States and the wider world.

The topics range from the media and their role to healthcare and education policy. Each of the lectures will have three to four faculty members making presentations followed by a question and answer time. In the first lecture, Dr Schmeling, Chair of the Political Science Department, and Dr Endress of the Communication department discussed topics like polling, how Donald Trump communicates, the role of women in politics,

and some of the reasons the vote went for Trump.

Schmeling started off by explaining the course and why it came into being. He also talked about whether or not this course would have taken place had the outcome been different.

“Somebody said, ‘would you be doing this if Hillary Clinton had got elected?’ and I don’t know the answer to that. Maybe not. In some sense, the election of the first female president would have been a totally remarkable thing--that we’d spend a lot of time

talking about. On the other hand, Secretary Clinton is a more or less conventional politician and her policy program probably wouldn’t have diverted too far from what we’ve had for the last eight years.” The next topic in the series will be a discussion of the voters themselves. Topics like race, gender, education and class and their role in the election will be talked about. Additionally there will be a discussion on the rise of populism in the United States and around the world.

The course is open to any member of the Rhode Island College community, but students can also enroll in the course for one credit. The course is credit/no credit and requires that you attend eight out of the 11 lectures and that you write three one page papers.

The course will be in either Alger 110 or Horace Mann 193 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. on Tuesdays. Anyone interested in attending should visit www.ric.edu/ libs150 for a full schedule and a list of topics and instructors.

Trump moves ahead on border wall promise P

Taylor Dame Anchor Editor

resident Donald Trump is moving forward on his biggest campaign promise, the border wall between the United States and Mexico. Trump signed an executive order to start the process of building the wall while visiting the Department of Homeland Security earlier in the week. The day after the order was signed the President of Mexico, Enrique Peña

Nieto, announced that he had cancelled his plans to visit the White House and meet with Trump. Peña Nieto has opposed the building of the wall and has repeatedly said that “Mexico will not pay for any wall.” Peña Nieto’s approval ratings in Mexico are around 12%, due to an increase in fuel costs and meeting with Trump would have further hurt him. Trump reacted to the news of the cancellation through

his twitter feed where he called the North American Free Trade Agreement a “one sided deal.” Trump has repeatedly called for NAFTA, which is the free trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, to be renegotiated.

The White House press secretary took a more level headed approach and said, “We’ll look for a date to schedule something in the future. We will keep the lines of communication open.”

Trump’s plan for financing the wall was to have Mexico pay for it, he has proposed a 20% tax on imports from Mexico. About one third of the border already has a barrier, it ranges from tall steel barricades to wiremesh fencing. The USMexico border is 1,954 miles long and many predict that building a wall along it will cost billions of dollars. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, tweeted out his opposition to the Trump Administration’s plan by

saying, “Border security yes, tariffs no. Mexico is 3rd largest trading partner. Any tariff we can levy they can levy. Simply put, any policy proposal which drives up costs of Corona, tequila, or margaritas is a big-time bad idea. Mucho Sad.”

People are also upset over possible increases in the prices of avocados. A majority of avocados in the United States come from Mexico.

January 30, 2017

Donovan Dining Services Dining Center Hours

Tucker Talks Nutrition With cold and flu season here, I thought it would be appropriate to share some tips on staying healthy and what to do if in fact you do get sick. Obviously, getting the flu shot and healthy habits such as good nutrition, exercise and hand hygiene will help keep illness at bay. While I am not one to recommend avoiding any foods, I will say a diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and unhealthy fats will increase inflammation. Inflammation will make it harder to ward off the common cold and flu. Nutrients that are known to influence a positive immune response include, protein (lean meats, poultry, eggs and fish), Vitamin A (sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, kale, eggs, apricots), Vitamin C (citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, red bell peppers), Vitamin E (vegetable oils, peanut butter, almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach), Zinc (lean meats, poultry, milk, beans, nuts, whole grain products). Other key nutrients such as B6, folate, selenium, Iron, as well as pre and probiotics may be beneficial as well. Keep in mind though that Vitamins and minerals are most beneficial when together with other nutrients as when found in food. Overdosing on single vitamins and minerals can be more harmful than good. Now what happens if you do in fact get sick? Should you starve a fever? No Way! Fever is the body’s natural response to fighting off infection/ illness. It is completely unrelated to food intake. Fever in fact will increase metabolism requiring more calories and nutrients to fight off infection/illness. Now, that doesn’t mean you need to eat a 6-course meal. Just try to include some of those foods listed above as long as you can tolerate them. And don’t forget fluid intake. It is extremely important that you stay hydrated. Fluids are needed to replace the fluids the body uses or excretes. There is something to be said for mom’s old fashion chicken soup! Its full of nutrients and the fluid you need, so eat up!!! Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Do you have questions about nutrition? Contact Bethany Tucker RD call (401) 456-8477 or email her at btucker@ric.edu

Meal Zones (Monday - Friday, 6:30am- 7:30pm) Breakfast: 6:30am - 10:30am Lunch: 10:30am - 3:30pm Dinner: 3:30pm - 7:30pm Meal Zones (Saturday - Sunday, 9am- 6pm) Continental Breakfast: 9am - 10am Brunch: 10am - 3:30pm Dinner: 3:30PM - 6pm

Monday-Thursday: 7am - Midnight Friday: 7:30am - 10:30pm Saturday: 3pm - 10:30pm Sunday: 5pm - Midnight

The Galley

Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM -8PM Friday: 8:00AM - 3:00PM Saturday/Sunday: CLOSED

Quick Mart Hours

Monday-Thursday 8:30am - 8pm Friday 8:30am - 4pm Saturday 11am - 4pm Sunday 2pm - 8pm

Visit our website at ricdiningservices.com 5

January 30, 2017

Arts and Lifestyle

“Uncategorizable” podcast has something for everyone F

Gianna Rocchio A&L Editor

or those of us who have developed an ultra-busy lifestyle to accommodate the many demands of our lives, podcasts have become a savior. Podcasts are essential for multi-taskers and daydreamers alike; they are great to play in the background while driving or doing homework and can provide great company and escape if you find yourself stuck inside your own head. There’s a type of podcast for everyone, whether you like comedy, history, sports or even spooky stories. One podcast that defies all categories is “Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People,” otherwise known as “Beautiful/Anonymous.” Hosted by New York-based

must stay on the call for the whole hour, no matter how awkward or uncomfortable he may be. Although this format seems trivial, Gethard’s comedic style and notoriously empathetic disposition have made this podcast an instant sensation and deservingly so.

What makes “Beautiful/ Anonymous” true to its name is the amazing evolution of the conversation between Gethard and the unknown caller. Where the caller may have intended to talk about one specific anecdote or story, the topics of discussion develop into much more complicated subjects. Not only is the natural progression of the conversation interesting, but the way in which Gethard guides the phone call and encourages the caller to delve deeper into

popular comedian Hannibal Buress as a co-host. Other episodes are more serious, such as “Married to a Monster” and “The Hardest Part is That You Love Me.” Some callers have even discussed their religious lives, ranging from Mormon to Orthodox Judaism, and gives a fascinating look into the worlds and cultures of those around us. In all of these stories, Gethard is able to find beauty and humor in each person’s life while shedding some insight into the situation. Some episodes will stick with you for days, and a fascinating feeling of caring for an anonymous person washes over you. Perhaps in spite of the anonymous nature of his podcast, Gethard incubates a sense of intimacy between himself, the caller and listeners alike--something

Photo courtesy of wsj.net comedian Chris Gethard, best known for his role as Todd on Comedy Central’s “Broad City,” this podcast became an immediate hit due to its unique format. Gethard will post a phone number through his Twitter and Instagram accounts when he is accepting calls and anyone has the chance to call and speak to him. The rules of the phone call are straightforward: the caller must stay anonymous and has exactly one hour with Gethard on the phone. Additionally, the caller may hang up at any point before the hour ends, but Gethard cannot hang up and

themselves is impressive. His instant connection to callers doesn’t feel feigned or forced, but rather legitimate and admirable. That isn’t to say that Gethard lacks honesty; he voices his opinion and true feelings in a way that is empowering to the caller, by giving them an unbiased perspective while respecting their position.

The range of topics in “Beautiful/Anonymous” is striking, considering there are only 45 episodes to date. Some episodes are more on the comedic side, such as “Strangers on a Train” and “5% Romantic Interest,” with the latter featuring

previously unachieved in the podcast realm. Gethard is able to bring his own voice to the show without eliminating the diversity brought in with each new caller. Deemed “uncategorizable” by their producers, “Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People” is a comforting, hilarious and honest way to spend an hour. “Beautiful/Anonymous” can be found online through their production network, Earwolf.com, or through your preferred podcast streaming app.

“In my relationship I have started to see a problem regarding social media. I find that we both utilize it way too often when together and it causes unnecessary stress and strain on our relationship, especially when we like photos or follow people of the opposite gender. Any advice?” -Need to get unplugged Hey “Need unplugged,”

get

You need to get off the grid! The Internet can seem like a rabbit hole for our generation to explore and get lost. I’m sure all of us have had an unintentional Internet bender at 3 a.m. with Facebook, YouTube, memes, and whatnot. A major red flag is when social media starts to strain your relationship with your boyfriend. You should take a weekend or a day trip with your boyfriend with no electronics. I know this may sound impossible, but if you both want to make your relationship to work, it is worth a shot. You don’t have to go to a pricey resort or crazy vacation--just spend time together and realize why you two are together. You could take a road trip to New Hampshire or Cape Cod and talk through your problems. The second issue in your question was the idea of trust and jealousy. If you two are having issues when one of you simply likes another girl/boy’s photo, you need to work on trust. On your get-away, you two need to discuss the idea of trust and realize that you are together for a reason, not to just simply change your relationship status on Facebook. It might be that your relationship has greater issues than just social media and you might rekindle that flame that might seem lost. Regardless of the result, you two need to come to a consensus and work together. I’m confident that, together, you will both not only have the time of your life away from social media but also become stronger than ever. Good Luck,

Jeremy Boutin

Dearest “plugged,” The conflict caused by social media in relationships is something very new. Our generation is the first to start navigating the opportunities of technology. A lot of the time, we don’t even realize how much we’re active online. Not only do we rely on social media, but we rely on how other people see us-especially those we care about. Considering how much we use social media, the situation can turn toxic pretty quickly. To ease the tensions with your boyfriend, it’s clear that you two need boundaries with your phones and with each other. When the two or you spend time together, make it a point to limit how much you are both on your phones. Agree to take breaks of 20 or 30 minutes together to play a videogame or cook dinner. Watch a movie and put your phones away, first person to break and use their phone has to order pizza. Simple things like that can make the stress of being without your phone much more bearable. Since you both have a problem with social media, it will strengthen your relationship to work through it together.

The tougher aspect of your question is going to take some more time to get through. Jealousy is a hard thing to deal with, especially with the constant stream of ultra-enhanced photos of other people on your phone. Jealousy is also indicative of some much deeper problems either personally or within your relationship. Whatever these problems are, saying them out loud and engaging with your boyfriend about how you feel will help you more easily get a grasp on them. You got this,

Gianna Rocchio 6

January 30, 2017

Sophie Costa Anchor Staff

Ditch the dairy slice of cheese pizza.

Cutting out dairy means cutting down on acne, bloating, digestive issues and low energy levels. Contrary to what we’ve been told as children about milk’s ability to strengthen our bones, as Americans, we consume one of the largest amounts of dairy globally, yet we still have the highest rate of osteoporosis in the world.

Graphic by: Dan Jackson As kids, we were always told to drink milk so that our bones could grow strong and our lives would be long, but is that really the case? Dairy products seem to be taking some heat as of late, and it’s not surprising why. Cutting dairy out from our diets cold turkey can be daunting and unappealing to most people. However, the benefits that come from ditching dairy are far greater than those mere minutes of satisfaction while eating a

It has been ingrained in our brains that in order to get a proficient amount of calcium, we must consume milk and cheese. This it just not the truth. There are a variety of different foods that contain a significant amount of calcium such as kale, beans, broccoli, oatmeal and almonds. If you are cutting out dairy from your diet purely for the benefit of your health and not for ethical reasons, then it is okay to have a slice of cheese or a scoop of frozen yogurt every now and again. For those of us who have decided that milk

products are not worth the risk, there are several nondairy options that are just as delicious, such as, Ben and Jerry’s dairy-free ice cream, dairy-free cream cheeses, almond milk, dairy-free yogurt and the list goes on. You don’t have to suffer for your calcium intake anymore. Milk is designed to double the weight of baby calves in just three months, so imagine what this does to our bodies. Dairy is largely

a mucus producer and has a serious affliction on the respiratory, digestive and immune systems. We don’t realize how harmful dairy products are until we stop consuming them and start reaping the benefits of going dairy-free. Personally, ditching dairy has been the best thing I have done for myself. Just six months into it, I have clear skin, my energy levels have skyrocketed and I have even lost some weight. This

lifestyle is not for everyone, but if you are someone who is concerned about future health or someone who suffers from acne, bloating and digestion issues, dairy might be the reason why. Cutting out dairy from my diet was difficult at first, but I have never felt better. However, no matter if you consume dairy products or not, practicing moderation in consumption and in everyday life is the key to a healthy lifestyle.

Photo courtesy of imirevolunteers.org

Amazing performances “Hidden” throughout cliched film

Patrick Connolly Anchor Staff

e’ve made it, folks, to one of the most fascinating times to be a movie buff: Oscar Season! This is also the time of year when we look at the list of nominees and think about all the more qualified films out there that deserve to be nominated for Best Picture. For some this year, “La La Land” is their bottom pick, and for others, it’s “Manchester by the Sea.” For me, and it pains me to admit this, it’s “Hidden Figures.” I can’t go so far as to say that “Hidden Figures” is a bad film on its own terms. The story that this film is based on, which describes how three AfricanAmerican women change the course of the Space Race for the betterment of America, is something to be commended--especially, if the film does succeed to inspire people to stand up

for what is right, then the film has done its job well.

For me, however, I still have to write about how I felt and thought about it. From my perspective, the script of “Hidden Figures” is problematic in how it tells this particular story. For one thing, it skips straight to the three women in their adult years heading over to work for NASA. This is an issue considering we aren’t told how they met and what they accomplished beforehand, which deprives the viewer of a significant emotional connection. One could argue that the viewer could do the research online beforehand, but considering that the film is many’s first exposure to the story, I found that aspect to be a missed opportunity.

My second issue pertains to the elephant in the room: how the film handles racism. Here’s the thing, this story couldn’t be more timely. Especially, with the fact that America seems to be

getting more divided by the minute. Sure enough, this film lets us know how this era couldn’t be more racist if it tried. There’s even a scene where Katherine, played by Taraji P. Henson, has to run from one building to the next in order to use the colored restroom. I mention this particular scene because that is one of the very few times where the film actually identifies something about the era of which I wasn’t fully aware. Everything else? It’s about as boring, clichéd and stereotypical of a script that I can think of. The fact that such an awesome story gets such poor treatment is disrespectful to those who inspired it. How this film’s script gets nominated over something as beautifully written as “A Monster Calls” is beyond me. It’s a shame, because there are some really good actors who worked on this film, including Taraji P. 7

Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae and even Jim Parsons. Shame they couldn’t save a problematic

Best Picture nominee from hackneyed clichés.

Photo courtesy of impawards.com

January 30, 2017

Student Community Government, Inc.

The Student Involvement & Leadership Showcase As we approach the inauguration of the new Rhode Island College President, Dr. Frank D. SĂĄnchez, we invite you to join us in commending the amazing accomplishments of your peers. The Showcase is taking place in Donovan Dining Center on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. This event is free to all who would like to attend. We will be serving hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres and refreshments. Entertainment will also be provided. If you have questions, please contact us at Student Community Government Student Union 401 (401) 456-8088 ~ ricscg@ric.edu

January 30, 2017

Superhero central: all about Harley Sara Massa Anchor Staff

here are many characters in the comic world that have risen into mainstream pop-culture stardom in recent years, such as, The Flash, Deadpool and Harley Quinn. In particular, Harley Quinn has proved to be a beloved character by fans of the comic and of the film franchize “Suicide Squad.”

Harley begins her story as Harleen Frances Quinzel, a psychiatrist who fell down the rabbit hole when she met the Joker during her internship at Arkham Asylum, a psychiatric hospital featured in many Batman comics. Harley falls in love with the Joker after many sessions with him in which he manipulates her. Eventually, she breaks him out of Arkham while donning a female jester costume and a new name,

Harley Quinn.

Throughout the comics and many cartoon adaptations, the Joker and Harley’s relationship is a toxic one, mainly because of The Joker’s twisted mind and Harley’s severe case of Stockholm Syndrome. We often see the Joker abuse Harley mentally and physically, only caring

about her when she can be of use to him and his plan to kill the Batman. In “Injustice Gods Among Us: Year 2,” Harley is talking to Dinah Lance, otherwise known as Black Canary, about her experience of being pregnant with the Joker’s baby and leaving him for a year to have the baby in order to keep it from him: “I went away for

Photo courtesy of the-arcade.ie almost a year. When I came and, instead, pairing her with back to my puddin’, he was the female villain Poison so funny. He acted like he Ivy. The two are often seen didn’t even notice I was as either friends or, in some gone.” cases, in a relationship. In recent issues of comics Harley is such a strong including Harley Quinn, character, demonstrated by we see that the writers her tragedy and suffering have transitioned her while still being a character into different roles, by that fans love and look up pulling her away from her to. Hopefully, we will see relationship with the Joker more of Harley Quinn in her rumored solo film.

“Founder” leaves audiences hungry for more than a Big Mac

Thomas Sack Anchor Staff

ased on the true story of Ray Kroc, the American businessman who built a fast food empire after acquiring the McDonald’s restaurant chain, John Lee Hancock’s “The Founder” is satisfying enough to watch, but seems to be missing something. Tone-wise, the film is an interesting antithesis to Hancock’s last piece of cinema, 2013’s “Saving Mr. Banks.”

Instead, they drive home simple, biographical facts of life and conclude when the tale realistically ends, rather than when a film needs to end in order to feel complete to the viewer.

Cinematically, “The Founder” is beautiful to behold. Crisp camera quality and a plethora of interesting shots add a bit of pizzazz to the otherwise mundane glimpses at reality depicted onscreen. At the same time, such amazing camerawork

can sometimes make the film feel too modern. Many characters in “The Founder” dress contemporarily, and timecards alone remind audiences they are watching events that transpired in the mid-1950s and early 1970s. Adding insult to injury, “The Founder” sometimes makes use of archive footage that is almost unwatchable on the theater screen. Such material seems out-of-place and only further emphasizes how different the film’s

“The Founder” is greatly hindered by its true-to-life storytelling format. This is simply because such an approach to filmmaking, while honorable in its attempt to depict events as they actually happened, does not follow the traditional and arguably necessary formulas. Biographical films, or “biopics,” like this prevent their characters from developing past a certain point, the characters do not learn or change their ways to the extent fictional ones do. Films such as, “The Founder” also tend to focus less on profound messages and deeper meanings.

depiction of 20th century America is.

Without a doubt, the best part of “The Founder” is the acting. Michael Keaton is truly worthy of praise, and he absolutely shines in this film as Ray Kroc. When Keaton is onscreen, one forgets he is acting. The viewer loves to hate him in his unlikable role, and that is the mark of a truly skilled entertainer. While the supporting cast of “The Founder” is generally

lackluster, sympathetic performances from Laura Dern, Nick Offerman, and John Carroll Lynch are enough to save it.

Overall, “The Founder” is a well-made film about a bad story. It leaves an aftertaste that keeps one thinking about it and almost creates a desire to see it again. For others, it leaves them as hungry for a more complete and entertaining filmgoing experience as it does for a Big Mac.

Photo courtesy of thr.com 9

January 30, 2017

As dark and beautiful as its namesake

Mary-Ellen Fernandez Anchor Staff

he gut-wrenching story behind one of America’s most horrifying tragedies, “Jackie” is the whirlwind story of how former First Lady Jackie Kennedy dealt with her husband’s assassination. Nominated for three Oscars, the film delves into the the life of Mrs. Kennedy during and after the attack on JFK. Pablo Larraín delivers in this film, which captures a part of history that will forever be with the world. The film moves the audience through the motions from the point of view of Jackie Kennedy, played by Natalie Portman. The score is brilliantly dark, yet soft, which perfectly embodies the film’s overall tone.

her vulnerability, anger and sadness during the difficult time she faced. A magnificent performance was also given by Peter Saarsgard who plays Bobby Kennedy, capturing his courageous and outspoken presence. Greta Gerwig also delivers in this film, playing Nancy Tuckerman, an

advisee of the first lady and a source of moral support for Jackie. The priest, portrayed by John Hurt, provides a great source of spiritual guidance in the film, showing much of how Mrs. Kennedy’s faith and will were tested.

Pablo Larraín does a magnificent job of allowing

Natalie Portman plays a perfect Jackie, embodying the poise, grace and composure our former first lady was so well-known for. Portman, however, is also able to play a much darker version of the iconic first lady, displaying

Jason Windrow Anchor Staff Aries (March 21 April 19) President Obama is out of office and taking a vacation; you should too. If you find that this week isn’t best for a vacation, looking at pictures of the Obamas exploring beaches and interesting landscapes will probably suffice. Just delete your search history before your conservative family comes home. Taurus (April 20 - May 20) With lots of talk about alternative facts as of recently, the stars show that you should put your own special twist on this topical trend with alternative facts about classic alternative rock stars. Listen to Sonic Youth, the Velvet Underground, and Bjork and share your knowledge with the public and media.

the music to tell a story within the story. With violent violin chords and even the usage of the popular Camelot melody, Larrain is able to create a true experience for viewers. The film allows for people to feel the events, as they unfold, bringing them into the life of the Kennedy’s.

Photo courtesy of teaser-trailer.com

Horoscopes Gemini (May 21 - June 20) A great change will come to you this week, presenting you with a revelation that the earth is not flat or round, but virtual. You will see things no one else has seen before and read between the lines. Great change is coming, be on the lookout. Cancer (June 21 - July 22) You will procrastinate a lot this week, Cancer, by watching reruns of “Friends” and “Seinfeld.” Since these shows revolve around friends, this is a sign that you don’t need time alone, but need time with friends Leo (July 23 Aug. 22) Pasta and carbs are not enemies. They are delicious. Potatoes have

vitamin C in them and are good for the soul and help keep you from getting sick. Never feel like you don’t deserve delicious food, because you do. It’s good for you, so eat plenty of delicious meals this week, Leo.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) You’ll find yourself grappling with the truth this week because you’re hiding something. Whatever you’re hiding, you might want to find a new hiding place; people are finding the treasures you keep hidden. Learn something from this. Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) Libra, you will consider that Lighting McQueen may be a hybrid of man and machine. Does he breathe the same breath as we do? Is “Cars” a Disney dystopia where humanity 10

has evolved into machine? These are the questions that need answers, let this week show you the way. Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) Human creation has damned us in the long run. We have created the stock market, calories, and mileage on a car. Think outside the box and discover how to fix that which destines humankind for failure. Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) Feeling exhausted, overworked, and overcome with fatigue? You’ll soon find a solution by having four espressos and punching through the space-time continuum. Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) You

Although many people were watching when President John F. Kennedy was shot, this film creates a whole new view on the events through the First Lady’s point of view. Turning an American tragedy into film has become the new version of cinema. However, combine it with an amazing cast, musical score and the surreal take on the events, now you have created something spectacular. It is important for stories to be told--stories that hold meaning. This film tells a story for our country, for our history and for Jacqueline Kennedy. It supplies viewers with a new take on the events of that horrific day when a nation lost its leader, and focuses on how a woman lost a husband, a man lost his brother and two children lost their father. Although it is not a happy story, it is one that holds definite truths about life and its uncertainties. Now nominated for three Oscars, “Jackie,” is a must see!

may be troubled by recent friend problems this week, but enough with that; you need to focus on that W2 that isn’t here yet. Put all your energy into that, instead of any friend problems. Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 19) Bring the loudest snacks possible to lecture so people remember your presence. Loud snacks include: apples, carrots, chips, and caramel popcorn. Be creative and bring a 5-course meal. Be that person. Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) Being independent is important but having someone else do your taxes does not invalidate your independence. Strong people pay people to do their taxes for them. So, be strong and consider your legal obligations.

Opinions

January 30, 2017

The views expressed in The Anchor, unless otherwise noted, are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent those of The Anchor or of Rhode Island College’s faculty, administration, or student body.

The fight for reproductive rights

Mary-Ellen Fernandez Anchor Staff

ne of the many beautiful things about living in this country, is the luxury of choice--choices that define everyday lives, including education, employment, religious ideals and many more. For the women in this country, we are given an opportunity that many women in other countries do not have, and that is control of our reproductive system.

Widely debated, and argued amongst politicians alike, the choice on what we do is ours and ours only. These rights allow women flexibility, control

and often times afford them a second chance. The right to free birth control and the right to choose to have an abortion are all of extreme importance. It is nobody’s business what a woman does with her body.

With President Trump’s new line-up in his cabinet, Roe v. Wade is at stake-an unsettling and deeply troubling issue for millions of females and male supporters across the country. Several of his appointed cabinet members are Pro-Life, a stance that could force control of a female’s reproductive system out of women’s hands. This is absolutely

unfair and extremely dangerous for our country, considering the lack of accurate sex education that already exists. A woman should be able to make decisions about what is inside of her body. No politician should be allowed to dictate this. It is not a matter of opinions, it is a matter of rights: her body, her choice. President Trump also wishes to defund Planned Parenthood, a place for reproductive health care for women. Without those types of places, women will no longer be equipped to handle issues such as the contraction of an

STD, regular checkups for sexually active women, breast cancer screenings, and access to safely performed abortions. This program provides affordable care to all women, as well as helpful information about safe sex and other reproductive matters. Also, these facilities provide free birth control to women, which helps in preventing unwanted pregnancies which ultimately decreases the number of abortions. All are important things for sexually active women who are not ready to have children. All of these choices will be taken away, creating an extreme

strain on women’s rights in general.

Choice. It may become a thing we take for granted with the new President. No person should have the right to make laws in regards to a female’s uterus based on his own personal opinion. No politician, especially a male politician, should be able to dictate whether or not birth control for women is free. These choices equate to rights for all the women of this country. It is no longer a matter that is up to other people. Reproductive rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights.

Photo courtesy of wordpress.com

Coming out as a conservative

Evan C. White Anchor Contributor

onservatism may not seem like the natural home for an LGBTQ individual. Indeed the very notion of a ‘LGBTQ Conservative’ may seem quite antithetical to some. Despite the misconception that such a union would be an oxymoronic one, many LGBTQ Americans identify with the Conservative movent and the Republican Party. Queer Conservatives exist everywhere, from Guy Benson, the political editor of townhall.com, to Caitlyn Marie Jenner, the Transgender ex-Kardashian who openly supported Ted Cruz in the primaries and, more nefariously, there

is Milo Yiannopolous the right-wing provocateur whose book “Dangerous” sent shockwaves through the establishment. Indeed there are encouraging examples of minority folks who embrace the values of conservatism, whether it be fiscal responsibility, a proper national defense, a respect for the constitutional protection of civil liberties or the understanding of the role of faith and community in public life. Despite the many inroads LGBTQ conservatives have made, the path is far from smooth. There is still a faction of quasi-theocratic paleoconservatives who would be more than happy to enforce sodomy laws against same-sex activity and decency laws against

transgenderism. However, this faction grows smaller by the day, conversely people are taking a libertarian approach to matters of sexuality and gender, leaving the big battles for fighting radical Islamic terrorism and defending the U.S. Constitution from left-wing encroachment. However, the biggest hurdle that Queer Conservatives face is from within the LGBTQ Community itself.

A vast majority of mainstream LGBTQ media outlets are openly hostile to the idea of a LGBTQ Conservative. A poignant example of this type of intolerance can be best exemplified by a hit piece against Peter Thiel written by Jim Downs of ‘The Advocate,’ one 11

of the most prominent publications in the LGBTQ Community. In Mr. Down’s piece, he questions Thiel’s homosexuality. Mr. Downs was completely aghast at the fact that a homosexual-a self respecting one, at least--could come to align himself with the Conservative movement. This piece was later picked up by the conservative juggernaut ‘Brietbart’ which obliterated Downs on his apparent intolerance. This type of political intolerance is a recurring attribute in LGBTQ circles, which are increasingly infected by the twin maladies of political correctness and progressivism. There is still a long way to go before Conservatives are accepted by the LGBTQ

Establishment; perhaps that day will never come. In spite of mainstream opposition, LGBTQ Conservatives, like myself, are proud of our beliefs and we see no contradiction between our political and our personal identities. So long as I maintain my faculties, I will stay proud of my sexuality and equally proud of my Conservatism. I encourage all those who are LGBTQ and afraid to come out of the closet as a Conservative to do so, and to not be afraid of those who would seek to control your opinions. The journey for LGBTQ Conservatives has been fraught with obstacles, but the resilience and determination of this group is far from fading.

January 30, 2017

There’s more

Shane Inman Managing Editor

utside of general e d u c a t i o n requirements, how often do you visit academic buildings here on campus that aren’t your major’s usual haunt? For most of us, with a few exceptions, the answer is “rarely, if ever.” It seems like the sort of thing that, being perfectly ordinary, is not even worth a second thought, but that’s not necessarily the case.

As we drift through our years at RIC, we understandably tend to get swept up in our own work and tune out everything beyond our immediate academic circles. Once our gen-eds are complete, we rarely visit more than one or two buildings, or interact with more than a few people outside of our major and majors closely related to it. The campus shrinks, as does its population. We lose something when that happens. One of the uniquely amazing things about colleges is that they contain a multitude of different populations, all of whom

are actively seeking and retaining wildly varying pools of knowledge. The potential for exchanges of information, even in bits and pieces, such as a scrap of scientific knowledge providing new groundwork for a theatrical production. One would be hard-pressed to find such a diversity of knowledge and passion anywhere else in society, but we have no way to take advantage of this rare opportunity if we put on the usual blinders. We exist in a place where ideas should flow freely from one department to the next, blending with one another and building off of one another—so why do we insist on limiting ourselves to comparatively tiny bubbles? Perhaps even more important than the raw information itself, however, are the mindsets said information attracts and encourages. Each field of study draws a different type of students to it, and fosters within those students a system for approaching the world particular to that field. A nursing student will solve problems differently from a mathematics major,

someone studying political science won’t see people in the same way as someone studying English. Just as hard facts and knowledge can and should be freely exchanged and explored by those less familiar with them, so too should these distinct mindsets. One becomes most prepared to deal with and adapt to the ever-changing world by incorporating a vast array of ideas and values into their own personal ideological framework. This is what makes that ever-sought-after “well-rounded person.” This is what sets someone up for success.

So, take a little time out of your hectic schedule to visit the biology lounge or the new nursing center, or to talk to some of the students hanging around Craig Lee. You’re surrounded by facts and ideas just waiting to be harnessed. Look past your immediate surroundings, reach out and take advantage of your time here. Piece together an ideology that blends the ideas of countless others into something uniquely your own. In the long run, you’ll be better for it--we all will.

White Republican Lives Matter misses the point Jonathan Carney Anchor Editor

erds of American citizens have finally decided to stand up for themselves and speak out against the many injustices with which society has, apparently, burdened them.

Holding signs in a proud display, many poor, downtrodden white Americans now demonstrate perseverance in the face of untold suffering whilst chanting their slogan, “White Republican Lives Matter,” an obvious parody of the actuallysuffering African-American community’s “Black Lives Matter.” If I were to witness such a display, I am unsure whether my reaction would be to laugh in utter disbelief or to snort in exasperation. People are obviously still missing the point of the “X Lives Matter” mantra. It’s

intended for use by people who face actual oppression on a regular basis, not by a group sore that the other side harshly criticizes their views. It’s meant for people who actually face systemic civil rights violations. It’s the cry of people whose lives are actually endangered by racism, not the segment of the white population living under the delusion that “reverse racism” is a bigger problem than racism against minorities and that they, not minorities, bear the brunt of xenophobic hate. White people aren’t the daily targets of reverse racism. White people don’t suffer because of their skin, and they certainly don’t need people to stand up for them. I’m not saying it isn’t possible that individuals exist who bear a grudge against white people, but that hardly compares to the institutional racism imposed by whites against

minorities. It is a racism that flourishes not only amongst a terrifyingly significant portion of the nation, but also in government itself. The microphones of the now-relevant alt-right media figures gaining power (and I thought FOX was bad), and the same voices are sometimes even being heard in police departments.

Compromise: the newest fourletter word I

Ryan Foley Anchor Staff

f the American Revolution were being fought by the people of America today, it is unlikely that the US Constitution would have ever been written. This is because the US Constitution contains a series of compromises, designed to get all 13 of the colonies on board with joining the union. While the colonies comprised a much smaller area than the United States today, they were each diverse in terms of population size, geography, demographics and economy. One of the most famous

“the spirit of compromise that founded our Republic has been washed away”

Compromises is the Great Compromise, where the Founders decided to make the United States Congress a bicameral legislature with a Senate consisting of two members from each state and a House of Representatives where each state’s membership was determined by population. This way, small states like The group of brave souls New Jersey and large states daring to stand up for the like Virginia both got a little trampled rights of the bit of what they wanted. poor, poor white people reminded me of the “All More than 200 years later, Lives Matter” retort that the spirit of compromise that became popular months founded our Republic has ago. Both chants, I believe, been washed away. It has betrays overly-simplistic become painfully obvious thinking on the part of two- why George Washington dimensional minds, as well did not like political parties as a truly feeble grasp on because they seem to put their own interests ahead of public issues. their country. Both political Sure your White parties are increasingly Republican Lives Matter! polarized, which explains But whether your ideas the gridlock plaguing do is certainly open to interpretation. 12

Washington. If Washington were alive today, he would be embarrassed by the city that bears his name.

People are vilified for even talking to the other side. Just look what happened to “Family Feud” host Steve Harvey after meeting with President Trump. While Harvey supported Hillary Clinton in the general election, he was willing to put aside his differences with Trump in order to address the plight of inner cities. While our founders would have likely praised Harvey, Trump’s fiercest critics have lashed out at him for daring to “reach out.” And they’re the ones who claim to be tolerant. Their hope is to make an example out of Harvey so that other people do not follow his lead.

The Presidency is perhaps the area of our Republic that requires the most compromise. Nearly every President goes into office with at least half the country having a negative opinion of them. And it took a lot of compromise for them just to get through the primary. Donald Trump’s victory in the Republican primary, as well as in the general election, would not have been possible without his strong showings among Evangelical Christians in the southern states. While they probably would have preferred a more religious candidate, Evangelicals were happy to support someone who would not use his pulpit to insult their deeply held beliefs. In a culture where it has become next-to-impossible to go through a day without hearing a four-letter word, the idea of compromise now receives the stigma once given to four-letter words. It is my hope that President Trump and the United States Congress will work to change that over the next four years.

January 30, 2017

Trump’s low-effort unifying attempts

“

Catherine Enos Anchor Contributor

This American carnage stops right here and it stops right now”— these words did not address Americans in times of great hardship, not during any of our hard-fought wars, not during the Depression, nor during any other catastrophic period. These were words spoken by President Donald Trump to the American people on January 20, 2017.

When comparing President Trump’s speech to Presidential inaugurations of bleaker times, such as the inaugural address of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Trump’s words are unusually depressing. Most presidents in times of hardship, tried to give Americans hope for better times. At his first inauguration, in the midst of the Depression, Roosevelt told the American people that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” offering hope and encouraging the American people to continue to persevere. Adversely,

Donald

Trump’s inaugural speech had a gloomy theme to it, literally and figuratively. As soon as he took to the podium to give his address, it started raining. While some saw this as a blessing, others saw this as a premonition of bad times ahead. He described that the government is in disrepair and only benefits those at the top--politicians and the wealthiest of citizens, often referred to as the top 1% of the US population. Trump then painted a gory picture of America’s current state. He described the distribution of wealth as uneven by saying that the middle class has had the wealth “ripped from their homes” and called for an end to the “carnage.”

He ended on a lighter note with his famous campaign promise that he would “make America great again,” but how this will be done is unclear to many. He promises to put the power back into the hands of the people, which could be considered ironic due to the fact that he did not win the popular vote. In addition, he doesn’t

seem to have much faith in the truth of what American

about it, questioning, “Why didn’t these people vote?”

g o v e r n m e n t a l organizations that discuss

Photo courtesy of telegraph.co.uk people believe. His poll ratings are one of the lowest of modern presidents, and he dismisses them, despite the fact that these polls are often regarded to be accurate. The day after his inauguration, hundreds of thousands of people in the US and around the world marched to advocate for women’s rights. He tweeted

rather than addressing their concerns. He was simultaneously referring to a wide group of his constituents as “these people,” which doesn’t sound like the words of someone that wants to unite America. In addition to alienating concerned Americans, one of his first acts as a president was to cut off funding to non-

abortion. Again, not inviting unity.

So far, Trump has been loyal to the ideals of the Republican party, which he was outspokenly critical of during and after previous elections. Meanwhile, the majority of Americans are kept in suspense about what the new president’s next move will be.

Students walk out to workout their rights O

Derek Sherlock Anchor Staff

n the day of the Presidential Inauguration, several high schools in Providence staged a student-led walkout in protest of the Trump inauguration. Reports of other high schools from Worcester, Massachusetts to Portland, Oregon came in with students walking out

of their schools in protest of the hate speech that Trump has been saying since he announced his intent to run for President. While I was not present, sadly, to join in solidarity towards the youth of Providence in their protest of Trump, I did watch a live stream of it from Facebook courtesy of the Providence Student Union.

As I watched as students and many others walk down the streets of downtown Providence voicing their opposition toward Trump and what his Presidency stands for, I got filled with this feeling of this is what the future of America is shaping up to look like. That knowledge that teenagers are using their voice to show not only the

state of Rhode Island, but the country, that they will not stand for xenophobia, racism and sexism makes me feel that things will change tremendously-especially, in two years when these students will be able to vote for members of Congress. Then, again in four years for the next presidential election, even more of those

Photo courtesy of tritondigitalcms.com 13

students will be of voting age and more positivity will come. That is honestly the one thing that is keeping me optimistic for the future of America. There were some people spewing forth truly nasty comments towards the students walking out of school, some of the more print friendly comments were: “They are unAmerican for doing this,” “They have no reason to be doing this because they are just kids.”

A majority of the comments are too vulgar to be reprinted; however, to those who opposed these students, this is very “American.” When students walk out of school in protest of anything from a President to the conditions of their school, the First Amendment covers it. The students in Providence, Worcester, Portland, Houston and all over the country are doing the right thing in voicing their disapproval of a system that they view to be not in their best interest.

January 30, 2017

Point/Counterpoint: Is Raimondo’s free tuition plan a good idea? Taylor Dame Anchor Editor

VS.

Samantha Scetta Anchor Editor

Governor Raimondo’s free tuition plan, costing $30 million dollars annually and providing free tuition for students for their first two years at CCRI, and their final two years at URI and RIC, is an idea that sounds better on paper than it would be in practice. Students would be able to be on a free tuition scholarship while only maintaining a 2.0 GPA, which would make an associate’s degree from CCRI hold much less accountability in the workforce than it does already. In the near future an associate’s degree will be what a high school degree is today. More educated citizens makes Rhode Island stronger, and since it is not mandatory only the more motivated students will attend.

More educated citizens might make Rhode Island stronger, but curriculum at CCRI will probably be “dumbed down” to meet the needs of every student, to show that the governor’s plan is working. Instead of having higher standards, schools will want to pass every student even if they don’t deserve it.

Schools already want to pass students to increase graduation rates. But, I believe that by making the associates degree free, students will be motivated to have a chance to get a leg up on other students around the country.

Although, if an associates degree becomes synonymous with a high school degree, they won’t be a leg up at all.

Associate degrees are more specialized than a general education high school degree and will give Rhode Islanders two additional years of education when compared to other states.

January 30, 2017

Sports

Men’s Basketball lose battle to Warriors A

Julian Borges Sports Editor

struggling Anchormen side proved to be no match for the Eastern Connecticut State University Warriors this past Saturday night at Geissler Gymnasium.

The Rhode Island College Men’s Basketball team went point for point with the Warriors at the beginning of the game, holding an 8-8 tie with less than 13 minutes in the first half. The momentum that the

Warriors built in the first quarter of the game proved to be essential as Eastern Connecticut went on an unprecedented 11-1 run against the Anchormen. A three-pointer from Eastern Connecticut junior guard Kendall Marquez made the score 19-9. The remaining ten minutes at the end of the first half saw the Warriors send RIC off the court with a 4126 lead over the visiting Anchormen. The halftime break seemed to help the Anchormen, who

returned to the court with more energy than they had at the start of the first half. RIC junior guard Jovel Beckford helped level the score 59-53 with a layup.

With less than ten minutes left in the game, the Warriors responded with another lengthy point run, going on a 27-9 conquest against the Anchormen to decide the match at 86-62.

Eastern Connecticut’s Marquez had 18 points. Warriors senior center David Canny contributed nearly just as many, with 17

points and 7 rebounds. Hugh Lindo, senior forward for ESCU, achieved a doubledouble with 15 points and 13 boards.

Anchormen senior forward Domonique Bull had 15 points and seven boards. RIC sophomore forward Benjamin Vezele had a double-double of his own with 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Anchormen. The Warriors shot 42.5 percent from the court, 39.3 percent behind the paint, and 65 percent from the

charity stripe.

The Anchormen shot 28.6 percent from the field, 11.8 percent for three pointers, and 71.4 percent for free throws.

The Rhode Island College Men’s Basketball team are now 9-10 in the regular season and 3-6 in the Little Eastern Conference. The Anchormen will host UMass Amherst on Tuesday, Jan. 31st at 7 p.m. at the Murray Center.

Women’s Basketball steamrolled at ECSU Julian Borges Sports Editor

he Rhode Island College Women’s Basketball team was dealt a tough loss at Eastern Connecticut State University last Saturday afternoon.

The beginning of the game saw the Anchorwomen trade blows with the Warriors as each team attempted to outscore the other. A layup from RIC

freshman guard Jordyn Gauvin with two minutes left in the first quarter saw the Anchorwomen falling behind the Warriors 16-13.

Eastern Connecticut, however, responded to Gauvin’s layup with a 7-0 run to finish the first quarter 23-13. The second quarter saw ESCU send the visiting Anchorwomen to the locker room after extending their advantage, 36-22.

to the court after halftime, the Warriors went on a 6-0 point run to raise their lead by 20 points at 42-22 over RIC. The third quarter ended with Eastern Connecticut maintaining a score of 5728 before extending their lead to 33 points in the fourth and final quarter of the game, which ended with the Warriors walking off the court victorious. Final score: 70-42.

ECSU lost no momentum after the end of the first half. When both teams returned

Eastern Connecticut freshman forward Mya Villard contributed 16 points

time these two teams faced off was about four years ago, but it is still something to consider.

thing on Brady’s mind, the Super Bowl definitely is. To end the revenge tour with New England winning the Super Bowl would prove to Roger Goodell and the rest of the NFL that not even a four-game suspension can stop Tom Brady from winning.

and nine boards. Warriors senior guard Jordyn Nappi pitched in 10 points, five assists and three rebounds.

RIC freshman guard Jordyn Gauvin had nine points and two boards. Freshman forwards Victoria Demers managed eight points and three rebounds while junior guard Jessa Rubera garnered eight points for the Anchorwomen. The Warriors shot 41.9 percent from the court, 33.3 percent from behind the paint and 68.4 percent from

the charity stripe.

The Anchorwomen shot 25 percent from the field, 22.2 percent downtown and 58.3 percent for free throws.

The Rhode Island College Women’s Basketball team now holds a 5-14 regular season record as well as a 2-7 record in the Little East Conference. The Anchorwomen will face off against Tufts at their gym on Tuesday, Jan. 31st at 7 p.m.

Super Bowl LI: hot streaks collide

Enrique Castaneda-Pineda Anchor Staff

he 2016-2017 NFL season is finally coming to a close as Super Bowl LI will star the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. Both AFC and NFC Championship games were a joke, with many fans taking to social media to complain about how it was the worst that each of the losing teams have played. Meanwhile Chris Hogan, the wide receiver for the Patriots, broke a postseason record with the most receiving yards in a playoff game by an undrafted player. The Patriots and the Falcons are on a hot streak, but which one will win it all at the Super Bowl? A statistic that many fans have been throwing out there is that Tom Brady has never lost to the Falcons and he currently boasts a 4-0 record. The last

However, this year is different, as the Falcons have explosive running backs, Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman, who have a combined 1,599 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, which could prove troublesome for New England’s defense. Matt Ryan has also been an explosive quarterback this year, as Ryan has the second most touchdowns this regular season and the second most passing yards, as well. As important as these individuals are to their team in Atlanta, New England has powerhouse players of their own. This obviously includes star quarterback Tom Brady, who is looking to finish what he started with the “revenge tour.” Though this “tour” is not the main

Let’s not forget New E n g l a n d ’s shifty running backs Dion Lewis and James White, who have proved to be valuable in the postseason. Lewis even set a record for being the first player in the postseason to have scored a return touchdown, receiving touchdown 15

and rushing touchdown in the NFL. Main running back LeGarrette Blount led the league in rushing touchdowns with a total of 18 and over 1,000 rushing yards.

Both the Patriots and the Falcons have incredible players that could make the

difference in the Super Bowl. It will be a championship match focused on which defense can stop the opposing offense the best. Super Bowl LI is set to be a high-scoring, classic-to-be Super Bowl, that will surely be remembered for years to come.

Photo courtesy of Patriotsgab.com

January 30, 2017

Men’s Wrestling retain even record

Enrique Castaneda-Pineda Anchor Staff

he Rhode Island College Men’s Wrestling team started off the month with four matches. One match on January 7th, one on the 13th and another four matches on the 22nd. So far, the team is even in the New England Wrestling Association with a record of 4-4. The first matches were at Ursinus College for the North/South Duals, against Elizabethtown first, losing a

close match 25-26 and then losing again by one point against Muhlenberg 20-21.

The Anchormen then went up against Ursinus and Hunter, where they had a tough loss against Ursinus 6-33, but won against Hunter 40-15, leaving the North/South Duals 1-3. Daniel Murray had a perfect record of 4-0 in the 125 lbs. class, including a 16-0 technical fall victory against Hamad Amir in the win against Hunter. Men’s Wrestling had their next match against Johnson

& Wales, where RIC was dominated, losing the match 45-3. The only win for RIC came from John Georges in the 285 lbs. class, with a 3-2 overtime win. Finally, we have the four matches from the 22nd against Springfield College, Trinity College, Castleton State and Plymouth State, respectively.

The Anchormen kicked off their first match with a 6-43 loss against Springfield College, with two wins coming from RIC’s Vincent Drago and Mike Gallagher.

RIC then came back to win against Trinity College 2713, winning in seven out of 10 weight classes, including an 11-2 major decision win for Gallagher and John Georges with a major decision win of 9-1.

The boys could not maintain their momentum as they went on to lose against Castleton State 28-10, as Stephen Masi picked up his second win of the day with a 3-1 win in overtime. Georges also won with a 2-1 victory and, finally, Gallagher remained

undefeated for the day with an 11-2 major decision victory.

For the last match, RIC won with a 35-6 victory against Plymouth State, securing 11th place in the tournament. Masi and Gallagher won in the last match, with 3-0 and 4-0 records for the day, respectively. The Rhode Island College Men’s Wrestling team now holds an overall record of 5-7, with the next matches being held on February 3rd at home.

Eric Blanchard receives Athletic Administrator Award

Marissa Marsella Anchor Staff

his past Saturday, Assistant Athletic Director Eric Blanchard of Rhode Island College was honored with the Athletic Administrator Award by the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators at the NCAA Convention in Nashville. This award of leadership is

presented to a member of athletic administration who has seven or fewer years of cumulative experience as a titled athletics administrator at the Division III level. The nominee must have transitioned from coaching or another professional duty into the profession of athletic administration, as well. The award recognizes both involvement and leadership roles on either

an institution campus or in a conference office.

Track Athlete of the Week after placing second in the 60m hurdles (8.07), as well as, the 200m (27.00).

(22.87) and placed seventh in the 60m (7.24). Campbell also managed to land second place in the lead leg of the 4x400 relay team (3:29.37).

As a former student athlete and Rhode Island College SAAC member, Blanchard has moved from an undergraduate student worker to becoming an assistant baseball coach and finally, to his current position as RIC’s Assistant Athletic Director. Blanchard

also

offers

his services as a faculty member in the mathematics department and spends his time participating during freshman orientations at the college. Whilst doing all this, Blanchard managed to earn his graduate degree in sports administration. To top it all off, Blanchard assists in special projects for the department, operating in facilities, facility rentals, staff scheduling,

concessions, team travel, summer sports camps, equipment orders and a variety of other programs and planning in addition to being an SAAC advisor.

Congratulations to Eric Blanchard for such an honorable award, and even more honorable accomplishments!

Men’s and Women’s Track and Field take on Springfield

Marissa Marsella Anchor Staff

he Rhode Island College Women’s Track and Field team was nominated as the Navigant Credit Union Athletic Director’s Team of the Week after their incredible run during the Springfield College Maroon and White Classic this past Saturday.

The girls placed extremely well. The entire team led this week by RIC sophomore athlete Melanie Brunelle who was titled the Little East Conference Women’s Field Athlete of the Week after her amazing performance. Brunelle took first place for both the high jump (1.65m) and the triple jump (11.24m). She also managed third place in the 60m hurdles (9.78). Her teammate, Eleni Grammas who was named the LEC

Newcomer to the Anchorwomen, freshman athlete Emma Landroche, took first place in the 200m (26.57) and finished fourth in the 60m (8.19). Congratulations on such a great meet, Anchorwomen!

In upcoming action, the Anchorwomen will travel to Boston University for the school’s invitational this weekend. Good luck!

The Rhode Island College Men’s Track and Field team competed this weekend at the Springfield College Maroon and White Classic and emerged with a newcomer MVP. The meet was scored individually, however. Out of the RIC team, freshman athlete Levon Campbell snatched first place in the 200m

Campbell’s teammate, freshman athlete Jephte Wagnac, took first place in the triple jump (12.91m) and also finished in fourth place during the 400m (52.56). Wagnac also took second place while running the third leg in the 4x400m relay team (3:29.37). Sophomore athlete, Destin Bibemi placed fifth in the 400m (52.58). He also took the second place spot in the 4x400m relay team, running the second leg. Bibemi took sixth place as well in the long jump (5.76m). The weight throw was won by RIC junior athlete Shamar Spruill with a distance of 16.76m who also had an 18th place finish in the shot (10.31m). His colleague, RIC junior athlete Jonathan 16

Photo courtesy of Goanchormen.com Carney, took 20th place in the 3000m (9:53.90) while sophomore Jeff Garson placed 19th in the mile run with a time of 5:16.12.

Good luck to the Men’s team at their next meet as they will travel to Boston College for the school’s invitational!