Vagina Memoirs Open Call, p. 3 Police prep for Hallo-weekend, p. 8 Two nights at the Ethnic Student Center Conference, p. 6
Vol. 29 #7 10.30.13
2 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
A pumpkin rests among fallen leaves on High Street. Isaac Martin // AS Review
IN THIS ISSUE News
MAKING YOUR LIFE BETTER, ONE PAGE AT A TIME Viking Union 411 516 High St. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: 360.650.6126 Fax: 360.650.6507 Email: as.review@wwu.edu Online: as.wwu.edu/asreview @TheASReview facebook.com/theasreview © 2013. Published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University. We are a student-produced, alternative campus weekly covering news and events that are of interest to the Western community. We support all programs, offices and clubs affiliated with the AS. We have a direct connection to the AS board of directors, and although we report on board actions objectively, our relationship should be made clear.
Columns
Student Life
3 Open Call
4 “I am a survivor”
8 Behind the costumes
The AS Women’s Center is set to hold auditions for Vagina Memoirs
We conclude our domestic assault awareness series by welcoming the story of a survivor
What makes costumes offensive? How will police patrol Hallo-weekend after Oct. 12’s riot?
6 ESC Conference
11 Talking desire
One writer’s experience at the 23rd Annual Ethnic Student Center Conference
The AS Queer Resource Center hosts “Protect Me From What I Want”
9 Back to Natural
12 A week in events
After years chemically treating her hair, Annika Wolters goes back to natural
Photos from a few events the Associated Students welcomed last week
10 Vikings fall to SPU Western volleyball takes another rare loss to SPU
Submissions: We welcome reader submissions, including news articles, literary pieces, photography, artwork or anything else physically printable. Email submissions, or send them to the mailing address above. They will be returned as long as you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Letters: We welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your letter to 300 words and include your name and phone number. Send them to as.review@wwu.edu. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar.
THE AS
REVIEW
Cade Schmidt Kylie Wade Isaac Martin Annika Wolters C Hayley Halstead Dominic D’Angelo Designer Kristina Huynh Adviser Jeff Bates
Editor in Chief Assistant Editor Lead Photographer Writers
Whatcom County Council candidates answer student questions on Oct. 21 during a forum hosted by AS Representation & Engagement Programs. Students can take their ballot to the drop-box in front of the AS Bookstore. Photo by Isaac Martin // AS Review
Oct. 30, 2013 • 3
OPEN CALL: VAGINA MEMOIRS By C Hayley Halstead The open call for the eighth annual Vagina Memoirs will be taking place from November 4-6 in Miller Hall 138 at 6 p.m. The event gives those with marginalized gender identities the opportunity to express themselves with the intention of increasing education, raising awareness and creating a sense of empowerment for the cast members. No experience is necessary for those interested. In the past, people have shared their writing, music and dance. At the audition, those interested can expect a low-pressure environment in which they answer writing prompts and participate in small discussions. “It’s a safe space for those with marginalized identities to share experiences,” said AS Women’s Center Vagina Memoirs Coordinator, Laura del Villar. Each week, those signed up for the event will meet to have discussions
and prompts in order to prepare for the event itself, which will be occur each night between February 26 and March 1. Last year, people commented about the event online with remarks such as, “So inspiring and empowering! Thank you for sharing your voices, stories, and words with us!” and “Women Center did a wonderful event this year. The event was so inspiring.” In the past, people have shared stories of their resistance, healing and survival. This year, del Villar hopes to have a larger turnout to both the open call and event. “It’s important to realize that people’s truths need to be heard and to educate others on taboo topics,” said del Villar. If anyone is interested in learning more about the event, feel free to contact Laura del Villar at as.wc.memoirs@wwu.edu or call the AS Women’s Center at (360) 650-6114.
EVENTS Viking Jam
Oct. 30 // 7 p.m. // Carver Gym Catch the kick-off of the 20132014 Western basketball season this Thursday at Viking Jam, the preseason introduction of both the men and women’s basketball teams. The event features roster introductions and scrimmages as well as a dunk contest. Need more basketball? The women also have an exhibition game against Quest B.C. at 4 p.m.
Protect Me From What I Want: A Workshop On Race, Capitalism and Desire
Oct. 30 // 7 p.m. // AW 304 // Free Queer South Asian spoken word artist Janani Balasubramanian will discuss power dynamics, imperialism and society’s desire and race relations. For
more information on this event, check out the article on pg. 11.
Wednesday Night Concert Series: Tangerine w/ The Fire Organ Oct. 30 // 8 p.m. // UGCH // Free
Catch Tangerine performing with the Fire Organ at the Underground Coffeehouse this week. The band describes their style as “raw, catchy, tender and always impressive.”
Ghostbusters & Zombieland
Oct. 30 // 8 p.m. (Doors at 7) // Concert Hall // Free Get ready for Halloween a day early with a night featuring two Halloween favorites. The films will begin at 8 p.m. and the night will also feature a costume contest.
Dead Parrots Society Haunted House Double Header
Oct. 31 // 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. // Old Main Theatre // $3 Celebrate Halloween with the Dead Parrots! Catch two improv shows on Halloween night. Costumes are encouraged. The first show begins at 7:30 p.m. and the second one will kick off at 9 p.m.
Western Athletics: Men and Women’s Soccer
Oct. 31 & Nov. 2 // 7:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. // Orca Field // $3 Both the men and women’s soccer teams play home games this week. On Thursday, the men face off against Seattle Pacific at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, the women will take on Simon Fraser at 7:00 p.m.
4 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
“I AM A SURVIVOR” FINAL DOMESTIC ABUSE AWARENESS SERIES INSTALLMENT every time, but then it began to escalate. When I did something that bothered him, he would push and slap me. Sometimes he would even grab me by the hair or neck aggressively while he yelled at me. He would even kick me, leaving bruises. After he was done dehumanizing me, he would apologize. I loved him so much, that I would blindly excuse his behavior. I kept telling him it was okay. At the beginning of summer when I was about to move to Bellingham, I caught Mike in my room throwing away many of my belongings. “What are you doing?” I asked him, shocked with his actions. “I don’t want all this stuff at my place when you move in with me,” was his response. We had never agreed to live together. I loved him and wanted to be with him, so I agreed to live with him during the summer before school. While I was with him, he wanted to I was told I was stupid for not getting out of the relationship, that I have sex frequently. I wasn’t opposed to it, but he convinced me that was in control of what had happened and that it was my fault for not since I was going to marry him, we could have unprotected sex. Again, leaving him when he continuously raped and abused me. I am a survi- blinded by love and wanting to make him happy, I went along with it. vor of domestic violence. We had never discussed marriage. In 2010, I met Mike at school. He wanted to spice up our love “I started feeling distant towards him and wanted to He was tall, a little chubby and had life, so he started binding me to the a nerdy personality. I immediately end the relationship. I knew that if we were in person, bed, making it impossible for me to disregarded him as not being my get away. He would follow that with he would physically try to do something to me, so I type, but I was open to a friendsex. When I was in the mood for it, ended it over the phone. No matter what he said and ship. When he asked me to lunch, I loved it. Then on days where he I politely accepted. I didn’t expect wanted it and I was opposed, he how much he apologized, I told him it was over.” to have as much fun as I had with would grab me by the hair, throw him, and gradually, I started to deme violently on the bed, tie me up velop feelings for him. One day, he picked me up from work and took and have sex with me. I would scream, “No! Stop!” He would shove my me to one of the first parks we went to together. He had prearranged face in the pillow as I struggled to get away. Mike raped me repeatedly notes around the park and made me go on a scavenger hunt to find the during that summer, and I continued to assure him of my love and forfinal prize: a rose with the note asking me to be his girlfriend. I had give him. He would sometimes even tear my labia from being so rough fallen for him. and forceful. Mike and I had a wonderful relationship for the first year. I knew I I thought things would be better when I moved to Bellingham bewas in love with him, and that he was someone that I didn’t want to cause I would have time away from him and could start making new lose when I moved to Bellingham. When the time came for me to move friends and spending time with them. However, Mike demanded I stay away, his behavior started to change. with him every weekend. On Fridays after class, he would pick me up, For the first time in our relationship, he started putting me down. and on Sundays, he would take me back. I missed out on many of the “Don’t you feel bad about yourself going to a school with so many pretty weekend activities my friends had planned. girls?” he would ask me We got into fights, but then he would send me Randomly during the day, Mike would try to video chat me on my letters of apologies. phone. When I would ignore the call and text him that I was in class “I couldn’t believe the things I said to you and how I made you feel,” and couldn’t talk, he would text to ask who I was cheating on him with. he would say. “You have been so amazing to me, so respectful and car- During the times I was able to answer his calls, he would ask me to show ing. I wish I could be the same and just relax.” I would forgive Mike him the room I was in so he could see the people I was with. If there was We, The AS Review staff, decided to conclude our four-part series in occasion of National Domestic Violence Awareness month by inviting a survivor to tell their story. The following words are those of a Western student who wishes to remain anonymous, and other names in this story have been changed as well. We feel that while anonymity may protect this person from further trauma, we also feel that names aren’t necessary to communicate the power of these experiences. The content of this piece includes sexual assault, violence and emotional abuse, and may be upsetting or triggering for some. The Review encourages impacted readers to seek immediate help through the resources listed on the next page.
Oct. 30, 2013 • 5
a guy in my friend group, he would later interrogate me about the guy. Mike sought out ways to control me because he wasn’t able to see me every day. He had me close my local bank account and open an account with his bank. I wasn’t blinded enough to let him have access to my finance, though I know that he would have liked to. With the distance, I started feeling distant towards him and wanted to end the relationship. I knew that if we were in person, he would physically try to do something to me, so I ended it over the phone. No matter what he said and how much he apologized, I told him it was over, through my tears. A week later, I went to his condo to pick up my things. When we were alone, he shoved me against a wall and started to kiss me, running his hand up my skirt. I pushed him away, grabbed my stuff and left. Being apart from Mike was liberating. I could go to events on the weekend with friends, not have someone constantly check in on me and question my integrity. It was a great feeling. Mike and I have recently been in contact, and he shared with me that after the breakup, he found someone else, bought a home with them and attempted to start a family. They broke up, and Mike has since been going through many tragedies in his family. It’s been hard for me to support him as a friend, because he has tried to come back to Bellingham to see me and stay with me at my apartment. He has tempted me by bringing up my favorite things, offering to take me out to dinner and even just wanting to meet to catch up for good times sake. I have been distant with him and have refused to meet with him in person. As traumatizing and emotionally challenging it was to be in a relationship with Mike, it really changed my perspective. I am now able to see why I stayed with him and learn that he wanted the control over me because he was one of the most insecure people I met. Before I wrote this piece, I visited the AS Women’s Center in the VU 513. I shared my story and have since felt an escalated level of support. Some of the people I have told have encouraged me to meet with one of the on campus counselors or psychologists, which is pretty intimidating and not something I want to do. I definitely didn’t want to start taking medication of any type. Life is much better now. I am in a safer place surrounded by loving and supportive people. I am a survivor. If you wish to tell your story, the AS Women’s Center will host an open call for Vagina Memoirs Nov. 4-6. See more info on page 3.
If this story impacted you, here are some resources that can help • Counseling Services // 360-650-3164 // Old Main 540 • AS Social Issues Resource Center, Women’s Center, Queer Resource Center & Sexual Awareness Center // VU 512, 514, 515, 518 • Men’s Violence Prevention // mark.green@wwu.edu // 360-650-2993 • Crime and Sexual Assault Services (CASAS) // Old Main 585B // 360-650-3700 • Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services // 24-hour hotline: 360715-1563 // 1407 Commercial Street
6 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
I AM THE ESC 23RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPANS TWO NIGHTS
Photos by Alexandria Bain
The Ethnic Student Center, founded in 1991, has three main goals known as the “ABC’s”: to affirm the identity of students, build a comWhen I told my friends I would be attending a conference over the munity and cultivate leadership. Over the course of the conference, weekend, I think they envisioned me dressed up in professional attire, these goals were fulfilled through the small groups, affirmation bags, sitting through meetings and monotone workshops, Cultural Sharing, evening lectures, followed by silence and boreactivities and keynote speakers. dom. However, I assured them this conThe buses arrived at the beautiful, yet “I was diving headfirst into something ference was something to be excited for foggy Camp Casey, located on Whidbey that proved to be transformational and and that I would gain knowledge about Island. Upon check-in, approximately others and myself while staying in a safe 130 registered participants were given a quite remarkable.” environment. I was going to the Ethnic name-tag with their group leader at the Student Center Conference. bottom of it. Going into the weekend, I had no exThere were fifteen group leaders that pectations of the event, nor did I know anyone who was going. I was ranged from professors to counselors to student leaders. There were diving headfirst into something that proved to be transformational and about four small group meetings. I had the pleasure of working with quite remarkable. Shurla Thibou, a women studies professor at Western. In my small By C Hayley Halstead
Oct. 30, 2013 • 7
group of six other students, we were able to discuss the events going on and share our personal stories with one another. After workshops, we reiterated what we learned and how we felt about it. This also gave me the opportunity to connect with people on a more intimate level and develop new friendships. During first small group meeting, we decorated paper bags with our names on it and hung our bags on the wall in Camp Casey’s auditorium. We were encouraged to write affirmations to one another and at the conclusion of the weekend, we were able to open our bags and read the nice comments people made about us. During the day on Saturday, there were two workshops that people could sign up to attend. The first session included a workshop on micro aggressions, developing compassion, learning about creating great multicultural events, understanding social justice and positions of privilege. The workshop I attended was on social justice and was led by Laura Singletary, the Student Programs and Leadership Coordinator at Whatcom Community College. The workshop started with Singletary laying out images. Singletary wanted us to gain knowledge on social justice by visually exploring what each of our roles in social justice was and why the topic in general is significant. The exercise created a strong illustration of social justice in everyone’s mind. This interactive workshop was extremely meaningful, as I was able to learn about my peers’ perspectives about why they thought it was important to acknowledge the issue. The second set of workshops also had incredible topics that were about institutions of prejudice and discrimination, planning fundraising events, facilitation effectiveness, organizing social justice events and gender roles and rape culture. I attended the “Social Empowerment and Action to Combat Rape Culture” session lead by my small group leader, Shurla Thibou, as well as a student, Danela Butler. We had a phenomenal discussion about gender roles and victim blaming. At the end of the day on Saturday, arguably the best part of the conference was before me: Cultural Sharing. It featured examples of sharing that included a family recipe, a dance, a poem and a song. The most common form of expression was sharing a personal narrative. Students described troubles they had suffered as part of their identity, people they spent time around and the overall pain they had felt. Cultural Sharing was such an eye-opening event. There were many people that seemed so happy on the outside but were really suffering on the inside. I think Cultural Sharing was one of the most impactful events I have ever attended. There were tears, smiles, as well as snapping and hand rubbing, which were nonverbal messages for “I feel you” and “I got you.” What an incredible event. continued on pg. 11
Photos by Alexandria Bain
8 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
BEHIND THE COSTUMES AND PARTIES WHAT MAKES A COSTUME OFFENSIVE?
DON’T LET YOUR HALLO-WEEKEND GET BUSTED
By Annika Wolters
By Dominic D’Angelo
Without being the costume police, a few people in the Associated Students would like to share some thoughts on Halloween attire and respect. River Reier, coordinator of the Social issues Resource Center located in Viking Union 522, recognized that some costumes and accessories can keep people from going out on Halloween.
Wild Halloween weekend is nearly upon us. But because of Oct. 12’s riot on Indian Street, many students may be wondering, what will this mean for Halloween parties? “We aren’t any more vigilant or any more concerned with parties,” Bellingham Police Sergeant Mike Johnston, “However we are a bit more watchful to make sure that things don’t get out of control again.” Johnston is currently the Bellingham Police Department’s patrol officer and will be in charge of all police activities come Halloween night. To carry out his duties, he will have at his disposal BPD officers, Whatcom County Sheriff ’s officers and the Western Campus Police. If necessary, he also mentioned that they may deploy the Mobile Command Center, or as it is colloquially known to the Western student body, the Party Bus. Johnston however gave no comment on the certainty of its use, citing that revealing the exact plans for the Party Bus would be like the Seahawks sharing their playbook with an upcoming opponent. Johnston said students should understand that the police are not out on Halloween with the sole purpose of arresting students and shutting down parties. Rather, police usually spend their time responding to various noise complaints and reported disturbances. “The main reason parties get shut down is because neighbors complain about noise,” Johnston said. “We generally don’t go out and seek these parties because they come to us.” He also mentioned that hosts of out-of-control parties can call the police to disperse the party at no penalty to themselves. However, if a party has to be broken up following a noise complaint, the host may be penalized with a warning, ticket or arrest.
“To turn an aspect of someone’s identity into a costume to have fun with for one night, I’d imagine it seems pretty insulting.”
“Every year at Western, people dress up in traditional tribal head dresses, wear candy skull make-up, put on a turban and call themselves a terrorist,” Reier said. “It’s impossible to avoid ridiculous amounts of appropriative costumes.” Appropriative costumes refer to the term “cultural appropriation,” which occurs when a person adopts or uses specific elements of a different cultural group, without having knowledge or appreciating the entire culture. This may also involve religion. “Any costume that is a representation of a culture, religion or race that isn’t your own is offensive because it ends up being a caricature of said culture, religion or race,” Reier said. Sara Wozniak, coordinator of the AS Women’s Center, said she is bothered by the appropriated costumes sold in stores, such as ponchos, mustaches and sombreros. “It’s incredibly common that people are unaware of how offensive their costumes can be,” Wozniak said. “To turn an aspect of someone’s identity into a costume to have fun with for one night, I’d imagine it seems pretty insulting.” Just the same as appropriation, particularly revealing costumes can be a point of discussion as well. “I think any sort of advice on how to have a safer Halloween based only on the costume is very victim-blamey,” Wozniak said. “I would encourage people to wear what makes them feel comfortable.” When discussing the limited choices in female-identified costumes, Reier said there is a pressure on female-identified folks to show more skin as a result of control. “When it comes to talking about women-perceived people it becomes a debate. I think this has a lot to do with the desire to control women’s sexuality,” Reier said. Wozniak agreed, and put the words simply. “Women are told to be sexy, but not sexual,” Wozniak said.
“The main reason parties get shut down is because neighbors complain about noise. We generally don’t go out and seek these parties.”
To combat this, Johnston recommended that party hosts go out into the street and listen. If the party inside the house or backyard can be heard from the front, then it might be time to shut down. Instances of destructive behavior like throwing bottles, public urination, defacing public property or vandalism is generally a cause for an arrest. When you go to a party, just make sure that the next party you visit isn’t in the back of a cop car or in the detainment center at the Bellingham Police station on Grand Avenue.
Oct. 30, 2013 • 9
GOING NATURAL: RECLAIMING BLACK IDENTITY By Annika Wolters No one wanted to be seen with nappy hair back the day. Now, everyone wants to touch it. Sensitive eyes will notice the Black community’s slow transition to natural hair: unbraiding extensions and braving the close-cut, big chop style. I chose to stop chemically straightening my hair on Dec. 27, 2012 the second day of Kwanzaa, which stands for self-determination. My chemically straightened and flat-ironed hair was a symbol. I was ashamed of being Black, in a way I never knew. The journey transitioning to natural hair can take one of two routes. A person may be brave enough to shave their head, which is real commitment, or simply put down the creamy crack and let their hair grow and cut it later. Through trial and error – and watching tons of YouTube videos - I learned how to care for my coarse and kinky curls, which everyone wanted to touch. Chemical straighteners or perms, more commonly referred to as relaxers, are filled with dangerous chemicals that can eat through steel. Once hair has been chemically altered, it will not go back to its natural and curly ways. Ever. Once someone has been hooked on relaxers, they will often return to the chair about every six weeks. People sometimes call it “the creamy crack,” just for that reason. Chris Rock focused on the pressure for Black people to straighten their hair in his 2009 documentary, “Good Hair.” The film explores the harmful ingredients in relaxers, the Indian temples where human hair in weaves comes from and the pressure among Black people to wear “good,” straight hair, even if it’s not their own. I waited a year for my natural hair to grow and struggled with how to
style two textures of hair on my head. When I’d get out of the shower, I could see the outline of my new mini-fro underneath the limp, burned strands of tortured hair. I looked like a firework does just seconds after it bursts and starts to fade out. They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, so why did I want straight hair so badly? Who was I trying to be? Madame C.J. Walker, an entrepreneur with hair products, used to say, “I got my start by giving myself a start.” Though people believe Walker invented the first hot comb and chemical straightener, she sold her conditioners and scalp treatments from door-to-door until she became a millionaire. Sophomore Heather Heffelmire, who transferred to Western before winter quarter last year, has been wearing her hair natural since she was in the Navy. She said she sometimes feels like she is put on display. “If someone is complimenting my hair, obviously I’m going to appreciate that,” Heffelmire said, “It can also become a little annoying though. I’m almost looked at as some sort of novelty, like when someone says, ‘I’ve never seen this before. Your hair is something different.’ It’s almost as if they’re comparing my hair to some sort of standard, and it’s different.” Heffelmire said this is particular problem because she doesn’t feel like she can go anywhere in town to get her hair done. She said she is always disappointed when she visits the ethnic hair section - in any store - only to see a couple shelves of hair products for people of color. “I am so easily identified by my hair, which is nice to be different sometimes,” Heffelmire said. “But then I become ‘the girl with the big curly hair,’ and my emotions are mixed about that.” Heffelmire said she felt pressured to straighten her hair in high school. It only takes one person to go natural.
10 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
WESTERN VOLLEYBALL VS. SEATTLE PACIFIC
The Western volleyball team faced off against Seattle Pacific on Thursday, Oct. 24. Above: No. 9 Jennica McPherson sends the ball over the net. Right: No. 8 Kelsey Moore elevates to slam the ball over to Seattle Pacific. Western went on to lose in 4 sets. Photos by Isaac Martin // AS Review
Banner Design By Jesi Maakad, AS Publicity Center
Oct. 30, 2013 • 11
ESC CONFERENCE, continued from pg. 7
I made new friends, was able to openly discuss my challenges with my identity and became more educated about issues that are relevant to During the late evening, there was karaoke, games, movies, a bon- ethnic students. fire and a dance. With such an array of activities, I decided to visit the The Ethnic Student Center Conference is a conference that is held bonfire, where ghost stories, brain teasers and jokes were shared as the people around me smiled while roasting marshmallows. At the end of each day, there was a keynote speaker. On Saturday “Cultural Sharing was such an eye-openlate afternoon, we heard from Verónica Vélez, an assistant professor and the founding director of the education and social justice minor at ing event. There were many people that Western. She shared her story of being the daughter of a Mexican immiseemed so happy on the outside but were grant mother and Panamanian immigrant father who fought for Vélez really suffering on the inside. I think Culand her sister to experience exceptional education. This inspired her work in the field of social justice. tural Sharing was one of the most impactful The other keynote speaker was Tali Hairston, the director of the events I have ever attended.” John M. Perkins Center for Reconciliation, Community Development and Leadership Training. He spoke less about himself and more about what we as students could do and are capable of doing as leaders. Both keynote speakers received a well-deserved standing ovation at the end annually. This was the 23rd annual conference. of their speeches. If you are interested in learning more about your identity, want to Personally, I felt the fundamental goals of the conference were meet a bounteous amount of awesome and respectful people or just fulfilled. want to learn more about the ESC, visit the office in Viking Union 420.
QRC PRESENTS: PROTECT ME FROM WHAT I WANT The discussion will begin by questioning how the topics are even related, and will expand on interpretation of beauty’s relationship Protect Me from What I Want, a free workshop and conversa- to power. tion around race, capitalism and desire, will take place from 7-9 p.m. Queer Resource Center Coordinator Derick Reinhardt, said the Wednesday, Oct. 30 in Academic West 304. It’s a free event and all iden- conversation could go anywhere. He suspects the talk may touch on tities are welcome. dating preference. Guest speaker Janani Balasubramanian, a queer south Asian writ“You might find quite a few people who are only attracted to others er and futurist, will be interacting with the audience and oversee the in their own race,” Reinhardt said. “Is that really racism? If someone is discussion. only into black guys or black girls, is that fetishizing?” The aim of the workshop will be to find the root to such questions, whether the answer is sexism, racism or other prejudices, internalized or not. “You might find quite a few people who are “[The event] is for everyone to have this conversation,” Reinhardt only attracted to others in their own race. Is said. “But also to look within themselves and have a self-reflection, to be open.” that really racism? If someone is only into Reinhardt feels that some identities have been left out of programblack guys or black girls, is that fetishizing?” ming in the past, such as queer people of color. “I feel like you can’t find that anywhere else on campus,” Reinhardt said. “To bring this person to campus is definitely a privilege.” It will be a safe, non-judgmental space to be curious and ask questions Protect Me From What I Want is cosponsored by the QRC’s fellow around power dynamics and imperialism, along with its influence on Resource and Outreach Programs offices, the AS Women’s Center and society’s desires and race relations. Social Issues Resource Center. By Annika Wolters
12 • as.wwu.edu/asreview
A WEEK IN EVENTS
Clockwise from top left: Students wait to enter the Underground Coffeehouse when it reached capacity during Open Mic Night on Oct. 21. // Stephanie Yong, David Shorten and Joshua Keaton (right to leftt) hang out at Drawing Jam’s closing reception in the VU Gallery on Wednesday, Oct. 23. // Whatcom County Council candidates respond to student questions during a forum hosted by AS Representation & Engagement Programs on Oct. 21. // Eagle Teeth perform at the Underground Coffeehouse as a part of Wednesday Night Concert Series on Oct. 23. Photos by Isaac Martin // AS Review