SPECIAL ISSUE Thursday, October 22, 2015
Vol. 126, Issue 17
AT THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS PUSH FOR ASL IN SHEA HOUSE PAGE 4
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CVILLE WELCOMES 241 REFUGEES PAGE 8
OPINION: PRIORITIZE ACCESSIBILTY PAGE 12
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Religious groups promote inclusivity University includes more than 70 religious, spiritual student organizations
Caitlyn Seed Associate Editor
Unlike race or gender, the University does not release information about students’ religious affiliations. There are, however, more than 70 religious and spiritual organizations at the University designed to target different faiths present on Grounds. Cru, the Campus Crusade for Christ chapter at the University, is one such organization. Cru’s co-president, fourth-year Nursing student Nicole Ward, said she thinks the student-body on
Grounds is religiously diverse and inclusive, but she joined a religiously-affiliated organization to become part of one of the many smaller communities at the University. “I personally grew up in a Christian home and, coming to U.Va., I wanted to find the community that encouraged me in my faith,” Ward said. “I ultimately chose Cru because It was a smaller community — everyone knew each other there and I didn’t feel like I was getting lost.” The majority of the religious organizations on Grounds are Christian, including several fraternities and sororities as well as
fellowships and clubs. Darden Business School and the University Law School also both have several Christian organizations available for students. Ward said the major concern she has is not feeling excluded or targeted as a Christian, but that other students feel unwelcome by the Christian community at the University. “It’s disappointing to me when people feel outcast by the Christian community, and I wish that would change,” Ward said. Cru acknowledges such a gap between religious Christian students and non-religious stu-
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dents and strives to promote as inclusive a community as possible, Ward said. Members need not be Christian to join or attend events. Fourth-year College student Dhara Patel, the Hindu Students Council chapter coordinator, said she believes the most valuable part of a religious club is its inclusive community. “Having events that aren’t exclusive allows us to branch out,” Patel said. “You meet more people who are willing to experience new things — new cultures and religions. It makes me more willing to branch out and experience new things as well.”
Like Cru, the Hindu Student Council promotes the involvement and participation of all students, regardless of religious affiliation. Patel said she believes religious groups simply allow students to embrace their faith with a system of close support, while also remaining open to others. “It’s great that we have this organization to help you stay in touch with your religion, to know that you can be active and religious and study here too,” Patel said. “But you can also invite your friends and just check out an event. Anyone can come.”
NEWS
Thursday, October 22, 2015
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University community discusses accessibility OpenGrounds program manager says Disability Acceptance Week lectures, events increase public awareness Elizabeth Parker Senior Writer
As part of Disability Acceptance Week, members of the University community discussed the level of accessibility of Grounds to those with physical disabilities. The lectures and events associated with the week aim to increase public awareness, said OpenGrounds Program Manager Angela Nemecek. “I think one of the major goals is just to bring visibility and acceptance to the many kinds of disabilities — to get away from the idea that disabilities are all physical or visible,” Nemecek said. Nemecek said another important aspect of the week is emphasizing diversity in disability. “That’s a piece of it too,” she said. “To get away from the idea of disability as some kind of misfortune that befalls people and think of it as just as another aspect of human diversity, like race or sexual orientation.” Dr. Robert Diamond, the director of the Student Disability Access Center and a clinical psychologist, described the unique challenges the University faces, being situated on a historic site and in an area with var-
ied topography including hills, winding roads and outside staircases. The University has a problem regarding physical accessibility, as do many older schools, Diamond said. “From a physical accessibility standpoint, U.Va. has a problem comparable to that of many older schools. We have many older, often historic, building that have significant accessibility issues,” Diamond said. The University must follow federal guidelines with regard to accessibility, but Diamond said sometimes, instead of following the letter of the law, his office must pursue the intent of the law. He said the University is anything but complacent with these rules. “The University has made a commitment to address these issues and there is a twofold approach of ensuring accessibility of new construction and taking advantage of repairs/restoration to improve physical accessibility,” Diamond said. “There is much to do, but progress is being made.” With the recent construction and renovation of many University buildings, Diamond said the Office of the Architect and the construction contractors are taking accessibility issues into account, especially consid-
ering doors with automatic openers, wide doorways and easily accessible restrooms. “There is an Accessibility Committee, run by Winn Stuart that meets regularly to review plans for new construction, building renovation and landscape architecture,” Diamond said. “The focus is on making both exterior grounds and building accessible and navigable by wheelchairs, electronic scooters, etc.” On the University website, in compliance with the American Disability Act Coordinator and Equal Opportunity Office, there is an upto-date, interactive map of Grounds detailing different buildings and areas as either “barrier free,” “partially accessible,” or “other.” In addition, students and academic faculty with a permanent or temporary physical disability with a University parking permit can request reserved parking. There are special systems to accommodate those with disabilities for football and basketball games as well. A program through the Provost’s Office called “Report a Barrier” allows students and faculty to alert administration of areas which could cause trouble for those in wheelchairs or on scooters. “One of our basic beliefs, and this
Courtesy Jared Gingrich | The Cavalier Daily
The “Report a Barrier” program allows students and faculty to alert administration of areas which could cause trouble for those in wheelchairs or on scooters.
is change in experience from prior academic settings, is that each individual student is the one to make the final choices whether or not to accept offered accommodations,” Diamond said. “We want the student with disabilities to know that they will always be in control in dealing with us.” Other events scheduled for Dis-
ability Acceptance Week included a film screening of “Adam,” a romantic drama in which the main character has an Autism Spectrum disorder on Tuesday, a discussion of legislature relating to disabilities on Monday. —Caitlyn Seed contributed to reporting
Push for gender neutral bathrooms gains traction Legal constraints under Title IX hinder initiatives Alison Phanthavong, Caroline Beck, Gaston Arze News Writers
University students and administrators are working toward the implementation of gender neutral bathrooms across Grounds, but have met with legal challenges under Title IX. Gender neutral bathrooms provide a safe and comfortable place for people who identify as transgender or non-binary. For these students, entering single-gender bathrooms can lead to criticism, stigmatization and feelings of discomfort. Single-stall, gender neutral bathrooms are now present in many buildings around Grounds, including the top floor of Gilmer Hall. Scott Rheinheimer, coordinator for LGBTQ Student Services, said the University recently introduced interactive maps of new gender-neutral bathrooms
around Grounds in order to give students a way to seek out comfortable restroom options. Rheinheimer said many transgender students consider living in Brown College — which has single-stall bathrooms — or in off-Grounds housing in order to avoid the discomfort associated with using gendered bathrooms. “The University of Virginia has been working hard to be an inclusive environment, and not only inclusive, but also appreciative of its diversity and its students now and in the future,” Rheinheimer said. “It is in line with the University’s recent admission to include the trans community and be supportive.” Third-year College student Stephanie Tuck, operations intern for the LGBTQ Center, is in charge of updating the Grounds gender neutral bathroom map on the University’s website. “As of now, U.Va. is behind most other progressive institu-
Anna Hoover | The Cavalier Daily
Many transgender students consider living in Brown College or in off-Grounds housing to avoid the discomfort associated with using gendered bathrooms.
tions in terms of establishing accommodations for transgender and gender non-conforming students,” Tuck said. There are, however, legal constraints to the addition of gender-neutral bathrooms.
“Title IX and Virginia law does not protect against gender-based discrimination, only sex-based discrimination,” Tuck said. “So if a public institution deems bathrooms necessary to [be] segregated according to
gender, there is really nothing anyone can legally do about it.” There are no specific statistics on how many students would directly benefit from the addition of gender neutral bathrooms, but Tuck said the lack of statistics should have no bearing on whether or not they are added to the University. “Transgender and gender non-conforming people face constant discrimination in their daily lives,” Tuck said. “Something as simple as going to the restroom should not be another one of those instances.” While the installation of gender-neutral bathrooms is a step forward, there is additional work to be done in LGBTQ — specifically transgender — acceptance, Rheinheimer said. “There is obviously work to be done in respect to trans issues, and it’s not a perfect place yet, but we know this and are working towards meaningful change,” Rheinheimer said.
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Students push for American Sign Language housing Program hopes to become part of language house offered as on-Grounds housing option Hannah Hall Associate Editor
In order to become a part of language housing, a program must have support from a sponsoring academic department and the Associate Dean for Arts and Humanities.
Several students have begun an appeal to the University to add American Sign Language to the Shea House, a multi-langual immersion community. The University has had an ASL program since 1996, ASL Programs Director Gregory Propp said. Students in the College have been able to use ASL to fulfill the foreign language requirement since 1998. There have been extensive talks within the program about including ASL in language housing, Propp said. “That’s always been one of our goals as we progress forward and look ahead,” Propp said. The process was spearheaded by students this semester, who have been going through the approval process with the University. Thirteen students are currently
interested in living in Shea House, said Eleni Papageorge, a first-year College student involved in the movement. “That’s a lot considering most of the languages in Shea House have the max of 12 students,” Papageorge said. Papageorge said one of the hardest parts so far has been getting through the red tape. “Trying to find the right person that’s in charge of instituting the languages has really been the hard part, and it’s also deadlines,” Papageorge said. The application deadline to live in the Shea House is Nov. 4, and Papageorge has been told it is unlikely they will get in with the deadline being so close. Since the language houses are a collaboration between Housing and Residence Life and the College of Arts and Sciences, any potential program must have the support of both groups. In order to become a part of
language housing, a program must have the support of a sponsoring academic department as well as the Associate Dean for Arts and Humanities, said Vinay Patel, housing and residence life area coordinator for Shea House, in an email statement. The movement for ASL currently has the support of Propp and other members of the faculty, and the group is currently drafting a letter to give to one of the deans of humanities, Papageorge said. “We’re trying to get a letter fully drafted so that we can send it to her and have her at least think about it and be involved in the process,” Papageorge said. In addition to looking at becoming a part of Shea House, Papageorge has also looked into the process of forming a language pod in Bice House. “We have faculty support, we have student support, we just need to get it approved,” Papageorge said.
University’s history with eugenics Pseudoscience studied academically in 20th century David Schutte and Ankita Satpathy News Writers
A darker moment in University history is the institution’s early support for eugenics, a pseudoscience that claims the human race can be improved through controlled breeding. The University brought the movement’s leaders to Grounds throughout 20th century. Key players in researching and teaching eugenics at the University were Ivey Lewis, who also served as Dean of the College, Harvey Jordan and Robert Bennett Bean. Lewis taught eugenics at the University from 1915 until 1953, and both Jordan and Bean were nationally renowned as leaders of the eugenics movement, former Law and Medical Prof. Paul Lombardo said. Jordan and Bean were active during approximately the same period. “Part of the reason eugenics became a big deal at U.Va. is that President Alderman was trying to hire people that would do scientific work, and at that time one of the hot areas in science was studying heredity and studying eugenics,” Lombardo said. Alderman corresponded with Lewis for over a decade — between
1914 and 1928 — a correspondence which revealed Lewis’s pride in his own genetic heritage. Alderman also corresponded with Bean in 1928. While several people advocated for and taught eugenics at the University during the latter half of the 20th century, Lombardo said this was not uncommon. “U.Va. would reasonably be described as a kind of hotbed of eugenics teaching,” Lombardo said. “The thing to keep in mind is that didn’t make U.Va. all that unusual.” Third-year College student Perrin Arnold, a biology and archaeology double major, said he wasn’t aware of the massive role the University played in the development of eugenics. “I did know that U.Va. had some sort of history associated with eugenics, but not the extent,” Arnold said. Although the University’s promotion of eugenics has long been abandoned, several reminders of this period remain. Jordan Hall, which opened in 1972 and houses the Medical School, still stands in memory of Harvey Jordan. Similarly, the Robert Bennett Bean Award, which began in 1968, is one of the most prestigious honors at the Medical School. A monument on Preston Av-
enue memorializes Buck v. Bell, a U.S. Supreme Court decision which legalized the forced sterilization of those termed “unfit,” including the mentally disabled. The existence of such markers on Grounds and in Charlottesville today raises the issue of whether their historical value outweighs their potential to gloss over a harmful past. Lombardo said these reminders are not inherently bad, but people should be aware of the ideas behind them. “[These were] very accomplished people doing very useful things in some cases, becoming deans and presidents...but at the same time holding a set of ideas that today we think are pretty creepy,” Lombardo said. “I think that the best way to teach history is not to say, ‘We’ll just take the names off the buildings,’ but rather to say, ‘We need to know exactly what all the person whose name is on the building stood for.’” Arnold said he thinks it is important for University students to be aware of the University’s former involvement in eugenics studies. "It needs to be known how involved we were in eugenics, since knowing this history will prevent us from doing something equally as terrible or worse in the future," Arnold said.
Courtesy of Special Collections Pickler Memorial Library Truman State University| The Cavalier Daily
Teaching and researching eugenics at a major institution like the University was not uncommon, Lombardo said.
NEWS
Thursday, October 22, 2015
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Varsity sports comply with Title IX underrepresentation clause University deputy Title IX coordinator describes guidelines for legal compliance Grayson Kemper Senior Writer
The University Athletic Department, like the athletic department of every college or university in the United States which accepts federal funding, must comply with the equity regulations of Title IX in order to field competitive athletic programs. Title IX — formally named Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 — functions as a legislative means of enforcing gender equality in American higher education. Title IX is commonly associated with athletics, as it contains the restrictions to ensure resources are distributed equitably for both men and women’s athletic programs. This is both in terms of quantity of programs and in gender representation. According to Title IX regulations, in order to be considered eligible to field competitive teams,
the University’s athletic department must fully comply with one the three gender equity “prongs” outlined in Title IX legislation: the provision of athletic opportunities for each gender reflective of the percentage each occupies as part of the student body, proof of historical and continuous expansion of the programs of the underrepresented sex (male or female) and the accommodation to the needs and interests of the underrepresented sex. Currently, the University gender ratio favors women over men in both student population — 55 percent women compared to 45 percent men — and number of athletic programs — 13 women’s teams to 12 men’s teams. Jane Miller, University deputy Title IX coordinator for athletics, briefly outlined how the Title IX regulations applied to University athletic programs. The University doesn’t always fully comply with the first two rungs, according the Miller, due to small statistical var-
iation in the representation of each gender in athletics as well as the fact that the last women’s program to be established was women’s golf in 2004. Thus, the University complies most fully with the third “prong” — accommodating the needs and interests of the underrepresented sex. “Through surveys, we have found that we are doing just that [complying with the third method],” Miller said. Some programs demonstrate these differences in accommodation more clearly. The women’s rowing team is part of the Athletic Department and is apportioned scholarships while the men’s team is a club team. The process of adding a sports program was immensely complex and could very easily fall out of the realm of Title IX considerations and be subjected to scrutiny exclusively from the Athletic Department based on funding concerns, Miller said. She elaborated on the distinc-
Courtesy Virginia Athletics
Some athletic programs demonstrate differences in gender accomodation more clearly than others.
tion of funding applied to Title IX as not done on a dollar-for-dollar basis, but instead based on the specific needs of a program. “Funding is based on needs of the program,” Miller said. “Look
at football — the outfit costs are a lot different than outfitting a field hockey program. Even if we could add a men’s sport without violating the numbers, [the Athletic Department] still might not do it.”
Martin receives citizenship award Paul Goodloe McIntire award honors outstanding Charlottesville citizen contributions Anna Higgins and Grace Erard News Writers
Akash Khungar| The Cavalier Daily
Marcus Martin said mentoring students is one of the most rewarding parts of his job.
The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce named Dr. Marcus Martin, professor and chief officer for diversity and equity at the University, the recipient of this year’s Paul Goodloe McIntire Citizenship Award. Established in 1975, the Paul Goodloe McIntire Citizenship Award honors outstanding citizen contributions to the Charlottesville area. Martin was chosen for being a “dynamic, recognized leader for equality,” Chad Zakaib, chair of the Chamber Board of Directors, said in a press release. “Dr. Martin is a stellar citizen of our community and our Chamber is honored to recognize him,” Zakaib said. Martin will receive the award at the Chamber’s 102nd annual dinner at the Omni Hotel Nov. 12. “I am deeply honored by the
McIntire Award and very humble and happy to be recognized,” Martin said. “It is very meaningful to be considered in the company of past recipients who have all contributed to the community in wonderful ways.” Martin has held many positions at the University, including chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, assistant dean of the School of Medicine, clinical director of the Summer Medical Dental Program, co-chair of the Health System Diversity Council and inaugural member of the U.Va. Women’s Leadership Council. He is also involved in many organizations in the greater community, including the Hospice of the Piedmont, Jefferson School Foundation, Jefferson Scholars Foundation and Blue Ridge PACE. “My beliefs are deeply rooted in humility and doing for others since I was a child and [that commitment] has extended into my professional life as a physician as well as an administrator at the University
of Virginia in my capacity as Chief Diversity Officer,” Martin said. “It is a joy to work with students, staff, faculty and the community serving in various capacities.” Martin said mentoring students is one of the most rewarding parts of his job. “Historically it has been patient care, and currently it is advising students and helping them along the way and certainly supporting the Charlottesville community however I can,” Martin said. Fourth-year College student Jenne Nurse, president of the University’s NAACP chapter, said Martin is truly deserving of the award. Nurse took Martin’s 2014 January Term course: “St. Kitts and Nevis: Disaster Preparedness in the West Indies.” “He is so dedicated and passionate about his work,” Nurse said. “He is committed to making improvements, not only at U.Va., but wherever he is able, using the skills he has acquired over the years.”
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University to host November ‘Diversity Dialogues’ Workshops aim to spark increased communication among students, faculty Alexis Gravely News Writer
A workshop called “Diversity Dialogues” will be held at the University Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 in an effort to influence student attitudes about diversity on Grounds. The event is co-sponsored by a total of 11 offices around Grounds, including the Office of the Vice President and Chief Officer for Diversity and Equity, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Center for Teaching Excellence, the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, and the School of Nursing. The workshop will begin with a discussion of implicit attitudes and how to combat the shame and blame which often occurs when conversations about diversity issues arise. The discussion will be
led by CAPS Assistant Director Andrea Iglesias and Glenda Russell, a psychologist in Colorado who specializes in LGBT history. After the discussion, the workshop will hold breakout sessions. Some of the topics for these sessions include multicultural fluency, mentoring students from diverse backgrounds and disability awareness and tips for accessibility allies. Kristin Morgan, director of University and Community Relations and Development and one of the co-chairs on the planning committee, said arrangements for the event began approximately six months ago. The planning process intensified in August. The idea for Diversity Dialogues began when an ongoing discussion occurred in the Office of Diversity and Equity, Morgan said. The office invited Iglesias to
join the conversation, and development for the workshop insued. The event will have space for 270 people on the first day of the workshop and 128 people on the second day. The planning committee has been taking measures to ensure that this audience is diverse. “We held two planning meetings and invited over 80 student leaders from a broad range of student groups to participate,” Morgan said. The workshop will also be promoted through social media and e-newsletters. A student filmmaker plans to interview undergraduates about the event to ask them why they believe the dialogues are important and why they are participating, Morgan said. The event planners hope to attract a broad spectrum of University community members to the
event to increase communication across different groups, Morgan said. “Our hope is that participants will develop a common language
and strategies for addressing stigma and oppression at a personal, interpersonal, institutional, and climate level to create real change,” Morgan said.
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The idea for Diversity Dialogues began when an ongoing discussion occurred in the Office of Diversity and Equity, Kristin Morgan said.
HEALTH AND SCIENCE
Creating safe spaces in LGBTQ health care Care providers, LGBTQ activists address concerns in health education, treatment Kate Lewis Staff Writer
A 2009 Center for Disease Control survey found significantly higher rates of a wide variety of health risks, including attempted suicide, sexual assault and domestic violence, among LGBTQ high school youth when compared with youth who identify as straight. LGBTQ individuals are also less likely to seek and find equal access to healthcare. According to a 2014 CDC report, 72.5 percent of adults ages 18-64 who identify as bisexual reported having an usual place to go for medical care, compared with 81 percent of adults who identified as straight. Nearly twice as many bisexual as heterosexual adults failed to obtain needed medical care in the past year due to cost. This disparity between LGBTQ populations and those who identify as straight can be attributed in part to social stigmas and misconceptions, especially in regard to sexual health. The higher incidence of AIDS and other sexually transmitted illnesses in the non-heterosexual community springs from misconceptions about the role of protection in the prevention of STI transmittance and the heteronormative nature of current sex education and safe sex prac-
tices, said University LGBTQ Center health intern Sindhura Elagandhala, a second-year College student. “There’s not as much discussion [on the issue],” Elagandhala said. “In sex ed classes in high school — for the high schools that even had sex ed classes, of course — everything is very ‘Don’t get pregnant, don’t get pregnant, don’t get pregnant.’” Asst. Family Medicine Prof. Dr. Catherine Casey said she believes the University has made significant progress in making healthcare more inclusive on Grounds, citing the implementation of an LGBTQ youth support group, greater communication across medical specialties to accommodate transgender patients, efforts to reflect a patient’s desired identity in medical records and special trainings for healthcare providers. However, Casey also noted areas where the University could be more accommodating — including proper education about LGBTQ concerns and a concerted effort to collect feedback from this community through surveys or meetings. Dr. Jackie Woods, a psychologist at Counseling and Psychological Services, focuses on LGBTQ student issues in her work and facilitates the Gay, Bisexual and Questioning Men’s Support groups.
Marshall Bronfin| The Cavalier Daily
The LGBTQ Center educates and supports students on a variety of issues, including health care, and promotes frank, inclusive discussions of safe sex practices.
LGBTQ students face a unique set of challenges when they come to the University, Woods said. “Students come in that might have lost physical, emotional or financial support from their family in the coming out process, and it’s hard to navigate school when you have those kinds of big real family things going on,” Woods said. Students may also be going through the constant process of coming out to the University community including roommates, and professors, she said, and gender transitioning stu-
dents may especially undergo stress. This stress can take a toll on the health of a student in a variety of ways including elevated depression, elevated anxiety, PTSD, eating concerns or substance use, Woods said. Dr. Brock Libby, pediatric resident and Safe Space educator at the Medical School, acknowledges how even subtle discrimination on the part of healthcare providers against clients can deter them from seeking medical attention. “The second you feel alienated, you feel discriminated
against,” he said. Libby said he wants to make quality medical care equally accessible to the LGBTQ community by educating providers to make their patients feel understood and safe through the Safe Space training program. Safe Spaces are designated areas, such as doctor’s offices, where LGBTQ individuals know they can embrace their identity without fear of discrimination or abuse. “[Safe Spaces make] the patients feel better, and it makes the patients feel more at ease and [they] are able to be themselves, which I think is honestly the most important thing,” he said. “So if a patient walks into a doctor’s office and they see clearly the sign or the sticker that says ‘This is a safe space’ they feel a much more relief, and as a result they receive better healthcare.” Safe Space trainings are offered to students, faculty and staff on a regular basis through the LGBTQ center. Libby praised the University for the implementation of Safe Space and the transgender clinic, but noted that there is always room for improvement. The youth Libby works with seem to share his ambition and contend that “it’s crazy that there’s such a thing as an ‘unsafe space,’” Libby said.
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Charlottesville accepts 241 displaced refugees in 2014-15
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Bridging the Gap, International Rescue Committee aid acclimation efforts Mairead Crotty Associate New Editor
The International Rescue Committee was founded in 1942 at the behest of Albert Einstein in an attempt to assist European refugees during World War II. Today the IRC has 26 locations across the United States, one of which is located in Charlottesville. The Charlottesville refugee population In 2014, the United States accepted 70,000 refugees, reaching the maximum acceptance of refugee admissions. The legal limit for refugee admissions has dropped twice in the past five years, from 80,000 in 2011 to 75,000 in 2012, and remains at 70,000 spots for refugees in 2015. To be considered a refugee, individuals must undergo a complex process before immigrating. Each person must go through an intensive interviewing and screening process conducted by
regional refugee coordinators, and must prove that they face extreme persecution in their home country. Once a person is declared a refugee, they are connected to the various resources available in the United States which serve to help them integrate into their new community. The Charlottesville branch of the IRC has welcomed almost 2,000 refugees since it opened in 1998. Between Oct. 1, 2014 and Sept. 30, 2015, the IRC received and resettled 241 refugees from 12 different countries. Harriet Kuhr, executive director of the International Rescue Committee in Charlottesville said this value is not determined at random, but rather through engaging in an in depth dialogue with the community. “Every community that has a resettlement program has to determined what an appropriate capacity for that community is based on housing, jobs and the interest of the community,” Kuhr said. In Charlottesville, this dia-
logue involves quarterly consultations that are conducted with representatives of key agencies, such as the city’s Department of Health, the Department of Social Services, elected officials and the Charlottesville school system. Although the refugee demographic in Charlottesville varies by country of origin, it does experience trends that can be largely attributed to planned, large group departures from refugee camps, Kuhr said. In the past several years the three biggest groups have been Iraqis, Burmese and Bhutanese. When possible, the Office of United States Refugee Resettlement avoids creating large masses of one population in one location, Kuhr said. “We try to help people integrate into different communities rather than just relocate in mass,” Kuhr said. Overcoming everyday challenges The Charlottesville refugee population faces daily challeng-
IRC received and resettled 241 refugees from 12 different countries. 63 of the refugees are children who have enrolled in either Charlottesville City or Albemarle County schools.*
The IRC has helped 204 refugees find jobs, the majority of which are in the service industry.
In the past year, the IRC helped file 299 Citizenship, Green Card and Family Unification applications. 112 refugees who came to Charlottesville through the IRC attained Permanent Residency, and 76 refugees became naturalized citizens.
*All data taken between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015 Anne Owen, Cindy Guo, Zi Yang | The Cavalier Daily
es.
“I think it’s all difficult — even if they spoke the language when they arrived, which they often don’t, it’s all still new,” Kuhr said. “On top of that, they didn’t leave because they want to — it’s not an easy thing to do.” The IRC has many programs designed to help refugee families adjust to life in the United States. For example, families can take English classes at the IRC, and several programs around Charlottesville — including Madison House’s “English Speakers of Other Languages” — are dedicated to teaching English to immigrants. The goal of the IRC’s economic empowerment program is to provide refugee households with financial stability. The IRC hosts financial classes for refugees, which teach basic financial literacy as well as orientation to the American workplace. In addition, the IRC provides employment services with vocational counseling and resume-building assistance. The IRC has helped connect 204 refugees with jobs, a majority of which are in the service industry. “[One challenge is] figuring out a way to incorporate refugees into the economy in ways that are beneficial to them and to the city,” said Bridging the Gap Program Director Katrina Boyd, a fourth-year College student. “That’s a really big challenge, finding places for everyone to fit and feel as though they have a place here and can have a purpose.” Another IRC program, called “New Roots” was founded in 2009 and has expanded from home garden techniques to six city locations, and eventually developed into the Michie Market. Fourteen families grow vegetables to sell at the Michie Market on Saturday mornings between June and October. The families grow 70 varieties of vegetables on half an acre of land. This year, during Michie Market’s second selling season, the market earned $7,300, with $1,300 coming from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. By accepting SNAP, the Michie Market benefits multiple
groups in the Charlottesville community: low-income families can purchase fresh produce, and refugee farmers can earn supplementary income. Following the initial integration process, the IRC also provides legal assistance to help refugees earn their U.S. citizenship. In addition to encouraging civic participation, the IRC helps refugees file petitions for immigration benefits, family reunification and naturalization. The IRC also offers English language and American civics classes to prepare refugees for their naturalization exams. In the past year, the IRC helped file 299 citizenship, green card and family unification applications. 112 refugees who came to Charlottesville through the IRC were successful in attaining permanent residency, and 76 refugees became naturalized citizens. Bridging the gap between students and the refugee population Madison House also provides services to the Charlottesville refugee community. Madison House’s Bridging the Gap is designed to help refugee children to begin integrating into the Charlottesville community. “The language barrier is huge,” Zanger said. “Communicating with these children’s teachers, that can be very challenging.” Bridging the Gap is a “a youth mentoring program that specifically focuses on refugee children in the community who need help adjusting to their new life in the United States,” Boyd said Zanger compared Bridging the Gap to a big siblings program, with volunteers spending two hours a week with their mentee. Because many parents work, Bridging the Gap volunteers engage in many activities with their mentee, ranging from helping with homework to exploring Charlottesville. “We aim to help refugee children accommodate to the United States culture and fit in here so they don’t feel like such outcasts sometimes,” Zanger said. “A lot of times their families don’t know what kind of options they have in terms of extracurriculars and how to help them in school.”
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sports Matthew Wurzburger Senior Associate Editor
The Virginia men’s basketball team hosted its annual Media Day Wednesday at John Paul Jones Arena. Coach Tony Bennett and the Cavaliers discussed NCAA rule changes for the upcoming season, the benefits of playing a challenging non-conference schedule, newfound flexibility at the point guard position and more. Here are six key takeaways from Media Day: 1. Rule changes may encourage the Cavaliers to embrace a new pace. Quote: “You have to be purposeful about getting the ball up the floor. If there are opportunities,
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Men’s basketball ready for 2015 Six takeaways from No. 6 Virginia’s media day whether it’s a turnover or different action, then certainly run … We’re looking at some things with the shot clock: getting the ball up quicker when there’s opportunities to get into your offense,” coach Tony Bennett said. Spin: The NCAA introduced several new rules with the intent of speeding up the game, which has seen a steady decline in both pace and scoring as more teams opt into their own brand of Bennett-ball. No decision looms larger over the 2015-16 season than the shortening of the shot clock from 35 seconds to 30. With five fewer ticks with which to work, the emphasis is now on getting into your offense as soon as possible. Don’t expect Virginia, the third-slowest team in 2014-15 according to KenPom, to become a run-and-gun team, but if the opportunity arises the Cavaliers will look to run.
Porter Dickie | The Cavalier Daily
Coach Tony Bennett addresses the media for the first time in the 2015-16 season.
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2. This may actually be the year Mike Tobey breaks out. Quote: “I think this spring, summer and fall I saw [Mike Tobey] approach his development — in the weight room, on the court and in workouts — at a new level … He’s had a few days in practice that he’s been unstoppable at times,” Bennett said. Spin: Tobey’s three years at Virginia have been enigmatic. The Monroe, N.Y. native has shown flashes of offensive brilliance and polished post work but has gone missing on the court for long stretches of time. Tobey has benefited from working with strength and conditioning coach Mike Curtis and is now listed at seven feet and 260 pounds, which will only help him dominate in the ACC. During Wednesday’s practice, Toby showcased an improved jumper by hitting shots from behind the arc. 3. London Perrantes’ teammates want him to be more aggressive on offense. Quote: “I have had to push him more to shoot. London is a guy that always wants to get someone open before himself. That’s great for a lot of the time, but this year we’re going to need him to step up and shoot the ball,” senior guard Malcolm Brogdon said. Spin: Perrantes is a point guard’s point guard. A classic floor general, the three-year starter lives to distribute the ball and has a career 3.24 assist-to-turnover ratio. But the Los Angeles native can do more than pass the ball. Perrantes shot 43.7 percent from deep his freshman year
before seeing that mark plummet to 31.6 his sophomore season. The early departure of Justin Anderson has left a large void from three-point range, and Perrantes will need to shoot the ball more often to make up for it. 4. Perrantes as the two-guard? Quote: “We’ve been working on that a lot … I feel like me playing as a two puts me in that mentality to score more,” junior guard London Perrantes said. Spin: It appears as if Bennett may leave Perrantes off the ball more often in order to nurture Perrantes’ aggressive nature, which is a new luxury afforded the team with the addition of sophomore guard Darius Thompson. Thompson, who sat out last season after transferring from Tennessee, gives Bennett an alternative option at the lead-guard spot. The responsibility of running the offense has rested squarely on Perrantes’ shoulders since he arrived at Virginia in 2013 with Brogdon, then a sophomore, being the only other option for primary ball-handler. Having Thompson and Perrantes on court at the same time will allow Perrantes serve as a shooter coming off ball screens, but make no bones about it: Perrantes ends up running the offense in the final two minutes of a close game. 5. Opponents will know when Jack Salt is on the court, and so will you. Quote: “[Jack Salt] is a very good screener — that’s important. Jack head-hunts. He runs the floor hard and he keeps balls alive,” Bennett
said. Spin: First, some clarification: Head-hunting is a term used by Bennett to describe Salt’s eagerness to set bone-rattling screens — there is no malicious intent here. Fans will be getting their first taste of Salt after the Auckland, New Zealand native redshirted last season. Salt still needs polish, but he brings a level of physicality that is unmatched. The 6-foot11 center will see only limited minutes in a jammed frontcourt, but he will make an impression when he is on the court — playing hard, playing physically and banging in the post. 6. The Cavaliers are gearing up for a deep postseason run. Quote: “We decided to challenge ourselves … with the very best non-conference schedule we could find to test ourselves, in hopes that it will help us as the season progresses. That puts you in a spot to perhaps fail more, I understand that, but I think it will be important,” Bennett said. Spin: The non-conference schedule will not be a cakewalk for Virginia, but there is tremendous value in that for a team that has been bounced out of the NCAA tournament by Michigan State in consecutive seasons. The Cavaliers face Ohio State, West Virginia, Villanova and Cal, all preseason ranked teams with the exception of the Buckeyes, in the month of December. Virginia may not enter ACC action with an untarnished record due to its intense schedule, but remember that Duke, last season’s champion, tested itself with matchups against the Spartans and Wisconsin early in the year.
Baseball’s freshmen standouts become sophomore leaders
hen asked to describe his “I think we showed a lot of first season with the Vir- perseverance based on where ginia baseball program in only the season was going about three one word, sophomore quarters of the way first baseman Pavin through,” Haseley said. PORTER DICKIE Smith didn’t need to “I think that is a good Sports Columnist think before answerword to sum up where ing: “unbelievable,” he we came from, going said. Sophomore second base- all the way to Omaha.” man Ernie Clement looked up Clement, after his initial anwhen asked, responding without swer, asked to add one more hesitation — and with a cheeky word: “growth.” smile on his face — “champions.” “We had so many young guys Although both Clement and last year. It was really important Smith’s answers seemed fitting for us to grow and gain chemisfor a team that started the presea- try throughout the season,” he son ranked in the top five, barely said. “We had a lot of obstacles qualified for the postseason and throughout the year that really went on to win the program’s helped us grow.” first national title, sophomore Last season included numeroutfielder Adam Haseley’s an- ous setbacks for the upperclassswer was very telling. He had to men, such as back surgery for think long and hard to choose then-junior outfielder Joe McCajust a single word, but the one he rthy, hip surgery for then-junior settled on summed up Virginia’s infielder/outfielder John La Prise rollercoaster ride perfectly: “per- and a strained lat muscle for severance.” then-junior lefthander Nathan
Kirby. From the beginning of the season on, the team’s rookies had to step up. “Towards the end of the season, us young guys weren’t really considered ‘rookies’ anymore,” Clement said. “I mean, we had gone through so many experiences throughout the year which had helped us grow, so we were pretty prepared for the big stage like that.” The significant amount of experience they gained throughout the season and during their championship run prepared these now-sophomores to step into leadership roles, with eight juniors and seniors departing from the program in June — seven of whom moved on to the MLB. Clement went on to say that now that last year’s freshman class has made it through its first season — quite successfully — it is time for them to step up as examples for the new class and
start “helping out the rookies and making sure they are getting acquainted with everything.” As much as playing on a big stage in Omaha helped prepare all three players, they cited the low points as the most significant moments that will help them step into leadership roles. “I think that a lot of the downs [last season] were learning moments, and the best way to learn is through failing,” Haseley said. “I think that is the biggest thing I think you can share with these young guys that are coming in. You know, it is okay to fail. It is bound to happen, so you just got to get through it.” Smith elaborated on that idea after his side took a loss in Virginia’s annual Orange and Blue World Series earlier this month. “You always have to, it is always about how you respond,” Smith said. “Even after this game, which we just lost, [volunteer as-
sistant] coach [Matt] Kirby said that it is always how you respond to tough losses. [That] is what makes you as a team.” These rising leaders of Virginia’s ballclub expressed satisfaction with the growth the freshmen have experienced during fall ball. “A lot of the freshmen have really grown up as the fall has gone on,” Smith said. “We have gotten to know the young guys pretty good,” Clement said. “They are a bunch of really talented players. It has been a good time to kind of help them get acquainted with everything and it has been fun.” As last season’s talented rookies grow up, taking on leadership roles and mentoring this new class of ballplayers, hopes for next season are already beginning to take shape. Clement gave voice to one. “Get back to Omaha and win a championship,” he said.
SPORTS
Thursday, October 22, 2015
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Football heads south to capitalize on momentum Mizzell continues to catch fire, Thorpe returns home Ben Tobin Staff Writer
After arguably its most important victory of the season, the Virginia football team will head down to Chapel Hill to try to upset North Carolina in the South’s Oldest Rivalry. The Cavaliers (2-4, 1-1 ACC) are looking to keep up their winning ways after a triple-overtime victory over the Syracuse Orange. While Virginia’s offense struggled early on — particularly in a scoreless first quarter — it bounced back strongly, erasing a 10-point deficit and scoring three consecutive touchdowns through three overtimes to win the game. “This week, [the game] finally went our way,” junior quarterback Matt Johns said. “We fought and fought and fought. There’s a lot of fight in this team.” Virginia will have to continue to fight against a very challenging team Saturday in the Tar Heels (51, 2-0 ACC). Since falling to South Carolina 17-13 in its season opener, North Carolina has gone on a tear, outscoring opponents 230-87. “When you look at it, they are probably one of the most — per-possession — explosive teams that are out there,” Virginia coach Mike London said. Largely responsible for that of-
fensive explosiveness is dual-threat senior quarterback Marquise Williams, who has 1,127 yards and nine touchdowns through the air and an additional 405 yards and five touchdowns on the ground this season. Against Wake Forest last week, Williams completed 14 of 20 passes for 282 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, and he also ran for 59 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. “[Williams] is a very dynamic player for them, and we'll have to know where he's at at all times because everything starts from him,” London said. The rushing capability for North Carolina does not stop with Williams, though. Virginia’s defense must also watch out for sophomore tailback Elijah Hood, who is fifth in the ACC in total rushing yards with 545 this season. To spice up the story, senior wide receiver T.J. Thorpe, who transferred from Chapel Hill last winter, will play his former team for the first and only time in his college football career. “I know he wants to play well and he wants to be a part of the game plan and things that [allow] him to perform,” London said. So far, the Cavaliers and the Tar Heels have squared off 119 times dating back to their first meeting in 1892, making theirs the sec-
ond-longest rivalry in FBS history. North Carolina leads the all-time series 61-54-4. However, against Virginia at home, the Tar Heels have enjoyed a more significant advantage — they have won 31 games, lost only 12 and tied three. The Cavaliers will likely need to play an incredible game in order to get that 13th win at Chapel Hill. Part of their strategy could be a continuation of their winning formula against Syracuse — throw the ball to junior running back Taquan Mizzell. “I believe ‘Smoke’ is probably maybe No. 1 in the nation in terms of running backs catching the ball,” London said. With 409 receiving yards — 155 more yards than his rushing total on the season — Mizzell leads the nation’s running backs in receiving yards. Although a costly fumble Saturday gave Syracuse the lead, Mizzell contributed 58 yards on the ground with two touchdowns as well as 69 crucial receiving yards to will his team to victory. “I was hoping that [the coaches] would believe in me and I knew I would play with a chip on my shoulder as long as they kept giving me the ball,” Mizzell said. In addition to utilizing Mizzell more, the Cavalier defense must channel and maintain the energy it had in the shutout first quar-
Marshall Bronfin | The Cavalier Daily
Senior receiver T.J. Thorpe has added a spark to the Virginia offense since returning from injury. He looks to do the same Saturday when he returns to UNC — the school from which he transferred.
ter against Syracuse. Allowing an average of 36.2 points per game, the Cavaliers have the worst defense in the ACC — something that could prove to be detrimental against the Tar Heels, who have the highest-scoring offense in the conference with an average of 40.5 points per game. North Carolina may be Virgin-
ia’s toughest ACC opponent this season. However, sophomore free safety Quin Blanding believes in his team. “We gotta keep moving forward and keep pushing higher,” he said. Kickoff against the Tar Heels is scheduled for 3:30 p.m Saturday.
Women’s soccer hosts Louisville, No. 1 Florida State Grant Gossage Associate Editor
What: No. 2 Virginia vs. Louisville, No. 1 Florida State Where: Klöckner Stadium When: Thursday, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. The Skinny: Only four games remain on the regular-season schedule for Virginia women’s soccer. Having outpaced Boston College 4-2 in Beantown, the Cavaliers (11-1-1, 5-1-0 ACC) returned to Charlottesville ready for two more matches at Klöckner. One senior captain, center back Emily Sonnett, flew cross-country to train with the U.S. National Team in Seattle all workweek. Meanwhile, another senior leader, forward Makenzy Doniak, earned the ACC Offensive Player of the Week award. In Boston, Doniak had returned from injury to revitalize the Virginia offense.
She buried a goal 59 seconds into the match and added a historic assist at 6:59. Now tied with Angela Hucles for first on the Cavaliers’ career points list with 138, Doniak should be the sole record holder by the week’s end. Virginia hopes Doniak will net an early goal or two Thursday afternoon against Louisville. The Cardinals (7-6-2, 5-3-1 ACC) hop around and peck for a goal, and rarely do they give up. Then-No. 1 North Carolina learned this the hard way at Louisville Oct. 8. The Tar Heels watched as Cardinal junior defender Caroline Kimble netted the golden goal at 99:51 for a signature win. The Cardinals are neither the most talented bunch nor the most experienced. They don’t have a target up top like Doniak or an enforcer like Sonnett, though she’ll be absent to prepare for a friendly against Brazil Oct. 25. They have a young center-back
duo — freshman Gabrielle Vincent and sophomore Inger Katrine Bjerke. Louisville also lacks offensive firepower: four players co-lead the team with only two goals each. Virginia has nine players with three or more goals. The junior duo of forward Morgan Reuther and midfielder Alexis Shaffer has combined for 14 goals and seven assists in 2015. The Cardinals will rely heavily on junior goalkeeper Taylor Bucklin to contain “Reuty,” “Shaff ” and “Mak.” A transfer from Michigan, Bucklin has played well for Louisville, conceding 10 goals in 930 minutes of action. Bucklin probably won’t hold the Cavaliers to that goalper-game mark. So she’ll need her offense — which averages only one score per match — to somehow produce. A second upset for the Cardinals is unlikely. They’ll fight, but too much favors second-ranked
Virginia. Sunday, however, the Cavaliers will be in an entirely different position against No. 1 Florida State. Facing the foe that defeated them 1-0 in the 2014 College Cup Final and remains one spot higher in the polls, Virginia will be the slight underdog. The Seminoles (13-1-1, 6-0-1 ACC) retain key players from their championship run. Senior forward Cheyna Williams — Soccer America First Team MVP (2014) and Most Outstanding Player at the 2014 College Cup — still torments opposing defenders with her agility and knack for finding corners. Williams has six goals and three assists so far. Sophomore goalie Cassie Miller, who boasted a 241-1 record last season, is 13-1-1 with a .47 goals allowed average in 2015. She and her back four, led by seniors Carson Pickett and Megan Campbell, shut attackers down.
Since falling to rival Florida 3-2 in Gainesville, the Seminoles have gone 10-0-1 and outscored opponents 34 to three. During this stretch, freshman midfielder Megan Connolly has emerged as not only a distributor but also a scorer. Connolly — who played for the U-19 Ireland National Team in 2014 and was named International Player of the Year — has collected five goals and 10 assists in 2015. She gives the defending champs even more firepower. But that is enough about the top-dog Seminoles. Virginia is just as talented with Doniak, Shaffer and Reuther, among others. When the Cavaliers do take the field Sunday, they will not have Sonnett, but they will still have a sour aftertaste from the 2014 College Cup. And fueled by a sell-out Klöckner crowd from start to finish, maybe Virginia shouldn’t be considered the underdog after all.
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SPORTS
The Cavalier Daily
Men’s soccer takes on struggling, physical Virginia Tech Key cogs Thomsen, Lennon to return from nagging injuries in time for rivalry game Nicky Wildish Staff Writer
A rivalry game is still a rivalry game no matter what the series history says. When the Virginia Cavaliers take on the Virginia Tech Hokies Friday night, neither team will be worrying about who’s supposed to win. Virginia is the heavy favorite, but both teams understand anything can happen when it’s rivalry week. One of Virginia Tech’s strongest assets is its physical but sloppy style of play. They’re a chippy, tough team known more for their physicality than their mechanics. They must capitalize on the chances this style of play creates to have any hope of pulling off the upset. Virginia coach George Gelnovatch understands that managing the Hokies’ aggression and not slipping into sloppy play of their own will be key for the Cavaliers. But he’s also experienced enough of these rivalry games to know this is easier said than done. “I don’t think it’s going to look exactly the way we want it to look in terms of passing it and controlling it,”
Gelnovatch said. “It’s just never been when we go there, so you’ve got to be ready for that type of game.” As the Cavaliers prepare for the predicted scrappiness of the upcoming game, they’ll at least know they’ve been better than the Hokies lately. Virginia Tech (5-6-3, 0-3-3 ACC) is coming off a blowout 5-0 loss at the hands of Charlotte. Meanwhile, the No. 21 Cavaliers (8-3-2, 3-2-1 ACC) earned an inspiring 3-1 home win last Friday versus Pittsburgh with three unanswered goals in the second half. Gelnovatch understands the influence home-field advantage can have on a game. Going to Virginia Tech instead of being at home may call for a slightly different mentality. “At our place I think we can control things a little bit better,” Gelnovatch said. “At their place it’s less in our control.” Both teams desperately need the win, but for seemingly different reasons. Virginia looks to move up in the Coastal Division rankings, where they sit in third place just behind Notre Dame and North Carolina. The Hokies are 11th in the conference and must get a win if they want any hope of playing in the ACC tournament,
which starts in two weeks. The Cavaliers will welcome back senior midfielder Scott Thomsen and junior forward Riggs Lennon. Both players are returning from nagging injuries. If they play Friday, they should each have an impact on the game as they’ve been crucial elements of this team in the past. The rivalry has certainly favored Virginia during the many years the two have played one another. Dating back to 1960, the Cavaliers have won 38 of the 45 meetings. The Hokies have struggled to find their footing in ACC play this year, going a lousy 0-3-3. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have been sub-par on the road (1-2-1) thus far. However, Virginia’s overall record (8-3-2) reigns superior to Virginia Tech’s (5-6-3) by a pretty wide margin. The series record and the two teams’ 2015 overall records will certainly give Virginia some confidence. However, the Cavaliers know the Hokies always come ready to play, especially in a game of this sort. Any bit of complacence can come back to bite the favorites at any level of soccer. Virginia sophomore defender Sheldon Sullivan understands the nature
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Sarah Dodge | The Cavalier Daily
Senior midfielder Scott Thomsen, who leads all active Cavaliers in assists, returns to action Friday.
of this game and his team’s need to be ready. “The game’s going to be rough. Tech’s not the most technical team, but they work hard and they know the
rivalry between us,” Sullivan said. “So we know it’s going to be a dogfight.” The game starts at 7 p.m. Friday night at Thompson Field in Blacksburg, Va.
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Thursday, October 22, 2015
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opinion
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LEAD EDITORIAL
Promoting diversity should include physical accessibility The University could better serve community members with accessibility needs
Comment of the day “This statement should have been nuanced to indicate that various traditional cultures, some in India and Asia have made black the ‘sinister’ color because of associations with night and darkness, predating modern racism.”
Creating spaces at our University that are inclusive can require anything from cultural shifts to changes to admissions policies. But one element of the University that makes inclusion particularly difficult is the physical layout of our school; for students, faculty, administrators or visitors who have accessibility needs, navigating the University’s terrain can often prove difficult. Our University is approaching its 200-year anniversary. It was not necessarily built with accessibility in mind. And it is undoubtedly difficult to plan construction projects that don’t interfere with the historic landmark we inhabit. But many problems with the University’s physical layout don’t stem from the Lawn area. There are tangible improvements we can make else-
where. For instance, first-year dorms along McCormick Road don’t have elevators, nor do the Gooch-Dillard dorms. While three or four flights of stairs may not be cumbersome for the vast majority of first-year students, a student in a wheelchair would certainly struggle to reach the top floor. Of course, to its credit, the University takes accessibility needs into account when assigning housing. But if a first-year student tears her ACL and finds herself on crutches, those three or four flights of stairs suddenly do become cumbersome — and the University can’t predict which students may find themselves physically impaired in the future when assigning housing in the summer. Many University buildings, ac-
cording to the University Registrar website, are fairly accessible, and, if academic buildings are not, classes “will be reassigned based on individual need.” (The University has labelled a total of six buildings as inaccessible to students using wheelchairs.) Realistically, a complete overhaul of buildings that aren’t accessible may not be feasible for a plethora of reasons, the most substantial being cost. But making many buildings accessible may not necessarily require a complete overhaul. For instance, increasing the number of ramps leading up to buildings simply requires added construction, not structural changes to the existing buildings themselves. Such additions would be useful at student residences like Lambeth.
Fortunately, the University has significant measures in place to help students with accessibility issues. The Student Disability Access Center is devoted to the issue, and students with temporary or permanent disabilities can apply for the Demand and Response Transportation service, which offers students rides around the University area. The University has certainly made significant strides in making Grounds more inclusive of individuals with physical disabilities, but there is always room for improvement. The McCormick Road dorms are currently undergoing massive renovations; as we continue to improve upon current structures and build new ones, we should maintain a focus on making these buildings available to all University students.
Want to respond?
“Bruno Hob” in response to Jacqueline Akunda’s Oct. 16 guest piece, “The dangers of naming communities that don’t exist.”
Submit a letter to the editor to opinion@cavalierdaily.net
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OPINION
Thursday, October 22, 2015
13
Bring free Uber rides to Grounds The University of Virginia should integrate the service into its safety programs determine the logistics and costs. Vowing short waiting times, UNC “will combat the surge in usage with not on abstinence-only more drivers in the area.” policies but rather on UNC’s model follows BEN YAHNIAN making sure students similar programs at uniOpinion Columnist who choose to partake versities across the coundo so in a safe manner, try, such as the University students still lack all the of Florida, which has a safety resources the University should similar initiative that provides Uber provide. Following the recent strate- rides at 50 percent off. gies of the University of Florida and According to the latest email from the University of North Carolina, the Gabe Gates, assistant vice president University should sponsor free Uber for CLERY compliance, the Univerrides for students during peak activity sity offers several programs targeted hours to provide a convenient, quick toward providing students a safe way and safe alternative to driving or home. With Safe Ride students can walking home intoxicated. call during specified nighttime hours, Supplementing their existing and a van driven by off-duty police safety programs, some universities officers will take them home. In adhave taken interesting approaches to dition, the University has recently college drinking. At UNC, the school added a number of safety initiatives, has implemented a new Uber pro- including implementing an Ambasgram which will allow any student sadors Program (those green shirt with a school email to receive a free guys on the Corner) and installing a Uber ride every Thursday through new public safety substation. Students Saturday from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. After also have the option to pay for Yellow students discussed the possibility of Cabs with Cavalier Advantage or use sponsoring Uber rides, an anony- the UTS bus service. While the Unimous donor and support from the versity has increased its funding for Panhellenic, Interfraternity and Se- student safety initiatives, the current curity Councils provided the funding system can and should be improved. for the initiative. Using Uber’s mobile While Safe Ride is truly a safe app, students have begun a testing and effective way for students to phase of the program this month to get home, there are some potential
problems. With a limited numbers of vans, Safe Ride just doesn’t have the resources to meet the needs from our large student body. Furthermore, Safe Ride requires students to call an operator and specify a general location which can frequently be inefficient or require long waiting times. Also, students are clearly reluctant to accept the stigma of calling a van of police officers — even if they’re off duty — when they have chosen to drink. With the Ambassadors Program, albeit in its early stages, there is currently no mechanism for students
slow, difficult and, crucially, the cabs still cost money. With a University program sponsoring free Uber rides, the administration would eliminate the financial barrier between students and a safe, quick and effective ride home. Removing the cost of an Uber ride will present a viable alternative for students considering driving under the influence or walking long distances at night. Uber has a college-friendly mobile application allowing users to drop a pin at any location and follow the car’s path as it arrives while giving detailed information on the driver’s ratings and car model. Despite the University not currently meeting its obligation to provide safety programs for all students, With a University program sponsoring free Uber backing an Uber ride rides, the administration would eliminate the program would plug some holes in its existfinancial barrier between students and a safe, ing services.
“
tudents at the University drink. S Shocker, I know. While the administration has correctly focused
quick and effective ride home.”
to contact ambassadors other than in person. With UTS, the buses end relatively early and only follow predetermined routes limiting student flexibility. Finding Yellow Cabs can be
On the opposition side, some students might consider the program redundant or view Uber as untrustworthy. However, with such a large student population, the University has an obligation to
provide safe transportation for all its students. Uber’s vast size, low costs and reputation allow it to be a viable partner. Other students might point out potential adverse effects of a free Uber ride program by making it easier for students to get rip-roaringly drunk. However, the effects would be nil to minimal as students who choose to drink likely do so regardless of whether they have a ride home. On the funding side, cost data is not conclusive. With UNC’s anonymous donor sponsoring a part of the program, I call on alumni who want to have a significant effect on the safety of the University community to consider helping out. In lieu of additional University funding, reallocation of existing funds should also be considered. A free Uber program would have a more directly positive effect on providing students with a safe way home than ambassadors do standing around on the Corner. There is no debate that some college students drink. Guaranteeing them a safe way home — well, that’s under consideration.
Ben’s columns run Thursdays. He can be reached at b.yahnian@cavalierdaily.com.
End tipping at restaurants back of the house” and don’t get tipped n the past few weeks, an ideology has only risen around 25 percent. It regarding tipping has gained sigis clear that throughout the past few nificant traction inside the restaurant decades the gap between industry: higher menu waiters’ and other staffers’ prices, higher wages and CARLOS LOPEZ income in restaurants has no tipping. Four days ago, Opinion Columnist risen significantly. Doesn’t this custom drew signifthe kitchen staff play a role icant attention from the as important as the server entire restaurant industry when Danwhen it comes to your dining experiny Meyer, the famous New York City ence? Why, then, are restaurateurs not restaurateur and CEO of the Union getting rid of this system? Square Hospitality Group, announced One reason is because of the dishe is doing away with tipping in all of tinctly American culture of tipping. his 13 restaurants — a laudable contriMany people appreciate having the bution toward eliminating wage ineright to reward — or not reward — quality inside the industry. servers for the service they receive This sudden change concerning in a restaurant. It seems logical; if I how more than 1,800 employees are receive good service, I’ll give you a paid will hopefully set an industry good tip, but if I receive bad service, standard that aims to solve the current I’ll pay you less. However, a study of two-tiered wage system that affects more than 2,600 dining parties at 21 millions of workers. Currently, servers different restaurants showed "tips are have been earning significantly more only weakly related to service quality.” than other staffers inside restaurants. This means the most important factor Meyer explained that tipping has been one really does consider when giving a a "major obstacle" in providing "more tip is the amount of the check, and not meaningful career opportunities and how attentive the server was. If tips are advancement for our 1,800 employnot completely related to service, what ees.” are they based on? Another study “inAccording to Meyers, the “dining dicates that consumers of both races room pay” has gone up more than 200 discriminate against black service propercent over the past 30 years. Howevviders by tipping them less than white er, income for those who work at “the service providers.” Tips based on any
other factors (especially race) rather than service are not only wrong — they are discriminatory. The most compelling argument against eliminating tipping in restaurants seems to be the fact that it’s the main source of income for servers. Servers’ wages are largely dependent on tips, and that is why many profit-seeking restaurateurs favor the current tipping system. It’s cheaper to have a work-force when most of its income comes directly from the consumer — but this might be the biggest problem. Consumers end up being the ones responsible for the income
and raise menu prices. If restaurant owners begin paying their servers living wages, menu prices will rise for consumers. Meyers said that in order to make up for the lost tips and tax credits, menu prices will be increased “20-plus percent.” This reflects the sacrifice restaurants would have to face in order to eliminate tipping for their servers. Many will lose customers to a restaurant with lower menu prices, but in the long run, as this trend becomes the norm within the restaurant industry, people will need to welcome the new increase in menu prices as the service charge. Tipping in Europe, where the custom ironically first began, has actually been replaced by a service charge system. Consumers in Europe, therefore, end up with a single-charge It is clear that throughout the past few decades the check that includes a gap between waiters’ and other staffers’ income in hospitality fee , rendering a tip unnecessary. restaurants has risen significantly.” While many might argue this system elimof a restaurant’s servers instead of the inates the cash incentive to work hard restaurant owners themselves. Instead for servers, this is not the role tipping of relying on tipping as a source of rev- really plays. If servers were paid solely enue for their servers, restaurant own- through higher wages, the incentive ers should pay them a fair living wage to work would still remain. Jay Porter,
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The practice is incompatible with treating restaurant workers fairly owner of the Linkery restaurant in San Diego, wrote in Slate, “Servers want to keep their jobs; servers want to get a raise; servers want to be successful and see themselves as professionals and take pride in their work.” It must also be noted that restaurant owners can adopt different wage models that fit the restaurant and its staff’s needs. Brian Canlis, co-owner of Canlis restaurant, adopted a “hierarchy of pay” in which “if the dishwasher earns $15 an hour, then the line cook needs to earn at least $18.” This hybrid system is a way many restaurants can assure that its employees are not discriminated against by leveling wages. The elimination of the current twotiered wage system will only result in the improvement of living conditions for servants and restore equal and fair compensation inside restaurants. But in order to assure this, restaurants need to get rid of tipping — and we need to get rid of the tipping culture. We need higher menu prices, higher wages and no tips.
Carlos’ columns run Thursdays. He can be reached at c.lopez@cavalierdaily. com.
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OPINION
The Cavalier Daily
The pro-life movement should be more compassionate oos for Life, a pro-life student that number matches data published group at the University, hosted by the organization itself, helping to an all-day event called “The Planned legitimize the group’s argument. Parenthood Project” in This is not the case the amphitheater a coufor all of the facts pro-life ALYSSA IMAM ple of weeks ago. Such groups seeking to defund Opinion Columnist student involvement Planned Parenthood ofshould be encouraged, ten share, however. Inas all members of the community formational cards the group passed should feel welcome to voice their out stated that 92 percent of Planned beliefs, wherever those beliefs may Parenthood’s pregnancy services lie on the political spectrum. But in 2011 were abortions, despite the the nature of the event, which cam- fact that in that year, the organizapaigned to defund Planned Parent- tion performed 1,150,589 pregnancy hood, points to a problem with the tests, compared to 333,964 abortions. pro-life movement’s narrative that Attacking Planned Parenthood as renders it ineffective. This problem a means to raise awareness about does not simply lie in its focus, but, abortions makes even less sense more importantly, in its tone and considering that abortions account modes of protest, which often es- for only 3 percent of its services, a trange people from the conversation rate that has kept steady since 2009. the movement aims to facilitate. If the pro-life movement as a whole Focusing on Planned Parent- truly wishes to eliminate abortion, hood seems to be a fruitless way to focusing on Planned Parenthood spread awareness about abortions — as opposed to the issue as a whole (so that fewer people view them as — makes little sense. acceptable) since performing aborEven if advocates of the movetions is not the organization’s focus, ment were to focus more on anand often involves presenting mis- ti-abortion laws and successfully leading data as a result. During its push for more restrictive laws, it event, Hoos for Life laid out crosses would make little to no difference to represent the approximate 897 of in abortion rates. This is evident in abortions Planned Parenthood car- recent figures: while several of the ries out each day, which may have states that have been most aggressive been an effective emotional appeal in passing anti-abortion laws have for some people. More importantly, seen their abortion numbers drop by
more than 15 percent since 2010, numerous states that have maintained unrestricted access to abortion have also seen abortion rate declines of the same magnitude. In fact, the only states with significant increases in abortion (Louisiana and Michigan) passed laws intending to restrict it. Clearly, attempting to restrict access to abortion is not the answer to limiting its presence. This means that in order for the pro-life movement to see true success in its efforts, it must somehow shift its focus to other fac-
efforts to determine where she falls on the subject should feel welcome to voice her concerns to both sides. Otherwise, either side could not hope to convince her of its stance. Specifically, the practice of protesting outside Planned Parenthood locations makes those using their services feel ashamed and concerned for their own safety to the point that the organization even addresses the issue on the “Security Information” section of their website. In this way, the pro-life movement turns away both those entering the centers for abortions and for other services from participating in the conversation it aims to facilitate. Whether this is due to a belief that this The movement should...acknowledge why is the only way to resomeone may consider abortion, and then move duce abortions due to the lack of meaningful forward to explain why it is still wrong legislative measures, intimidating or guilttors contributing to abortions. ing someone away from a practice is The movement could also be not the same as truly convincing that much more effective if it shifted the person of a belief. How can a movetone of its rhetoric and created a ment expect to be successful if it does more welcoming space for discus- not make a concerted effort to make sion. This is especially so given the those it most needs (women considhighly emotional quality of the de- ering getting an abortion) and others bate. For instance, a woman experi- who may not already agree feel welencing an inner moral conflict in her come?
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Anti-abortion groups should direct their focus away from Planned Parenthood One way to do so would be to start the conversation from a place of understanding. Rather than constantly making the initial focus its moral high ground, the movement should instead acknowledge why someone may consider abortion, and then move forward to explain why it is still wrong. This is not to say the moral aspect should not be the focus, just that it would be more effective, especially to those on the fence, if presented in a manner freer of shame, guilt or intimidation. The pro-life movement would be more effective in its efforts to educate the public about the immorality of abortion and eliminate it if it were to shift its narrative away from Planned Parenthood and restricting access to abortions. Instead, it should acknowledge and focus on other factors that lead to increases and declines in abortion rates while fostering a more welcoming atmosphere. It should also start its arguments against the practice from a place more understanding of and compassionate toward those considering abortion. Alyssa’s columns run Wednesdays. She can be reached at a.imam@cavalierdaily.com.
Moving beyond the ADA ince 1990, the Americans with sor in the University’s Department Disabilities Act has protected of Public Health Sciences, specializes the civil rights of citizens with disa- in developing systems and technolbilities. This expansive ogies that address health set of regulations covdisparities existing in RYAN GORMAN ers issues ranging from patients’ daily lives. ReOpinion Columnist discrimination in the garding the failures of acworkplace to barriers to cessibility designs for uptelecommunication, and per-extremity conditions, it has been immensely effective over Dr. Valdez stated appropriate accomthe years in reducing inequalities modations for these patients “may that have existed in this nation for not be space for a wheelchair, or even centuries. For example, according to a shorter walking distance. Instead, a study conducted by the National they may be a push button on a heavy Council on Disability, numerous dis- door or automatic functionality for abled people “perceive improvements common tasks that require strength in their quality of life and… attribute and dexterity.” those improvements to the ADA,” Upper extremity conditions often specifically in terms of “public facility create a necessity for automatic funcaccess and public attitudes.” tionality, as simple tasks — such as Yet, while the ADA has certainly opening a heavy door or operating benefited the disabled communi- the various knobs and handles in a ty in the past two decades, glaring bathroom — can become practicaldiscrepancies remain in access to ly impossible for those whose conservices for certain demographics ditions have seriously limited their of disabled people, especially in the strength or dexterity. An arthritis or field of user-oriented design. Specif- multiple sclerosis patient, for examically, “handicap-friendly” accom- ple, often does not benefit whatsoevmodations, while greatly benefiting er from physically accessible showers, wheelchair-bound citizens, tend to which tend to accommodate the overlook the large population of peo- needs of those who cannot move ple who suffer from conditions that around easily but still require a large impact their upper extremities. degree of manual exertion in order to Rupa Valdez, an assistant profes- function.
Furthermore, difficulties with manual dexterity and upper body strength are rampant in the United States. According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 52.5 million American adults were diagnosed with some form of joint-related illness in 2013, including conditions — such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lupus — that specifically deteriorate
the ones listed, yet a shocking fact is evident in these examples: tens of millions of American people currently suffer from conditions deteriorating their dexterity and upper body strength, while technology has lagged behind in supporting their specific needs. The ADA is an immensely important piece of legislation, but it has failed to enact what is arguably its most important clause: “No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the… facilities… of any place of public ... while the ADA has certainly benefited the accommodation.” If disabled community in the past two decades, this is indeed a statute of the federal governglaring discrepancies remain...” ment, why do hotels, dorms and apartthe manual dexterity and strength ments across the country not have of the patient. Furthermore, the vast automatic doors for their supposedly majority of breast cancer patients accessible rooms? Why are disabled (percentages differ depending on the people unable to use some public whether the cancer is detected at an restrooms because they experience early or late stage) undergo surgery to excruciating pain when turning the treat the condition, which is notori- knob on a sink? ous for causing a lasting detriment on It can be argued that a person survivors’ upper body strength. with a waist-down condition tends to Far more conditions exist than be the stereotypical image of a disa-
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Our understanding of disability needs to be more all-encompassing bled person. The internationally-recognized symbol for accessibility, after all, is a man sitting in a wheelchair. As a result, our brains have been conditioned to associate the word “disabled” with waist-down conditions, causing public accommodations to be disproportionately focused on a misguided public perception of what constitutes a “disability.” This flaw in public perception needs to be addressed by the ADA. Citizens who require special accommodations must be addressed equally, from the floors of Congress to the drawing table of an architect, regardless of whether they fit the image of “handicap” that has tended to drive design in recent decades. And, while automatic functionality has seen substantial improvements in recent years, we cannot stop until every disabled person in America can enjoy the government-mandated right to public accommodations — otherwise a substantial portion of the American population will continue to be denied a civil liberty they were promised 25 years ago. Ryan’s columns run Thursdays. He can be reached at r.gorman@cavalierdaily.com.
HU MOR
Thursday, October 22, 2015
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Just for wits.
Hulu and hang: a solution for the sexually frustrated Hoo riday night. Humpday of the F weekend. And it’s time to get it on because even the torrential
hidden in a seemingly sedentary activity? Nothing, that’s what. This is a copulation invitation, downpour of Hurriand everybody knows cane Joaquin did not it. LEIGH ENGEL begin to quench your So here is a soluHumor Writer thirst. Your wingman tion, some advice, a is looking far from gift from me to you. sober and he isn’t doing you any Open up your ears because I’m favors. You whip out your phone, putting it down like the famiprepared to hit up your ex/that ly dog. Dear Wahoos I give you: girl from French class/a run-of- “Hulu and hang?” And while you the-mill-fraternitool/etc. Fingers may initially be hesitant, let me at the ready, you start to type just take a minute to explain why “Netflix and chill” and then you Hulu is about to reign supreme in stop yourself. No. You can’t, it’s the land of video streaming. too obvious. It’s just too forward. Ever heard of “The AweAnd you’re right. Because if somes”? Yeah, neither have I — you are really looking for some- and neither has your hookup! one to warm your heart and chill This Hulu original series is just your blood this evening, you need irrelevant enough not to elicit any to amp up the subtlety. “Netflix kind of negative judgement from and chill” has become a dead your soulmate (for the night). giveaway. I mean what could pos- When your television taste has sibly be more forward than a re- hit an all time low and your libido quest, wrapped in a euphemism, a record high, I urge you to con-
REVERB
BY SESI CADMUS
sider dropping that $7.99/month on a Hulu Plus subscription. The benefits don’t stop at gaining access to shows you will be able to discuss with absolutely none of your friends. Unlike Netflix, Hulu offers commercial breaks. You know what’s so awkward? Struggling to find the right moment to grope your bang buddy during san uninterrupted screening of “Holes.” You know what’s so satisfying? A hard core makeout sesh with a perfectly timed Amazon Prime ad in the background. One day delivery never did feel so good. And for those of you who think Hulu has lost its relevance: chin up, peeps. This is America, we’re 13 months out from potentially electing a toupéd squirrel monkey who ran a celebrity game show as our commander-in-chief. If there is any place to make a comeback, it is in the U.S. of A.
MORE AWKWARD THAN SOME
FREQUENTLY FUNNY
The likelihood of us giving you a second chance is tantamount to the likelihood of T-Sully ending her next email with the CAPS phone number. It’s practically a guarantee. Don’t believe me? Ask Chris Brown, any “Dancing With the Stars” cast member, or the majority of policemen ever convicted of a crime. Take a lesson about the meaning of real resurgence from the country that sold your parents and is now selling again to you, “parachute pants!” “Hulu and hang” attracts the same person as “Netflix and chill.” In what I can only describe as its greatest gift, “Hulu and hang” connects us with individuals who provide a truly stupendous slam sesh. That’s because this strategy of seduction appeals to the type of people who refuse to tell you what they really want while they concurrently pursue their goals with as little effort as possible.
Who else would I want in my bed on Friday night? Nobody. With “Hulu and hang” you are once again safe. Your motives will never be known. You aren’t soo forward. Or sooo obvious. Your ex/that girl from French class/a run-of-the-mill-fraternitool/etc. will be completely stumped as they try to decipher what you are really after. And when it’s all over, you still get to come out of the entire experience seeming apathetic and cool. You don’t have to look like you care! And that’s the priority… right? So breathe a collective sigh of relief fellow classmates, and, as your wingman boot-and-rallies in a back alley off 14th, let us raise a red solo cup to the thing that is indifference. Because as anybody who has had sex will tell you: nobody is likely to please you more than a person who couldn’t care less.
BY CHAUNCEY LEE
BY ERIC HELMOND
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submit a letter to the editor at opinion@cavalierdaily.net
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Push for Multicultural Center gains momentum Initiative searches for physical space on Grounds
life
Margaret Mason Feature Writer
Although the University seeks to serve the student body in a variety of ways, a group of students noticed a void in what the University provides for students and sought to make a change. From this void, the Multicultural Student Center Initiative (MSCI) was born — an organization with the goal of opening a multicultural resource center for students on Grounds. While the University has an LGBTQ Center, a Program Coordinator for Multicultural Student Services and Asian/Asian Pacific Student Services and Programs, these programs function separately without a unified space to collaborate. “There’s simply a lack of collaboration and connection with multicultural students on Grounds,” MSCI board member and fourthyear College student Tom Pilnik said. “Multicultural students, and all
students in general, feel more comfortable, more at home and then do better academically, socially, extracurricularly if there is a space for them, like a multicultural center, that can help them feel a part of the community.” Beginning in fall 2014, the initiative was comprised of a small executive board with eight members who intended to draft a formal proposal for a multicultural center. After a semester of research and preparation, MSCI hosted a forum in December to present their ideas to administrators and students alike. “What we weren’t expecting was administrators to agree without us before even turning in a formal proposal,” MSCI board member and third-year College student Catalina Pinto said. “We were able to move into the phase where we, as an initiative, [can consider] what is the best way to make sure the entire community is involved in this process. It’s a multicultural center, so it should be multicultural from the very beginning.” Currently, the MSCI is planning
to open the initiative up for discussion and engage students in the decision-making process. In spring of 2016, the group plans to host a series of roundtable discussions to elicit student feedback under the supervision of a moderator. “We’re looking at several decades of people wanting to have a center, but never making a really good effort to make it happen,” Pinto said. “As an internationally-renowned University, we should probably have this by now. More than half of our peer institutions already have multicultural centers. It’s not a crazy idea.” Looking at the multicultural centers of other universities, the MSCI board noted how U.Va. is the only ACC school without a multicultural center. However, with the help of University administration, they hope to have a completed center open within the next year. “I think the challenge just lies with sitting and waiting and hoping someone moves somewhere and allows us to enter into a space,” Pilnik said. “What we’ve found is that everyone we’ve talked to is super on
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board — all the students [and] the administrators we work with.” Visualizing a collaborative multicultural center in the future, MSCI board members hope the center will be reflective of student needs and interests, whether this calls for lounge space, large meeting space or office hours from a career center or CAPS representative. “We have incredibly functional multicultural groups on Grounds,” Pilnik said. “These organizations do so much and draw so many people to their events. If they have a space in which they can collaborate, I can’t even imagine the things that could happen.” MSCI hopes to not only impact established groups on Grounds, but also to help incoming students feel at home and increase retention in multicultural communities. “Another aspect of this is the recruitment and retention of students,” Pilnik said. “It’s no secret that we are not as great as other schools at recruiting, accepting or retaining multicultural students.” Overall, the initiative seeks to
build a better future in which all students feel they have opportunity to excel, collaborate and engage in conversation. For Pinto, these goals resonate on a personal level. “[For] a lot of my time at U.Va., I’ve been thinking what changes can I make now so that perhaps my [younger] sister may not have to necessarily face as many obstacles as I did or have more opportunities than I did,” Pinto said. “This University is a fantastic place, but I think that we could probably do a better job of providing opportunities for people.” In the upcoming semester, the MSCI plans to build its presence, firm its plans and expand as a sustainable organization to survive leadership changes following graduation. “My hope is that students will find [the center] comforting, will find it useful and will find it has a presence on Grounds,” Pilnik said. “If I can come back for my first Young Alumni Reunion and sit in the Multicultural Center, then I’ll be pretty happy.”
PU ZZLES
Thursday,October 22, 2015
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October 22, 2015
UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday 10/22 Third Year Council Presents: PHE Mental Health Screening, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Newcomb 360 Third Year Council Presents: Feel Good Activity, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., South Lawn Women’s Soccer vs. Louisville, 5:30 p.m., Klöckner Stadium OYFA Presents: Filipino Food Night, 5-8 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church Disability Acceptance Week Presents: Going Beyond Inspirational, 7 p.m., Nau 101 Internship Showcase, 6:30-8 p.m., Bryant Hall
Language House Haunted Progressive, 6 p.m., Shea House, Spanish House, French House Volleyball vs. Notre Dame, 7 p.m., Memorial Gymnasium UPC Presents: Ant-Man Screening, 7 p.m., Newcomb Theater UPC Presents: Free Advanced Screening of “Room”, 10 p.m., Newcomb Theater Brown College Presents: Hauntings on the Hill, 7-11:55 p.m., Brown College at Monroe Hill UPC Presents: Family Feud, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m., Game Room, Newcomb
Friday 10/23 Second Year Council Presents: Yoga and Yogurt, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Garden IV Women’s Center Presents: Body Positive Brunch, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Women’s Center UVA Career Center Presents: Family Weekend Cupcakes and Careers, 4-5 p.m., Bryant Hall English Department Presents: A Lecture on Contemporary Literature, 4-5 p.m., Bryan Hall 229 UVA Press Warehouse Sale, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., UVA Press Warehouse Be Better at Busy: Time Management Workshop, 1212:50 p.m., Monroe Hall 134 Third Year Ring Ceremony, 4-5 p.m., John Paul Jones Arena
Saturday 10/24 Charlottesville Walk to End Alzheimer’s, 8 a.m., Lee Park UVA Press Warehouse Sale, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., UVA Press Warehouse International Festival, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Amphitheatre Field Hockey vs. Boston College, 1 p.m., University Hall Turf Field Alpha Epsilon Pi Presents: Pumpkin Smash ft. Kendall Street Company, 1-4 p.m., Alpha Epsilon Pi House Third Year Council Presents: Garden Party Progressive, 5-7 p.m., Gardens I, V, and IX Volleyball vs. Louisville, 7 p.m., Memorial Gymnasium
WEEKLY CROSSWORD SOLUTION
Brown College Presents: Hauntings on the Hill, 7-11:55 p.m., Brown College at Monroe Hill The Virginia Gentlemen Family Weekend Concert, 9-10:30 p.m., Old Cabell Hall UPC Presents: Ant-Man Screening, 10 p.m., Newcomb Theater UPC Presents: Power Hour, 10 p.m., Ern Commons Sunday 10/25 Carvin’ in the Garden, 3-5 p.m., Community Garden (Across from O’Hill) Women’s Soccer vs. Florida State, 1 p.m., Klöckner Stadium Monday 10/26 Pi Lambda Phi Presents: Hoos Got Talent, 7-9 p.m., Newcomb Theater Tuesday 10/27 Wednesday 10/28 UPC Presents: Puppies and Pumpkins, 3-5 p.m., Amphitheatre Delta Gamma Presents: Lululemon Trunk Show, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Delta Gamma House StudCo Legislative Affairs and Jefferson Literary and Debating Society Present: GOP Debate Viewing Party, 8:15 p.m., Hotel C, West Range
WEEKLY SUDOKU PUZZLE
2
5 7 9 1 6 5 4 3 7 4 6 7 5 4 1 8 3 3 7 2 3 1 4 2 4 5 6 8 9 *NEXT WEEK’S PUZZLE CAN BE FOUND IN MONDAY’S ISSUE
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*THE SOLUTION TO THIS PUZZLE CAN BE FOUND IN MONDAY’S ISSUE
The Cavalier Daily
A&E arts & entertainment
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A&E staff picks playlist Arts & Entertainment staffers discuss favorite diversity-related tunes Arts and Entertainment Staff Each week, Arts & Entertainment staff members compile a list of their current favorite tracks to help readers find their new go-to jam. Look out for occasional themed playlists and solid tracks from a wide range of genres every week. In honor of Thursday’s special issue, this week’s theme is “Diversity and Inclusion.”
1. “Survival” by Adult Mom "I don't know if my mom loves me anymore." This is the first line of this track written by queer folk that exhibits sunny but somber indie tones. Get into this band and their raucous yet accessible LP “M omentary Lapse of Happily” today. Today? Today.
2.“Personality (feat.T-Pain)” by Lil Dicky Lil Dicky's general comedic style and rap name are the an-
tithesis of the typical rapper. In "Personality," he illustrates his unique rap style through comedic self-deprecating lyrics and how it is his personality that allows him to interact with women, differing significantly from the majority of rappers today.
3. “Where Is The Love” by The Black Eyed Peas An absolute throwback to our middle school dance days, "Where Is The Love" hits many bases in terms of diversity, inclusion and nondiscrimination. The Black Eyed Peas communicate a message of welcoming that will make anybody feel the love.
4. “The Anthem – Unreleased Extended Version” by Onra In 2006, Parisian hip-hop producer Onra explored his heritage (his grandparents are Vietnamese) by traveling to Asia to collect Vietnamese and Chinese samples. This resulted in “Chinoiseries,” a distinctly unusual and unexpected album. The
blend of hip-hop and various East Asian language samples will have your head bopping through every song. “The Anthem” is satisfyingly choppy, and its Chinese vocal sample, combined with huge beat, succeed in appealing to everyone regardless of culture. Berkeley-based rapper G-Eazy sampled this song for his 2011 song “Fried Rice,” but the original is significantly more interesting.
5. “Spect rum” by GoldLink GoldLink, an up-and-coming artist from Northern Virginia, displays a distinct and pleasant sound. This fresh track features a woman melodiously speaking in Tagalog (a language of the Philippines) about her increasing affection for someone. GoldLink’s creative inclusion of this sound bite offers listeners exposure to a unique and beautiful culture.
6. “Svo Hljótt” by Sigur Rós Hailing from Iceland, Sigur Rós is a band that rarely features
English lyrics. At times, lead singer Jónsi sings in Icelandic, and sometimes he even sings in the band’s meaningless made-up language, “Hopelandic.” While the majority of the lyrics are indecipherable to the average American listener, Jónsi’s voice is still often the highlight of their music, boasting a falsetto that would make Brian Wilson blush. “Svo Hljótt” from their 2005 album “Takk…” is equal parts atmospheric and epic.
7. “The Men That Drive Me Places” by Ben Rector This piano-driven tribute to taxi drivers is an emotional storytelling about humility and inclusion. Rector sings about how though he may be a singer, his accomplishments deserve no more recognition than those of these "working class heroes," as John Lennon would say. The simplistic composition is just as impressive as the theme, and Rector demonstrates true kindness and vulnerability each time he sings: "I'm half the man of the men that drive me places."
Four foreign films to watch on Netflix Because we know you’ve finished all 10 seasons of “Friends” by now Milli Wise
If you like comedies: “Amélie” (France)
While watching a foreign film can seem daunting at first (subtitles, anyone?), viewers are truly missing out on another level of cinematic experience by limiting themselves to Hollywood byproducts. Here is a short list of recomm endations that are available on Netflix and are sure to satisfy every type of movie lover.
This low-budget French rom-com took the film world by storm in 2001, when it was nominated for a whopping five Academy Awards. The movie revolves around an eccentric do-gooder named Amélie, whose quest to make others happy sometimes gets in the way of her own enjoyment of life. Fans of the show “New Girl” will see the parallels between characters Jess Day and Amélie especially quickly in both their quirky habits and comedic timing.
Staff Writer
If you like horror films: “Let the Right One In” (Sweden) Bullied 12-year-old Oskar believes he has finally found a friend in his beautiful new neighbor, Eli, until he discovers she’s also a vampire. But when that fact doesn’t scare him off, he’s sucked into her macabre world where a young romance ironically begins to bloom from the blood-and-guts atmosphere. Skeptics of the obvious “Twilight” comparisons shouldn’t be worried; however, there are more dead bodies in the first 20 minutes of this film than in all five “Twilight” movies combined.
If you like documentaries: “This Is Not a Film” (Iran)
If you like food: “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” (Japan)
Technically, “This Is Not a Film” should not have been made — back in 2010 the Iranian government banned director, producer and star Jafar Panahi from film production for 20 years. Shot partially on an iPhone and smuggled out of Iran via USB drive, “This Is Not a Film” is a heartbreaking plea from Panahi about the savagery of censorship occurring around the world, and it will certainly leave you with a newfound gratitude for your unlimited access to Netflix.
Even if you hate all movies, the impeccable food-art in this 2011 documentary will make you fall in love with “Jiro” and subsequently run to the nearest Sakura. Jiro Ono is the owner of a 10-seat sushi restaurant, where his attention to oddities — such as placemat formation and how long an octopus was massaged before he chops it up — has earned him the title of greatest sushi chef in Japan. However, Jiro never seems to be satisfied with what others consider perfection, and his determination to always be better will, in turn, inspire you to pursue your own goals. Anne Owen. Kate Motsko | The Cavalier Daily
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Thursday, October 22, 2015
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2015 Virginia Film Festival spotlights diversity VFF highlights films celebrating under-represented people and stories Sam Henson Senior Writer
This year the Virginia Film Festival has over one hundred films on their schedule, including early Oscar-buzz films “Carol” and “Brooklyn,” as well as smaller lesser-known documentaries and international titles. Their mission is to encompass as many different genres and types of cinema as possible hoping to appeal to the wider community of Charlottesville and Virginia as a whole. Many of the films selected highlight diversity and the roles of minorities. Here are some of the films at the festival with these themes: “Southeast 67” “Southeast 67” is documentary spanning two decades following the lives of AfricanAmerican students in Washington D.C. who were promised college scholarships at the age
of 12. Struggling to survive in the improvised and violent D.C. neighborhoods, the characters of “Southeast 67” strive to attain their dream of attending college. “Mekko” A drama by Sterlin Harjo, “Mekko” follows the life of a Muskogee man who tries to rebuild his life after spending 19 years in prison. Set in Tulsa and highlighting an all Native-American cast, “Mekko” sheds light on the Oklahoma Native American homeless community as well as much of the culture and fantasy of indigenous legends. “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution” “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution,” by Stanley Nelson, is the first feature-length documentary to explore the Black Panther Party and its impact on American
culture. Nelson goes straight to the source with rare footage and first-hand accounts. “Bound: African vs African Americans” Highlighting the divide between Africans and African-American, “Bound: African vs African Americans” is a documentary by Peres Owino focusing on this complex and multi-layered topic. Starting with testimonials, “Bound” explores this divide, and attempts to create mutual understanding. “Rosenwald” “Rosenwald” is a documentary by Aviva Kempner which follows the often untold story of Julius Rosenwald, former Sears president and civil rights activist. Motivated by his Jewish values, Rosenwald built thousands of schools in the Jim Crow South and awarded many grants to black thinkers and artists.
Courtesy Virginia Film Festival
“Selma: The Bridge to the Ballot” One of the free showings at the Film Festival, “Selma: The Bridge to the Ballot” is also documentary which follows the lives of the 25,000 civil rights
activists as they marched for 18 days from Selma to Montgomery. This film highlights how these activists led one of the most significant social movements in U.S. history, despite strong opposition.
Third Eye Blind plays the Jefferson Nineties staple band delivers fresh presentation of familiar jams Jack Nugent Staff Writer
Whenever going to a concert for a band who hasn’t had a hit song in the last 15 years, one can’t help but wondering if it will be worth it. Many older bands sound, and even look, worn out and outdated, but Third Eye Blind made their old hits — “Semi-Charmed Life,” “Jumper” and “How’s It Going to Be” — sound as new as they were on their release dates in the late 1990s. If it weren’t for the thousands of Snapchat videos, selfies and the lack of a thriving economy, the concert may have perfectly fooled the audience into thinking it was 1998. The majority of the crowd raged on the first floor of The Jefferson in downtown Charlottesville, while the more timid sat and relaxed on the balcony. The performance, however, was inclusive to all, as the charm of lead singer Stephan Jenkins created the intimacy of the concert. In between songs, he gave interesting commentary on the ordeals of being on the road. He mentioned maintaining his sanity by keeping the show spontaneous — and it most certainly was. The popular
Paul Burke | The Cavalier Daily
Third Eye Blind played a sold-out show at The Jefferson Theater last week to an enthusiastic and devoted crowd.
hits were perfectly spread out between the band’s newer, more down-to-earth songs. He gave the advice to live life to its fullest and to not let others get in the way. He even went so far as to have the crowd introduce themselves to the strangers around them. The resulting effect of his anecdotes and crowd inclusion was a mood
of warmth and energy both in the audience and on stage. The whole event felt very authentic. In between their bigger hits, the band played several songs from their newest album “Dopamine” including “Everything is Easy” and the title track. The songs had a different sound than their famous hits. The songs
were slow, catchy and had lyrics showcasing the genius of Jenkins. Stephan recommended listening to the album in any way possible. He said to purchase it, but if not, he’d be fine with people stealing it as long as they give the album a listen. The comment — likely unsettling to his manager — gave the message that Stephan is dedi-
cated to his band and his art and will put money aside as long as his message gets out there. Stephan wasn’t the only genius behind the concert, though. The band’s drummer, Brad Hargreaves, had a long, impressive drum solo on stage that showed off his skill and precision. The technical side of the performance deserves a shoutout as well. The lighting was extremely engaging and gorgeous, first outlining the band members in silhouette form before dramatically introducing them with bright lights from all directions. The technical aspects of the show were flawless apart from one instance where the sound went out. It happened during a song with only Stephan on acoustic guitar and Brad on drums. The outage was not a problem, though, as the energized crowd joined in to sing along with the song, making the technical difficulty seem intentional. The concert was a delight, and the old songs offered a novel experience. No matter how many times one may hear a classic song, there’s still nothing quite like seeing the personality behind the music and the skill behind the performers.
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