The Courier - Feb. 8, 2017 by Courier Student Newspaper

COURIER

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C O LLE G E O F D U PAG E S T U D E N T N EW S PA P E R / / 0 8 F E B R UA RY 2 0 1 7 / / VO L U M E 5 1 – I S S U E 1 6

P A G E 1 2

T E N F E ET T A L L E R

F O C U S

NEWS

FEATURES

SPORTS

Q&A with SLC President Kiley Pooler p3

“Dark Light” opens at Cleve Carney Art Gallery p6

Shooting hoops with COD’s basketball team p15

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Editor-in-Chief Lucas Koprowski News Editor Kitt Fresa Features Editor Caroline Broderick Graphics Editor Joseph Molino Reporter Vandy Manyeh Photographer David Jura

INDEX FOCUS

NEWS

4 Black History Month starts at COD

10-11 What it’s like to be treated as a different breed

FEATURES

8 La La Land: The Love of Dreams and Each Other

MUSIC

16 The Kanye West you can’t see

Social Media Manager Alizay Rizvi

Newsroom 630-942-2683 Adviser Jim Fuller fullerj103@cod.edu

The Courier is published every Wednesday when classes are in session during the fall and spring semester, except for the first and last Wednesday of each semester and the week of spring break as a public forum with content chosen by student editors. One copy free, additional copies available upon request. The Courier does not knowingly accept advertisement that discriminate on the basis of sex, creed, religion, color, handicapped status, veteran or sexual orientation, nor does it knowingly print ads that violate any local, state or federal laws. Deliver all correspondence to SSC 1220 between regular office hours or mail to the Courier, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL. 60137.

ON THE COVER

“Ten Feet Taller” Illustration by Joseph Molino.

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NEWS Q&A: Kiley Pooler on the Student Leadership Council and how students are getting involved Kitt Fresa · News Editor

“We’re the bridge between the students and the administration” says President of the Student Leadership Council (SLC) Kiley Pooler. Pooler started her term as president of SLC with goals of changing things for the better. Courier News Editor Kitt Fresa got the chance to ask Pooler where those goals have taken her. Kitt Fresa: What have you been up to since starting your position in the Fall? Kiley Pooler: We’ve made a list of goals, one thing that we did was collect information from the students on behalf of the IT department. So we got their opinions on things like Blackboard, MyAccess, and the general website, and so we’ve been seeing some slow changes there which is good. The other thing that we have been trying to do is we’ve been looking into trying to establish a multicultural center

here on campus. Through our research we are still trying to figure out if that’s necessarily what we need on our campus, but we’ve been talking to Dr. Rondeau about it. We’re in a very big research phase right now. KF: What goals have you achieved since starting in the Fall? KP: Well, we obviously have a general goal of trying to do more outreach and speaking out to the students, but we’ve started to make up more apparent effort of

Student Leadership Council President Kiley Pooler

about what Student Leadership Council is, a lot of people get confused by it. So we have our little slogan that we tell people, we try to have members talk about it more. So it’s something that we’ve been working on. The other thing was that we wanted to speak at board meetings. So we did a presentation awhile ago but we basically summarized what we did in the past semester and the successes of everyone’s different events that they put on and things like that. Those are kind of the goals that SLC have been working on as a whole, I think my personal goals of just trying to do a better job of being the voice of the students. It’s been a struggle but It think I’m coming into the role a lot better in that I voice my opinion more than I used to in the past. KF: So for anybody that doesn’t know what the SLC is, how would you explain it? KP: So basically

we say we’re pretty much COD’s version of student body government. We’re the bridge between students and administration, so any student issues anything that is good, bad, everything in between we try to get the word out about those issues. KF: What have you done to improve the amount of student voters in the upcoming election? KP: We already have made our flyers for the positions being out in general. We have things through The Courier that we’ll be posting, but we have this whole calendar, a plan of advertising. A lot of it is flyers and things like that, but we want to hopefully maybe set up tables around school and say “Hey do you have five minutes to vote?”, it’s on chap life, things like that. KF: What do you think about the new Muslim ban and how do you think it affects students at COD? KP: Personally I think it’s ridiculous, but as the student body president I have to stay objective in the issue. However I have heard some students feeling personally victimized by it, things like that. So I do know that we’re trying to kind of talk about maybe doing something in support of Muslim students here on campus, or just doing another

DAVID JURA/COURIER

campus conversation. KF: What’s your opinion on the status of the board of trustees since Rondeau started her term? KP: I think that they are doing a lot better than they were in the past, and I think Rondeau’s leadership has really given them more sense of direction, and I really appreciate Rondeau’s willingness to reach out to the students. I have monthly meetings with her and so I think that she really takes what we talk about and tells the board. As far as their relationship with students in general I know they’re working on it, they come to events all the time. They talk to me, they try to make relations with students. So I think that’s really important because what happens so often is they kind of forget why they’re here. You know you’re here for the students. I think that they’re starting to get back on track KF: Right because they had all those troubles with the old president and obviously that’s like the main concern right now. KP: Yeah it definitely is. They’re very attentive to the issues, but I think as that becomes resolved, because I know it will, I have no doubt that COD will get our accreditation back but I think as we get our accreditation back they’re going to be working more on community relations and putting the students first. KF: So as financial and

official things get better, do you think the student relationships with Rondeau and the board of trustees becomes better? KP: Yeah I think so, it is kind of hard because that’s the thing with two year colleges. The leaders only have so much time to get to know them, but we’re finally getting into a groove KF: Do you think new coming students really take an interest in COD politics? KP: I think that people are more open to it because of the way that we function because we’re not like a typical student body government. We don’t have a senate and all that other stuff, so people are a lot more open to it. However with the trying times you’ll be like “Oh your student body government, I don’t like government.” So I think it’s a little bit of both. As far as new students go in general I feel like community college students aren’t always aware of what’s going on, but I think COD does a good job of trying to get students engaged. Final Comments KP: We do have elections coming up so you can pick up election packets from the office of student life, if anyone has any questions about elections you can come and talk to me. Just known that we’re doing what we can. I think with the whole accreditation thing, once it calms down I think that we’ll be able to do more.

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NEWS

Black History Month starts at COD Vandy Manyeh Âˇ Reporter

PHOTOS BY LUCAS KOPROWSKI/COURIER

Black History Month is a time for "remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora." The college is celebrating this year's celebration under the theme: Educational Achievement and Success

in the Black Community. College students, members of the faculty, and administration gathered in the SSC atrium to commence the College of DuPage's celebration of Black History Month. Making opening re-

VP for Student Affairs Earl Dowling

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marks, Earl Dowling, vice president for student affairs, described the celebration as a "party." "It is a party, and the party starts now," said Dowling. It was a time to celebrate Black History and

by extension American History. "This is a month of remembrance of who we are as a nation," said Ann Rondeau, president of COD. Performers from the African Drum and Dance

DuPage County NAACP President Michael Childress

Institute wore beautiful African fabrics while they played traditional music from West Africa. At the end of the day, everyone joined the performers to dance to the sounds of drums and other instruments.

For a full list of events planned by the college to celebrate Black History Month, go to http:// bit.ly/2lcapf7

Adviser of African American Student Alliance David Swope

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Meet with a Roosevelt admission counselor, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at COD: February 9 | March 16 | April 12

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Finish your Degree at NIU February 10, 2017 go.niu.edu/COD

PHOTOS BY KITT FRESA

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F E AT U R E S

Caroline Broderick · Features Editor

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CLEVECARNEYGALERY.ORG

LUCAS KOPROWSKI/COURIER

The blank, glazed over stare of a young African-American boy pierces into patrons as they experience the current exhibition on display in the Cleve Carney Gallery: Nadia Hironaka and Matthew Suib’s “Dark Light.” The eyes electrify through an almost ghostly looking boy, providing the feeling of danger and fear to those who witness him. His eyes share the fear of many African-Americans through history and to this very day. “Dark Light’s” art is rooted in racism from

past and present, contrasting the disgusting prejudice from America’s past but reminding visitors how it still lives on. The most inviting feature of the gallery is the theater created by the adjustable gallery walls. It screens Hironaka and Suib’s 10-minute film, “Writing History with Lightning.” The film loops sequences from the 1915 racist propaganda film, “The Birth of a Nation” in complete darkness. D.W. Griffith’s film recounts the Civil War,

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LUCAS KOPROWSKI/COURIER

holds the Ku Klux Klan as heroes, and degrades African-Americans. The film was one of the first to be shown at the White House under Woodrow Wilson. Artists Hironaka and Suib pay homage to Freddie Gray, a black man who died in police custody, and the Black Lives Matter movement, through the usage of the Parkway Theatre in its images. It had been the location of the film as well as protests that broke out after Gray’s death in 2015. The loops are project-

ed onto the theater where the silent film had originally been premiered, the Parkway Theatre. Music is played in reverse, filling listeners with a sense of unease. Ku Klux Klan members riding on horses, happy and wealthy white men and women dance around, and groups of African-Americans fighting against oppressors are shown. It ends with the same boy’s eyes, filled with hopelessness. Dark, almost black images are posted along the stark white walls of the gal-

LUCAS KOPROWSKI/COURIER

lery. Those image contrast wood has begun to give LUCAS KOPROWSKI/COURIER with intense LED lights way. When “The Birth placed along the walls as of a Nation” opened, the well as hanging from the theater was at its high: a ceiling. As you look into lavish gathering space for the dark images, you can the white and the wealthy. see your own shadow in Seen as a historic buildthe strange rainbow reflec- ing associated with the tion provided by the glass oppression of blacks in and LEDs. A reminder of America by Hironaka and your place in society and Suib, they chose to show placing yourself within the the public how it appears art as well. now. Images include various parts of the Parkway “Dark Light” is on display Theatre in wreckage. The Monday through Thursbuilding became vacant day until March 4 in the Cleve Carney Gallery. in 1998. The walls have had chipped paint; the

F E AT U R E S

Lifeel: Collaboration in juxtaposition Lucas Koprowski Âˇ Editor-in-Chief

PHOTOS BY LUCAS KOPROWSKI/COURIER

Two contrasting techniques meet head-to-head in an exhibit fueled by the six major human emotions. Alyssa Kelly and Patty Sarver are two artists at the College of DuPage who follow separate art styles. Kelly follows a more linear yet experimental expression, while Sarver creates 3-Dimensional murals with miscellaneous materials. The exhibit runs from Feb. 2 to Feb. 28 in the Wings Student Art Gallery.

08 February 2017 // codcourier.org // 7

F E AT U R E S

MOVIE REVIEW:

La La Land: The Love of Dreams and Each Other Kitt Fresa · News Editor

La La Land is at it’s heart a love story, but not just a love story between two beautiful performers. It is a love story between music and film. The way the music intertwines with the colorfully lit scenes is perfection. The scenes roll and spin like you were dancing to music yourself. La La Land begins as a classically ambitious story of two performers working to achieve their dreams in the city of Los Angeles. Sebastian, played by Ryan Gosling, is a jazz pianist aspiring to single-handedly save the genre by building his own jazz club in the city. Mia, played by Emma Stone, is an aspiring actress who keeps having bad luck at crucial auditions. The two keep running into each other, and the destiny of a spectacular story takes over. The love between Sebastian and Mia is shy in the beginning but slowly grows into passion through the beautiful music and colorful cin-

ematography. Some scenes are so beautiful they distracted me from what was going on in the story. Sebastian and Mia often are painted with powerful and colorful spotlights with dark backgrounds that create scenes that look like they’re out of a painting. E v e n the jazz clubs and movie theaters they visit are laid with bright neon signs that

fill dark nights with subtle glows. In one of the earlier scenes Mia is walking down the street after leaving a disappointing night with her friends, she stops in front a restaurant where she hears someone playing piano. Unbeknownst to her it’s Sebastian, but as she listens outside, she is placed in the middle of the scene where a frame of r e d

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone on set of La La Land

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neon on a teal wall surrounds her. The music combined with the curiosity of Mia’s pause makes such a small scene, into an incredibly memorable scene. Every scene is like this, each shot, each note played, spools this love story into something incredible. As the movie goes on, Sebastian and Mia’s lives get more complicated, which creates new storylines. The love only grows, but that too makes things more complicated. The two are so in love that they lose sight of why they’re in L.A. in t h e first place. This

only adds to the emotional value and the attachment you feel to Sebastian and Mia. This is where things really get interesting because now you have the love of Sebastian and Mia, with both of their individual dreams. As Sebastian tries to make more money for Mia, he loses sight of his dream, and what he truly values in his life. Mia spends more time with Sebastian leading to her missing more of her dream as well. They’re both

Source: IMDb.COM

so into each other that they lose sight of what matters most. Then the question appears…What does matter most? Their dreams? Or their love? Damien Chazelle wrote and directed La La Land and did a fantastic job. It’s clear this was a project done with time and finesse, which in turn was rewarded with an Oscar nomination for best picture. A well-deserved reward in fact. The music, done by Justin Hurwitz also nominated at the Oscars, includes lots of jazz and a heart-tugging main theme played by Sebastian himself. Linus Sandgren designed the cinematography which, shocker, is also nominated for an Oscar. All of these things make La La Land the great film it is. It’s rare to see the same quality La La Land has in other movies. This movie dives deep into what love and life really do to people. Many people struggle with the things they love the most, and La La Land really delivers on what it’s like to be in love and so torn at the same time. I couldn’t have loved La La Land more.

FOCUS A “so-called judge” versus the 45th: The tale of America’s immigration hullabaloo

Vandy Manyeh · Reporter

CREATIVE COMMONS

Local Muslims think a recent immigration ban placed on seven countries by President Donald Trump will prevent them from carrying out their religious obligations. The ban, according to them, is against the purpose of the First Amendment. Islamic faith requires Muslims to make a pilgrimage to Mecca for the Hajj, or the Umrah, at least once in a lifetime. But recent travel restrictions would've prevented thousands of Muslims from leaving the country, let alone a visit to see family members all because of an abrupt executive order. "I think that without a

doubt, the already difficult trip to Mecca will become even more difficult for my fellow Muslim Americans," said Hamza Hussain, a Muslim student at COD. "Before this administration came to power, there was an accepted risk that all of us understood when taking on such a journey. Now, however, the risk has become so high that I fear many may skip out on a religious journey out of fear of their safety." An executive order titled "Protecting the nation from foreign terrorist entry into the United States," placed a temporary ban on travels for citizens from seven Mus-

lim-majority countries, including war-ravaged Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Sudan. On January 27, 2017, people with valid visas from these countries were turned down at international terminals across the country. Protesters gathered at airports to express the bitter feelings of many who were being held by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) officers. It took hours for Judge Ann Donnelly in Brooklyn, N.Y., to issue an order preventing the deportation of an estimated 200 people. It was the intervention of a tough-talking Democrat, New York's 7th Congressional District Rep. Nydia Velazquez that aided the release of Hameed Darwish, an Iraqi who worked along with the U.S. Army in Iraq. But for Hussain, this outright attack from politicians against Muslims in America isn't new. "This ban is unnecessary. Clear and simple," continued Hussain. "The U.S. government has tried similar things in the past yet no one in charge seems to be getting the point. The fact is that this country's main security threats come not from the outside, but rather from our own fellow Americans, unfortunately. But since most Americans

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aren't really familiar with the Muslim community, they're prone to fear what they don't know." Via Twitter, Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party nominee in the just ended election said: "I stand with the people gathered across the country tonight defending our values and our Constitution. This is not who we are." Former President Barack Obama took the rare step of speaking out against the actions of his replacement only days after leaving office himself. "The president fundamentally disagrees with the notion of discriminating against individuals because of their faith or religion," said Kevin Lewis, Obama's spokesman. Over the past week, lawyers have been working pro bono around the clock at airports. Volunteers took coffee and snacks to them while they fought for the rights of detained travelers.The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for example, received an estimated $24.1 million in donations. On the other hand, there were people who supported Trump's ideology of America. For them, it was not a ban against religion or race. It was just a president taking appropriate measures to protect

a country. “Well I certainly concede that it didn’t go far enough as it excludes many countries that fund radical Islamic terrorism,” said Joe Enders, a recent College of DuPage graduate. “But I see no issue in the government practicing discretion in refusing entry to people who were living under the rule of terrorists.” The acting head of the U.S Justice Department Sally Yates was fired for her refusal to defend the president's order. To the aid of individuals affected by this, Judge James Robart issued a restraining order that will affect the operations of officers from the DHS stationed at entry points and Department of State's visa insurance policy. In its appeal, the Justice Department said: "Judicial second-guessing of the President's determination that a temporary suspension of entry of certain classes of aliens was necessary at this time to protect national security...would constitute an impermissible intrusion on the political branches' plenary constitutional authority over foreign affairs, national security, and immigration." The president tweeted with strong adjectives like: "outrageous", and ridiculous".

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A reinstatement was denied by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, causing a political rivalry between the executive and judicial branches of government. But in the mind of Hussain, these gains won't change the struggles of the Muslim community will experience during the next four years. The Justice Department and the author of this executive order aren't silent. It is possible that this case could reach the Supreme Court. With lawyers predicting a long legal battle ahead, even urging Muslims affected by this ban to return to the U.S. as soon as possible, this will continue to affect personal or religious travels. "Legislation that goes against the interests of my fellow Muslims won't end until Donald Trump leaves the White House," added Hussain. "While many of my fellow Muslims may feel compelled to hide who they are out of an understandable fear, I personally feel it is now more important than ever to proudly show who I am to the world. I can't hide inside myself and be ashamed of who I am. I am proud of what my religion is, no matter what people think."

COD Courier Student Newspaper 08 February 2017 // codcourier.org // 9

FOCUS

What it’s like to be treated as a different breed Alizay Rizvi · Social Media Manager

Imagine a moment where you are suddenly forced into a corner, literally, by the very people that only a few days ago were perhaps friends. That single moment changes your life in ways that you can never imagine. All of sudden they look at you not as a human being but as something lesser. That sudden shift in their eyes, that hatred, is enough to kill someone. Muslims like me, or perhaps better known as immigrants, refugees or even foreigners, are being slaughtered by these very same forms of communication. What many people do not seem to know is that much of this hatred between Muslims and non-Muslims has been occurring for the past 16 years, and perhaps even before that. Ever since 9/11, deemed as one of most horrible events in the history of America, there has been hatred. My mother recalls those beginning days in 1996 when we lived in a small apartment complex in Chicago. Initially, people

were very accommodating, for example, they would be welcoming towards any questions or confusions. They helped us assimilate into the

environment that w e were n o t used to. B u t as soon as 9/11 occurred,

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those same people who greeted you so kindly when you went to pick up the mail

Alizay

now turned away at the sight of you. 9/11 and tragedies like

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g her m

y durin

r famil and he

den people are blaming a n d pointi n g fingers

it change the perspective of people by

the fact that you are suddenly unable to see an individual as an individual and rather simply see the group. All of a sud-

when in reality that very person had caused you no harm. Those people that you point fingers at are the same people who you walked to work with, or were your

neighbors. The person hasn't changed, rather the opinion of that person has changed. Rather than seeing that person as an individual human being, you view them as a group that they are not a part of. All of a sudden that same person, who days ago had a name, is now seemingly not worthy of one. Suddenly as a Muslim American woman my name is defined by an unknown public who has overgeneralized me. Instead, you presume their name by calling them raghead, towelhead, bomber, terrorist cunt, burqa wearing slut, and much much more. That same public deems me as a muslim as "un-American" and that I need to "get out of your country." Those very same people are your neighbors, people that you work with and perhaps even go to school with. Many Muslims, along with myself, grew up here and only know America to be their country. If someone suddenly picked you up from your life and put you in the middle of Asia, would you

FOCUS

know what to do or how to survive? Probably not, because you've only ever lived in America, and you only know how to live here. Perhaps the worst part of it all is being a Muslim woman. Making the choice to wear the hijab, better known as the headscarf, comes alongside a high price that shouldn't exist. The hijab is intended to be a symbol of modesty, one that presents the woman as something more than just an object. It is meant to be a symbol of respect, eloquence and dignity. When that same cloth that represents so much is torn off, it is perhaps much the same as demeaning someone's very existence. Having an unknown person come up behind you and begin to tear apart at the very thing that represents

your dignity is an event that changes you. You no longer feel like a human being but instead as an animal, alone and afraid. We are treated like the animals kept in pens, prepared for slaughter. Kicking and confining us whenever they deem fit, they may hear our cries and screams, but they do not understand. It's almost the same as when a cat meows or a dog barks, you know the essence of what they may be trying to say, but there is no exact translation. Perhaps, they think or feel as though I am speaking a different language entirely, and that we may never be capable of communicating. When it comes to communication, the most common place where it is necessary is at colleges

and universities. Often times people assume that hate crimes do not occur here because colleges and universities are supposed to have that air of intellectualism. It is assumed that a college or university should be able to accept and accommodate cultural diversity. This is not true. Back in 2009, my mother had gone to Northern Illinois University to become a nurse to better care for her household. Back then, my mother was someone who very prominently wore the hijab. She wore it with a sense of pride and dignity because it was a representation of inner beauty for her. During her time at NIU, she faced many struggles not just amongst the dominant white American students but also from

professors of the same demographic. The material for the nursing course was difficult enough, but alongside that being pushed back for being "different" was quite difficult and stressful for her. Perhaps the students in that class deemed my mother to be lesser because she wore the hijab. Perhaps she was deemed lesser because she had an accent when she spoke English. Or perhaps it was because she was older than the majority of the group. It could have been that the professor didn't feel the need to offer any help. It went so far as to pushing her back an entire semester despite her high GPA and good academic standing.* It was after that semester, and ever since then my mom no longer wears her

hijab. Being ostracized for being different, forced her to be pushed away from the friends or contacts that she had made in that class. It changed her life entirely for not being able to make the choice for herself, but rather being forced into a choice that she had to make in order to better survive. I have often found myself in similar situations where I am being ostracized and being pushed away from the group. My definition of terrorism stems from this because I feel like dehumanizing human beings and constantly ostracizing people causes them to commit crimes. They are either forced into a choice in order to survive, or they are unable to open up and relate to the stories of other people. The same

perhaps goes for those people who commit hate crimes and are filled with rage. Human beings, in general, have the capacity to open up, to feel a sense of humanity and connect with another human being through stories. And really, that's all that being a Muslim is all about, being a good person. However, it seems that we are slowly losing our sense of "humanity". As for the future of us as Muslims? What can I say, we are a dying breed and it seems that perhaps one day we will be extinct. My mom ended up getting her license for Registered Nurse in 2014.

THINKING ABOUT SUBMITTING A LETTER? Letters to the editor must not exceed 500 words. If you choose to include citations, please do so in the text, as we can not accept footnotes. SOME PARENTS THINK THEIR KIDS AREN’T LISTENING. SOME KIDS GET DISTRACTED BY ALL THEY HEAR. Learning and attention issues can look different to parents and kids. That’s why there’s Understood, a free online resource with answers, advice and tools to help your child thrive. Go from misunderstanding to understood.org.

All submissions must be sent to editor@cod.edu, with the subject title “Letter To The Editor.”

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FOCUS

EDITORIAL

President or Dictator? Trump’s travel ban is a mediocre attempt at legislating

JOSEPH MOLINO/COURIER

Trump did not ban Muslims. Stop calling it a Muslim Ban. From writers of mainstream media to professors and students at the College of DuPage, people have been expressively explosive in their disdain for the visa restricting order signed by President Donald Trump earlier last week. Executive Order 13769 does not ban a group of people based on religion, nor does the executive order mention any nomenclature towards Muslim people. This order is a moratorium on seven Muslim-majority countries out of the 50 globally from traveling to the United States. It halts the United States Refugee Acceptance Program for 120 days, as well completely bans Syrian refugees from entering

the U.S. until Trump finds evidence that “admission of Syrian refugees is consistent with the national interest.” In conjunction with this, the order sets up time frames for analyzing and reporting our immigration and refugee acceptance programs. The order has the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security, in conjunction with consultation from the Director of National Intelligence, lined up to give the president regular updates as to what they find in the body text of U.S. immigration laws, and how they can be improved. Trump has taken these precautions due to various problems with immigration across European countries due to the migrant crisis. Europe has

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LUCAS KOPROWSKI FEATURES EDITOR CAROLINE BRODERICK REPORTER VANDY MANYEH

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taken in millions of people, and because of this many aspects of European life are changing. With the rise of tension caused by mass immigration, many conservative politicians have taken advantage of this issue to gain power. From Brexit spokesperson Nigel Farage to a now rising politician in the French presidential race - Conservative Marine Le Pen - far right-wing politicians are taking the helm of many previously progressive countries. This begs the question, does the United States have an immigration crisis? No, we don’t. Why does Trump want to halt the refugee program? Most people will point to his comments about banning Muslims from entering the coun-

try during the primaries, hence why many are calling this order a Muslim ban and an attack on freedom of speech. Going even further, many are critical of how the order doesn’t bar countries that were involved in 9/11, such as Saudi Arabia, as well as countries that have Trump investments like the United Arab Emirates. Then again, why would he ban two of the world’s largest oil exporting nations? Banning either one of these two countries would be economic suicide, and probably start an uprising within the U.S. due to drastic increases in gasoline prices. So what is the point of this? By initiating an executive order travel ban, he automatically stopped U.S. citizens abroad in those

seven countries from being able to come back home. He soured relations with the countries on this hit list, with Iran completely abandoning the U.S. Dollar in response to this rude awakening. These countries weren’t doing anything to directly harm America, nor were these countries an imminent threat. Why, out of all the things he could have spent his time doing, would he ban these countries? All he did was give pundits a nuclear bomb of a story, which can stay relevant for months, especially with a federal judge shutting it down and an appeals process now undergoing. Trump not only hurt himself by halting travel to these seven countries, he put the entire world on

notice as to how he will conduct foreign policy. Of course, Obama also used executive orders to conduct foreign policy, most notably his sanctions of Russia during the Ukraine skirmish, but this is going too far. Either stick with attempting to pass legislation banning certain countries, or don’t ban countries. Why do the people have to explain this to him like he’s a toddler? If you’re going to do something major like this, don’t act like a dictator. Act like a legislator, the leader of the free world, and attempt to go through Congress. If they, the voice of the people, agree with you, then have your travel ban. Until then, stop acting like Kim Jong Un.

Views expressed in The Courier represent opinions of majority of editorial board. The Courier encourages all students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members to voice their opinions on all the topics concerning them both in and out of school. We encourage readers to submit a “Letter to the Editor” voicing their opinions on topics discussed in the editorial, for more information, e-mail editor@cod.edu.

FOCUS

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: President Trump’s recent executive order has influenced Muslim students at the College of DuPage in numerous ways. I will describe two of them. First, many Muslim students at College of DuPage view the executive order as a sign of rising Islamophobia in the United States. Trump repeatedly stated during the campaign that he intended to ban Muslims from entering the country, and he also made a number statements that implied that all Muslims are terrorists, or at least that they are complicit in terrorism. Not only was

Trump’s executive order born of Islamophobia, but it will exacerbate Islamophobia in this country, nourishing it as water and sunlight nourish a plant. Muslim students at College of DuPage are well aware of all this, and many of them are afraid. Many of these students have experienced far more discrimination in the last year than they have at any previous point in their lives. Some have even been physically threatened. I should also mention that some Muslim students personally know people – whether family, friends, or acquaintances – who have

been directly impacted by the executive order. We have all read stories of loved ones being separated from one another as a result of the executive order. Some of these stories involve Muslim students at College of DuPage. Second, many Muslim students at College of DuPage are becoming deeply disillusioned with the United States. Like many other Muslims around the country, they love America, they cherish its values, and they want to raise their families here. They are fully aware that the executive order and the Islamophobia that spawned it

are deeply antithetical to American values. Many of these students believe in America. They believe that the United States, for all its faults, is a champion of freedom, peace, and democracy throughout the world. However, the executive order has caused many of them to question these beliefs. Still, there is a silver lining. Many Americans have vigorously protested Trump’s executive order, and their support has not gone unnoticed. A number of Muslim students at College of DuPage have told me that they were encouraged by these protests, and that they felt

less isolated and vulnerable. I would like to conclude with a few personal remarks. I am an Orthodox Christian, and I believe that the life of a Christian is of equal value – no more, no less – to that of a Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or atheist. Muslim Americans serve in the US Armed Forces. They work as policemen, firefighters, physicians, nurses, teachers, mechanics, carpenters, engineers, scientists, and truck drivers. They own small businesses and run large companies, and they are our friends and neighbors. Our country

is immeasurably richer for their service and their contributions. I proudly welcome them to this country. Islamophobia is a disease, and it has no place in a great country like America. Let’s put an end to it together. —Leslie F. Wolf, Assistant Professor of Philosophy/ Religious Studies *The views expressed in this article are the author’s own, and they do not necessarily represent or reflect those of the college.

PHOTO POLL: This week, we asked students if they support Donald Trump’s Executive order on the immigration ban and their opinion about it. Here are their answers:

Jeremy Nielson - Year 3 Personally no. I feel that it is unfair to judge a large group of people based on the actions of a small minority, especially with radical beliefs, and to target a specific group like that is going to divide this nation more than anything.

Gloria Naughton - Year 1 I don’t support Trump at all.

Sam Mullinger - Year 3 No. I think it’s unpatriotic and unamerican to deny access to people who are escaping violence or tyranny the safe haven that is the America we all know and love goes against our very principles as a country.

08 February 2017 // codcourier.org // 13

We Offer:

TRANSFER TO

NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE

• Planning with a knowledgeable North Central transfer counselor • Smooth transfer of credit • Generous transfer academic scholarships and financial aid

Learn More! Visit North Central College Transfer Information Sessions (group setting) Upcoming dates: February 11, March 13, March 23, April 7

S.T.O.P. In

(Student Transfer Organizational Plan)

• Individual setting • Daytime, evening and Saturday options

Customized Visits • Individual setting • Weekdays For more information and to request a visit, go to northcentralcollege.edu/transfer-visit or call 630-637-5800.

North Central will be at College of DuPage on: February 14, 10-1 February 23, 10-1

14 // codcourier.org // 08 February 2017

March 1, 10-1 March 7, 10-1

SPORTS

Crushing victory for Chaps at Pack the Place Lucas Koprowski · Editor-in-Chief // David Jura · Photographer

Fans packed the stands as College of DuPage’s men’s and women’s basketball teams faced off against Harper college and Olive-Harvey respectively on Saturday, Feb. 4. Entertainment at the event included a live band and a half-time show halfcourt shooting contest. The winner of the shoot-out received $1,620. The Chaparral men beat Harper College 77-63, and the Lady Chaps desimated Olive-Harvey 79-35.

08 February 2017 // codcourier.org // 15

MUSIC The Kanye West you can’t see Lucas Koprowski · Editor-in-Chief

Kanye West is the grandiose laughing stock of current day hip-hop. After his album “Graduation,” his experimental phase left him complacent, allowing him to create piles of garbage such as “The Life of Pablo” (TLOP), which left his most pas-

sionate fans in disdain for his lack of originality and personality. His transition to trap rap has been fueled, in part, by his marriage to Kim Kardashian, as well as interacting with the lowest common denominator of his fans constantly through his merchandise line. Since he dropped “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” his artistic intent has dwindled down into the formulaic backwash of modern rap seen from artists like Chance the Rapper and J. Cole. He has fallen under the pseudonym of washed up has been. I don’t want to look at his work in disgust. I don’t want to hate him. His music served as the soundtrack for many good memories to my life, from “All Falls Down” all the way to the opening track on TLOP “Ultralight Beams.” However, West has left his former self to become a cash crop artist who packs stadiums to keep up

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his lifestyle, and I cannot support such debauchery. Then, in a blink of an eye, a glimmer of hope passes us by undetected as his puppet masters wipe that hope away.. Why do I say his puppet masters? He looks wildish and out of control half the time. How can someone be controlling him? From his first big jump during the Hurricane Katrina crisis by saying “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” to meeting with our newly elected president before inauguration day, his behavior is that of a wild boar. He seemingly can’t be tamed. Tell that to the track almost no one has heard of that he released during his premiere of TLOP. “I feel like that” is a song which We s t had released as a part of his TLOP roll out,

and had it streaming for a short period. However, the track was taken down before it became well known. You can’t find it anywhere on YouTube or any streaming service, and in fact I could only find one Pirate Bay link available for this mysterious work of art. The song is not hip-hop, nor is it trap music. It is an atmospheric, transcendental demo-sounding piece in which West talks about his everyday mental issues and how uneasy his mentality has become. The song, although rough around the edges, proves not only that West still has musical talent, but shows us his human side. West’s heavy breathing starts the track off making the listener u n e a s y, with heavy A u -

to-Tuned humming introducing his static vocals about his relatable mental ticks and bipolar episodes of outrage, anger and sadness. The chorus is a beautiful reiteration of the lyrics “I feel like that” with heavy bass pillaring the vocals on top of the beat. Why doesn’t West produce more tracks like these? This is so different and so refreshing from his normal album cycle radio bangers. Even in his first rendition of TLOP, which he for some reason edited before releasing it past the streaming service TIDAL into the public, he had many artistic twists which he could have built upon in tracks such as “Wolves.” Maybe the constant busyness with his clothing line, shoe line, marriage and public image has torn him apart from the inside into a self-conscious mess of an artist who can only push trap rap confidently and hides his true intent. Maybe his managers, his colleagues and possibly the Kardashians have taken the helm of his career,

and are attempting to dig him six feet into the ground while cashing in on every second of his burning light of fame. All I know is, I want more of this, and I will probably never get what I wish from West.

Stfu – Pink Guy Genre: Hip Hop, Comedy Similar to: Wax, Holder Have you ever wanted to tell someone to shut their mouth? This is the song to blast when someone keeps talking. The track is absolutely hilarious, littered with lines you wish you could tell the person who keeps trying to ruin your lunch break with political talk about how Bernie Sanders would have won if the Democratic National Convention wasn’t corrupt. I will not ruin one line of this masterpiece. Plug a pair of headphones into your skull, and appreciate all that this song has to offer. —Lucas

Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win – Santigold Genre: Dance, Reggae, Rap Sounds like: If M.I.A was from Jamaica Backed up by the well known Beastie Boys, Santigold shins with this new and unexpected Reggae Rap song. However it doesn’t feel traditional to either genre, its more of a light mix between the two. The beat, the classic reggae sounds, they all unite to make an easy to listen to song with the Beastie Boys being the Beastie Boys in between. Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win has a certain bouncing and clean vibe that makes it one of those special songs that anybody can enjoy anytime. Personally though I think it’s best suited for a day on the beach. —Kitt

Fire – 3LAU & Said The Sky Genre: Future Bass/Trap Sounds Like: Seven Lions The prominent house producer 3LAU and the small, yet talented Melodic Dubstep producer, Said The Sky, come together in a surprise collaboration to release ‘Fire’, a beautiful, vocal and melodic future bass track who’s lead drop brings on a very innovative, emotional, and uplifting feeling. The track, which was released last October, has already made headlines on many major EDM promotion sites and channels including an official music video debut on the Proximity channel. For any EDM and future-bass fan, this is certainly a track worth giving a listen to. —David

Ch-Ching – Chairlift Genre: Synthpop / Alternative Dance Sounds like: Yeasayer, Neon Indian, St. Vincent Equally sultry and elegant, Ch-Ching sets itself apart from Chairlift’s usual sync-core music. The single shows the duo’s metamorphosis from quirky indie into a radical spirit that echoes darker textures with a shattering core. The New York based duo describes the song as “the experience of living in New York..that feeling of getting lucky and not realizing what just hit you, and rolling with it.” With its deep guttural dance beats, glittering synths, and hip-hop hooks, this single is a transfiguration of your modern-day pop banger. Ch-Ching is an exceptionally catchy number that will make you wanna rob a bank whenever you listen to it. —Joseph

@CODCourier

08 February 2017 // codcourier.org // 17

COFFEE BREAK STR8TS

SUDOKU Tough

Previous solution - Medium

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

1 6 9

8 9 7 8 7 5 6 4 2 6 4 3 5 2 3

8 7

1 You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

Previous solution - Very Hard

4 5 8 1 6 9 7 2 3

6 2 8 1 5

4 3 8 2 1

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.

7 4 6

3 5 8 3 2

6 7 2 4 5 3 1 9 8

1 9 3 7 8 2 6 5 4

9 8 1 3 7 6 5 4 2

5 2 6 8 9 4 3 7 1

3 4 7 5 2 1 9 8 6

2 1 9 6 4 5 8 3 7

8 6 4 9 3 7 2 1 5

7 3 5 2 1 8 4 6 9

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

SUDOKU

No. 320

Medium

Previous solution - Tough

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

2 1 3 5 4 6

3 6

7 9 8 1 9 3 5 2

8 4 3

You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

6 9 7 8 5 1 3 4

No. 320

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

Medium

7 9

4 8

2 3 1

Previous solution - Easy

4 7 9 3 1 6 8 5 2

3 7

3 7 5

7 9 6

5 7

4 5 6

STR8TS

Easy

4 8

1 4 3

No. 319

7 5 6

1 8

3 5

7 6 5 8 3 1 2 4

No. 319

8 6 3 5 7 2 9 4 1

5 2 1 4 8 9 7 6 3

3 8 5 9 6 4 2 1 7

7 1 4 2 3 8 6 9 5

18 // codcourier.org // 08 February 2017

2 4 8 7 9 1 5 3 6

9 3 7 6 4 5 1 2 8

1 5 6 8 2 3 4 7 9

EVEN TEXTERS AND DRIVERS HATE TEXTERS AND DRIVERS. STOPTEXTSSTOPWRECKS.ORG

6 9 2 1 5 7 3 8 4

A FAMILY OF FOUR SPENDS $1500 A YEAR ON FOOD THEY DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T EAT

08 February 2017 // codcourier.org // 19

KNOW YOURSELF. KNOW YOUR WORLD.

REACH YOUR POTENTIAL

OPEN HOUSE April 22

To RSVP for the open house, go to www.elmhurst.edu/openhouse Elmhurst is coming to COD! Tuesday, February 14 Thursday, February 23 Wednesday, March 1 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 2nd floor, near Starbucks

YOU BELONG HERE Elmhurst College welcomes more than 300 transfer students every year. We know what transfer students want and need—and we’re committed to your success. We’ll help you identify your goals, discover your world and reach your potential. A TOP 10 COLLEGE Elmhurst is one of the top 10 colleges in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report. We’re a great value, too. Money and Forbes magazines rank Elmhurst among top colleges for your money. Plus all transfer students receive scholarship support. AN EASY COMMUTE Our campus is close to several major highways, and a few blocks away from the Elmhurst Metra station. A SMOOTH TRANSITION We’ll offer you credit for work you’ve already done. We can even evaluate your credits before you apply. FAST-TRACK OPTIONS Finish your degree on the fast track! Degree-completion programs in business administration, information technology and psychology help you reach your goals in less time. LEARN MORE Get started on your future by contacting us today!

Office of Admission 190 Prospect Avenue Elmhurst, Illinois 60126

20 // codcourier.org // 08 February 2017

(630) 617-3400 admit@elmhurst.edu www.elmhurst.edu/transfer