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California State University, Bakersfield
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September 9, 2020
Vol. 46, No. 2
CSUB student leader appointed to statewide Board of Trustees By Chase Anderson Reporter
California Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed CSU Bakersfield’s ASI Vice President of Legislative Affairs, Krystal Raynes, as a student representative on the California State University Board of Trustees on Thursday Aug. 27. Raynes, a 21-year-old computer science and business major, will serve as one of only two students from the entirety of the CSU system to be appointed. Raynes is only the second to serve this position from CSUB according to CSUB’s article “A voice for the valley”. Since 2018, Raynes has assumed the role of not only Vice President of Legislative Affairs but also
Vice President of University Affairs. As a representative and voice of the students at CSUB Raynes hopes to delve into the quality of the education that is being provided through distance learning. “Raynes said she applied for the position to be an advocate for CSUB students within the local, state and federal level.” “Having struggled with basic needs myself, I know how hard it is to be a student. I listen to my friends who are parents, veterans, BIPOC, and undocumented.” Raynes wrot in an email. “Their stories inspire me and we are all unified in our goal to get a better life with a degree. Their stories keep me moving and that’s why I continue to fight and apply to be
in spaces where I can advocate for students effectively.” Raynes is both excited and nervous for her new position and shared her struggles as a student. “What makes me nervous is I already know a huge struggle will be tuition and funding for the CSU- there has been huge slashes to our budget due to COVID,” Raynes said. “I want to make sure that students can still afford to go to college in a post COVID world. No one in my family has been involved in politics or had a role like this. I’m going to take a few months listening and learning from Maryana Khames, the other student trustee. I’m excited for what’s to come and I’m excited to learn and grow in this new role.”
Photo provided by Krystal Raynes
Newsom unveils new reopening guidelines By Ray Dean Reporter Hair, during the COVID-19 pandemic, has gone untrimmed, revealing roots, and highlighting the impact statewide shutdowns have had on the State of California. Hair may begin to take on a new look. Starting Monday, Aug. 31, barbershops, hair salons, and shopping malls statewide were allowed to resume indoor operations. However, these businesses can only operate at 25% capacity while maintaining
social distancing and face mask guidelines. In a press briefing on Friday, Aug. 28, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state’s new “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” along with a newly designed website, covid19.ca.gov, where county-specific information can be found. “COVID-19 will be with us for a long time, and we need to adapt,” Newsom said in a press briefing. In an attempt to streamline and simplify the criteria for businesses and industries to reopen, the
blueprint replaces the states county monitoring list which contained 58 different sets of rules. Newsom noted several times during the briefing that while the tiered system may be simpler, it will be a slow and stringent process nonetheless. The new system measures two metrics, the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the county, and test positivity rates to determine initial placement and movement within four tiers. Newsom said these tiers will be color-coded for
simplicity and labeled as Widespread (purple), Substantial (red), Moderate (orange), and Minimal (yellow). Restrictions on businesses relax as counties move down the tiered structure. Counties must move tier-by-tier. They cannot, for instance, move from the Widespread tier to the Moderate tier. If the metrics go up, counties will be moved up to a stricter tier. According to the state’s new website, Kern County along with 37 other counties in the state was ini-
tially placed in the Widespread tier, the strictest of the four. Many non-essential businesses must remain closed under this designation, although barbershops, hair salons, and shopping malls are allowed to reopen. Counties must wait at least 21 days before moving from one tier to a lower one and they are also required to maintain the lower tier’s metrics for two straight weeks before a new designation. Once a county is given a Substantial tier designation K-12 schools are al-
lowed to reopen provided they meet school reopening guidelines outlined on July 17. For those hoping to escape the first few weeks of distance learning and celebrate Labor Day by going to an amusement park, concert, or sporting event, this tiered system does not address those issues. Newsom said that large gathering events are a separate issue and discussions are still ongoing as to when and how those will be reopened. A trip to the salon or the mall may have to serve as a substitute.
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September 9, 2020
ASI questions few meal options By Ray Dean Reporter Breakfast or the lack thereof, was a topic several housing students brought up during CSU Bakersfield’s Associated Student’s Inc. second meeting of the fall 2020 semester. During public comments, housing students Diego Leon and Sergio Brito, among others, expressed their concern over the limited breakfast options offered on campus due to the campus’s Starbucks location recent closing. With the Runner Café only open for lunch and dinner, Leon asked, “Would Aramark be open to forming partnerships with the Starbucks near campus or nearby restaurants that have a
more diverse hours of operation?” Owen Smith, Director of Food Service for Aramark at CSUB, said the current distance education model has drastically reduced the number of diners on campus to approximately 30-35 people at any given meal period in the cafeteria. Smith said students do have the option of purchasing from a selection of breakfast options the day before and storing them in their rooms. Smith also welcomed students to contact him if they have dietary guidelines that the current offerings do not meet or if students simply want to request new menu items. ASI executive director, Ilaria Pesco, com-
mented that ASI will be organizing a meeting with Aramark and housing students. Director of athletics, Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried, noted CSUB joined the Big West Conference on July 1. Siegfried said the Big West established a new committee, Big West Undivided, which will work on social justice issues. Siegfried said he and Vanessa Austin, women’s basketball student athlete, will be members of this committee. Siegfried also said fall sports such as soccer, volleyball, and cross country have been postponed until the spring for now with no word on winter or spring sports. CSUB President, Lyn-
nette Zelezny, shared her experience taking part in a national forum of university presidents together with United States Vice President Mike Pence to discuss the effects of COVID-19 on colleges. According to Zelezny the federal government wanted to get the word out that, “crowds equal infection” and she encouraged everyone to wear masks and social distance during the Labor Day holiday. ASI welcomed the new dean of the School of Social Sciences & Education James Rodriguez. Rodriguez said he is happy and excited to be a part of the CSUB family. He will be hosting a conversation on Sept. 10 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in order to
meet and talk with as many people as he can. In order to participate, students must email Patty Padilla, ppadilla2@csub.edu. CSUB Campus Programming coordinator Afaf Aldhulay gave the Campus Programming Report and asked for feedback on last week’s T-Pain event along with Welcome Week events. Aldhulay announced CSUB Programming will be cohosting a Netflix watch party with the Kegley Institute of Ethics on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. They will be watching the film 13th with a Zoom discussion following. Jim Drnek, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, gave the Student Affairs Report highlight-
ing the Guaranteed 4.0 Zoom session next week, which has already reached the maximum number of sign-ups. Drnek said he wanted students to know that Maria Palaiologou is the campus ombudsperson for students. Palaiologou serves as a liason for students who have issues or complaints with the campus. Drnek also said student affairs is working with Kern Homeshare to research affordable housing for students. Executive director, Ilaria Pesco, updated the members on an issue raised in last week’s meeting of professors not responding to student emails. Pesco said the issue has been taken to the Provost.
Rec Center preps for potential reopening By Francisco Ruiz and Paige Atkison Reporter and Editor-in-Chief As the fall 2020 semester starts at CSU Bakersfield, COVID-19 is still affecting student lives one way or another. As gyms are reopening around the city, under strict direction from Gov. Newsom’s new four-tier reopening system, CSUB is deciding whether to reopen the Student Recreation Center. Should it reopen, the SRC would look quite different this semester. Mary O’Mahoney, the facility’s director, explains that upon its reopening, the SRC will be using the Fusion Go app to allow students to make one-hour reservations to use the SRC. The Fusion Go app will be an extension of the already existing software used by the SRC. The app has been used by other campus recreation programs and O’Mahoney believes it will be easy to use. CSUB students will also be using this app as a no-contact entry card. The SRC must follow the CDC guidelines and maintain a 6-foot distance between each attendee and the staff must sanitize equipment after every use. Equipment will be moved
to offer more space between each user. “We have and will be purchasing additional cleaning supplies for the SRC. When students come in, they will see the addition of cleaning wipes where, before, we had the towels and spray bottles. The expectation will be that students wipe off the equipment they use before and after use,” O’Mahoney wrote in an email. The SRC staff will also be sanitizing high touch stations and exercise and equipment within the facility. O’Mahoney announced that the SRC will also be adding more sanitizing station for users. Users of the SRC will be required to wear face masks, as there is a campus-wide mandate to wear them. If a student does not have a mask, the SRC can provide one, according to O’Mahoney. Before attending the SRC, students must also complete the online self-screening available through the CSUB website. Despite all these changes, O’Mahoney said the SRC will attempt to maintain a sense of normalcy. Natalie Frieson, a CSUB student and criminal justice major would be excited to have the SRC reopen this semester. “If the SRC reopens I’d love it. It is too hot for me
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to workout outside, and I don’t have a bike and that’s the best way for me to workout. I’m a very unmotivated person no matter how hard I try, and I have no room in my home, so at home exercising just doesn’t work for me,” Frieson wrote in a Facebook comment. Frieson also finds the Fusion Go app’s reservation system useful. “The one-hour reservation is perfect for me because I only spend about 30 minutes to an hour on
exercise anyway when I’m there,” Frieson wrote. Due to the restraints of CDC guidelines, O’Mahoney requested students limit their reservations to once a day. “Students will be able to make a reservation to come to the facility up to 48 hours in advance and up to an hour before if there are spaces available,” O’Mahoney wrote. “Students will also be asked to cancel their reservation if they cannot make a reserved time.”
CSUB student and kinesiology major, Cristian Serrato believes the reservation system would not be a hindrance for everyone, but would affect students who wish to use the SRC during impacted times such as evenings. “The reservation system wouldn’t affect my decision,” Serrato wrote in a response on Facebook. O’Mahoney remains hopeful that the SRC will reopen. “We will be doing everything we can to mitigate
the risk,” wrote O’Mahoney. “But students coming in will have to play their part too by complying with the policies we will have in place in order to keep our staff and everyone using the facility safe.” CSUB students can still access the facility’s specialty courses, such as yoga, through the SRC’s Instagram page. As of now, the timing of the SRC’s potential reopening is unknown.
News
The Runner
September 9, 2020
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Students grapple with switching to entirely online instruction By Miguel Ortega Reporter
Distance learning has taken over all of Kern County. Long gone are the days where students are able to go to school and hang out with their friends. Instead, students wake up and turn on their computer to attend their daily zoom lectures. Students at all levels of education are struggling to learn through virtual classes. David Mejia, a senior at CSU Bakersfield expressed his struggles with online distance learning. “All of my classes being
held on canvas and through PowerPoints frustrates me,” Mejia said, “Especially taking a difficult class, like Chemistry, sucks throughout these times because you have to teach yourself the subject in a sense. It is difficult to find study groups.” To Mejia, virtual instruction has made his academic career all the more difficult. Some students feel they are having to teach themselves the content of their classes, which comes with many issues. Many courses are not offering zoom lectures, with the exception of having
one-on-one zoom appointments with the professor. Online learning has caused difficulty for many students, but the impact of virtual learning is especially affecting students who are also parents. Sylvia Zepeda, an incoming criminal justice major at CSUB, is balancing her own studies with teaching her five-year-old son. “I now respect teachers so much after having to go through this. Teaching Dom [her son] is not an easy task. He gets sidetracked very easily, and I am not a patient person,” Zepeda said. Parenting is difficult in
any circumstance, but Zepeda feels as though the new format of learning is causing her to struggle due to the shift in available resources. “It is not the same. I understand why online learning distance is going on, but I hate it. I miss being able to communicate to my classmates and be in a distraction free environment,” Zepeda said. Many students at home are dealing with distractions, and school was one of the ways that they could escape. Lexie Chavez, a Mathematics Major at CSUB, said how she find herself
being distracted while studying at home. “I cannot focus while I am at home. I get distracted very easily, and it makes it worse that I can turn off my computer and be right in my room. It makes it difficult to focus,” Chavez said. Mejia has also struggled with focusing while at home and without the resources a physical campus provides. “I miss being able to be in a classroom. I was able to focus way easier. I also miss going to the CSUB library and being able to study in peace,” Mejia said. “For many students,
Runner Wednesday
being stuck at home makes it more difficult to study since a lot of low-income students don’t have their own rooms or private space to learn. Also, because we are stuck at home, we don’t have the resources we are used to.” However, there are students that are enjoying the benefits of virtual learning. Carlos Ordaz, a sophomore at CSUB, likes how he has more time to focus on his studies, and how he is able to save time driving to school. “With online classes, everything is able to be done on your own time,” Ordaz said.
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Features
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The Runner
September 9, 2020
Students sprout green thumbs By Destinee Sims Features Editor
As COVID-19 forces most people to spend an increased amount of time at home, relief gardens have begun to make a comeback across the nation. During the world wars, the United States was known for its victory gardens, which were planted for food production and for relieving other nations for produce. Today, local residents are planting numerous crops to relieve their families and friends of the worries created by food shortages caused by a global decrease in the labor force. CSU Bakersfield students are no exception. Thirty-four percent of responding Runners on Instagram said they started a garden during the pandemic. Students messaged The Runner with descriptions of their personal relief gardens, almost all of which
Destinee Sims/The Runner Green tomatoes are covered in flour, a household ingredient used as a natural pesticide.
focused on planting crops for consumption. Students described gardens rich in greens, growing everything from bell peppers to watermelon.
Each garden had its own pop of color from bright flowers, varieties of squash, and tomatoes. “I planted a lot, especially once it became apparent
that grocery stores were going to be struggling to stock their shelves [in March]. A friend and I traded with one another often,” wrote Amanda Saxby,
a senior art history major at CSUB. With more than 30 crops planted this year, Saxby has been able to grow a significant amount of produce to enjoy. Some journalists, such as New York Time’s Tejal Rao, argue that the similarities between the gardens of the past and those of the present run deeper than noticed at surface value. Comparing the need to focus on something positive and within their control, families across the U.S. planted victory gardens to help replace the food that they would have typically received from other countries. With the global pandemic forcing borders to close and shipment delays, families have begun trying to bridge the gap themselves. These gardens became many people’s escape from the reality of life during a pandemic, just as many residents used their
gardens to escape from the horrors of both world wars. With more benefits than just an increase in food production, those that hopped on the garden trend may find themselves feeling an improvement in their health. According to a research study in the journal of Science of the Total Environment, gardening can help a person become more active, reduce stress, and get a chance to enjoy some fresh air. “I recently started my garden, and it has brought me so much joy,” Adriana Rodriguez, a senior environmental resource management major, wrote to The Runner. Runners showed off their green thumbs when they submitted photos of their nutrient-rich crops, proud of the successful gardens they had grown, reflecting the hope continued to grow there too.
T-Pain Zooms CSUB By Destinee Sims Features Editor
Hip hop star T-Pain spent an hour answering questions, telling stories of murder and exotic dancers, and dishing out advice to CSU Bakersfield students during a Zoom meeting on Aug. 28. Along with refunding the concert tickets that had already been sold, Campus Programming arranged for a Q&A that was open to all CSUB students. T-Pain showed up with a tie made of mirrors and was prepared to spend an hour filled with questions, jokes and stories, never failing to keep the students engaged and chatting about various topics. “I’ve been thinking of questions to ask him all week,” Esther Pacheco wrote in the chat. Like others, Pacheco was excited about the opportunity to talk with T-Pain. Other students raised concerns over CSUB potentially using T-Pain’s digital appearance to prevent students from complaining about more serious issues. “CSUB was like ‘Hey, we can’t reduce tuition, so stop [explicit] asking’ and then sends us an invite to Zoom with T-Pain,” Grace
Davidson posted in the chat. While the Q&A only allowed a handful of students to ask their questions verbally, moderator Ty Brako relayed a variety of inquiries from the chat. Topics ranged everywhere from favorite universities to perform at to why T-Pain decided to get into the music industry. Some questions asked were rather personal, including questions surrounding the unnamed exotic dancer from T-Pain’s song, “I’m N Luv”. “It was a random house stripper. In Tallahassee, we’re not allowed to have strip clubs; we had strip houses. If you saw a house with a police light, that’s where you wanted to be,” T-Pain said. Other stories took dark twist, as T-Pain recalled the time someone tried to kill him. Detailing a man becoming enraged at T-Pain’s calm composure after a car accident, the whole chat found themselves expressing delight over the nonsense that his celebrity status has caused him to endure. T-Pain isn’t shy when asked about his own education either, openly
stating that he dropped out of school at the end of eighth grade. “I was fat. I didn’t want to tuck in my shirt and show my stomach more. I got suspended. It didn’t matter what my grades were; that was an automatic fail. So my dad decided to pull me out of that school,” T-Pain elaborated Of course, T-Pain shared some of his words of wisdom with all Runners as well. “Don’t ask anybody for advice. Always, my advice is to [not take advice] because if I took advice early in my career, we wouldn’t be talking,” T-Pain said. Confusing as it may sound, T-Pain does encourage students to listen to “the person who has been through the tunnel.” T-Pain explains, advice from those without experience can prove faulty, advice from those that have experience can save people from a lot of hardship. Closing the event by blasting “KLINK” by Smino, T-Pain grooved to the beat. It was time for the self-proclaimed PC gamer to sign off, allowing him to return his focus to the comforts of his own home as he enjoys best.
Features
The Runner
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Sept 9, 2020
Hearing their cries: Three books to understand racism in the U.S. By Jennifer Samano Features Writer
This year has shown a massive rise in support for the Black Lives Matter movement and the greater fight for equality, reflecting the growing opinion that the United States may not be so free after all. Protests exploded across the nation after George Floyd, an African American male, died at the hands of police officers in Minnesota. Floyd, however, hasn’t been the only person to experience the use of excessive force used by law enforcement; the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and Jayne Thompson are a few of the ones to follow. Racism in the U.S. has led to hate crimes throughout the nation’s history. Schools teach students about Emmet Till, a boy was lynched in 1955 over false claims that he sexually assaulted a white woman in the grocery store. Yet, minority groups continue to be the most likely to be the victim of a hate crime. In February, Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man, was killed in a South Georgia neighborhood while on a jog. According to the New York Times, case documents show that Gregory and Travis McMichael allegedly pursued Arbery, attacked him physically and verbally, and ended
the assault with three fatal shots to end Arbery’s life. The McMichaels have not been convicted. Reflecting the experiences of minorities throughout American history, authors across the country aim to serve as a voice for the voiceless, and bring justice for any that are killed unjustly. The following three books will provide a deeper view of systematic racism, racial discrimination, and white privilege, highlighting the experience of facing prejudice in America.
“Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult Tackling themes like ethics, racism, hate, fear and grief, the reader is initially introduced to a black labor and delivery nurse, Ruth, when she faces accusation of killing white supremists’ baby. With the parents choosing to press charges against Ruth, she must fight to prove her innocence and stay alive. “Sometimes, things are spun to put the blame on a single group of people, which is completely unfair. Truly, this is a book that will make you rethink everything you used to think about race, and how you view it,” Camillia Dass, writer and contributor for the Youth.SG. Wrote. Dass refers to the book as engaging, mentioning the text’s ability to allow readers to place themselves
in the shoes of the various characters, question their thoughts, or consider how they would act if faced with the same problems.
“The True American: Murder and Mercy in Texas” by Anand Giridharadas “The True American” deals with racism, patriotism, faith, perseverance, forgiveness and death. The book starts off by submerging the reader into the life of a Bangladeshi immigrant, Raisuddin “Rais” Bhuiyan, and his journey to the United States. It then shifts to tell the life story of an American white supremacist, Mark Stroman. Although both come from distinctively different worlds, their lives collided in an instant of confrontation. Following the terrorist attacks on World Trade Center in New York City on Sept.11, 2001 Stroman nearly kills Rais at his work due to his ethnicity. The book then details the distinctive lives of both men after the hate crime. “It’s a story of how American freedom and individuality comes with both costs and benefits, and how American society continues to fail those born at a disadvantage, offering them far too few options for escaping their circumstances,” Matthew Duss, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace
Illustration by David Hernandez/The Runner
in Washington, DC, wrote. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas Focusing on issues including racism, police brutality, power, loyalty and poverty, the book was made into a major motion picture for its stance on the reoccurring deaths of unarmed people of color by police. Following 16-year-old Starr Carter, the story tells the aftermath of Starr witnessing a police officer shoot her childhood friend for holding a hair brush.
Starr is then put through the pressure of having to testify in court on behalf of her friend’s memory, conducting interviews, and navigating the world as a young Black girl in a town that had erupted in protest and unrest. Starr must decide what she believes in and stand up for what is right, ultimately learning to face confrontation as she navigates living in both the “hood” and attending a school for rich white teens. “Those who read ‘The Hate U Give’ will be
right beside Starr, grappling with understanding entrenched prejudice, where it comes from, and what role she, and those at home, have in exposing and combatting it,” Anna Diamond, a former editorial fellow at The Atlantic, wrote. As tension continues to grow in the U.S., these are only a handful of texts that aim to help readers develop a deeper understanding of the experiences of people of color living across the nation today.
Greek life: Fall recruitment goes virtual By Destinee Sims Features Editor As COVID-19 continues to prevent groups from safely hosting large gatherings, CSU Bakersfield’s Greek life takes their fall recruitment to Zoom. Normally recruitment week would involve potential pledges meeting each of their qualifying organizations at face-toface social events. These meet-and-greets occur over three days, followed by the new pledges receiving an invitation to join their
prospective organizations on day four. This fall, recruits meet the Greek chapters through Zoom meetings. Active members note this is not all bad though, as the events are primarily active members chatting with new recruits. Julia Gaworski, a junior communications major, has enjoyed this year’s recruitment process. As an active member of Gamma Phi Beta, she has been to both face-to-face and digital recruitment events. “I’m really happy with
how it has turned out this year; it’s close to the same feeling we get with face-to-face. We are still running the same format,” Gaworski said. Gaworski isn’t alone in this stance either, with Nu Phi Chi member Anissa Vasquez finding advantages in having recruitment week over Zoom. “I really enjoyed getting to fully meet each and every girl that came out. From my experience, it was really difficult to actually connect really well in person. Through Zoom, I
met these wonderful ladies, constantly seeing their faces. I would have been all over the place trying to connect with them and get to them [in person],” Vasquez, a sophomore history major, said. Vasquez, having also experienced recruitment face-to-face last spring, was glad that they could still work in some of the magic and mystery typically expected of Greek recruitment events. Having experienced being surprised with her own bid during her recruitment
week, she recognizes that there is something special about finding out what organization picked them. “We did a Zoom video call. From there, we as sisters went into 3 different breakout rooms; from there, all of the girls who received bids from one of the sororities entered our breakout room. That’s how they were surprised with their virtual bid and learning which sorority they got their bid from,” Vasquez said. New members were quickly greeted by their
returning sisters in each of their respective sororities, excited to welcome them into what will become a second family for many. Some sororities, like Nu Phi Chi, opted to deliver bid day gift baskets to each new member to celebrate. “It was all safely conducted. We followed social distancing rules, and stayed 6 feet apart. It was really fun and very cute to give them a little something that they could have to remember from their recruitment and bid day,” Vasquez said.
Opinions
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The Runner
September 9, 2020
Staff Editorial: Do not require students to keep cameras on By The Runner Editorial Board
As everyone adjusts to the digital modalities of learning, the question of professors requiring cameras to be on during lectures has resurfaced. The lives of students have been entirely shifted. Many have become babysitters, full-time employees, and even stay at home parents. Chaos has become the standard for each and every one of us. Requiring students to remain on camera throughout virtual instruction only ensures that students cannot manage that chaos
to the best of their ability. It is restrictive and unethical. While some faculty may find it difficult to instruct students without seeing their faces the entire time, the privacy and safety of students is paramount. Though Zoom offers the ability to change the background, which can preserve some semblance of privacy, this tool is only available to those with the most up to date technology. The demand to make students buy or obtain a webcam or their grades may suffer is rooted in classism. CSU Bakersfield students did not willingly sign up
for virtual classes. They signed up for in-person classes so they can access the necessary technology that is provided on campus. The need to switch to fully online, due to an unforeseen pandemic, widens the equity gap. Professors should take financial strain into account when updating their policies within their syllabi. Though professors are also missing the normalcy of seeing students’ faces every class meeting prior to the pandemic, that form of communication may no longer be doable. With the pandemic affect-
ing students and their families in myriad ways, it can become almost impossible for students to always have their cameras on. CSUB has many students who are parents. Those students are likely caring for their children and ensuring their children attend their own virtual classes. These students might need to leave the room periodically to attend to their children’s needs. Some professors may argue that it is not their responsibility to cater to their students’ personal lives. But this stance ignores that in many ways, students and faculty are
blameless in this scenario. Neither students nor faculty chose to move to online learning. Accommodations must be made. Adding to the existing chaos is the battle between our devices and our WIFI. The ability to maintain a stable internet connection is an uncommon privilege. A simple way to reduce t the use of bandwidth and preserve your connection during a lecture is to turn your camera off. Professors who require camera access are in turn ensuring that the students’ connection to the lecture is unstable. In the end, this can only
negatively affect students’ grades. Even though majority of us, faculty and staff included, miss the normalcy and the ability to go to campus and sit in our classrooms, it is a goal we are unable to achieve. The reality of our lives has shifted drastically. Life seems heavier. Now is not the time to add to the heaviness of our lives. Requiring students to have their cameras own during lectures should be put onto the backburner, if not for the comfort of the students but for the maintenance of our campus community at large.
Online education beats regular class By Adriana Ruvalcaba Opinions Writer CSU Bakersfield, like many other universities across the nation, began the fall 2020 semester by adopting a virtual learning method to keep students and faculty safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent switch from on-campus to online learning has caused many students, including myself, stress on whether they will adapt. But does anyone miss being on campus? Because I don’t. I am glad to finally let go of these time-consuming and frustrating school rituals. The Commute Like many students, I have a job. Balancing responsibilities are a part of the college experience. According to the Center of Education from Georgetown University, over 70% of students have jobs while attending college. The pandemic has changed the social life and job situation for some, but many of us are essential workers, and we still have to go to work. Since virtual learning began, I have saved both time and gas money. My job is across town, on the East side of Bakersfield. My eight-hour shifts start at 3 a.m. and end at
11:30 a.m. From work, I would have to drive across town to CSUB, through construction and lunch traffic, which could take up to 45 minutes. I would often eat a bag of chips for lunch since I would not have time to stop. Being able to drive straight home after work gives me time to spare. I am doing things I was unable to do before like eat a meal, use the restroom, relax, and catch up on assignments before my class starts. Parking I hate finding parking. I hated leaving an hour before class, debating on whether I should attempt a shortcut through a side street or to wait in the line of cars on Stockdale Highway (spoiler: it makes no difference), just to drive around multiple parking lots, only to end up in Lot J with 10 minutes left before class starts. And it gets worse every year. CSUB began the 2020-21 academic term with 11, 694 students. Last year, the CSUB website reported that in 2019 the enrollment was 11, 206 students, according to 23ABC New Bakersfield. That is a whole lot of new people taking up parking spots. Thankfully, this is an issue
we can avoid for now. Classrooms Entering a classroom sweaty and gross after running across campus would be embarrassing if my classmates were watching the door. But, most of my classmates are on their devices. This is not an anti-social media rant (I have checked my Instagram and my eBay bid five times since I started this piece). But I don’t miss being in a classroom where half of the students are on their phones, and even more of them hadn’t done the assigned reading. In Zoom sessions, the awkward silences are short. The instructors want to get the online class sessions over with just as much as we do. It is easier to be inconspicuous. Talking to Instructors I get intimidated by all my instructors. I am always too nervous to ask questions or visit face-toface during office hours. Recently, that veil of superiority I bestowed on my professors has been lifted. Watching them trying to figure out Zoom, making mistakes on Canvas while they try to convert their lessons online, or having their internet go down in the middle of a lecture has
made them more (figuratively) approachable and more human. We are all adapting to this new experience together. Food As mentioned earlier, finding parking is horrendous. Unless you want to risk losing your parking spot or you have multiple classes back to back, you are most likely not going to leave campus when you get hungry. I never know where to eat. I spend most of my break wandering around campus trying to find a spot to sit. I dislike the environment inside the Runner Café and avoid eating in close proximity to other people. Although I admit the food options have gotten better, you want to know what’s better than eating Panda Express on campus? Eating Panda Express off campus. Campus Events I know it exists, and I have observed a handful of events here and there. But does anyone actually enjoy participating? It could be my bitterness talking, but I don’t miss seeing groups of people, who have more free time than I do, playing tug-awar, or whatever games
ASI planned with my tuition funds. Then again, my school spirit could use improving. I don’t even know how to do that Roadrunner hand symbol they taught us all in orientation. Wait. I paid $385.55 in Student Union/SRC Fees this semester. Hey CSUB, since none of can be on campus...can we have some of that money back? Library This is not a criticism of the library building; I prefer working there than in my bedroom. But I don’t miss going up and down multiple floors trying to find a desk or unoccupied study room. And why are students still talking loudly and laughing? We’re all adults and should be past this point. Now with virtual learning, you all can be obnoxious on your own time. The Students (one more thing) Why is it always the people with the worst taste in music that play their music without headphones? Nobody thinks you are cool. Stop. Using the Restroom You all want to know what I did before my most recent Zoom lesson? I
pooped. I am sure it is evident based on this list; I have several anxieties. But one I am sure others will understand is being unable to go “number two” in a public restroom. On a typical school day, I am away from home for about 15-16 hours. There is nothing I dread more than getting bubble guts in the middle of a class lecture. I contemplate whether it is worth leaving campus to drive home and will I make it to class in time, or if I should take ibuprofen and tough it out. Virtual learning has relieved me of this drama and shame. Walking to my car I don’t miss the exhaustion. I rarely feel stress-free while in school. The long walk back to the car should mark the end of the day’s responsibilities, but I know there is more work waiting for me when I get home. I understand wanting that separation from school and home, but as someone who has spent so much time away, it is nice to be in a safe environment where I am only a few steps away from my bed. Now instead of a dreaded march across campus to my car, I simply log off.
Opinions September 9, 2020
The Runner
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Runner on the Street Do you prefer to watch movies in the comfort of your home or in the theater?
“I would have to say the cinematic experience of the theater.” - Aaliyah Hannible
“I absolutely, without a doubt, prefer the cinematic experience of a theater...” - Sydnee Johanesen
“I prefer the experience of watching them at the theater.” - Jonathan Coelho
“I actually prefer to watch them at home.” - Tori Hernandez
Chadwick Boseman and the importance of diversity in film By Spencer Shepard Reporter In trying times, as a nation-wide community works toward a safer environment, actors playing roles that exhibit moral truths and human equality should be at the forefront of the film industry. Chadwick Boseman, who played pivotal roles such as Jackie Robinson in “42,” Thurgood Marshall in “Marshall,” and T’Challa in “Black Panther,” was a champion for racial representation in films. The importance of racial representation in cinema allows for diversity and symbolic interactionism, which is the “view of social behavior” and its significance in bettering society. Symbolic interactionism is a theory that takes a small-scale view of society and focuses on interactions between individuals. It explains an individual’s role in society and can focus on societal change on a small scale. The roles Boseman played allowed the audiences to immerse themselves in another era via the big screen. In the movie “42”,
Illustration by David Hernandez/The Runner
Boseman plays as Jackie Robinson, who was the first Black baseball player drafted into the Major League Baseball association, in a time when segregation and Jim Crow Laws were the norms. Robinson, against all the odds, overcame inequality
and racism as a ballplayer for the Brooklyn Dodgers and, over time, became a champion for breaking race barriers and showed that Black Americans have the right to be equal to white ballplayers. Symbolic interactionism shows how someone’s
interactions with the world can change day to day and eventually change our perspective about something. It can take the assumptions one has about a race/ gender and arrange them into a medium for one to understand. An example of this is the
word “dog,” and if someone is never shown what a dog is, they would never know that it is a furry fourlegged animal companion. The same can be said about racism; one might know the word because they read about it in a history book, but through symbolic interactionism, an audience can understand that it is real. Boseman, like Robinson, was able to show how symbolic interactionism is an inherent part of ending biases against Black American’s role in society. With the use of cinema, Boseman can portray and imitate the trials that Robinson endured. This reenactment shown to an audience that may not have completely understood the struggles Robinson had faced in the name of racism, may understand the concept of racism in a different way than before. When Boseman played T’Challa in the film “Black Panther,” it brought about a new type of diversity to the cinema industry with its introduction of the first Black superhero. “Black Panther” was one of the first significant budget films to have a majority all Black cast and
put a spotlight on African culture. “Black Panther” is important because it allows for diversity in cinema to be the focal point of the movie by showing a culture that most are unfamiliar with. Boseman showed what it was like to play a Black man both in American and Africa, and by doing so, was able to incorporate symbolic interactionism into his role. Boseman, through cinema, showed firsthand to an audience what inequality and what racism looks like. Through the course of his films, Boseman was able to tackle issues relevant to race and identity. Additionally, the audience understands the importance of diversity in movies and shows how society can begin working for a better future. “[Boseman was a] hero-for Black kids and for all our kids,” First Lady Michelle Obama said, “he could play…with such captivating depth and honesty.” While T’Challa may be a fictional character, Chadwick Boseman was a real-life superhero that lived for a better tomorrow.
Sports
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September 1, 2020
The Runner
CSUB all-star basketball player to coach Cenntenial High School By Ron Stapp Sports Editor To understand the impact that Stephon Carter had on the CSU Bakersfield men’s basketball program, a quick look at the 2019-20 Roadrunners’ media guide is all that is needed. The former CSUB standout, who helped usher the school into the Division I basketball era, has his pictured plastered on the cover of the publication. Carter’s significance doesn’t stop there. His name is featured more than dozen times for individual game, season and career records. Carter finished his four-year tenure with the ’Runners as the school’s all-time lead-
six-year professional career, the 29-yearold Carter is ready for his next test on the hardwood after accepting a position as the varsity boys basketball coach at Centennial High School. “I wasn’t sure I was done playing, but then this opportunity presented itself,” said Carter, who scored a school record 1,628 points at CSUB from 2009 to 2013. “If everything works out then I’ll start coaching. Eventually, I always wanted to, so I figured why not now?” Carter replaces Hernan Santiago, who resigned in July following a seven-year stint where he led the Golden Hawks to two league titles. It will also serve as Carter’s first head coaching job at this level.
CSUB SID/The Runner Stephon Carter (right) in action during a game against the Omaha mens basketball team.
er in scoring, made free throws, free throw attempts, field goals and steals. Now, just a few months removed from a
“I’ve coached kids when I was overseas, but not to the extent of coaching a high school team or anything like that,” Carter
said. “I had a little team of 13-year-olds, but the duties and responsibilities wasn’t like it is at a high school.” Despite Carter’s lack of coaching experience, hiring the former local star was a big moment for Centennial athletic director Tom Haskell. “Everybody I’ve ever talked to about him has said he’s always been the hardest worker on the court and he’s never satisfied,” Haskell said. “We interviewed him twice and it was one of the things that he emphasized; that you’re going to practice the way that you play.” “He’s a very respectful kid. I think I taught him during summer school when he was in eighth grade. It’s a good move for more kids.” Carter played professionally in Spain for three years, and had stints in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. in The Basketball League (TBL). He played in the semi-pro ABA this past season, leading his team to a 16-1 record before the coronavirus abruptly ended his season. The uncertainty that followed motivated Carter to evaluate his situation, and ultimately, speed up his decision to start coaching. “My career was kind of coming to an end and I knew I probably only had a couple more years to play,” said Carter, a threetime Division I All-Independent selection while at CSUB. “But COVID-19 did kind of speed up the process and overseas basketball is kind of up in the air. And I didn’t want to pass up this opportunity while I’m waiting for an opportunity for a job (playing). I’m still young and can still play, but m y next
CSUB SID/The Runner Former basketball star Stephon Carter is CSUB’s all-time leading scorer.
career goal was to coach,” he said. Although trading in his uniform for a clipboard will be something new for Carter, he is confident that it will be a smooth transition. “I want to give them wisdom and to teach them how to play first,” Carter said. “Academics is obviously important, and if I want to try to help them go to college. I want to teach them about respect, and not just as an athlete. I want to be a positive influence on them.”
Roadrunners volleyball team bonds on virtual court amid COVID-19 sports hiatus By Chris Burdick Podcast Editor No matter the conditions that need to be met, the unanimous hopes from the Roadrunners volleyball team is that they will be able to play this season to some extent. Teams like the Roadrunners volleyball team have already lost their spring beach season due to this pandemic, but now they might be losing out a second season with indoor competition being delayed until 2021. On July 29 the governing board of the Big West conference released a press statement announcing all fall 2020 sports seasons will be postponed until the end of the calendar year. With various restrictions on training for student athletes during this pandemic, this decision effectively puts various CSU Bakersfield fall sports on the shelf for the foreseeable future.
While this decision was expected and intended to protect the health of the student athletes, coaches, and administration involved; it was still deeply disappointing to everyone affected. CSUB volleyball players, like senior Emily Hansen, were disappointed in the news that the season is postponed. But that hasn’t stopped the team from being positive minded about the season and preparing through individual training while also bonding anyway they can virtually. “We do workouts on our own,” Hansen said. “There are some gyms open now that we can go to. And team wise we are still building our bond as best as we can virtually. We have a lot of zoom calls with the coaches just with ourselves. So, we still have some opportunities to talk and get to know one another.” Because most fall sports outside of football are not allowed by the NCAA to conduct individual workouts on campus,
that presents an interesting challenge for coaching staffs to stay on top of their players. CSUB Director of Volleyball Giovana Melo says she trusts that her players are doing all they can to prepare themselves for the season, but it’s not the workouts or the games that the players are missing most it’s the in-person interaction that they all have with one another. “For us what we are really wanting is that interaction back again,” Melo said. “If it takes wearing masks and social distancing and stay doing that, I think that the girls just need that interaction again. Although the door has not closed by any means on the Roadrunners season, various precautions will be made to help deter the spread COVID-19 among teams. Among the precautions taken may be the loss of spectators according to CSUB Director of Athletics Dr. Kenneth Siegfried. “What we know at this point is that there
would be testing requirements for the teams and it would be unlikely to have spectators at this point but we will know more in the next few months,” Siegfried said. Siegfried also said that if fall sports do have their seasons, their length of schedule will most likely be shortened in some way. Regardless of the length, the Roadrunners plan to be well prepared for that day when they can take the court together once again.
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