Opinion: How the horror genre is rising from its grave (pg. 7)
Friday, October 27, 2023 Volume LV, Issue 9 Est. 1969
NEWS
CWRU suspends admissions to Integrated Graduate Studies programs
CWRU’s accelerated master’s programs no longer compliant with Ohio regulations saying, “[they] don’t know when there Zachary Treseler News Editor Shivangi Nanda Executive Editor Last semester, Case Western Reserve University suspended all admissions to their Integrated Graduate Studies (IGS) program due to changes made by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE). In the past, the IGS program allowed students to complete a master’s degree alongside their undergraduate coursework. As a result, students would not have to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to matriculate into graduate school, and they could take classes that counted for both their undergraduate and graduate school requirements. However, this process of “double-counting” course credits is now more strictly regulated by the state—as they stand, many IGS programs are not compliant. These statewide changes to graduate study were first proposed in 2019, yet CWRU affirms that the new rules only came into effect last year. In comments to The Observer, the university noted that “[a]dmissions to the university’s Integrated Graduate Studies program have been suspended in the wake of action by Ohio Department of Higher Education regarding the credits counted simultaneously for both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree.” Minutes from several graduate student councils, including one at Ohio University, mention that prior to 2019 there were inconsistencies in how credits were double-counted—some universities allowed for half of the graduate credits to be transferred to undergraduate requirements, while others accepted none. According to Jeff Robinson, director of communications for the ODHE, they were “asked by Ohio campuses how the [institutions with accelerated bachelor’s-master’s programs] should be treated within the guidelines. This clarification was provided in 2019 after discussions with the Chancellor’s Council of Graduate Studies (CCGS) and the Higher Learning Commis-
sion.” Under the newly instated regulations, only nine credit hours can count between the two degrees, with a combined master’s and bachelor’s program requiring at least 141 credit hours total. Undergraduate Student Government’s Vice President for Academic Affairs Hayley Latta said that “the BS/MS programs follow the current guidelines for the state, which only allow [nine] hours to be double-counted across two degrees. The BA/MA programs generally count more than these [nine] hours, which violates the Ohio Department of Education’s policy.” As a result, undergraduates intending to apply must wait for CWRU to finalize a new policy before starting their graduate education, but current IGS students are unaffected. It is important to note these changes apply to IGS programs in every university—meaning that none of the IGS programs are currently accepting applications—but they will not impact
Tyler Vu/The Observer
students seeking admission into CWRU’s Pre-Professional Scholars Programs. CWRU states that the next steps for IGS depend on decisions made by the Faculty Senate’s graduate and undergraduate committees. The university reported that “once the committees complete their work to develop a recommended policy, it will be recommended to the full Faculty Senate for its review.” “I have been informed about the recent status of IGS through our discussions in [the Faculty Senate Committee for Undergraduate Education], and to my knowledge, USG has not been told about CWRU’s final decision, since the university is still trying to understand how/whether to allow students to enter graduate programs early,” Latta said about the progress of these discussions. Dr. Aviva Rothman, a Faculty Senate member, affirms Latta’s statements
will be a final decision, but various Faculty Senate groups will be considering new guidelines for IGS in their November meetings.” She also elaborates on how current undergraduates will be affected, stating, “[t]here are ongoing discussions about whether existing undergraduate students can possibly be grandfathered [into] a version of IGS that allows for more overlap, but this is still undetermined.” Regardless of the outcome, Rothman believes “there will still be a system in place akin to IGS that will allow undergraduates the possibility of accelerated graduate study.” While CWRU students are left awaiting a final policy, students from surrounding universities are experiencing little to no change to their academic programs. Representatives from two private universities, Ohio Dominican University and the University of Dayton, confirmed that their accelerated master’s programs are still running and accepting applications as usual. Various public universities, including the University of Akron, have also confirmed that their programs are still recruiting students, though accelerated master’s programs for public universities are enshrined in Ohio law. Awaiting the new IGS policy, Dr. Leah Jeunnette, director of CWRU’s master’s program in bioethics and medical humanities, is hopeful that changes “will make the IGS program stronger for all students at CWRU.” “As the MA in Bioethics and Medical Humanities program is one of the largest Integrated Graduate Studies programs at Case Western Reserve University, we are keeping a close eye on the proposed changes to the IGS program. The IGS students who join our program each fall are some of the best that CWRU has to offer and make our MA program more diverse, more interdisciplinary, and more dynamic,” Dr. Jeunnette said, describing how the changes are impacting her program. For CWRU students, the issue of IGS suspension is a waiting game. We can only hope in the coming months that the Faculty Senate will come to a final decision and students will once again be able to enroll in and take advantage of these dual degree opportunities.
NEWS
Your guide to Ohio’s 2023 General Election Students reflect on ballot issues, prepare to vote Téa Tamburo News Editor Much is at stake in Ohio’s Nov. 7 General Election—namely abortion access and marijuana legalization. This election is particularly important in forming the future of Ohio’s
legislation and may be the most consequential in the state’s recent history. For those who are registered to vote in Ohio, absentee voting by mail and in-person early voting began Oct. 11 and continues until Nov. 5. Students can visit the Center for Civic Engagement
and Learning (CCEL) office to request an absentee ballot by Oct. 31. According to fourth-year CWRUVotes Democracy Fellow Phuong Nguyen, the ballot will need to be postmarked by Nov. 6 or dropped off at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. To vote in-person, students must
bring a valid Ohio ID or a passport to the polling location. On Election Day, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., registered voters can cast their inperson ballot. Continue reading on page 2
News
The Case Western Reserve Observer Friday, October 27, 2023 observer.case.edu Volume LV, Issue 9
Guide to General Election from page 1 Téa Tamburo News Editor As described by the Editorial Board earlier this semester, Issue 1 puts the debate about abortion rights into the hands of voters, the only state to be doing so this year. If passed, Ohio residents will have the right to decide their own reproductive medical treatment, including abortion. This follows the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, which gave individual states the power to determine reproductive freedom. If Issue 1 does not pass, the six-week abortion ban without exceptions for rape or incest could be reinstated. Second-year and Advocacy Director of PERIOD @ CWRU Abigail Gilman also voted in favor of Issue 1 during in-person early voting. “We deserve to make decisions about our bodies without government input,” Gilman said. “I believe we are all entitled to reproductive freedom, and Issue 1 would solidify that right for Ohioans!” Issue 2 concerns recreational marijuana legalization and will allow adults over 21 years of age to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower and 15 grams of extract. This initiative was spearheaded by the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, and—if passed—would make Ohio the 24th state to legalize cannabis. Proponents of the amendment argue that legalization brings cultural and economic benefits, the positive experiences of the 23 states who have already legalized marijuana. Tax revenue is also expected to surge
with a proposed 10% tax on every sale, yielding an extra hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Fourth-year political science student Sakthiram Kumar said he will vote in favor of Issue 2. “I’m told that marijuana legalization is beneficial for economic reasons, but this isn’t what drives me to vote ‘Yes’ for Issue 2,” Kumar said. “In my view, legalizing weed could help improve the criminal justice system as it has the possibility of combatting the racial bias present in marijuana enforcement.” Also basing her decision off of the criminal justice system, Gilman voted in favor of Issue 2. “Legalizing recreational marijuana would greatly reduce the number of petty criminal charges. Legalization will also make marijuana safer since it has to go through a regulatory process,” she said. Those on the opposing end, such as State Representative Josh Williams, have voiced concerns about safety, highlighting how unrestricted access to marijuana may increase operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) cases and ease accessibility to children if grown at home. The People’s Budget—Issue 38— will be exclusively on Cleveland residents’ ballots. Earlier this year, a coalition of Cleveland residents, called People’s Budget Cleveland (PB CLE), petitioned the city council for residents to decide how a portion of the city’s budget would be spent. When the council did not approve, PB CLE gathered enough signatures to put Issue 38 on the ballot. If passed, this could allow residents
A sign outside Thwing Center urges CWRU students to vote on reproductive rights and marijuana legalization in the upcoming Nov. 7 election. Téa Tamburo/The Observer to manage up to 2% of the city’s budget. This process of participatory budgeting is already implemented in cities such as Chicago, New York City and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Aside from Issues 1 and 2, ballot issues will vary by residential county, and the ballot will include all precincts and wards. A full list of the issues and candidates for Cuyahoga County can be viewed on the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections website. Kumar said the classes he’s taking this semester touched on topics in Issues 1 and 2, which helped him make educated decisions in his vote. “I try to keep myself up-to-date on the news regarding these issues,” he said. “I also try to listen to different perspectives on topics I’m interested in to make informed decisions.” Prior to going to the polls, Gilman said she researched the issues, formed her opinions and knew how she would vote. She said, “I’ve read about the issues on the ballot … and formed my
opinions based on that information.” Third-year student Democracy Fellow for CWRUVotes Hannah Jackson said students can visit the CCEL office to view their off-campus in-person voting location or use the TurboVote website. Kumar mentioned the difficulty of taking time to vote in-person while balancing his academic responsibilities. “Students who want to vote must juggle their civic and academic responsibilities,” he said. “This isn’t conducive to promoting student civic engagement, so I hope CWRU makes Election Day a holiday soon!” While CWRU will not have voting locations on campus, Jackson emphasized the importance of putting in the effort to vote. “Voting is one of the best ways that students can make their voices heard and create the world that they want to see,” she said. “By being a consistent voter, you are actively shaping the future of our democracy.”
“Spitball” will return: The storied sculpture’s past, present and future Milo Vetter Staff Writer When Case Western Reserve University’s Case Quad was
relandscaped in the summer of 2022, some students were dismayed to find that the large angular sculpture between Strosacker Hall and Sears Library was gone. This sculpture, known as “Spitball,” had
stood silently at the center of Case Quad for decades. What happened to it? Moreover, what even is it, and how did it get such a silly name? To start at the beginning, “Spitball” was sculpted by Tony
After being removed for cosmetic repairs, Tony Smith’s sculpture “Spitball” is scheduled to return to campus in late fall or early spring. Courtesy of The Daily
Smith, a pioneer in the artistic field of Minimalist sculpture. A fan of baseball, he named “Spitball” after the baseball pitch with the same name, which moves erratically as it travels to the plate. “Spitball” was Smith’s representation of this behavior, as its profile changes dramatically if you view it from different angles. The “Spitball” we know is one of three; it was acquired by a group of trustees, whose advisor from the Cleveland Museum of Art suggested that Cleveland needed more modern art. It was dedicated to Kent Hale Smith in 1972, which was fitting considering that Case Quad used to officially be called the Kent Smith Quad. However, the sculpture has had a tumultuous history. Slowly, students began to write on the sculpture in chalk. Its central location on Case Quad, in addition to its smooth black surfaces, made it function surprisingly well as a chalkboard. “Spitball” became a canvas for everything from club event announcements to complaints about professors or courseloads. Of course, this “chalking” was divisive among students. Continue reading on page 3
observer.case.edu
“Spitball” will return from page 2
Those more inclined to appreciate modern art were strongly opposed to the chalking. In a 2019 Observer piece, Max McPheeters wrote, “What is there to be gained from defacing art? … Is that really how we, as a university, want to be seen by the art world? As people who disrespect art?” Others were willing to publicly support the chalking. In another Observer piece published the week before, Steve Kerby wrote, “While I admire it for the art itself, I also marvelled at what the campus added … We should chalk on Spitball because it is a platform for sending positive messages of art and love to the stressed-out students on their way to Strosacker Auditorium. It is a way for the common Spartan to engage in art without fear of judgement, and the rain will wash the steel clean.” Unfortunately, the chalking seems to have not been as harmless as people thought, according to Kathleen Barrie, the director of the Putnam Collection, which is the group responsible for the varied sculptures around CWRU. Among their works are the Ugly Statue— known officially as “Start”—and “Judy’s Hand Pavilion,” the imposing metal hand in front of the bookstore. In a response to a request for comment, Barrie said that “Spitball” “is now undergoing extensive restoration and repainting … Some of the repairs are due to weather conditions over the years, some due
to the surface damage. It will be returned to campus to a new location on the lawn between Nord, Bingham and A.W. Smith. We’re looking at a late fall/early spring arrival.” Barrie also did not hesitate to take a side in the chalking debate: “The artist designed it the way it should be seen and enjoyed, with smooth carefully crafted welds, seams and smooth surfaces. He was fascinated by triangles and tetrahedrons and explored those in his work. It’s hard to see beyond the surface when it’s covered with scribbles and markings. It is not a blackboard. If there’s a real need for that it should be addressed in other ways.” Putting aside the excellent idea of a public blackboard on Case Quad, what is the legacy of “Spitball’s” vandalism? It’s regrettable that the sculpture was damaged by repeated scratches, but perhaps there’s a silver lining. In his article, Steve Kerby wrote that “[f]or decades, the CWRU community has bravely adapted Spitball to its needs, with little formal objection from the authorities. In this time, the meaning of Spitball has changed.” Despite his lack of respect for “the authorities,” Kerby is right: The “Spitball” that will be returning to Case Quad is not the same one that arrived 51 years ago. Not only has it been damaged and restored, but our perceptions and expectations of it are totally different. And it seems that the sculptor, Tony Smith, would have agreed with
this perspective. In 1972, when the sculpture was introduced, Dottie Jeffries in an Observer article titled “Smith’s ‘Spitball’ concept explained” wrote that “[Smith] believes that no matter how abstract a form might be, it is not complete within itself; rather, the form generates an infinity of associations that vary with the experiences of the observer.” Assuming that Jeffries didn’t misrepresent Smith, this adds another dimension to the sculpture’s visual movement. Firstly, “Spitball” has gained meaning just from its age. When it was first sculpted, it likely seemed futuristic and foreign as a modern sculpture between old brick college buildings. But today, the hypermodern Peter B. Lewis Building, which was completed in 2002, is right across the street from the collegiate gothic Clark Hall, which has stood since 1892. What’s one more anachronism when the campus is made out of anachronisms? Why would anyone be shocked by a modern sculpture in the middle of Case Quad? It’s a testament to Smith’s artistic foresight that a sculpture he made over 50 years ago has come to be seen as contemporary in the present day. And secondly, there are some more obvious associations connected to “Spitball” today by its viewers. When the sculpture is looked at today, the first thing that comes to mind might not be the intangibility of its shape but instead the electric scooter that
News 3
Lucas Yang/The Observer was perched on top of it, the chalk writing all over it or its functionality as cover during a game of Humans vs. Zombies. “Spitball” certainly isn’t the first work of art to be redefined by disrespect. For example, the “Mona Lisa” used to be a fairly obscure work until it was stolen. Now it’s world famous not just because of its artistic beauty but also because it was stolen from and later returned to the Louvre. So maybe “Spitball” will be CWRU’s own “Mona Lisa”—ignored, disrespected, removed and returned with a new level of appreciation. “For CWRU community members who don’t know about Spitball, its reintroduction to campus will be a chance to experience it in a pristine state, the way it was originally complete. For those [who] do know about it, its reintroduction will be like a special old friend returning,” Barrie of the Putnam Collection added. Hopefully, that pristine state will last as long as possible, and students will refrain from damaging it for the foreseeable future. But regardless of how it ends up being treated, its history will remain. The “Spitball” we know may be only one of three identical sculptures made by Tony Smith—the other two reside in the Menil Collection in Houston and the Baltimore Museum of Art—but it’s unique from the other two. It’s the only one that has had an electric scooter on top of it, and that’s a legacy that we should cherish.
Photos of the week
Sara Khorshidi/The Observer
Auden Koetters/The Observer
Life What to do this Halloweek(end) Kate Gordon Life Editor
With Halloween next Tuesday, Case Western Reserve University student organizations are hosting a plethora of events over the weekend to celebrate. From movie and play showings to an actual rave to the annual pumpkin launch off the top of Clarke Tower, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy, no matter their interests or comfort level with all things scary. Haunted History: Tales of Untimely Deaths When: Friday, Oct. 27 from 5-8 p.m. Where: Amasa Stone Chapel Join SEC Student Presidents’ Roundtable and storyteller Dr. Janice Gerda to hear a spooky twist on CWRU history and the tales of the spirits that supposedly haunt our school. Tickets are free but limited, so be sure to register as soon as possible. Gruesome Playground Injuries When: Friday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 28 from 7:30-9 p.m. Where: Clark 400 This dark, bloody comedy put on by the Players’ Theater Group is perfect for Halloween. The play follows the lives of Kayleen and Doug, two friends who keep meeting amidst both emotional and physical injuries. Tickets are free but limited, so be sure to register as soon as possible. HalloQueen Drag Show When: Friday, Oct. 27 from 8-10 p.m. Where: Tink Ballroom oSTEM’s Halloween drag show is always a hit—if I had to pick one event on this list worth showing up for, this would be it. This year, the show’s lineup includes local drag queens and kings Dakota Cox, Sarah Tonin, Joliee Blak, Lady Inferno and The Art of Omega. Their performances are sure to have you laughing, cheering and clapping along, as there never seems to be a dull moment onstage. This event is free. Howl Fest When: Friday, Oct. 27 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Where: Outpost at Fiji Fiji’s annual Halloween rave is back, with this year’s music provided by DJs Nevamishs and Phantom. All attendees are encouraged to wear a costume. The entrance fee is $5 before 11 p.m. and $7 after. Jack Bash When: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 1-4 p.m. Where: Clarke Tower Even if you don’t live in Clarke Tower or are not a first-year student, it’s always fun watching the tower’s residents throw pumpkins off its eleventh floor. After 3 p.m., non-residents are welcome to participate in the chucking. This event is free. The Rocky Horror Picture Show When: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. and midnight Where: Strosacker Auditorium CWRU Film Society’s midnight screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will feature a live performance by Voyeuristic Intentions, CWRU’s Rocky Horror shadow cast. Be sure to get there before 11 p.m.—in costume, of course— for preshow “de-virginization games and prizes.” Tickets are $4.
The Case Western Reserve Observer Friday, October 27, 2023 observer.case.edu Volume LV, Issue 9
UPB’s first international trip since COVID-19 inspires CWRU students Zachary Treseler News Editor It is not every day that Tinkham Veale University Center is packed at 4 a.m. But on Oct. 24, this was exactly the case as Case Western Reserve University students gathered eagerly with passports in hand to start a seven-hour bus ride to Toronto, kicking off the University Program Board’s annual fall break trip—the first international trip since the pandemic, and a testament to CWRU’s international programming. In Tink, students had their documents checked and were given two custom luggage tags with information from the Office of Education Abroad. Boarding began after a quick welcome presentation. Before the coach reached the interstate, the vast majority of students on my bus were fast asleep, using makeshift pillows that even included a ball of yarn. As dawn broke, the three chartered buses stopped at a rest stop in the Cattaraugus Reservation—part of the Seneca Nation of New York— where infamously only two bathroom stalls were available. The rest stop was a timed wake up call to ensure that students were fully awake and alert at the Peace Bridge: an uneventful border crossing that became the symbolic highlight of the trip. The city of Toronto itself was an absolute delight and one of my favorite cities I have ever visited. On the first day, my friends and I wandered around Chinatown and Dundas Street, a main road lined with large department stores, malls and a central square with billboards that reminded me of Times Square in New York City. The next day, many students participated in the one excursion that UPB provided, a trip up the CN Tower at a heavily reduced price. Here, students spent nearly an hour wandering around the observation decks, taking photos out of the floor to ceiling windows and grabbing a bite to eat. Later that day I decided to go out on my own adventure, visiting Toronto Island Park and walking the length of the PATH network: a series of tunnels and shopping malls that connect Toronto’s downtown with the waterfront and City Hall. The sheer length of this system astonished me, though the sight of shuttered mall facades was all too familiar. I also got the opportunity to wander down Graffiti Alley and view Toronto’s impressive street artist scene. The last day I spent adventuring around, visiting the Casa Loma—the mansion of an eccentric industrialist turned Major-General in the first world war—and the George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art. Afterwards, we left Toronto and stopped in Niagara Falls, Ontario for a brief rest stop to run to a convenience store while grabbing photos of the falls from the Canadian side. Since it was dark out, we got to see different colored light displays, including ones in the colors of the United States and Canadian flags. On the trip home,
The famous Toronto sign in Nathan Phillips Square highlights the modern and brutalist architecture that the city is known for. Zachary Treseler/The Observer a final rest stop was taken in Erie, Pennsylvania, where an abnormal amount of gas station hot dogs were purchased and consumed by all. While exploring the city, what struck me the most was how modern Toronto is. Most of the skyline is a mix between brutalistic and modern glass structures, with the odd colonial historical building in between. Their public transport system became an unusual highlight for me and my friends: Trams crossed the city’s downtown grid, with three subway lines that extended into the suburbs. It provided a different taste of urbanism than the car centric Cleveland. Toronto is also home to some incredible food. Of course, there was plenty of poutine. This was my first time trying—and falling in love with—the gravy, cheese curds and french fries combination. My friends and I also consumed hand crafted rice balls, many delightful brunch foods and items from the coffee chain Tim Hortons. Prior to this trip, I had not traveled with UPB. So, I was incredibly surprised by the amount of freedom and independence we had on the trip. Instead of acting like chaperones on an eighth-grade field trip to Washington, D.C., UPB was merely our method of transportation and hotel room booking service. UPB members were responsible for ensuring all students made it onto the buses, but beyond that we only occasionally saw the UPB members out and about, experiencing Toronto with us. This independence gave students a real motivation to explore and make new connections. For example, one day when I was at Casa Loma, a man pointed at my CWRU
sweatshirt and said, “Case Western…right?” Just like that, I bumped into an alum from 2012, striking up a brief conversation about life and shared memories of University Circle. Personally, I used this independence to do every political science nerd’s favorite activity while traveling: going to local legislative bodies. In Toronto, I took time to tour and sit in on a debate inside the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. For me, it was a great way of seeing not only how other democracies debate issues, but also hear about what nonAmericans think is going on inside the U.S. I was asked twice to explain to my Canadian Tour Guide what was happening in our current political scene. Such experiences allow us as students to not only serve as ambassadors for CWRU, but also to gain key cultural competency skills in being able to understand others. For example, since Canada is a bilingual country, students were also exposed to another language: French. In my view, CWRU has been trying to expand its presence in the study abroad and international education world. They are actively trying to get more students to have experiences that take them outside of the U.S. While not an actual study abroad trip, UPB’s trip is a direct result of the university’s emphasis on expanding its global presence. CWRU has so many great international opportunities for students, even if they are essentially schoolsponsored adult field trips. This trip was not only incredibly cost efficient, but a great way to break out of the University Circle bubble. I would do it again, just for the poutine.
Fun Weekly Horoscope The signs as couples costumes
Aquarius Colonel Sanders & fried chicken Pisces Alex Jones & gay frogs/his various conspiracies
The Case Western Reserve Observer Friday, October 27, 2023 observer.case.edu Volume LV, Issue 9
What We've Been Listening To
Crossword: 10/13 Solution
Gnaw Alex G
Kate Gordon
Perdido de Amor Luiz Bonfa Lexy Jensen
Et alors? Ade
Zachary Treseler
Keep Driving Harry Styles
Auden Koetters
Aries Lauren Boebert & handjob man Taurus Grimace & shake
What we did for fall break!
Gemini Mordecai & Twilight Sparkle Cancer Phineas & Ferb Leo Spongebob & Sandy
Joce Ortiz/The Observer
Anjali Bhuthpur/The Observer
Sara Khorshidi/The Observer
Auden Koetters/The Observer
Zachary Treseler/The Observer
Phuong Nguyen/The Observer
Virgo Chipotle & E. coli Libra Creamed corn & saltines Scorpio Kaler & Karen Sagittarius Turkish police & Marcus Aurelius Capricorn Squidward & Squilliam
Overheard CWRU
Compilation of out-of-pocket things heard across campus "What other bounce can I be talking about?" "There are a lot of closeted readers."
Tyler Vu/The Observer
"That was scary." (At a haunted house)
A: "What's your major, what are you studying?" B: "Physics and b*tches!" A: "Physics and b*tches?! Damn, things have changed since I was in school." "Me when a comma is superfluous."
Opinion
The Case Western Reserve Observer Friday, October 27, 2023 observer.case.edu Volume LV, Issue 9
LTTE: A response from CWRU Students for Justice in Palestine regarding President Kaler’s recent email and electricity of Palestinians is in
CWRU Students for Justice in violation of the Geneva Convention, which explicitly identifies collective Palestine To President Kaler, Case Western Reserve University’s Students for Justice in Palestine writes to you in response to your email addressed to the university community on Oct. 13. We feel betrayed by you and the CWRU administration, and find your recent email to the CWRU community to be insensitive, complicit and regressive. Your refusal to explicitly acknowledge Israel’s war crimes against Palestinian civilians (AP News) and failure to even mention the Palestinians by name in your most recent statement is extremely disappointing and harmful. While CWRU SJP has consistently advocated for freedom and peace, and called for productive dialogue within our community, this email only undermines this progress. It is disappointing that you write about “terrorism” without mentioning the recent overwhelming violence the Israeli government has subjected Gazan civilians to. The unlawful and antihumanitarian restriction of essential resources such as water, gas, food
punishment against a group of people as a war crime. The Palestinian people are frequently dehumanized through the use of insensitive and dangerous language, being labeled as “human animals” by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (NPR). This language coincides with the current war crimes being committed against Palestinians, including the forced evacuation of 1.1 million people in northern Gaza (New York Times), the targeting of civilians in Gaza (CNBC) and the use of white phosphorus in Gaza and Lebanon (Human Rights Watch), resulting in the deaths of over 2,000 Palestinians, including over 700 children (CNN). It is to our uttermost dismay that this reality is being ignored. It is even more disheartening to read your email given the work SJP accomplished with you throughout the last year. We believed you were committed to fostering a safe environment for Palestinian students on campus, but your recent email proves otherwise. We demand an immediate condemnation of the numerous war crimes Israel has committed. As we stated in our last
Let’s all stand up against bullying Catherine Choi Staff Writer Bullying is defined as the “ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behavior that intends to cause physical, social and psychological harm.” There are many forms of bullying including physical bullying, verbal bullying and cyberbullying. Bullying can be caused by a variety of factors. Past trauma, for example, can cause someone to lash out at others. A lack of positive role models, an undeveloped sense of empathy and biased views can also push an individual to bully. Regardless of the reason, bullying is never acceptable, and school communities need adequate resources that properly address and help to prevent bullying. In order to eliminate bullying, we must first understand the impact of bullying on victims, bystanders and even the bully themselves. Victims can suffer from depression, anxiety, poor academic performance and low self esteem even after the bullying stops. And not only is bullying destructive to the mental health of victims, but it can also create a vicious cycle of violence if victims choose to retaliate. Even the bystanders who witness bullying risk higher rates of substance use, mental health issues and poor school attendance. Bullies, too, risk higher rates of substance abuse, worsened academic
performance and increased difficulty forming relationships. It is in the best interest of everyone, therefore, to strongly enforce anti-bullying measures in schools and teach students how bullying starts and how to identify and prevent it. Moreover, many dangerous myths have spread that only further add to the trauma bullying victims face. Despite what some people might think, bullying is not a normal part of childhood, and bullies are fully capable of controlling themselves. Believing otherwise means actively contributing to a culture where victim blaming is encouraged. It is important that measures to prevent bullying also focus on reframing the thought processes and beliefs associated with it. Victims aren’t weak, and no one ever “asks” to be bullied. With the efforts of our peers, parents and school faculties, we can put an end to bullying. Schools should work towards creating an environment where students can comfortably discuss bullying free from fear that bullies might retaliate or that victims might be mocked. School administrations and government leaders should devote more resources towards educational programs where students can learn about bullying and its negative effects and about how to stand up against bullying and ask for help. Continue reading on page 7
statement, we do not condone war crimes or violence against civilians, the elderly or children. Furthermore, CWRU SJP has been a frequent advocate for peace, and maintains that those unilaterally calling for the Palestinians to submit and stop resisting are not calling for peace. Emails such as the one you sent out on Oct. 13 are damaging not only to Palestinians, but also to the CWRU community and the surrounding Cleveland area. There is injustice in propagating misinformation. We demand, President Kaler, that you escape this destructive narrative. CWRU SJP thanks the CWRU Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) for their statement and in taking the time to use 29 different
sources to provide the necessary context for this issue. President Kaler, we encourage you to uphold the OMA’s statement as the standard when addressing the university community. The harmful rhetoric present in your email reinforces anti-Palestinian sentiments that dehumanizes Palestinians and creates an unsafe environment that deliberately fuels stereotypes against Palestinians, Arabs and other minorities that support peace in Palestine. It is of the utmost importance and imminence that CWRU condemns Israeli apartheid in order to move towards peace and understanding. Signed, CWRU SJP
The Case Western Reserve Observer Established in 1969 by the undergraduate students of Case Western Reserve University
Shivangi Nanda Executive Editor & Publisher PRINT Elie Aoun Director of Print Téa Tamburo News Editor Zachary Treseler News Editor Kate Gordon Life Editor Beau Bilinovich Opinion Editor Puneet Bansal Sports Editor Lexy Jensen Development Editor Rebecca Warber Copy Editor Darcy Chew Copy Editor Sara Khorshidi Copy Editor Sarah Karkoff Copy Editor DIGITAL MEDIA Joce Ortiz Director of Digital Media Nandana Vinod Social Media Manager Aambar Agarwal Social Media Editor Shejuti Wahed Social Media Content Creator & Video Editor Clay Preusch Photo Editor Noah Henriques Web Editor DESIGN Auden Koetters Director of Design Anjali Bhuthpur Layout Designer Phuong Nguyen Layout Designer Bowen Zhang Layout Designer Lucas Yang Graphic Designer Tyler Vu Graphic Designer BUSINESS Khushali Desai Director of Business Operations Matthew Chang Business Manager Sophia Ran Business Manager Cayley Ng Business Manager The Observer is the weekly undergraduate student newspaper of Case Western Reserve University. Established in 1969, The Observer reports news affecting students and provides an editorial forum for the university community. Unsigned editorials are typically written by the opinion editor but reflect the majority opinion of the senior editorial staff. Opinion columns are the views of their writers and not necessarily of The Observer staff. For advertising information, contact The Observer via e-mail at observer@case.edu. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR should be e-mailed to observer@case.edu or submitted on our website at observer.case.edu. Letters can be mailed to Thwing Center 11111 Euclid Avenue, Suite 01, Cleveland, Ohio 44106. For policy and guidelines related to the submission of Letters to the Editor, refer to observer.case.edu/submit-a-letter. The Observer is a proud member of CWRU’s University Media Board. Follow The Observer on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram @cwruobserver.
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Stand against bullying from page 6 This, too, helps to establish that bullying is not “cool,” but rather, quite harmful to all involved. Sometimes, bullies don’t realize the harm that they cause others or weren’t raised in an environment where bullying was corrected. Raising better awareness would help to prevent bullying that stems from either of these influences. Schools should consistently monitor their students and take action immediately instead of simply ignoring bad behavior. Parents should step in as well by teaching their children healthy interpersonal
Auden Koetters/The Observer
Opinion 7
habits that can help both victims and bullies. With these strategies, we can help to prevent future bullying. In life, we often face conflict. It is unavoidable; but luckily, there are constructive methods for overcoming said conflict, such as voicing frustrations and insecurities in a healthy manner and respectfully talking through a conflict with another person. Bullying is a doubleedged sword and is detrimental to everyone, but it doesn’t have to be this way. We all can—and should— work together to put an end to bullying.
EDITORIAL
A mental health check-in Editorial Board
That time of the year is upon us again—and no, it’s not just Halloween. Midterm week is over, but so is fall break. Grueling exam after grueling exam is something us college students have become accustomed to, or in the case of first-year students, will become accustomed to. The school year never gets easier, and sometimes the stress can be too much to bear alone. During these times, it’s important to utilize healthy coping strategies to help carry us through the end of the semester. First and foremost, your mental and physical health are important. This might seem obvious, but sometimes the rockslide of coursework, club events, daily living and professional responsibilities can act as roadblocks to staying healthy. The truth is, maintaining good health should be your number one priority as poor mental and physical health can, in fact, lead to worse outcomes in your school, personal and professional life. Mental health problems can negatively affect
students’ energy levels, concentration in class and mental ability—all of which can hinder academic performance. If you’re too stressed or worried, all of your focus will be diverted from your academic responsibilities and toward the stressors in your life. Stress caused from classes can create a vicious cycle. When you’re too stressed and everything seems too overwhelming, just take some time to slow down. Take a long breath in, hold it for a few seconds and slowly breathe out. Repeat this breathing technique a few times. Be sure to breathe from your stomach and not your chest; this technique is called diaphragmatic breathing, and helps you feel more relaxed. Additionally, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Too little will make you feel tired and groggy, thus making it harder to concentrate throughout the day. And, of course, make sure you’re eating enough food and drinking plenty of water. Staying energized is vital for us college students who have many different obligations with classes, student organizations, post-graduation plans
and our social circles. And the food you eat doesn’t need to conform to modern diet trends endorsed by social media influencers—trends which can actually lead to worsened physical health and poor body image. You know what’s best for your body—just make sure what you’re eating is filling and energizing enough. Keeping in touch with a supportive group of people is also vital. Whether you seek support from your family, friends or even a professional counselor, having people to talk to can make your life a little bit easier. If you’re experiencing negative emotions and need a shoulder to lean on, seek out those you can trust. Don’t be afraid to reach out—having someone to talk to might be just what you need. Occasionally, though, social circles can be another source of stress. You might encounter conflicts within friend groups, for example. In that case, pay attention to when—and with whom—you feel the happiest. If there are a few people you can count on, then stick close to them. The people you surround yourself with
should make you feel supported and welcomed. You don’t need any more stress in your life. Lastly, since the spookiest time of the year is rising out of its grave, have some fun. If you’re the type of person who enjoys scary movies, put on your favorite ’80s slasher film or one of Jordan Peele’s strange horror movies and just relax. Maybe make some popcorn or eat some Halloween candy. Go all out on your costume this year and dress up as your favorite movie or TV show character. In between trudging through your responsibilities, give yourself the opportunity to relax for at least a little bit. College doesn’t have to be all about work; sometimes, it’s okay to turn it into a fun experience. We’ve made it through half of the semester already. In time, we’ll be at the finish line—but in order to finish the race, it’s important that we take care of ourselves. As we start classes again, keep these pieces of advice in mind. We’re all stronger than we think, and we can all make it to the end.
How the horror genre is rising from its grave Beau Bilinovich Opinion Editor The horror genre has undergone many transformations since its inception. From Mary Shelley’s famous monster novel “Frankenstein” to the more absurd horror of directors such as Jordan Peele, our appetite for what truly scares us has changed immensely. Horror movies reached their widespread appeal in the 1970s and 1980s with slasher films; movies such as “Friday the 13th,” “Halloween” and “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” captured audiences’ attention. Films featuring ruthless killers chasing down a group of innocent civilians—often teenagers— popped up left and right. Slasher films were money-making machines, and the most successful franchises generated numerous sequels, some of which are still being made today. The aforementioned slasher movies all featured real, tangible villains which became staples of the genre. Villains such as Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers and Leatherface have become cult icons, and they are now seen as the definitive horror movie villains. Halloween is
partly a holiday based around these cult killers, as Halloween stores all across the country feature countless costumes directly borrowing from the source material. The horror genre today, however, is not as easily defined. Horror “villains” have mostly left the scene, aside from the occasional reboot of the slasher classics from the 1980s. More experimental films have risen in their place. Psychological horror and thriller movies have gained considerable popularity over the years. Whereas slasher films all involved a named killer, psychological horror films don’t always feature a physical villain. They function by creating a sense of psychological dread among audience members. And while slasher films were intended to make as much money as possible, modern horror, especially psychological horror, allows for directors to explore complex themes and get to the root of what truly scares people. Jordan Peele’s movies are a shining example of the power behind this new kind of horror. His most recent release from 2022, “Nope,” doesn’t feature a villain you can clearly see—until the very end.
Instead, through a series of very brief scenes, you see a mysterious alien spaceship appear and then vanish suddenly. You’re slowly led into a dark forest where you must then make sense of everything. The movie doesn’t tell you what it’s about—you have to figure it out on your own. To add to the already dark atmosphere, the movie starts with a gruesome, bloody scene: A chimpanzee named Gordy, who was part of the fictional sitcom “Gordy’s Home,” goes on a violent rampage against his human co-stars when a balloon suddenly bursts. The only person left is a young boy who hides, traumatized and terrified, under a table. The opening scene is crucial to introducing the message that Peele was trying to convey. The movie turns into a bizarre yet fascinating portrayal of our relationship with wild beasts, and how, instead of trying to tame them, we should let them go. “Nope” is only one example of the many modern horror movies that show true creativity. “Annihilation,” a sci-fi thriller from 2018, features a group of scientists sent on a mission to investigate a mysterious zone called the “Shimmer”; here, the
surrounding environment is warped in ways that don’t align with our understanding of the laws of nature. The theme of change becomes prominent throughout its runtime. Characters disappear and turn into Lovecraftian abominations once normal animals turn into terrifying beasts, and the movie itself ends up appearing warped near the very end. And the modern cult classic “The Babadook” explores grief and its damaging effects on the relationship between a widowed mother and her son. Slasher films, since they were designed for mass consumption, were not able to achieve even close to that level of depth. While admittedly entertaining and a fan favorite to binge during Halloween, the slashers of the ’70s and ’80s were intended to make money, not to explore complex and relevant social themes. This isn’t to say that the slasher classics are bad. Sitting down and watching a seemingly invincible killer chase down a group of kids may be entertaining. But when you want to be truly scared, and actually feel it, maybe instead opt for the wondrously terrifying realm of psychological horror—because sometimes what you can’t see is the most terrifying.
Sports
The Case Western Reserve Observer Friday, October 27, 2023 observer.case.edu Volume LV, Issue 9
Football defeats Waynesburg 35-0 for fifth straight win Puneet Bansal Sports Editor
Following a heartbreaking loss to Grove City in overtime in the second game of the season, the Case Western Reserve University football team has caught fire, winning the last five games. This past Saturday, the Spartans defeated Waynesburg University 35-0 in front of a home crowd on DiSanto Field, recording their third shutout of the season, tying a program record. After CWRU forced Waynesburg to punt on their opening drive, the two teams traded possessions two more times before putting up points on the board. The Spartans settled down first towards the end of the first quarter, with fourth-year quarterback Alex Fromberg connecting with fourth-year wide receiver Michael Wojkowski for 19 yards and a new first down at the Spartans’ 44-yard line. After a few more short plays, third-year running back Gage Duesler found the endzone following a 37-yard run to put CWRU up 7-0 following a successful extra point attempt. The Spartan defense held off four drives from Waynesburg into the second quarter. The defense was anchored by fourth-year linebacker Sean Torres, who led the team with 10 tackles and a quarterback hurry for the game. CWRU had the final possession of the half with only 54 seconds left. The Spartans made the most
of it, as Fromberg used his passing game to march the team down the field. Fromberg found third-year wide receiver Noah Coyne on three straight plays for 54 yards to bring the Spartans within 11 yards of the red zone. Fourth-year wide receiver Riley Knurek capped off the drive after catching a short left pass from Fromberg for the touchdown. The Spartans went into halftime up 140. The offensive momentum carried into the second half, as the Spartans notched 3 touchdowns to put the game out of reach. Duesler
shined on the first and only play of the 10-second opening drive, sprinting for a 63-yard touchdown for the 21-0 lead. Less than three minutes later, the Spartans got possession and used a solid, five-minute drive to go 58 yards on 8 plays. Fromberg finished the drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown for the 28-0 Spartan advantage. The final score of the game came with three minutes left in the third quarter. Second-year running back Christopher Lim recorded a twoyard touchdown to conclude the
On Oct. 21, third-year running back Gage Duesler (left) scores 2 touchdowns in the Spartans’ game against Waynesburg University. Courtesy of Tim Phillis/CWRU Athletics
7-play, 58-yard drive to bring the score to 35-0. With the victory, the Spartans’ record improved to 6-1 overall. The seventh-ranked team among NCAA Division III squads is now only giving up 7.4 points per game. In this game alone, the CWRU defense held Waynesburg to just 187 yards overall. In addition to Torres, fourth-year defensive lineman AJ Dudowski recorded four tackles including a sack while graduate student defensive back D.J. Wolf notched an interception on the first drive of the game. The Spartans’ high-octane offense was on full display, as the team finished with 472 yards, the second-highest offensive output of the season so far. The offensive line was integral in this success, not allowing a single sack for the third time in the last four games. Duesler recorded 130 yards to go with his 2 touchdowns, leading the Spartans in their season-high 241 rushing yards. Fromberg notched 231 yards after throwing 18-for-27 and rushing 29 yards for 2 total touchdowns. Coyne led the Spartans with 84 yards on 5 receptions. The Spartans have three more games left in the season. CWRU will travel to Washington, Pennsylvania to play Washington and Jefferson College on Oct. 28. The following weekend, CWRU will celebrate Senior Day on Nov. 4 against Allegheny College at 2 p.m. The regular season finale will be on the road against Carnegie Mellon University on Nov. 11.
Scores and Upcoming Games Volleyball UAA Round Robin #3 CWRU vs Carnegie Mellon (10/22) - L 0-3 CWRU vs UChicago (10/22) - L 0-3 CWRU vs Otterbein (10/28, 5 p.m., Horsburgh Gymnasium) - Senior Day CWRU at John Carroll (10/31) CWRU at Wooster (11/4)
Women’s Soccer CWRU at Rochester (10/14) - T 1-1 CWRU vs UChicago (10/20) - T 1-1 CWRU vs WashU (10/22) - L 0-2 CWRU at Brandeis (10/28) CWRU at Carnegie Mellon (11/4)
Swimming and Diving CWRU at Oberlin Invite (10/13-10/14) Men’s team: 1st of 6 teams (656 points) Women’s team: 1st of 6 teams (807 points)
Men’s Soccer CWRU at Rochester (10/14) - T 0-0 CWRU vs UChicago (10/20) - T 0-0 CWRU vs WashU (10/22) - L 0-1 CWRU at Brandeis (10/28) CWRU at Carnegie Mellon (11/4)
CWRU at Kenyon (10/14) Men’s team: 3rd of 5 teams (74 points) Women’s team: 3rd of 5 teams (82 points) CWRU at Ohio Wesleyan (10/21) Men’s team: W 253-27 Women’s team: W 272-22 CWRU vs Carnegie Mellon (10/28, 1 p.m., Veale Natatorium) CWRU vs Rochester (11/4, 1 p.m., Veale Natatorium)
Football CWRU vs Westminster (10/14) - W 31-6 CWRU vs Waynesburg (10/21) - W 35-0 CWRU at Washington and Jefferson (10/28) CWRU vs Allegheny (11/4, 2 p.m., DiSanto Field) - Senior Day