The Observer, Volume LIII, Issue 24, 4/1/22

Eldred Theater to be converted to student space in fall 2022

Eldred Theater is in the midst of renovations, with hopes to open back up in fall 2022 as a student center, similar to Thwing.

Located in the center of the Case Quad near the Rockefeller Building, Eldred Hall has been part of the Case Western Reserve University Department of Theater for the past several decades. As the department relocates to the newly-renovated Maltz Performing Arts Center, Eldred Hall has remained empty and unused for over a year. In fall 2022, Eldred Hall will reopen after being converted into a student-focused space that will be accessible for all students.

The proposal to convert Eldred Hall into a student-focused space was deeply inspired by a similar proposal about renovating the Thwing Center done by the Student Presidents’ Roundtable (SPR) in 2016. As a result of the 2016 Thwing Center Plan, Thwing underwent major renovations and became the student space we know today. “We saw the Eldred Proposal as a ‘sequel’ to the 2016 proposal,” said fourth-year nutritional biochemistry student Peter Chmiel, the chair of the University

Media Board. “The plan for Eldred has been in the works for more than a year and wouldn’t have been possible without the work, support, and push from dozens of students.”

Eldred’s key location will address the lack of student spaces in the Case Quad. Currently, students looking for places to study use buildings such as Sears Hall or Nord Hall, both of which are extremely busy during the weekdays. Tomlinson Hall and Crawford Hall are also heavily utilized but act more as cafeteria spaces than study spaces. “[Eldred Hall] allows us [students] to achieve a general goal—to create a new student center without the cost of building an entirely new structure,” said fourth-year pre-law student Jim Fitzgibbon, the chair of SPR.

“One of the prime features of [the] Eldred Theater is that it is located directly on the quad, a minute’s walk away from academic buildings,” said Chmiel. “Eldred will basically be a ‘mini’ Thwing Center, with the added bonus of being closer to classes. The

building will also be overseen by the Director of Thwing Center, Arlet Wright, but run and staffed by student managers and employees.”

Eldred is currently in the process of teardown and renovation across all three floors. Once completed, new furniture will be installed on the first and second floors. The lounges will be redecorated with theming done by student cultural groups and the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Additionally, the main theater will gain improved lighting equipment and a refurbished main stage. There will be large infrastructure improvements installed in the lower level for student group storage, such as storage lockers and card access features. As the removal of asbestos and other improvements to the building’s electrical and plumbing system continues, Eldred will be closed off for planning visits due to safety reasons.

In the near future, the basement level of Eldred will be primarily used as storage space for student groups. The main floor and parts of the second floor

will become a dedicated lounge and relaxation area for students to come and go in between their classes. The main theater will be free for student groups to reserve for large-scale performances and events. Currently performancebased groups like the Footlighters use Thwing Ballroom, an unideal location due to its lack of dedicated seating.

An additional feature of Eldred is the Student Advocacy Wall, which was installed near the main entrance in January 2022.

“The space’s theme, representing the diversity of the campus community through special decorations and furniture, will also be uniquely [CWRU],” said Fitzgibbon. “In the future, we hope to continue improving on the space, as well as advocating for the construction of a proposed Identity Center which would celebrate the cultural backgrounds that make up CWRU [sic].”

Students can look forward to seeing Eldred become an important student space on the Case Quad in the coming months.

US Department of Justice interviews students on CWRU Title IX violations

Ritika Devarakonda Copy Editor

In July 2020, social media outlets erupted with accounts designed to give students an anonymous platform to report their experiences of sexual harassment on campus, and students at Case Western Reserve University quickly joined the conversation. The Instagram page @cwru.survivors documented the experiences of hundreds of students and alumni, many whose cases were mishandled or ignored by CWRU’s administration. As a result, there have been calls for the university to improve its handling of reports of sexual misconduct. However, to date, there have been no major reforms made to CWRU’s policies on handling such complaints.

The issue has become so severe that the US Department of Justice

(DOJ) has begun investigating CWRU’s administration to ensure they are following Title IX policies. Title IX is not specific to sexual violence and harassment—-it also prohibits all forms of sex-based discrimination, including the sex-based exclusion from participation or benefits of any educational program receiving federal funding.

From March 29 to April 1, an investigative team from the DOJ interviewed students about their trauma and lack of support from CWRU in handling their cases. Walk-in interviews during dedicated office hours were conducted in Adelbert Hall conference rooms, one-on-one with students and investigators. Though the opportunity to meet in person

with the DOJ team ended on April 1, investigators encourage students to reach out and schedule a Zoom meeting or a phone call with them at a later date. The investigative team can be reached at Outreach.CWRU@ usdoj.gov or via phone at 1-866-4340339. Any interviews conducted will not be recorded, and those who give testimonies will be kept confidential.

We spoke to an interviewee who hopes the DOJ will hold CWRU accountable for its lack of support for students in responding to Title IX offenses. The student, who wished to remain anonymous, told us, “With so many students far from their homes, [we] need a safe space where [we] feel like [we] are listened to and have support if something were to happen.

Right now, a lot of students express [that] they don’t have that and [that] the environment they are living in is hurting them.”

Student voices matter. Every student who has struggled to receive fair treatment from CWRU’s administration can reach out to the DOJ’s team, and all students who reach out can have a part in helping make CWRU a safer and more inclusive space. The interviewee, who is also involved in helping raise awareness about the investigation, told us that any incidents reported to the DOJ “[don’t] have to be sexual violence based; [Title IX] encompasses a lot, and I encourage everyone to take time and read over what it does. It’s a law to protect everyone!”

Matthew Chang Staff Writer

Matthew Chang/The Observer

Noah Henriques Staff Writer

CWRU’s new anti-hazing policy increases penalties for those who fail to report

Previously, hazing was considered a fourth-degree misdemeanor, comparable to refusing to pay a speeding ticket. Now, it is a second-degree misdemeanor and if consumption of either drugs or alcohol are involved in the hazing act, it is considered a third-degree felony.

By changing the level of severity from a fourth-degree to a second-degree and expanding the definition of hazing to explicitly include drugs and alcohol, the new legislation makes jail time a real possibility for those who continue to participate in this behavior.

The law also includes a provision that colleges and universities within the state must include some sort of anti-hazing training and a requirement that requires reporting hazing, with those who neglect doing so subject to up to a $1,000 fine and 180 days of jail time.

including other individuals associated with those organizations, are prohibited from hazing and failing to report hazing. Advisors acting in an official and professional capacity, or persons acting in an advisory role, are prohibited from permitting hazing or failing to timely report knowledge of hazing activity.”

The draft states that those who refuse to report or are involved in the hazing process are subject to suspension, expulsion, persona non grata status, termination of employment, the revoking of degrees, among other appropriate sanctions. Hazing cases will continue to go through the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.

Hazing has always been a problem on college campuses, but a recent incident has increased scrutiny on the issue in the state of Ohio.

Collin Wiant was a student at Ohio Uiversity in 2018, where he was a pledge of the Sigma Pi fraternity. During the pledging process, he was given a canister of nitrous oxide, which he inhaled after being told to do so. After his brothers waited nine minutes to call emergency

services, he died shortly after in the hospital. Sigma Pi was tried and eventually expelled from the university.

Due to this incident, along with many others, a new anti-hazing law, dubbed “Collin’s Law,” went into effect in the beginning of October 2021. This law makes hazing a felony in Ohio, the 11th state to do so.

How is this different from other hazing laws?

Case Western Reserve University has recently released their tentative response to Collin’s Law in a nine-page draft from the desk of the Vice President of Student Affairs to members of the Student Presidents’ Roundtable (SPR), a group consisting of the leaders of the large umbrella student organizations.

The opening statement reads as follows: “The university prohibits hazing, and the support thereof, by all persons as defined in this policy and applicable laws and will investigate and respond to all reports of hazing. Students, student organizations, and other student groups,

CWRU Film Society

Friday, April 1, 2022 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m.*

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Rated PG (91 min.)

Directors: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones Wik Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin Cosponsored by: The Athenian

What sad times are these when passing ruffians can say “Ni” at will to old ladies! There is a pestilence upon this land. Nothing is sacred. And certainly nothing is sacred in this groundbreaking absurd comedy classic, not even the rules of cinema itself, as King Arthur leads the Knights of the Round Table on a holy fetch quest. This April Fools’ Day, enjoy the Pythons at their best while a majority of them are still alive!

*For superfans, haters, and Shakespeare buffs alike, the 11:00 show will be enhanced with Subtitles for People Who Don’t Like the Film. (Digital)

Further, they intend to include an anti-hazing education module in the FirstYear Experience and Family Programs orientation, similar to the existing modules surrounding sexual harrassment and alchol consumption. It will also be introduced in the Office of Greek Life, the Office of Student Activities and Leadership and the Department of Athletics.

Through this draft plan, CWRU recognizes the gravity of hazing and has outlined how serious of an infraction it is to the student body, bringing it into accordance with the new state law. Let’s hope these initiatives provoke needed conversations and an increase in reporting of hazing—as well as a decrease in hazing itself.

Saturday, April 2, 2022 7:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m.

The Green Knight (2021)

Rated R (130 min.)

Director: David Lowery

With Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton

After Holy Grail, return for another medieval knight’s entertainment: King Arthur’s nephew, Sir Gawain, goes on an impossible quest to the Green Chapel to confront its mysterious lord, the Green Knight. Gawain contends with ghosts, giants, thieves, and schemers in what becomes a deeper journey to define his character and prove his worth in the eyes of his family and kingdom by facing the ultimate challenger.

General Admission $4.00

Strosacker Auditorium, CWRU Campus Quad Free Parking: Lot 44 at Adelbet Rd and Murray Hill FILMS.CWRU.EDU

Collin Wiant’s family were present for Governor Mike DeWine’s signing of “Collin’s Law,” which forces universities to be more strict with hazing. Courtesy of WSYX

Grace Johnson News Editor

Books to binge this spring

As we say our goodbyes to another Cleveland winter, we are welcomed by the signs of spring—birds chirping, the sun shining and the stress of impending finals looming in the air. Nevertheless, I can think of no better way to make the most of these pleasant months than sitting outside and enjoying time with the memorable characters from a good book. With spring being the quintessential season of new beginnings, I have compiled a list of books that showcase the beauty of first times and fresh starts. Hopefully, a book from this list will give you a break from end-ofsemester fever, and give you a chance to enjoy the love and life of springtime.

“Red,

Consider opening your readingbinge with Casey McQuiston’s rivalsto-lovers novel, featuring Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son and Prince Henry. As the pair navigates this highprofile relationship, they are faced with political scandals, publicity scares, family drama and the struggle to define and express their own sexualities. This story, while primarily a romance, provides insight into several modern issues, such as the lack of acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community and the hardships of being in the public eye. In this non-traditional romance, McQuiston relays the resilience and strength of every individual who must fight for their identity, privacy and standing in society. A powerful message and a powerful couple—what more could you ask for?

“American

Taking a detour to the thriller genre, Oprah’s Book Club List member “American Dirt”, tells the heartbreaking tale of a pair who try to escape their hometown of Acapulco after an infamous cartel leader ruthesthessly murders their entire family. As they make their way to the American border, the pair’s strength is tested at every turn. However, Lydia’s strong maternal instincts and Luca’s desire to abide by them without question allow them to get past these obstacles and build meaningful relationships. Though it is a thriller by name, this novel is more akin to an action novel, with an immersive plot. It is a tribute to every migrant who flees their repressive and violent societies in order to provide a better life for their children.

“Love and Luck” by Jenna Evans Welch

Another whirlwind romance, “Love and Luck” offers readers a getaway to Ireland through the eyes of main character Addie, who uses her guide, “Ireland for the Heartbroken,” to embark on an epic tour of all of the country’s hidden gems. Trapped in a tiny car with her brother Ian, along with his charming Irish friend, Rowan, Addie experiences the richness of Ireland while also getting time to reconcile with her brother—highlighting the unbreakable bond between siblings. Furthermore, the narrator of Addie’s guidebook gives her the comfort and advice she needs to mend her broken heart so she can fill it with love for someone new. Together, this story contains the complexities and sweetness of family, friendship and fun, all wrapped into one, making it a must-read this spring.

“Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng

Last on our list is “Little Fires Everywhere”, which follows Mia and her teenage daughter Pearl as they seek to find their footing in Shaker Heights, a suburb of Cleveland, as tenants of the Richardson family. In this highly structured community, Mia and Pearl stand as outsiders, drawing the attention of richer community members, especially the Richardson children. They get involved in a chaotic custody battle in the Richardson household, creating

tension. As secrets unfold, the pair realizes the power of identity, the fragility of friendships and the mother-daughter bond. These heavy themes are exposed through Celeste Ng’s poignant writing, which builds realistic characters and plotlines and captures every human emotion. This is a must-read if you’re looking for a book to leave you with life lessons and a yearning to learn more. Also, “Little Fires Everywhere” was adapted for a limited drama series and is currently streaming on Hulu, so check it out after you read the book.

These four incredible springtime novels that are sure to uplift your spirits and renew your faith in the power of family, friends and love. As always, make the most of every reading minute this season by grabbing your favorite picnic blanket, a chilled beverage and a comfortable spot outside; reading is best done amidst the calm of nature. If you liked any of these books, or are looking for more, check out my winter book recommendations and stick around for a summer list in the future. Happy reading!

Spring is here and that means its a perfect time to sit by Wade Lagoon and read a good book. “Little Fires Everywhere” is a particurlarly relevant due to its Cleveland-based setting, so you might just recognize some sights. Courtesy of Little, Brown Book Group

White, and Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston

Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins

Shivangi Nanda Copy Editor

Being on top: A woman’s guide to being more confident in the bedroom

Miss Bea Haven Consultant

I’m going to save you some tuition money and about 100 years worth of feminist texts and tell you that women’s positions in the bedroom have not always been equal. Sex has consistently been positioned as something that is done to a woman, rather than something that she is actively participating in. Unfortunately, I can’t change thousands of years of female subjugation with one article. As you residential college sexpert, I can encourage my female readers to take small steps to ensure that you make the most out of your future intimate experiences.

When you look good, you feel good

This is one of my favorite mottos and is something I live by every day. You know those students who get extra dressed up on the day of a midterm, just so they can walk in feeling semiconfident? That’s me. And after countless exams, I can confidently say that this wacky psychology trick actually works. Even if I absolutely bomb a test, I still manage to strut around for the rest of the day in reasonably high spirits knowing that I look good.

Fortunately for us, looking good doesn’t have to be restricted to a classroom. So if you’re looking to put a little confidence in the bedroom, the first step is to pick out something sexy! Or rather, pick out something that makes you––specifically––feel sexy.

If your idea of looking good comes in the form of your favorite bra and underwear, perfect! If looking like a MILF from the 1960s gets you goin’, awesome! If you feel your best in an oversized button-down and some socks, rock it! Looking and, more importantly, feeling sexy is just as much for you as it is your partner. Taking

some time to focus on yourself is the first step in introducing a more confident you into the bedroom.

Protip: If you pick out a playlist and sing along while you get ready, it’s almost like you’re starring in your own makeover montage from the early 2000s. I recommend Lizzo and Rihanna for maximum hot-girl energy.

Choosing to be kind to yourself

In a perfect world, putting on good lingerie and a pair of false eyelashes would be enough to make us instantly prepared to shake up the sheets. But unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world. In order to take steps towards more confidence, we have to address why you aren’t feeling your best in the first place.

Perhaps it’s childhood or religious trauma that is stopping you from enjoying the midnight hour. As a former Catholic myself, I distinctly remember images of hellfire being associated with anything to do with sexual pleasure. Although I’ve long gotten over any hang-up to do with religion and hanky-panky, generational trauma when it comes to having sex can be ingrained in us long before we went to college. Luckily, you now have the freedom to explore and reflect what the idea of sex and intimacy means for you and your personal journey. If it ever starts feeling like too much to handle by yourself, that’s okay. There are always counselors available to discuss issues related to sexual health. Personally, I found comfort in my girl friends who were also facing these same struggles. Confiding in others helps us remember that sex is a complicated thing, but it does not need to be navigated alone.

If your hang-ups are not a result of

familial pressures, there is a chance it might also be pressures from yourself. Case Western Reserve University students are notoriously self-critical in almost every facet of their lives, from schools, to grades, to extracurriculars. When you combine this unfortunate personality trait with media and porn telling you that only people who look a certain way are sexy, it is amazing we ever take our clothes off at all.

Here, I remind you to give the same compassion to yourself that you would afford to others––because you are just as deserving of kindness as everyone else.

As a test, next time your mind starts to wander about every stretch mark or pimple that you have, I want you to think about your friends and your partner. I want you to think about their flaws and marks––maybe try and imagine a list of things about them that you don’t think look good. You are inevitably going to struggle to come up with problems, likely because the people you are surrounded with are pretty great.

Which is exactly my point.

To those who care about you and choose to be intimate with you, a blemish is going to be the last thing on their mind. Truth is, they’re probably just thanking whatever Lord is above that they’re in this position––pun intended.

Putting your pleasure first

So how exactly does one decide what makes the horizontal mambo so enticing? Well, the quickest way is experimenting and trying things by yourself––but that’s for a whole different article. The second way is something that improves every relationship, romantic or otherwise: communication.

Make requests and speak openly about what you want. Don’t let sex be like the ever-exausting food debate where you let your partner try and guess what you want. If you want sushi, ask for sushi. If you want fried chicken, ask for fried chicken. And if you want to try a threesome, ask to try a threesome. If you’ve accepted your partner only putting in five minutes of foreplay before jackhammering it and going to sleep, you are doing both yourself and them a disservice by not speaking up.

Also, if any men have made it this far, I’d like to remind you that a whopping 70-80% of women can’t reach an orgasm from penetration alone. That means if you have not been using all of the tools at your disposal, and every single one of your past girlfriends still seemed like she was getting off––someone was lying to you.

“What? You can’t possibly mean me!” Yes, I mean you.

Now, I understand that being more demanding might feel strange to some women, it is an unfortunate consequence of a society that places male pleasure on a pedestal. Luckily, confidence is like every other aspect of life––sometimes you can just start small and work your way up.

Request a back massage without fulfilling the expectation of anything extraneous. Encourage the use of toys without any feelings of competition or toxic masculinity getting in the way. And if your partner ever expects oral without offering to return the favor––kick him to the curb. It’s 2022 and we are no longer accepting the DJ Khaleds of the world who think that there are “different rules for men” and women’s pleasure comes secondary.

Alberto Giacometti’s artistry reenters the limelight in Towards the Ultimate Figure

Elie Stenson Staff Writer

Alberto Giacometti’s haunting sculptures of thin and twisted branches—stripped bare by cold autumn winds—have earned him a significant standing in the canon of mid-twentieth-century design. The Cleveland Museum of Art’s special exhibit, “Alberto Giacometti: Toward the Ultimate Figure,” sheds new light onto the complex and varied nature of his creative voice.

Encouraged by the work of his father, post-impressionist painter Giovanni Giacometti, Alberto Giacometti began his career at a young age, sinking his teeth into plasticine and watercolors. His early pieces litter the CMA’s exhibition space, juxtaposed with later pieces in a manner that begs the viewer to observe the patterns and organic changes in his style over time. After moving to Paris in 1922, Giacometti immersed himself in surrealism, spending hours crafting depictions in ink and clay of his friends, lovers and people he claimed to have met in dreams.

The desire to draw and sculpt consumed Giacometti. The countless sketches executed on scrap paper, hotel stationery and spare newspapers that line the gallery walls reveal snippets of his ever-churning mind. His fascination with illustrating human heads led him to experiment with the physicality of facial features—soon chins became longer, skulls more narrow and eyes even more blankly fixed. Sculpted studies of Diego, his younger brother, appear throughout the exhibit, his identity distinctly betrayed by his slightly

uneven ears despite Giacometti’s style warping the nature of his face beyond recognition.

As the exhibit progresses through Giacometti’s artistic evolution, his manifold works are balanced out by black-and-white photographs of the artist himself. Giacometti took great pride in his minuscule Parisian studio, which measured only 23 square meters. He invited the greatest photographers of the era to capture him at work. Portraits by the likes of Henri Cartier-Bresson, Inge Morath and Man Ray line the walls, capturing Giacometti in moments of movement. The candids show him rushing across the room cradling a craggy bust, or displays the faint quiver of his cigarette as he continues a painting of his wife, Annette.

In the 1950s, Giacometti shifted towards full-body sculptures. He took inspiration from the tall conifers and rocky mountains that lined his childhood village in southeastern Switzerland as well as the stoic forms of ancient Egypt and west Africa. Balanced atop thick podiums, his trademark renditions of toothpick-like people wrought from cast bronze emerge triumphantly, achieving his impulse to “[r]esolve [the] tension between abstraction and naturalism.” The statues range in size from tiny figurines that pay homage to the centuries-old votive statuettes of the Mediterranean, to towering figures that dominate in spite of their fragile elegance. All bear Giacometti’s iconic abstraction: beyond the textured metal are traces of the hu-

man form. This elegance is particularly seen in his frequent portrayals of nude women, yet each statue takes on a certain harshness—a glaring reminder of the isolation and reduction of humanity in the face of social expansion. The exhibit closes with two of Giacometti’s finest triumphs: “Walking Man” and “Standing Woman.” Both pieces represent the culmination of his lifelong aspiration to complete “The Ultimate Figure.” For Giacometti, the

perfect rendition of the human form was one that evaded realism and instead epitomized the emotional weight of living and the internal struggle constantly waged over crisis and satisfaction. “The object of art is not to reproduce reality,” he once stated, “but to create a reality of the same intensity.”

“Alberto Giacometti: Toward the Ultimate Figure” will be on display until June 12 and is free to Case Western Reserve University students.

Alberto Giacometti portrayed the human form like no other, in sketch and in sculpture, such as in the “Walking Man” (pictured above). A visit to his exhibit at the CMA may give you a greater appreciation for the elegance and mystique that we all embody. Courtesy of ClevelandArt.org

Death Takes A Holiday: The Footlighters’ latest hit

Scout Carter Staff Writer

Thwingo, the student-favorite weekly bingo game, had just ended in the atrium of Thwing Center on March 24, and students were preparing to leave when one of the event organizers announced that in the center’s ballroom just above them, “Death Takes a Holiday’’ was about to begin. Those interested scrambled up the staircase to the check-in table just outside the four big doors of the ballroom to claim their ticket. Just inside, actors rushed around the backstage area to get ready. Some sat in the green room just below the stage, tricked out with a TV and snacks. Others stood in the wings, admiring the beautiful set that made up the Italian villa where the story takes place. Crew members held their stations on the perimeter of the performance’s seating, ensuring that every single one of the show’s cues were in place. Musicians took their places behind their music stands, preparing to play the show’s score. On the third floor, overlooking this organized chaos, stood the eager spotlight operators, ready for the show to begin. The energy traveled through the entire building, and the show hadn’t even started yet.

The Footlighters, Case Western Reserve University’s student musical theater group, has been performing on campus since 1998. They’ve put on a range of musicals, from classics such as “Into the Woods” and “RENT” to lesserknown musicals like Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along.”

This semester’s “Death Takes a Holiday” is also rather niche—the original production unfortunately didn’t make it to Broadway, but it still found its own popularity in underground settings, becoming a cult classic. The musical is adapted from a 1920s play by Alberto Casella, depicting the heartwarming story of the soul of death desiring to experience human emotions. Death, in the body of a prince, asks one simple question in this piece—why are humans so afraid of death? The original play came in the wake of the first World War, responding to the exhaustion and grief that many felt after having lost loved ones.

For many years, The Footlighters have found their home in the Thwing Center’s Ballroom, filling the carpeted floor to the brim with seats and tech equipment. Just next door in Thwing 224, the orchestra sits with microphones at each of their music stands, providing a live underscoring to the live performances taking place next door. The actual set itself was a work of art; the pillars and windows between truly gave the illusion of an open Italian household. From just a normal ballroom, the room transforms into CWRU’s own little Broadway theater when The Footlighters come to stay. To top it all off, CWRU students get attendance to every show the group puts on for free, allowing everyone to soak up the magic that pervades the space when the actors land on their marks.

The piece, directed by Shaun

Furter—who previously played Franklin Shepard in last semester’s production of “Merrily We Roll Along”—had four performances from March 24-26, including the group’s tradition of the “midnight performance,” which takes place on the Saturday night. Typically this late-night performance is a big celebration for the cast; they let loose and allow jokes and improvisations to occur naturally. The return of live performance has allowed for such traditions to be preserved. This show is only the group’s second performance since the pandemic began. At the height of the pandemic, The Footlighters’ time was instead spent on virtual productions that allowed actors to continue doing what they loved, despite not performing live.

The earnest story of “Death Takes a Holiday’’ therefore came honestly to the performers; now that they get to be back on stage, each performer is giving their all to the show, making it clear how much they are glad to be back to such an environment. Even a passerby who might have peeked through the open ballroom door could have seen the wonderful, heartfelt acting coming from the stage. They might also have heard the resonant singing coming from the cast, which reverberated throughout Thwing. On opening night, even The Jolly Scholar’s weekly “Karaoke Night” had to compete with the passionate performance of The Footlighters’ cast. This can only speak to the performance and passion of the group. May they perform live for years to come.

Choosing the perfect pet to keep you company at school

Christie Lanfear Life Editor

For most of us, the housing selection process for the 2022-2023 school year is in full swing. With assignment times and lottery numbers released, and everyone waiting with their quick fingers and track pads, the whole process can be a little overwhelming, and the stress can start to overpower the fun of it. So, I wanted to give you something related to dorms next year that isn’t related to your room selection time: pets.

Whether you have had pets your whole life or want to start now, it will likely be a great addition to your housing plan for next year. Your initial reaction to this proposition was probably similar to mine: are we even allowed to have pets in dorms or common rooms? Well you can, as long as you fill out a Pet Registration form and then get it approved by both your suitemates and their Coordinator. The details surrounding the approval process can be found on the Case Western Reserve University website.

Alright, now onto the fun part: deciding what pet you might want to get. Obviously, there are a plethora of options, and every website you go to for recommendations will give you a slightly different list. The animals not permitted in residential communities are dogs, cats and ferrets. But that still leaves so many other options. I did the hard work for you. I scoured the web and sought advice from every pet-owning college student I know. I think the list I have come up with is rather a good one, so I hope you can find at least one candidate for a furry—or not so furry—friend!

Fish

Despite not meeting the ‘cuddly’ requirement that most people look for in a pet, fish are perfect for us

college students. They are aesthetically pleasing, cheap, easy to care for and their tank does not take up to much space. The most common kinds of fish—the colorful pretty ones—include guppies, goldfish and betta fish. You also need to decide whether you want more than one fish, because everyone knows the infamous male betta fish must remain isolated from the others. Once you have your fish picked out, find a small space-accommodating tank and you are all set!

Hermit Crab

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t surprised to see this one on almost every list. When I asked around, it turns out it’s a common pet for college students. Despite the small investment required for an appropriate tank, they are fascinating pets and are certainly more active than some fish. They are also easy to feed and care for. As a plus, you can even paint their shells, as long as the paint is nontoxic. These little creatures are sure to provide you with an entertaining muse during a study break.

Hamster

As the classic starter pet, hamsters had to be included. Despite coming across as generic, these little fur balls are cuddly, like to play and are very cute, making them worthy of the hype. Although it might seem dismal, their life-span also makes them an appealing choice. Of course no one wants their pet to die, but factoring in what you will do with your pet once you graduate is important. Hamsters only live approximately the time it will take to graduate if you get it at the beginning or part way through your time at CWRU.

Guinea Pig

I grew up with guinea pigs and

loved every minute of it, so I will try my hardest not to be biased. No promises though. They are arguably the most adorable pet on this list and they also love being snuggled, if you’re feeling down. As long as they are taken out once a day, they are perfectly alright being kept in a smaller enclosure that fits in a dorm room. The only downside is that they crave company, so if you are not sure you will always be able to play with them and give them some attention, getting two might be a good idea. As an upside, watching them play can be a relaxing break from schoolwork.

Turtle

These are also obvious good choices for dorm room pets; mostly because they are unable to make a run for it, so to speak, if momentarily taken out of their enclosure. This takes away a source of anxiety for many students seeking to have a pet. The best types of turtles that are suitable for students new to pets are the Western Painted, the Common Musk, Mud and the Red-Eared Slider. The only disadvantage is that turtles live for a long time, on average about a span of 30 years. But, if this isn’t an issue for you, they are definitely still an exciting option.

Gecko

If you have ever seen a gecko, I am sure you would agree that they are pretty cool animals. With their huge eyes and colorful exteriors, they make for the perfect pet. On top of that, they are not high-maintenance and can live in a relatively small tank, as long as it is set up correctly. They are also not dependent on much interaction or play time, which is ideal for us busy college students. Now, back to the pretty colors part. Their colors depend on the breed, and there are a few dif -

ferent options. The most intriguing ones, in my opinion, are the Leopard, Frog-Eyed and MediterraneanHouse geckos.

Even if having a cute pet to look at and play with isn’t enough to prompt you into getting one, they are also extremely beneficial to your mental health. Some studies even suggest improvements to physical health, though research in that area is still relatively new. Interacting with pets causes a release of extra oxytocin, which is the feel-good hormone. It also decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Basically, you’ll have an adorable little companion and an elevated mood. Sounds like a win-win situation to me.

The Footlighters’ latest production, “Death Takes A Holiday,” marks the groups second live production since the start of the pandemic, telling the tale of human emotions and death in Italy. Courtesy of CWRU Footlighters

Looking to make your next year housing plans complete with a pet? Check out this guide to finding the animal that works for you! Courtesy of @cwru Instagram

fun

Tarun’s LOLs

Horoscope

The signs as CWRU fraternities

Theta Chi

Weekly Tarot

Read by Mulan Ma

Nine of Cups (Reversed)

Instead of looking outwards for happiness, seeing within yourself is the only way to find lasting joy.

Beta Theta Pi

Sudoku

Ten of Coins (Upright)

Your working life will become more welcoming as your coworkers become your friends and maybe even family.

Phi Kappa

Pi Kappa Phi

Fiji

Sigma Alpha Epsilon

Phi Delta Theta

Three of Cups (Upright)

A period of happiness with friends and family awaits.

The Devil (Reversed)

You are called to your highest leveling but first you must hit a new low.

Page of Swords (Upright)

You’re going to learn something delightfully new. If you are looking into an internship or job, this card is your lucky calling.

Queen of Cups (Upright)

Be sure to be there for your friends this week, they may need an open ear.

Ace of Wands (Reversed)

Do not fumble this new opportunity that comes your way.

Delta Upsilon

Twelve of Wands (Upright)

It is good to celebrate little victories that come your way.

Sigma Nu

Zeta Beta Tau

King of Coins (Reversed)

Don’t feel pressured to make a choice you don’t want to make. You always have a choice.

Five of Coins (Reversed)

There can still be something good built from a bad event.

Phi Kappa Psi

Delta Chi

Eight of Wands (Upright)

Things are moving quicker than you imagined. Keep a good head on your shoulders and they will all reward you.

Seven of Swords (Upright)

You may be trying to be devious in trying to get something to go your way. If it does not come naturally, do not seek further.

Editorial: Your entire worth is not based on your academic success or drive

Board

I’m sure many of us are anxiously awaiting to hear back about internships or jobs for the summer. Some are still applying for opportunities as more postings appear online. If you’ve already secured a position for the summer, congratulations! However, for the many who haven’t yet, just know that the end result is not a reflection of how smart or competent you are, even if you are rejected or don’t hear back from potential employers.

Firstly, no matter how smart or accomplished you might be, if your resume or cover letter doesn’t have the keywords that the hiring system—oftentimes an algorithmic computer software—is looking for, your application will be discarded.

Finding an internship or job is difficult, so yes, of course you should engage in resources that could possibly better your application. At Case Western Reserve University, that’s the Office of Post-Graduate Planning and Experiential Education, where they have adequate resources to help students with internship and job applications. Resources include the Career Lab and mock interview prep. However, you can do everything you possibly can to make yourself the most appealing applicant and still be rejected.

Applying to dozens of places without receiving a single interview is disheartening. It can make you feel inferior, even though that is absolutely not true. Sometimes,

that can be hard to accept, especially when there are several people around you talking about their concrete future plans. It can also feel worthless to pursue these experiences when we are already burnt out from schoolwork and extracurriculars—we are left questioning the value of continuing to sacrifice our mental (or even physical) health for additional work. It truly may not be worth becoming burnt out and unhappy in the pursuit of the ideal of success.

However, also know that if you do end up with a less-than-ideal internship, it still gives you experience. Furthermore, when you find employment after graduation, it’s alright if you don’t immediately land your dream job. You can always apply to

more places until you eventually get to where you want to be. If you end up content with your job, even if it’s not the one that is expected of you, that’s also okay too. All of these pathways are okay as long as you are happy with it.

Even though the CWRU environment pushes us to think we need a prestigious internship to end up with a prestigious job, that’s not what defines us as a person. Sure, you should follow your passions, but that doesn’t mean you should be distraught over not working at the most high-paying or distinguished company. As cliche as it sounds, all that really matters is if you are happy and healthy, no matter the internship or job.

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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 refle ct 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 at (216) 302-4442 or e-mail observer-ads@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 and Instagram @cwruobserver.

executive editor & publisher SHREYAS BANERJEE

director of print SARA KHORSHIDI

director of digital media HANNAH ALLEN

director of design VINAYAK MATHUR

development editor BEAU BILINOVICH

engagement editor MULAN MA

news editor GRACE JOHNSON

life editor CHRISTIE LANFEAR

opinion editor KARUNA LAKHIANI

sports editor PUNEET BANSAL

social media editor SOPHIA POPKIN

photo editor CHRIS HEERMANN

web editor COLLIN WONG

copy editors NATHAN LESCH, RITIKA DEVARAKONDA, JULIA FENG-BAHNS & SHIVANGI NANDA

layout designer TARUN SEPURI

business managers NIKKI D’COSTA, PHUONG NGUYEN

Editorial

the observer

established in 1969 by the undergraduate students of case western reserve university

Koo: “Think Beyond the Possible”? CWRU’s nursing school can barely keep up with the present

Hyunjung Koo Contributing Writer

There is a typical college application question that many of us will remember answering: why did you choose our school? Perhaps Case Western Reserve University’s lack of a supplemental essay, and thus, lack of need to scrutinize the reasoning for applying here, should have been my first “red flag.” However, had there been one, I would have responded that I wanted to learn at a nationally recognized nursing program. In fact, CWRU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) nursing program is ranked among the top ten in the nation by U.S. News.

I am a sophomore nursing student at the Frances Payne Bolton (FPB) School of Nursing, and I am Asian. Now, read that sentence again. My racial identity falls at the end of the sentence, not the beginning, which may seem counterintuitive.

The order in which I describe myself is deliberate. It shows how I perceive myself; I don’t think about my racial identity daily, but I do attend my nursing lectures and study for my nursing classes every day. In an ideal world, my racial identity should be allowed to be treated as an afterthought. An academic institution, especially an esteemed one like CWRU, should support students so that their identities do not hinder their education.

However, the faculty and staff of FPB Nursing have ”graciously” given me numerous opportunities to confront my identity as an Asian woman. The realization of my identity as a minority, forced onto me by someone else, is an unpleasant feeling I would not wish upon even my worst enemy.

I experienced it when my clinical instructor this semester, on our first day on the hospital floor, asked me how to pronounce my name and then declared

he would just call me by my last name. I experienced it when my nursing advisor—a former President of the American Nurses Association—asked if I had an “English name” at our first meeting. I experienced it when my first-year clinical instructor notified us that there was an Asian patient on the floor who could not speak English and subsequently turned to the three Asian students, suggesting we act as translators—even though we had already told her that not all of us were bilingual. I experienced it when I opened the RateMyProfessor page for my first-year nursing professor and found two different comments from 2019, stating she acts inappropriately towards Asian students. I experienced it when my psychiatric nursing clinical instructor said a racial slur used primarily against Asians in a conversation with me.

The inappropriate behaviors displayed by FPB Nursing faculty members towards me is not isolated and not limited to my Asian identity. A nursing professor denied the entirety of my disability accommodations request, which the Disabilities Office had approved. A friend disclosed that the community nursing instructor made inappropriate remarks suggesting that she held a racial bias against Black teachers and parents at a local school where community clinicals were conducted. A different firstyear nursing clinical instructor laughed in my face when I privately disclosed to her that I was mentally struggling because I was going through a family trauma. A psychiatric nursing clinical instructor was recently fired after sexually harassing the female students in his clinical group. Every single one of these incidents are related to different faculty and staff members.

In complete contrast to the mission

and vision listed on the their Strategic Plan for the years 2018-2022—where the school listed the need to “increase diversity and inclusion efforts for and among students, faculty and staff” as a key goal—the nursing school administrators seem to pay no mind to their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) initiatives. Namely, Dean Carol Musil and Director of the BSN Program Beverly Capper seem to be uninterested in answering the student body’s repeated inquiries regarding what DEI initiatives are currently in place and what plans are to be implemented in the future. The school has attempted to placate students with non-answers and ignored our concerns too many times. The lack of scrutiny for their own actions and lack of a feedback system make this department so suffocatingly regressive.

Take, for example, our four-year community nursing course. A mandatory one-credit-hour course that delves into building competency in providing care for a diverse populace is an excellent idea in theory. The execution of it, however, is a completely different story altogether. During my first-year, the class completed a ‘poverty simulation’ assignment that was supposed to give us an understanding of how financial constraints can force tough decisions at all times. Afterward, we discussed what we learned from the simulator, which was poorly moderated at best. Students came forward with their own stories of financial struggles, especially while attending CWRU, and our two instructors did not add much and seemed completely untrained to deal with such topics. My sophomore year “community-nursing” experience was not much better, raising the question of how well-versed any of these instructors are when they are teaching the sensitive issues that are

covered in this course?

On the one hand, I do commend the goal of this course; I have had the chance to go to local women’s shelters and schools to interact with people of the Cleveland community that I would never have otherwise gotten the opportunity to meet. This first-hand experience has taught me more about how to communicate with my patients than a textbook or classroom ever could have. However, I am frustrated with the poor handling of such necessary education. What is the point of espousing “cultural competency” in our lectures when our community nursing instructor herself will ask her Asian students whether “any [local school] students have asked why they have such small eyes?” Or explaining that “Fridays are low attendance days,” because parents [in a predominantly Black, lower class neighborhood] are too lazy to drive their kids to school, since they are hungover, according to her? The instructors and administrators of this school should be educated on culturally competent care themselves before trying to preach it to us.

The reality minority students face in the nursing department is horrific. It is increasingly concerning once you consider the fact that there are faculty teaching in FPB Nursing who are also practicing nurses today. The current situation of the nursing department is best summarized by a RateMyProfessor comment from 2020, where one student said that a current faculty member “... just doesn’t seem to be cut out for being a professor in this era.” The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing needs to do better, for the sake of both future nurses and patients.

Kinstler: LGBTQIA+ visibility is LGBTQIA+ safety

Ethan Kinstler Staff Writer

TW: The following article mentions homophobia, depression, suicide and suicidal ideation.

2,647,755. That’s how many LGBTQIA+ identifying youth there are aged 13-18 in the United States. That’s around 9.5% of teens. That’s over 2.5 million children, and those are just the ones who publicly identify as LGBTQIA+. Additionally, in the United States, there are approximately 150,000 transgender youths aged 13-17. We are here, and we are certainly not going to disappear.

There have been an estimated 503,073 suicide attempts among LGBTQIA+ youth in the past year, a staggeringly high proportion. Furthermore, among transgender youth, a staggering 50% struggle with suicidal ideation or have attempted suicide in the past year. Despite the oppression faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, we must assert our existence. We are here, and we are certainly not going away.

Middle school and high school are difficult times for everyone. Psychologically speaking, adolescence is when children begin to establish their own identities. Regardless of how popular you are, this is a difficult process. As adolescents gain more freedom, they can explore their identity and interests; the music they listen to may change, how they dress may evolve and their hobbies may shift. Teens start behaving less like their parents, whether that be their political ideations or religious values. However, an increase in awareness

of societal expectations and pressures comes with these changes. When it becomes abundantly clear that society views being gay as a problem, it can cause depression, confusion, anxiety, isolation and ostracization. The world was not built for those who do not fit into the confines of society’s closed-minded cages, leaving some to wonder, “why am I like this?”

Some may choose to hide to survive. They push away all the thoughts they cannot control, not because they want to, but because society tells them that’s what is necessary to be happy and successful. For others, hiding may not be a possibility. For some children, their identities are like blood in shark-infested waters, as society has an expectation of exactly what a gay person “looks” like—how they sound, walk, talk and act.

There is nowhere to hide when there is no support and nowhere to run. I’m not sure many people understand what this is like—the complete and total lack of support one faces when they are LGBTQIA+. It feels similar to that first moment during a thunderstorm and the power shuts down—the scary moment when you are plunged into darkness and don’t have any idea what is happening. Except, it’s drawn out indefinitely, and for a child living in a state like Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, South Dakota or West Virginia—all of which have proposed or passed anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, such as

the “Don’t Say Gay Bill”—this moment may feel like it will last forever. Young adults in this situation may not know if they will ever find support. Sure, we know that these children can eventually move away and go to some liberal arts college where they will find other queer people. However, their world is in darkness right now. When the lightning strikes and the TV cuts out, do you have the immediate clarity to know that it’s just a power outage, or do you freeze for a few seconds as you try and gain your bearings? These children are frozen, and they don’t know that everything will be okay because no one is there to tell them. When you tell them to “hold on, it gets better,” you are asking someone who is only 13 years old, or possibly younger, to simply push through extreme amounts of adversity with no support. Did you ever stop to think whether you could do the same?

A lack of visibility and support is quite literally killing children.

I am done arguing with my peers and strangers online about why children need to know that their existence is recognized. To have my identity, experiences and struggles reduced to a political struggle is infuriating. I can watch the fervor with which state governments pass these cheekily named and unabashedly homophobic bills while being old enough to have developed support from family and friends. But, even I cannot imagine what it would be like to be 16 years old again, watching as my identity is described as something so corrosive

that legal intervention is required to prevent any discussion of it.

Visibility can and will save our youth. Think about it—after the initial shock subsides from the power cutting out, you may look outside to see if the other houses on the street also don’t have electricity. You may even try to call your neighbor and see if they have power. You instinctively look for others in your situation for reassurance. So why would you expect that children would not need that same type of validation?

The fact is that whether you say gay or not, gay people exist. RuPaul Charles, a gay drag queen, has won 11 Emmy’s—the most-awarded Black artist in Emmy’s history. Pete Buttigieg, a gay military veteran who speaks seven languages, is the United States secretary of transportation. Tim Cook, an openly gay man, is the CEO of Apple, one of the biggest companies in the world. Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe. Adam Rippon is an openly gay former United States Olympic athlete. These people all exist and are successful.

To say that a gay person cannot be successful simply because they are gay is unequivocally, shamefully and ignorantly incorrect. There is no industry in which a gay person cannot find success. Denying someone’s identity will not help them go any further in their lives. If we as a society think that not telling children that it is okay to be who they are is somehow helping them, I would hate to see what hurting them looks like.

Radwan: Practice social skills so you can easily make new friends

Aziz Radwan Staff Writer

We have been told that going to college is critical to our future success, including our careers and financial stability. However, for some, going to college requires many sacrifices, such as leaving their families and friends behind. This is more notable for first-year students who may be worried about college life, including homesickness, how and where to meet friends and whether they will thrive academically.

Before you went to college, you probably had some friends from your hometown or neighborhood. Because these friends were not distant, you had an opportunity to meet them frequently. Club activities, such as sports and volunteering, were also a way that you could spend a lot of time with friends. You may not have noticed that while you were interacting with your peers, you were developing your social skills, and now you are probably using those skills during your college years.

If you had a hard time with social interactions during high school, you probably had to ask your parents or others around you for help and guidance. And now that you are a college student, it is time you become more independent and work on your social

skills. Acquiring such skills will help you better interact with your classmates, club members and professors. Here are a few social skills that can help you make new friends.

Introduce Yourself to a New Person

I understand that approaching a new person can make you feel nervous. However, here are some tips that will help you become more confident in taking the initiative. Before you introduce yourself to a new person, maintain eye contact to give that person a signal that you are willing to interact. If that person looks back at you, then at this point, you should smile at them. That person will likely smile back. You would be wrong if you think these initial steps are unnecessary. In fact, these steps effectively break the ice with the person to whom you would like to introduce yourself. Mutual eye contact and smiles with a new person will not only help you start a conversation, but also leave a lasting, good first-impression.

Have a Firm Handshake

Handshakes typically happen at the beginning or end of a conversation. Before you offer your hand, it is im-

portant you maintain eye contact and smile warmly. When you reach out your hand, be sure to keep it perpendicular and shake firmly. Keep in mind a firm handshake gives a subtle signal you are pleased to meet that person. On the other hand, a limp handshake sends a signal that you are nervous or uncertain.

Start a Conversation

I am aware that starting a conversation with someone you’ve just met can be a little uneasy because it is unchartered territory for you. You can still ease a new person into conversation by asking some conversation starter questions. This can range anywhere from asking, “Why’d you choose your current major?” to “Did you do anything fun over the weekend?” Closed-ended questions will lead to short responses, likely ending your conversation fast. Instead, try to ask open-ended questions, as it can help keep the conversation going.

Find Common Interests

After engaging in conversation, see if the two of you have any common interests. Depending on the conversation flow, you may not be able to know

each other’s interests from the very first conversation. Try to meet that person a second or a third time and ask some questions in such a case. You are more likely to discover whether or not you have common interests. If your interests align, then take the initiative by asking for an outing—such as going to an on-campus event or watching a sports game. Spending time together while fostering a common interest will help develop the friendship.

Making new friends is not something you should do only during your college years; it should be a lifelong endeavor. After college, your friends will likely move away due to their personal or professional circumstances, and hence it will be harder to keep up with them. If you stop making new friends, you will likely end up lonely, with little to no social life. College presents one of the best opportunities you’ll have to make friends, just due to the sheer proximity of all our peers and the number of organized events we can go to. Take advantage of this fact and approach people when you can; you won’t regret developing the skill or making friendships that could last a lifetime.

Bilinovich: Florida lawmakers are resurrecting a decades-old moral panic

Beau Bilinovich Development Editor

Moral panics are nothing new. There have been many cases throughout history: the persecution of women accused of practicing witchcraft, the national outrage over Elvis Presley’s dancing, the fear that Dungeons and Dragons was encouraging kids to join Satanic cults.

We can now look back and realize the absurdity of these moral panics; Elvis Presley is now universally known as an icon and Dungeons and Dragons is seen as a harmless role-playing game. Yet, even when we have clear historical evidence of the risks of moral panics, many people, especially politicians, still rally around the fervor of outrage and disgust.

The recently signed Parental Rights in Education bill—the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, as its detractors have dubbed it—is a clear example of moral panic. The main driving force behind the legislation is the worry that public schools are indoctrinating students with ideas about sexual orientation and gender identity.

Again, these concerns are just being recycled from decades past. In 1978, Proposition 6 was added to a California ballot referendum, and would have permitted the firing of teachers and other school personnel on the basis of being LGBTQ+. This latest effort also draws from the late social and political campaign of the ’70s called “Save Our Children, Inc.,” spearheaded by Anita Bryant, infamously labeled LGBTQ+ people as being a threat to children.

For Florida legislators and Governor Ron DeSantis, these faux worries have resurfaced in the exact same way. The law is a rationalization of bigotry and encourages pearl-clutching parents to feel justified in their disdain for anything perceived as untraditional. The law utilizes a valid and serious issue—the safety of children—to peddle fear. In this sense, the law is no different from “Save Our Children, Inc.,” except for a change in wording. The basic sentiment is the same.

As much as the Florida GOP would like to argue, the legislation will not protect children. If anything, it will have the opposite effect.

One of the law’s provisions would give parents the ability to decline any specific health service, mental or physical, offered

by the school. This is a tremendous risk to all kinds of students who suffer from mental health issues, but the risk is most significant for specific groups.

As a 2021 Trevor Project survey found, 42% of LGBTQ+ youth considered suicide over the past year. In addition, 48% said they wanted to seek mental health counseling but were unable to. Allowing any parent the option to withdraw their child from health services that may save their life does not protect them; it actively endangers them.

The right of a parent to control their child’s education should not result in their child suffering. Children have rights too. But Florida lawmakers have been swept up by a raging moral storm and have lost sight of what truly matters.

The law also serves as an example of the nation’s lacking commitment to comprehensive sexual health education. Many states are still instructing students based on outdated and ineffective abstinenceonly programs. Florida has now taken action in restricting such education to an even greater extent.

Well-taught and informative sexual education programs are crucial for students’ health and wellbeing, especially when taught early on. Education inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals and identities makes students feel more respected and supported. And in Oregon, where students, starting in kindergarten, learn about topics such as consent and healthy relationships, the teen pregnancy rate is lower than the national average—the same is true of California and New Jersey.

Florida, however, is moving in the opposite direction. Depriving students of the information necessary to make healthy and safe choices only risks their wellbeing. Governor DeSantis is creating a hostile environment founded upon the bigoted notion that discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity threaten children. The truth of the matter is quite the opposite.

We’ve succumbed to moral panic too many times throughout history, bearing witness to the consequences after the fact. This time, let’s make the right decision and learn from our mistakes.

No. 1 CWRU’s men’s tennis team extends its regular season DIII winning streak to 33

Kyle Grover Contributing Writer

On Friday, March 25, Case Western Reserve University men’s tennis team swept Wittenberg University, Oberlin College and Ohio Wesleyan University with 9-0 victories, maintaining their No. 1 national rank. These victories extended the Spartans’ regular-season winning streak against DIII opponents to 33.

CWRU started the day indoors at the Mayfield Village Racquet Club against Wittenberg University. The doubles teams of graduate student Jonathan Powell/third-year James Hopper, thirdyear Chris Provenzano/second-year Sahil Dayal and graduate student Anthony Kanam/fourth-year Chaitanya Aduru posted dominant victories of 8-2, 8-2 and 8-0 respectively. This strong start continued into singles, where secondyear Vishwa Aduru led the way with a swift 6-1, 6-0 victory over his opponent. Third-year Michael Sutanto followed suit with a 6-2, 6-2 victory of his own, while first-year Ajay Mahenthiran topped his opponent 6-2, 6-0. First-year Casey Hishinuma, second-year Daniel French and first-year Pranav Ikkurthy each won their own matches, bringing the total tally up to 9-0 for the Spartans.

The Spartans then traveled to Oberlin, Ohio where they faced Oberlin College. CWRU’s doubles play was near

perfection again with Sutanto/Hopper topping their opponents 8-3, Dayal/ French pulling away with a close 8-7 win and Provenzano/first-year Ansh Shah almost sweeping their opponents 8-1. Sutnato bested his opponent 6-0, 7-5 to kickoff singles play. Mahenthiran continued with a 6-3, 6-4 victory. Hishinuma and third-year Diego Maza both earned 6-1, 6-1 victories over their respective opponents. First-year Ben Martin and fourth-year Max Vicario finished the match off with their own

crushing victories.

The Spartans concluded their day against Ohio Wesleyan University. This time Shah/Dayal led the way in first doubles with a convincing 8-3 victory. The double teams of Vishwa Aduru/ Ikkurthy along with third-year John Kasner/Maza bested their opponents 8-4 and 8-1, respectively. The dominant victories continued on in singles with Kanam defeating his opponent 6-4, 6-2 while Ikkurthy topping his opponent 6-0, 6-1. Martin, Provenzano,

second-year Yuvraj Narang and Dayal maintained this level of excellence with strong victories of their own.

The men’s tennis team is 13-0 against DIII opponents this season with an overall record of 15-2 so far.

“Obviously it’s an amazing feeling and [I] couldn’t be happier to be on this team,” said first-year Casey Hishinuma about the current win streak, “but I believe that the alumni deserves as much credit as the current team… [Because] of the culture that they have built over long years, we are able to train and compete at a such high level everyday, and as a [first-year] I am very grateful for them.

When asked about maintaining the team’s consistency, Hishinuma added, “[This] winning streak most definitely isn’t what we focus on or care about. We are not quite done with our spring season, with the UAA and NCAA championship coming up … so we’re solely focused on continuing to train with the right culture everyday and competing against anyone with lots of energy.”

The Spartans will be back in action from April 2-3 when they will face stiffer competition against No. 13 North Carolina Wesleyan College in Gambier, Ohio and No. 21 Kenyon College on Sunday, April 3rd.

Softball pushes win streak to 9 after going 4-0 against John Carrol, NYU

Since opening the season with a lackluster 2-6 record, the Case Western Reserve University softball team has been tearing through opponents. After splitting a two-game series against the University of Mount Union on March 15, the Spartans swept four games in the Pioneer Classic hosted by Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. With their weekend victories over John Carroll University and New York University, the Spartans hold a 11-6 overall record and a 3-0 UAA record.

First-year Pitcher Kylie Hosey led the way against John Carroll on March 23 with her first career no-hitter, pulling the Spartans to a 5-1 victory. Both teams were scoreless in the first inning, but the Spartans put two runs on the board in the second. Second-year catcher Jordan Manworren hit a double and first-year outfielder Isabella Russo slammed a single, allowing Manworrent to score. Russo eventually stole third and scored on a groundout from fourth-year Grace Yeung.

In the third inning, John Carroll scored without hitting. The Spartans responded with two runs on a double from Manworren, with second-year Stevie Rieger and third-year Amanda Riely scoring. After hitting a single in the fifth inning, Rieger singled and stole to third base. She then scored on a sacrifice fly from fourth-year Liv Thomas to put up a final score of 5-1. The game was called to a close at the top of the sixth inning due to storms.

Two days later, CWRU opened with conference play against NYU at home and won the game 7-4. Rieger

and Riely both singled in the first inning, with an errant pitch from the Violets allowing Rieger to score. Another wild throw from the left fielder allowed Riely to touch home plate again, putting the Spartans up 2-0.

NYU came back with two runs, but the Spartans answered back. Yeung scored on a sacrifice fly from second-year Kaila Nutter, putting the Spartans back up 3-2. Hosey led the defensive charge in the third and fourth innings, holding NYU scoreless while the Spartans scored three runs in the third. Though the Violets scored one run each in the fifth and seventh innings, it wasn’t enough to top the Spartans.

The game was an all-around effort as each of CWRU’s seven hits came from different batters. Hosey pitched

six strikeouts and allowed just two runs.

The Spartans completely dominated the second game against NYU, pummeling them 8-0 behind firstyear pitcher Lexi Miskey’s strong performance. Miske struck out nine batters while allowing four hits, lowering her earned run average (ERA) to 1.53.

NYU’s mistakes resulted in their epic demise, as seven of CWRU’s eight runs were unearned. After a scoreless first inning, the Spartans scored four runs. Miskey put the score on the board. An error from the NYU first baseman allowed two more scores. Nutter rounded out the second inning scoring after secondyear KaiLi Gross hit a double.

The Spartans scored two runs in

both the third and fifth innings. Rieger scored after Manworren hit a double and fourth-year Liv Thomas touched home plate on a first-and-third steal play in the third inning. Gross scored off a sacrifice bunt by Rieger in the fifth. Rieger then scored on a throwing error to finish the game early.

On March 27, CWRU finished their sweep of NYU in a tight 5-3 win. Riely’s single in the first allowed Gross and Rieger to score for a 2-0 lead. Gross took the momentum into the second inning and scored on a groundout while Rieger pushed the lead to 4-0 with a run-scoring double.

NYU roared back in the third with three runs on a run-scoring single and a two-run double while holding the Spartans scoreless.

Fortunately for CWRU, it seemed that NYU ran out of steam for the rest of the game. Manworren added a run off an infield single in the fourth inning. Neither team scored for the last three innings as the Spartans came away with the series sweep.

Hosey was named the UAA Pitcher of the Week and the Spartan Club Athlete of the Week after pitching 16.0 innings and striking out 15 batters last weekend. Currently, Hosey leads the conference with 48 strikeouts in 59 innings. She also boasts a 1.90 ERA, which is the second lowest in the UAA.

The Spartans will hit the road on April 1 for their second UAA series, this time against the University of Washington in St. Louis. The team is slated to play one game on Friday, two on Saturday and their fourth on Sunday. CWRU will then return for a four-game homestand against Emory University from April 8-10.

The doubles victories of second-year Sahil Dayal (above) helped the Spartans remain ranked No. 1 as the team continues to compete at a top level. Courtesy of CWRU Athletics

Puneet Bansal Sports Editor

Decisive runs by second-year KaiLi Gross (above) buoyed the Spartans to victory in their matches with NYU, the latest in a series of victories for the softball team. Courtesy of CWRU Athletics

CWRU baseball begins season turnaround with 3-1 weekend series at Emory

Gaurav Hardikar Staff Writer

This season has been anything but smooth sailing for the Case Western Reserve University baseball team. However, it seems as though they’ve righted the ship under head coach Matt Englander with a successful road trip to Atlanta against the Emory University Eagles last weekend. Though CWRU lost the first game 7-4, they bounced back with 5-4, 11-4 and 12-3 victories to close out the series on a high note and inch closer towards .500 on the season.

The Spartans got off to an excellent 3-0 start to the season, sweeping Washington & Jefferson and beating Mount Union 6-4 in extra innings. Unfortunately, CWRU hit a wall and lost six straight games. A mid-series 7-3 victory over SUNY Cortland ended the slide momentarily, but the Red Dragons dished out two more losses to close out the series in South Carolina. The following weekend, CWRU finished a four-game weekend against Denison University with 2 wins and 1 loss, with the third scheduled match postponed.

The 6-9 Spartans had their work cut out for them as they geared up for a weekend in Atlanta against the 13-8 Eagles, who were fresh off a series sweep at Oglethorpe University. The Friday game kicked off with 70 people in attendance and fourth-year pitcher Jack Moore taking the mound for Emory.

The first inning went by without much action, as the Spartans hitters grounded out twice and fouled out once while the Eagles’ leadoff hitter flied out and second-year Spartans pitcher Reece Marley mowed down the remaining two Eagles for strikeouts. In the second inning, third-year first baseman Nick Talarico walked and soon advanced to second on a single from third-year second baseman Trey Haley. Chaos ensued, as a throwing error by the Emory catcher sent Haley to second and Talarico to third. Haley then advanced to third and Talarico safely scored after another throwing error, this time by the Emory third baseman. After a strikeout, a fielder’s choice that got Haley out at home and a fly out, the Spartans finished the top of the second with a 1-0 lead.

The Eagles continued to struggle offensively, grounding out and flying out twice before CWRU got their next chance to bat. In the third inning, thirdyear catcher Jack Anderson walked and

advanced to third on a single from firstyear left fielder Logan Andreyko, but the Eagles quickly put a stop to the Spartans’ scoring effort. Emory evened the score with a double that led to a run off a wild pitch and ground ball, adding on a single before the inning ended.

The fourth inning was quiet, with only a walk for fourth-year Spartans center fielder Cole Jarrett and a single for Emory. The fifth inning saw another run for the Spartans, as they loaded the bases with help from a bunt from Anderson and scored on a fielder’s choice, with a pitching change in between for the Eagles. The home team had no answers in the bottom of the fifth, as a walk preceded a fly out and two strikeouts. A single from third-year right fielder Flynn Lenahan was the Spartans’ only hit of the sixth and the Eagles retaliated with full force. A walk, a wild pitch and an RBI double ended the day for Marley as second-year pitcher Tyler Horvath came in for relief. The Eagles capitalized on a fielding error with a two-run home run to give them a 5-2 lead at the end of six.

The Spartans had nothing going in the seventh while the Eagles tacked on another two-run home run as second-year pitcher Matthew DuBois came in for Horvath. The eighth was quiet for both teams, with the Eagles hitting a single. Though CWRU hit a double and sacrifice fly en route to scoring two more runs in the ninth, it wasn’t enough, and Emory won their first and last game of the weekend 7-4.

From there on, the Spartans ran the show.

Though Emory got in front early in Game 2 with an RBI single in the first, the Spartans put together a two-run effort in the top of the second thanks to singles from first-year catcher Jay Smith, designated hitter Tre Armstron and Haley, as well as a double from shortstop Jacob Lott. The third inning went well for both defenses, with Talarico as the only baserunner of the inning on a walk.

The fourth inning kept things close, as first-year center fielder Nick Harms crushed one for a solo home run and Lott singled, only for the Eagles to score on a fielder’s choice and keep their deficit at one. Unfortunately, the Spartans’ bats went cold in the fifth and Emory snatched a 4-3 lead with a two-run home run. Neither team had any luck in the

sixth.

CWRU came surging back in the seventh, as Lott singled and later scored on an RBI double from Anderson, who in turn scored on an RBI grounder from second-year third baseman Zack Carinci. Though Emory loaded up the bases, the Spartans were able to hold onto the 5-4 lead for the rest of the game, keeping their opponents hitless in the last three frames to even the series at one win apiece. Horvath recorded his third save of the season, striking out 4 and allowing no hits or walks in 2 ⅓ innings.

Though the games and series had been fairly close at that point, CWRU closed the weekend with pure dominance. The Spartans began Game 3 as needed, as Andreyko doubled and scored on a Talarico single. Emory fought back with a two-run effort in the bottom of the second to take the lead, and while the third inning was quiet for both sides, CWRU outscored the Eagles 3-2 in the fourth. Carinci was hit by a pitch and Talarico singled. Both scored on a throwing error that got Anderson on base, which led to Anderson scoring on an RBI from Lenahan. However, the 2-RBI single from the Eagles tied the game up at 4. That run was the last the Eagles would see all game.

Carinci hit an RBI single in the fifth to bring in Lott and take the lead for the Spartans while the Eagles struck out twice and hit a pop up. The Spartans kept rolling in the sixth with a sacrifice fly RBI from Haley that scored Lenahan and an RBI double from Lott that brought in Harms, who doubled to get on base. While both teams went hitless in the seventh, the Spartans regained some steam in the eighth, piling on another 3 runs with an Armstrong single, a tworun home run from Harms, and doubles from Lott and Anderson. Carinci singled in the ninth and scored on a Talarico double as CWRU cruised to an 11-4 victory to take a 2-1 series lead. Third-year pitcher Sankalp Doshi sealed the win as he struck out 5 and allowed just 1 hit and 1 walk in 3 ⅓ innings. Finally, the last game of the series had arrived. The Eagles would have to either tie up the series or let the Spartans walk away with an overwhelming victory. Clearly the 11-4 beatdown the Spartans just handed out wasn’t enough for them to let out their frustrations for their struggles earlier in

the season, as they demolished Emory 12-3 in the final game of the weekend.

Though things started off rocky for CWRU, their defense was able to keep Emory scoreless in the first. Unfortunately, Emory put together 2 RBI singles in the bottom of the second to get out in front 2-0. Anderson doubled in the third and Carinci hit an RBI single for an answer, but the Spartans still trailed by three.

Determined not to head back to Cleveland with a tied series, the Spartans found their rhythm in the fourth. Harms inevitably homered again and third-year left fielder Kevin Mackenzie, Lott and Anderson all singled. Mackenzie scored on a throwing error while Lott scored on a wild pitch. An RBI single from the Eagles in the fifth got them within one point, but the calm in the sixth came before the Spartan storm in the seventh.

The Spartans roared with a seven-run effort in the seventh to go up 11-3. Talarico doubled to score Andreyko, who reached first on a fielding error. Harms’ lethal plate appearances all weekend convinced the Eagles it was a safer bet to intentionally walk him. Third-year third baseman Owen Levinson hit an RBI single, as did Mackenzie. Haley hit an RBI double and Lott walked. Anderson walked with the bases loaded to score Mackenzie and Haley scored on a wild pitch. Carinci hit a sacrifice fly RBI to bring in Lott, and a pop up finally put the Eagles out of their misery.

Unfortunately for Emory, they had no answers for the late-game massacre. Harms doubled in the eighth and scored on a Mackenzie single to put the Spartans up 12-3 and effectively end the game, as both teams were fairly quiet in the ninth. Carinci took the mound at one point and picked up his third save of the year while DuBois recorded his first win of the season.

The 2022 season is looking up for Spartans baseball, as they improved to 9-10 with the successful road trip to Atlanta. Though they still have work to do on their overall record, their 3-1 conference record is tied with NYU for first in the UAA. For now, they can get comfortable in Cleveland with eight straight home games at Nobby’s Ballpark.

The Spartans spring back into action on April 1, beginning a 4-game weekend series against the 9-2 Brandeis Judges.

Fourth-year Willem Bouma pitched in CWRU’s decisive 12-3 defeat of Emory, delivering the Spartans the first UAA series of 2022. Courtesy of CWRU Athletics

Cleveland Browns make strong moves in early offseason

Sidharth Ranga Contributing Writer

The Cleveland Browns failed to meet their high expectations for the 2021 season following their successful 11-5 record in 2020. With a former No. 1 overall pick quarterback Baker Mayfield seeming to deteriorate in both his form and leadership—and the Browns still recovering from a plethora of injuries in their 2021 campaign—head coach Kevin Stefanksi and the front office blitzed during free agency at the onset of the 2022 NFL offseason.

The Browns’ first major move was franchise tagging a former first-round pick, tight end David Njoku. The dynamic 25-year-old has notched respectable numbers since the 2017 draft: 148 receptions for 1,754 yards and 15 touchdowns. Not only does he provide an additional vertical threat in the passing game, he also uses his massive 6-foot-4-inch, 246-pound frame to pave the way and run block for perhaps the most important component of the Browns offense: their one-two punch of running backs in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. In general, each team is able to tender one franchise tag each year, which is a one-year contract in which the recipient must either sign the tender or negotiate a long-term deal with the franchise by a predetermined deadline in July. The unique aspect of a

franchise tag is that it offers a predetermined salary, which is set by averaging the salaries of the top five players of a given position.

Perhaps one of the more surprising trades of the NFL offseason thus far has been the transaction between the Dallas Cowboys and the Browns which saw the arrival of four-time Pro Bowler Amari Cooper on March 11. The Browns traded a 2022 fifth-round pick (155th overall) and a 2022 sixth-round pick (193th overall) for Cooper and a 2022 sixth-round pick (202nd overall). The

Browns have lacked a true No. 1 wide receiver for some time. They tried their luck on both Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, a solid pass-catcher that the team recently released. In his time in Dallas, Cooper has been in the top ten of all receivers in major categories such as targets (428), receptions (292), receiving yards (3,893) and receiving touchdowns (27). Now, Cooper joins wide receivers Donovan Peoples-Jones and Jakeem Grant Sr. Though Amari Cooper boosts the Browns’ stock in the American Football Conference (AFC)

North, which is already teeming with talent, his arrival alone does not make the Browns an elite AFC team.

Perhaps the greatest, and most expensive, addition to the Browns is quarterback Deshaun Watson. On March 15, a disgruntled Watson was acquired from the Houston Texans for a plethora of picks: three first-round picks (2022, 2023 and 2024), a 2023 third-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick. Not only did the Browns give up highlyvalued future draft capital over the next several years, but they are also set to give Watson a five-year, $230 million contract. The full $230 million is guaranteed, making it the highest guarantee given to an NFL player.

Watson did not play a single game last season due to 22 lawsuits against him alleging sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions. Just before he was traded, a Texas grand jury decided not to indict Watson on criminal charges, paving the way for his NFL reentrance. However, Watson could still face punishment from the NFL while the 22 lawsuits, now civil cases, are still active against him.

No matter the case, Watson’s arrival doubled the Browns’ chances of winning the Super Bowl, placing an immense amount of pressure on the franchise yet again.

Cavs achieve first winning season without LeBron since 1998

Ajeet

Kalepu Contributing Writer

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ late season struggles continue with a 7-10 record since the All Star break. With All-Star center Jarrett Allen out indefinitely since March 6 with a fractured finger and other key players missing time, this is not surprising. But despite the team’s lateseason slump, guard Darius Garland has continued his impressive play, having posted an average 25.8 points, 10.9 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game since the break—making his case for the Most Improved Player Award this season.

Prior to this week’s matchups against the Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic, the Cavs sat at the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 41-31, tied with the Raptors and just a game behind the Bulls. This final stretch to end the season will be crucial since the Cavs can either secure a playoff berth or fall to the play-in tournament, where they would be forced to further compete for a spot in the playoffs.

Cleveland’s game against Toronto on March 24 was a big game for both teams as they fought for a playoffs spot. This was also a chance to see two of the leading Rookie of the Year candidates— Cleveland forward Evan Mobley and Toronto forward Scottie Barnes—face off. Forward Lauri Markkanen led the Cavs with 20 points, Garland notched 10 assists and Lamar Stevens added 16 points off the bench.

These efforts were in vain as Toronto forward Pascal Siakam’s 35 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists led the Raptors to a 117-104 victory. All-Star guard Fred VanVleet contributed 10 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists, while forward Chris Boucher added 17 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals off the bench. The rookie matchup was even, with both Mobley and Barnes totaling 11 points. Mobley finished with 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 blocks, whereas Barnes grabbed 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.

Cleveland’s defense came out strong from the opening tip, forcing the Raptors to miss six of their first seven shots of the night. However, Toronto quickly

responded and finished the first quarter with a 25-17 lead. By halftime, the Cavs trailed by 10 points. At one point in the second half, this lead was cut to just a difference of 5, but Cleveland couldn’t complete the comeback.

Cavs head coach J. B. Bickerstaff commented on the team’s efforts: “You’ve got a choice of fighting or you’ve got a choice of running, and our guys don’t run … we’re in a position where we just have to take care of business. We take care of business, we’ll be fine.”

On March 26, the Cavs hosted the Bulls, a team similarly in a late-season slump, having won three of their last 10 games, causing them to slip down the rankings. With the Eastern Conference playoff race tightening, this was a must-win for the Cavs. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers’ end-of-season slump continued as they narrowly fell 94-98.

The Bulls’ All-Star duo of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan scored 25 and 20 points, respectively, in a key win to maintain the fifth seed. Garland had a nice all-around game, finishing with 28 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.

Cavs guard Caris LeVert finished his second start in a Cavalier uniform with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

The first half was forgettable for the Cavs as they were held to just 35 points, allowing Chicago to grab an 18-point lead. Though Cleveland trimmed the lead to 3 points in the second half following a 3-pointer and a dunk by LeVert, their abysmal shooting put victory out of reach. The Cavs shot 22.6% from beyond the arc, 70.4% from the freethrow line and 41.5% from the field. The Cavs’ youthfulness was no match for the Bulls’ wealth of experience, as the latter secured their lead for the victory. Following this game, Cleveland had a record of 41-33 and fell to the seventh seed, seemingly relegating them in the play-in tournament unless conditions improve.

The Cavs then hosted the Orlando Magic, who claim the worst record in the East at 20-57, on March 28. Propelled by Garland’s 25 points and 12 assists, the Cavs beat the Magic 107-101. Markkanen contributed with 20 points, and forward Kevin Love added another 19 points and 7 rebounds off the bench.

Orlando had 7 players scoring in double digits, led by center Wendell Carter Jr. with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Though the Magic achieved a better field goal percentage, grabbed more rebounds and finished with more assists, the Cavs’ stellar defense and free throw shooting brought them the win. As a team, the Cavs made 20 of 23 total free throw attempts, stole the ball 11 times and finished with 4 blocks.

The first half went the Cavs’ way as their lead exploded to nearly 20 points. However, midway through the second quarter, Mobley sprained his ankle when trying to contest Franz Wagner’s layup, forcing him to leave the game. Orlando capitalized on this loss and cut the Cavs’ lead to single digits at the half, 60-53.

In the third quarter, a three by Magic’s Cole Anthony tied the game 62-62. The rest of the third quarter was a back and forth battle, but early in the fourth quarter, Orlando claimed a 4-point lead. Late in the game, a three from the top of the arc by Markkanen and an off-balanced mid-ranger by Garland pulled the Cavs ahead by 5. Garland then hit a step-back 3 and found Markkanen for an alley-oop to secure the victory.

Despite recent struggles, this season has still been a remarkable one for the Cavaliers. The win against Orlando marks the 42nd win for Cleveland this season, making this the city’s first winning season without LeBron James since 1998. They now sit at the seventh seed in the East with a record of 42-33, just one game behind the sixth-seeded Toronto Raptors and fifth-seeded Chicago Bulls. The Brooklyn Nets trail the Cavs by just three games, but with Kyrie Irving now eligible for home games after New York City Mayor Eric Adams lifted the vaccine mandate for performers and athletes, the Nets have a good chance of surging into the top six of the Eastern Conference and clinching a spot in the playoffs. Even with Cleveland losing Mobley on top of Allen, they must finish the season strong to secure a playoff spot, or else they may have to fight for it in the play-in tournament.

Deshaun Watson (center) was introduced as the new quarterback to the Browns at a recent press conference. Courtesy of WKYC

Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam dribbles past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Tim Frazier during the two teams’ faceoff on March 24, one of several defeats for the Cavaliers in their late-season skid. Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP