Attempted bribery stalls 2020 ASOSU presidential election results | Feb. 24, 2020

FEBRUARY 24, 2020 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • VOL. CXXIV, NO. 19

Violation.

Attempted bribery stalls 2020 ASOSU presidential election results Page 3

NEWS: Protesters interrupt provost’s class for petition signature 4 • CRIME: Corvallis police log 11 • FORUM: Daarstad: Eat less meat 13

INDEX

COMMUNITY CALENDAR MONDAY,FEB.24

Boldly Me: Sexual Health Fair

Memorial Union, Lounge Noon-3 p.m.

Learn about sexual health services available to OSU students, discuss sexual health topics with health professionals, access free resources, and engage in activities dedicated to healthy sexuality and responsible STI prevention and screening.

This event is part of Boldly Me - a week of events focused on healthy sexuality and promoting inclusivity for diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. Come celebrate the uniqueness contributed by each and every member of our community through events designed to promote healthy relationships, increase understanding of consent, and showcase individuality in identity!

Drag Makeup Night

Native American Longhouse Eena Haws 6-9 p.m.

Join us for a drag makeup workshop!

Bring your own makeup and prepare to get your blend on.

For accommodations related to disability, please contact 541-737-9036 or luhui.

CORRECTIONS Date: 2/17/2020 A paid insert by the Associated Students of Oregon State University Corrections:

The correct year and major for Muhammad Aatir Khan, candidate for graduate representative, are as follows.

Year: Graduate student Major: Public policy The correct year and a platform statement correction for Jack Hill, candidate for president, are as follows.

Year: First-year Platform correction: While Jack Hill was employed by The Daily Barometer at the time of print, he had not been an active staff member or produced content. He is no longer employed by The Daily Barometer.

The correct year for Gretchen Fujimura, candidate for vice president, is as follows.

Free Indian Food Class

Champinefu Lodge 5-7:30 p.m.

Human Services Resource Center is hosting a cooking class on Indian Cooking and we’ll be making an easy nutritious dal recipe.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 26

Biochemistry & Biophysics Seminar Agriculture & Life Sciences Building, Room 4001 3-4 p.m.

Deborah Bell-Pedersen, a professor at Texas A&M University, will present “Circadian clock control of mRNA translation”

Feb. 17

IN THIS ISSUE

3

A S O SU 2 0 2 0 e l e c t i o n results announced

4

OSU l a u nches ca m p u s s a fe t y webs i te

12 a me n d me n t fo r pe d est r i a n ,

5

Gun panel aims to “educate students before they vote”

Daarstad: We all 13 Forum: must eat less meat

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Delaney Shea

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and Q & A about applying for a Fulbright.

ID.

Correction: Orange Media Network Multimedia Contributor Jarred Bierbrauer’s name was initially spelt wrong. The Barometer regrets this error.

Year: Second-year Major: Food science and technology

Learning Innovation Center, Room 314 4-5 p.m.

Please join OSU’s Fulbright Program Advisor LeAnn Adam and a panel of OSU Fulbright alumni for general information

Dixon Recreation Center, Lower Gym 8-11 p.m.

Relax to the max with an event created specifically to de-stress as we approach the end of the term. Activities, snacks, and more! Free with your active Student

Year: First-year Major: General engineering Biography: Let’s Make a Change

Year: Second-year The correct year and major for Muhammah Shah Meer, candidate for SFC at large, are as follows.

US Student Fulbright Program Open Information Session

After Dark: Relax to the Max

Year: Second-year Major: Political science Biography: As your Representative I will continue to represent all student interests equitably and to implement student fee dollars in the most effective ways to benefit Oregon State’s campus without inflating tuition. Further, I will continue to create an inclusive and accessible campus environment as all the basic needs of students are prioritized.

The correct year, major and biography for Griffin Scott, candidate for undergraduate representative, are as follows.

Date: 2/17/2020 Article: ASOSU presidential election voting period begins

THURSDAY, FEB. 27

FRIDAY, FEB. 28

Year: Second-year The correct year, major and biography for Lucas Schnell, candidate for undergraduate representative, are as follows.

Year: First-year The correct year for Chase Pettibone, candidate for speaker of the house, is as follows.

whitebear@oregonstate.edu

TUESDAY, FEB. 25

The correct year for Samuel McNinch, candidate for undergraduate representative, is as follows.

Patience Womack

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COVER: Photo by Jarred Bierbrauer, Orange Media Network. The Elections Committee meets in the

ASOSU office in the Student Experience Center, to gather the results of the 2020 ASOSU elections and notify the winning candidates. ASOSU presidential candidates will not be notified, and the results of the presidential election will not be released to the public until on or after Mar. 3.

2 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • FEBRUARY 24, 2020

NEWS

JA RRED BIER BR AUER | OR ANG E MEDIA NETWORK The Elections Committee meets in the ASOSU office in the Student Experience Center, to gather the results of the 2020 ASOSU elections and notify the winning candidates.

ASOSU 2020 election results announced

By JADE MINZLAFF ASOSU Beat Reporter The results of the 2020 Associated Students of Oregon State University election was announced on the evening of Feb. 21, 2020.

The elected positions were the speaker of the House, Student Fee Committee chair, Student Fee Committee atlarge members, senators, graduate representatives, and undergraduate representatives.

•

Speaker of the House: Chase Pettibone • SFC Chair: David Park • Senate: Sage Taylor Michaela Canete Sierra Young Tamra Cluff Dhru Patel Laura Love • SFC at-large: Langley Black Muhammad Meer Kenneth Kang Sean Fagan The results of the ASOSU presidential election have been postponed until the final hearing on the appeal of the Hill-Fujimura presidential ticket, who were ruled guilty twice of committing a major campaign violation by the ASOSU Elections Committee. The candidates will not be notified about the results of the election and the

results will not be released to the public until after the appeal, on or after Mar. 3.

Voter turnout: 3,931 out of 29,725 eligible students voted, (13.22%), which is higher than the average but lower than the previous two years.

According to Halli Barrios, fifth-year biology student, ballot 1.20, a proposition to change the structure of congress to unicameral, as opposed to the current bicameral system, failed.

Currently, it is divided into House and Senate, and the proposed ballot would have changed the system to a larger unified student Senate.

62% of voters were in favor of the proposed measure, but a two-thirds majority of total voters was required for it to pass, and voter-turnout was not high enough for the measure to have been considered.

“To have the amendment pass, we needed 15% of the student body turn-out, so we didn’t hit that goal, which was a little disappointing. We’ll be working towards that for next year, as far as improvements go in our outreach,” said Safi Ahmad, fifth-year industrial engineering student and member of the Elections Committee. “As far as competitive elections, I think we had a couple of positions that were competitive and we’re happy that all the people that had originally wanted to do this did get elected into it, and now they have accepted that role, so we’re excited to have them on board.”

JARRED BI ERBRAUER | ORANGE MED IA NETWORK Jack Hill, ASOSU presidential candidate, has been accused of violating rule four: “Harassment, intimidation, bribery or fraud with the intent of affecting the outcome of the election.” Hill allegedly bribed presidential candidate Dylan Perfect to drop out of the running.

Hill-Fujimura ASOSU presidential ticket appeals to avoid disqualification

By JADE MINZLAFF ASOSU Beat Reporter The results of the Associated Students of Oregon State University presidential election will be withheld until the ASOSU Judicial Council announces their ruling, after Presidential Candidate Jack Hill filed a second appeal to avoid disqualification after being found guilty twice of committing a major campaign violation.

The upcoming ruling will determine whether or not Hill and his running partner, Vice Presidential Candidate Gretchen Fujimura, will be disqualified from the 2020 presidential race. In the event that the Judicial Council finds the Hill-Fujimura ticket guilty of committing major campaign violation rule four, which is “Harassment, intimidation, bribery or fraud with the intent of affecting the outcome of the election,” they will still be eligible to run in future elections and participate in ASOSU. The incident that was declared a violation of rule four occured at a meeting between Hill and fellow presidential candidate Dylan Perfect on Monday, Jan. 29, before the candidates had officially been announced, where Hill offered to reimburse Perfect for the amount he’d spent on the campaign to incentivise him to drop out of the race.

Perfect said he was initially approached

by Hill with a request for a confidential discussion, and the two agreed to meet in the Memorial Union a few days later.

Neither vice presidential candidate, Fujimura or Emily Warren, were present at this meeting.

According to a written summary of the incident that Perfect provided to the ASOSU Elections Committee, Perfect said, “He acknowledged that we were both running for ASOSU President and proceeded to request that I drop from the race, largely on the premise that he was better equipped to defeat ASOSU Senator Isabel Núñez [Pérez], whom we both believed to be running. At some point

during this conversation, Representative Hill said that, in relation to his campaign, his parents were ‘bankrolling’ this, and that if it was the money I had already spent on my campaign that was holding me back from dropping out and supporting him, that I wouldn’t have to worry about it,” Perfect said.

Perfect said that he disagreed with Hill and did not accept the offer.

“I did not accept what I interpreted to be an offer to reimburse my expenses associated with dropping out of the race,” Perfect said. “I also ultimately disagreed with Representative Hill’s assertion that he would carry forward my ideas better than Senator Núñez [Pérez], if elected. I declined to leave the race and wished him luck.”

The ASOSU Elections Committee recently became aware of the violation and held a Feb. 20 hearing, where they determined that Hill and Fujimura were guilty of committing major campaign violation rule four. At the hearing, the Hill-Fujimura ticket were found guilty

by Kylie Boenisch, Safi Ahmad, and Halli Barrios of the Elections Committee.

According to Ahmad, the content of the hearing was primarily a discussion of what incident occurred between Perfect and Hill during their meeting and whether it qualified as a violation of rule four.

Hill requested an appeal after hearing the Elections Committee’s ruling, and was then found guilty again by Ian Walker and Joe Harper of the Elections Appeal Committee during the Feb. 21 appeal. “[The elections committee] purposely segregated those memberships to ensure a due process and also that we weren’t the same people voting on and listening to that information, it was different people evaluating the circumstances,” said Ahmad, a fifth-year student in industrial engineering.

At the end of the Feb. 21 appeal, the Hill-Fujimura ticket requested another appeal, this time to the ASOSU Judicial Council.

According to Ahmad, the date for the Judicial Council appeal hearing hasn’t been finalized yet, but said it needs to be held at least seven academic days after Feb. 21, due to ASOSU policy.

Barrios said when this hearing is held, it will be open to the public.

Both Ahmad and Barrios declined to offer personal opinions on the alleged bribe or the appeal process at this stage.

Perfect said that he’s been “cordial” with Hill in the time since, and wishes to focus on issues more relevant to the future of their campaign.

“It’s about focusing on the issues that Emily and I have been hoping to bring to the table, and at the end of the day we’ve got to win on our own merits. I don’t want to take this opportunity to tear them down, and I also know that Gretchen wasn’t involved necessarily in the incident that occurred,” Perfect said.

The Baro reached out to Hill multiple times over both email and the joint Fujimura-Hill campaign Instagram for comment. Hill had not responded at the time of publication.

Fujimura provided a statement via email on her thoughts about the campaign violation.

“I would like for it to be mentioned that I had no idea of the violation that took place until I got an email from the Elections Committee. I had no say nor no action in the violation. I was not at the meeting between Hill and Perfect. I am really disappointed in what Jack had said.

And I want to make sure that people know that I had no control over what he said,” Fujimura said. “I was completely blindsighted and it has hurt me deeply. I loved campaigning and was very hopeful about what I could do to better OSU. I am not a bad person and I don’t support bribery or any intimidation.”

The results of the ASOSU presidential election will be postponed until after the Judicial Council has reached their decision, some time on or after Mar. 3.

They were originally scheduled to be released right after 10 p.m. on Feb. 21.

FEBRUARY 24, 2020 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • 3

NEWS

OSU launches campus safety website, announces four public safety input listening sessions

By TANVEER SANDHU News Contributor

Four Public Safety Input and Listening Sessions are set to be held in early March, according to a campus safety website that Oregon State University launched Tuesday.

The four sessions will take place between Monday, Mar. 9 and Wednesday, Mar. 11. Three will be held on campus, in the Memorial Union Horizon Room. One session will be held offcampus, in the main meeting room of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library.

“We encourage everyone to join us for these sessions or share their input online within a website we have launched that includes an online tool for submitting input.”

Paul Odenthal Senior associate vice president of Administration Co-chair of the Public Safety Advisory Committee

The sessions on Mar. 9 and Mar. 11 are both scheduled for 6-8 p.m., in the MU. On Tuesday, Mar. 10, two sessions will take place: From 10 a.m. to noon, the first will take place in the MU. Then from 7-9 p.m., the second will be held in the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library.

Paul Odenthal, senior associate vice president for administration, and co-chair of the Public Safety Advisory Committee said all four sessions will follow the same format. He said they are offering different times in order to allow for the greater participation and convenience of OSU and Corvallis community members.

“The sessions will center around community members participating in facilitated small group discussions,” Odenthal said via email.

“We encourage everyone to join us for these sessions or share their input online within a website we have launched that includes an online tool for submitting input.”

Odenthal said the committee believes input received from community members is a key part of the committee’s process and will help inform the committee’s recommendations.

The Public Safety Advisory Committee is made up of more than a dozen students, faculty

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4 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • FEBRUARY 24, 2020

and staff and includes representatives from the Associated Students of Oregon State University, the Faculty Senate, the offices and departments of Institutional Diversity, Public Safety, Faculty Affairs, Athletics, Student Affairs, Compliance, University Relations and Marketing, General Counsel and Finance and Administration.

The committee was formed shortly after Oregon State Police terminated its contract with OSU on Oct. 23. Through the work of the committee, OSU has been searching to find transitional and long-term law enforcement service providers for its Corvallis campus.

In early December, OSU President Edward Ray sent an email suggesting the option of the Corvallis Police Department serving as a transitional law-enforcement provider for OSU. According to Odenthal, discussions on this potential arrangement are still ongoing between the university and the city of Corvallis.

On this arrangement, Odenthal added, “the committee looks forward to receiving input from community members regarding public safety needs and services, as well as input regarding the values and principles they desire in how public safety services and programs may be delivered going forward.”

Use a QR code scanner or Snapchat to view Oregon State University’s new campus safety website.

NEWS

Protesters interrupt Provost Feser’s class for petition signature

By WILLIAM ROSS News Contributor A group of graduate employees and students interrupted Provost and Executive Vice President Edward Feser’s weekly lecture, demanding him to sign a petition.

Oregon State University graduate employees, students and Coalition of Graduate Employees representatives gathered outside of Rogers Hall at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 19. With them, a petition featuring a list of demands for Feser to recognize. At 1:40 p.m., The group marched up the stairs single file to enter Rogers Hall, room 332.

They gathered around the classroom, signs in hand and voices loud, to present Feser with a petition for their request. Feser didn’t sign the petition after being confronted by the group of employees and students.

Feser said, to protesters, he would not be signing the petition and plans to read the petition later.

The petition Feser received calls for caps on salaries of OSU employees at $186,000, investment into affordable housing, and a freeze on tuition and fees. CGE also requested for guaranteed funding over the summer.

Alex Riccio is a staff organizer for CGE and helped put the surprise protest together.

“I think the point was to send a message, make the message very clear, communicating that it’s happening on behalf of 1,200 people including workers across this campus, and I feel like that message was successful,” Riccio said.

JACOB L E | ORAN GE MED I A NETWORK Andrea Haverkamp, an OSU employee, uses her fist to notify students attending Provost and Executive Vice President Edward Feser’s class that it is time for them to leave, as the class ended at 2:50 p.m. A group of graduate employees and students interrupted Feser’s weekly lecture, demanding him to sign a petition requesting caps on salaries of OSU employees at $186,000, and more.

After taking a day to read the petition, Feser made his decision on whether to sign or not.

“I have reviewed the petition provided to me by graduate assistants while I was teaching my class Wednesday. I will not be signing

that petition, and I ask that all members of the university community, including CGE members, abide by OSU’s time, place and manner policies, which importantly provides for free expression and protest opportunities

at OSU, but calls upon those activities to not disrupt the important teaching, research and study occurring at the university,” Feser said via email.

According to Steve Clark, vice president of University Relations and Marketing, the university is aware of the protest in Feser’s class and the petition going around campus.

“We have regular bargaining sessions involving the university and the CGE. I believe there have been seven bargaining sessions to date,” Clark said. “Bargaining with CGE is not new. We have had collective bargaining agreements in the past.”

During the protest, OSU employee Andrea Haverkamp was the protester speaking directly to Feser on the demands of the petition.

“I feel like OSU administration continually and systematically disregards, disrespects and ignores members of the community, their own employees and the responsibility to the public good,” Haverkamp said.

Clark said OSU works very hard to provide fairness and equity for all of its employees, the university remains in active conversations with CGE and has been for years.

“I do expect this bargaining will produce a good agreement that acknowledges and builds on the excellent provisions the university already provides graduate teaching and research assistants,” Feser said via email.

Riccio warned participants in the protest that any students present could face repercussions

See CGE, Page 16

Gun panel aims to “educate students before they vote”

Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center holds panel to shed light on the topic of gun control

By TARYN HUGO News Contributor Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center held a panel called “Election 2020: Gun Laws,” which aimed to shed light on the topic of gun control in order to educate students on the history and current issues regarding gun violence and its strong impact on African American culture.

“We want to educate students before they vote,” said fourth-year geology major Amanda Carlin, who serves as partnership specialist for Community Engagement and Leadership. “It’s important to create a safe space for people to have healthy discussion in order for students to learn new factual content and create a wider perspective on societal issues,” Carlin said.

The Feb. 18 panel was designed to discuss the history of the second amendment, past and current gun laws within the U.S., and the history of African American gun restrictions, which have continually plagued our country’s history according to panelist Dwaine Plaza, Ph.D., who is a professor of sociology at OSU. According to Plaza, the notion of gun restrictions towards African Americans began with the desire to control and prevent slaves from gaining power over their oppressors.

“Gun restrictions began within the United States with the desire to control black bodies,” Plaza said. “Plantation owners never wanted slaves to get their hands on guns because they

knew they might turn against them.”

However, Plaza said even after slavery was abolished, the image of a black man handling a gun was far too much for white men to endure, such as in the case of the Black Panther movement of the 1960s, when African Americans were photographed, firearms in hand.

According to Plaza, “Gun control only becomes problematic when black people are seen with guns. It’s a culture of fear.”

Plaza attributes such fear to the everlasting misinterpretations of African Americans and the control which white men have over laws and legislations. “Unfortunately, white people get to write the narrative on how they perceive black folks,” Plaza said.

Despite such issues, some U.S. gun laws that are currently in place or pending serve protection purposes which may prove beneficial, according to Executive Director of Ceasefire Oregon and panel contributor, Penny Okamoto.

For example, the Extreme Risk Protection Order allows law enforcement, families, and household members to ask a judge to temporarily remove guns those who the judge has determined to be a risk to self or others.

An [Extreme Risk Protection Order] will also temporarily prohibit a person from buying a firearm. The law was enacted in order to lower homicide and suicide rates throughout Oregon.

“When considering a gun purchase,

remember that a gun in the home doubles the risk of homicide and triples the risk of suicide,” Okamoto said when discussing her concern for unlocked firearms, which could be available to children, robbers and those with possible suicidal tendencies.

“Even the [National Rifle Association] says to lock up your guns, but less than half of gun owners actually secure their firearms,” Okamoto said. “Stricter gun laws are meant to educate people and change behavior.”

Firearms are used in 67% of suicides by older adults and in 2016, 38,658 people were killed by firearms in the United States and 60% of said deaths were due to suicide.

Oregon Legislature Bill HB 4005, which is currently pending in the Oregon House, mandates the storage and reporting of lost and stolen guns, and aims to provide significant change within the state. This particular bill, if passed, aims to hold Oregon citizens liable for securing their guns and requiring them to report any missing or stolen firearms.

According to Okamoto, “HB 4005 does not have criminal penalties. The only penalties are violations which result in fines and the possibility of strict liability if the firearm is used to harm a person or property within two years.”

While Ceasefire Oregon supports safe storage laws for firearms, they hold a neutral stance on the bill, and have concerns regarding HB 4005 because it “is deeply flawed,” according to Okamoto.

JACOB LE | ORANGE MED IA NETWORK A poster board was made showing the names and faces of the lives that were taken because of gun violence. The panel remembers them and recognizes their stories as a group.

FEBRUARY 24, 2020 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • 5

FORUM

Student on the Street: Student Section

OSU students give their opinions on the difference in Athletics student seating

By MATTHEW BROOKS Sports Contributor

D EEVON CASTANED A, left, Fourth-year construction engineering management with a minor in business student

By CLAIRE NELSON Orange Media Network Photographer

“Personally I’ve never really had a position on that. I think it should be open in the aspect that it should be anybody, first come first serve as well. It’s a student base to have to fill in all the seats, not necessarily just the student-based section.”

Oregon State Athletics has historically had a difference in student-seating for Men’s and Women’s Basketball home games. The department experimented with a student section for the Women’s home Civil War game.

There is a designated students-only section for all home Men’s Basketball games. During Women’s Basketball games, the same section is designated as general admission for the public, though students can sit there too.

According to Zack Lassiter, deputy athletics director for external operations at Oregon State University, OSU Athletics looks at each sport individually before making a decision about seating arrangements for games.

“We look at each of our sports independently to better create a customized experience for the fans and student-athletes in attendance,” Lassiter said via email. “We have a great team that works together to create the best fan experience in the Pac-12.”

Lassiter said the student section allows for community for students attending home games.

“Many students enjoy sitting next to their classmates during games as they feed off each other’s energy and enjoy the community feeling of being in the Beaver Dam,” Lassiter said via email. “We are always looking for passionate students that want to help create a great atmosphere for students at all our athletic events.”

More student opinions can be found on the Daily Barometer’s website.

BRAND ON CASTANED A, Fourth-year construction engineering management student

“I think I like the student section when you’re watching the game on tv, it’s good to see all the students they’re even more excited.

I think that’s good, I like that.”

ABBY S CH WA RT Z, First-year human and developmental familiy sciences student

DAR W IN N E SHE IM, Third-year mathematics student

“It kind of makes sense to me, but I don’t really understand what the restriction is. It’s a really big gymnasium, I feel like anybody should be able to sit wherever they want. I really don’t think it makes that big of a difference.”

“I can’t really think of why there would be a reason myself, other than if there was a historical precedent that was set or if the stadiums are different. I haven’t attended a game, so I don’t know...I like the idea of student seating, but I don’t like the idea of having the split between the difference in games. I don’t think that sets a necessarily good precedent.”

6 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • FEBRUARY 24, 2020

JOHN HACKETHORN, Second-year forestry student

“Honestly I don’t think it should be any different. Both teams are good, both teams should have a lot of hype behind them... as long as it’s consistent across both.”

See Student Section, Page 11

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W

e’re having a baby! It’s a line many families are overjoyed to hear. After the initial excitement has subsided comes the next big question: “Is it a boy or a girl?!” This tiny, brand-new creature must be deemed a boy or a girl while still in utero. Society tells us this is what we need to do, and we follow that lead.

My sister has a two-year-old toddler and my brother and his wife are currently expecting their first child. My sister found out the sex of her baby right away, whereas my brother and sister-in-law don’t want to know. They explain that “it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that this tiny human is safe and healthy.” Their stance is that if the baby is a boy and wants to wear dresses and play with dolls, by all means! If it happens to be a girl and she wants to play with monster trucks and wear a suit and tie, she should! If their child wants to do all or none of these, that’s perfectly fine, too.

My sister has always been the more conservative one in my family. She believes in traditional family roles—the husband mows the grass and earns the most; the wife takes care of the children while also cooking, cleaning, and doing all of the housework.

Her discomfort begs me to ask, “What does it matter? Are you saying that if your son wanted to wear a dress or play with makeup, you wouldn’t let him? Why does their baby have to fit into one gender?” And her only response is, “but my son doesn’t want to do those things.”

There is no changing my sister’s mind. She is, out of a family full of stubborn people, the most stubborn of all. The more she’s questioned, the deeper she digs in her heels, refusing to see a different viewpoint. She’s also a closed book, so I may never discover the reasoning behind her views. But I wonder, how can my sister know what her son wants?

He barely possesses the vocabulary to tell us

by Sarah Phillips This perspective vexes and upsets my sister. his needs, much less his wants. His choices are premade for him based on his perceived gender: pants “Why do you need to know the gender?” I ask her. “Because I want it to and button up shirts, toy trucks, and masculine colors fill up his room. He be a girl so I can buy cute, frilly dresses!” hasn’t been given the opportunity to make his own decisions.

A BABY BY ANY OTHER GENDER

My brother has informed everyone to buy any gift for the baby that they want—dresses, bow ties, pink, blue, neutral—it’s all fair game.

Because, unlike many that want their child to fall into a certain gender, they don’t care. My brother wore pink to his wedding and paints his fingernails. My sister-in-law opts for t-shirts and jeans and doesn’t wear makeup nor paint her nails. She is also the breadwinner and lead decision maker. Together, as partners, they share a relationship that falls outside of traditional gender norms. They want to raise their child to do the same because a boy should be able to express his emotions and a girl should be able to be tough and strong.

Does boxing a child into a certain gender help them by limiting their selfexpression, or by promoting prohibitive standards? Does it benefit the parent, who may watch their child struggle with depression over being confined into a gender they don’t associate with?

I find it hopeful, however, to see so many people today allowing their children to be who they are, letting them experiment and be curious as only the innocence of childhood affords. Gender is a vast spectrum— not a straightforward binary—and it’s time we should all be more understanding and accepting of that.

sketch chilling scenarious about how terrible things would be if the earthquake hits tomorrow, all making the subject somewhat touchy.

Who wants to chat about how their home will be destroyed and how “everything west of Interstate 5 will be toast”?

CONSIDERING CASCADIA

by Milan Donhowe

T

here are a few characteristics that almost all Oregonians share: a general appreciation for the Oregon wilderness, an affinity for local farmer’s markets, and an existential dread of “The Big One.”

I remember being asked what my biggest fear was in my tenth-grade health class. My answer? “The Big One.” My teacher quickly responded, “Oh you mean that thing which might happen tomorrow—or in two hundred years?” His reply didn’t really make me feel any better about the impending, cataclysmic quake. I now realize, however, that I missed his underlying point: the earthquake will undoubtedly happen, yes, but the longer it waits, the more time we have to prepare.

While knowledge about the earthquake has been around for some time, mainstream awareness erupted after a 2015 New Yorker article

by Kathryn Schulz titled, “The Really Big One.” The article detailed aspects of the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake (its more formal name), and detailed how OSU researchers (‘sco Beavs!) uncovered geological evidence showing a history of earthquakes in Oregon; how the region had no precautions in place; and how a 8–9.0 Richter-scale earthquake followed by a tsunami would absolutely destroy the Pacific Northwest, with FEMA projecting at least 13,000 deaths.

Therein lies the bright side—or more accurately, Therein lies the bright side— the dim glimmer of some iota of hope. And Oregon or more accurately, the has been preparing, albeit at dim glimmer of some a snail’s pace. As reported

by KGW8, critical pieces of iota of hope. infrastructure are currently planned to be rebuilt, like the definitely-notearthquake-proof (and very busy) I-5 bridge connecting Washington and Oregon. Meanwhile, more measures have been taken to secure schools within coastal communities. The town of Seaside, for example, passed a bond measure in 2016 to move schools away from the Tsunami zone. OSU has been doing its part through the Cascadia Lifelines Program, which conducts research in order to “mitigate damage to Pacific Northwest Infrastructure as a result of Cascadia Subduction Zone quakes.”

So basically, we’re all going to die?

Oh, so we’re good then, yeah?

Wait, what’s The Big One? The Big One refers to a massive earthquake predicted to hit the Pacific Northwest—a region not generally known for having earthquakes, and perhaps consequently, a region that lacks earthquake-resilient buildings.

It’s easy to slip into a sense of hopelessness when considering The Big One. Its very name evokes an ominous tone, and writers like Schulz

There is no guarantee that Oregon will adequately prepare itself for the continued on page 10 ADVERTISEMENT

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he elevator doors cracked open to a room filled with sharp yells and scowling faces.

As soon as my sneaker hit the faded blue carpet, one of my friends shoved past me with the look of rage painted in her eyes and the corners of her mouth. Confused as to what caused this angry spurt, I steered myself into the lounge of my dorm room floor through the mass of people. I had to stand there in disbelief to both admire and ridicule what one of my dorm-mates had drawn on the whiteboard.

The board displayed a graph that read difficulty of majors on the x-axis, and on the y-axis, importance of majors. All of the engineering and other STEM majors were clustered in the first quadrant—the most important and rigorous majors—while all liberal arts majors were corralled in the third quadrant: the least important, “easy” majors.

ENGINEERING OR BUST

by Grace Scuderi physics, or biology. With our schedules jampacked with science courses, many feel fortunate to not be burdened with any history or writing classes, which are seen as futile. It seems embedded in many engineering students’ minds that engineering classes are the only ones worth pursuing, and the engineering major is the only one that guarantees success.

It’s true that OSU Our floor was pretty is in many ways an evenly divided into engineering school, Even though OSU offers a liberal arts and as it enrolls far STEM majors. more undergraduate wide variety of classes in the For the most part, engineering majors humanities, it needs to implore everyone melded than liberal arts together and did not majors—almost twice students to become more seem to segregate as many, in fact. Any involved in the same volume others based on major in the college of their major. But that engineering is indeed of events that are provided for said, no one had a coveted title. OSU’s yet blatantly stated disproportionate STEM majors, and it must offer that STEM majors amount of STEM to the same quality of internships were superior. I liberal arts majors, was in a state of however, creates and opportunities they receive. bewilderment. discrepancies in I knew this sort of the perceived value discriminatory divide between the arts and and prestige of each major. This has adverse STEM often lurked in colleges, but now I was effects on those who favor the humanities, and experiencing it first-hand. a malevolent environment has been fostered for those with the intent to pursue them. And As a biochemistry major pursuing a career in this atmopshere may help answer the real medicine, I encounter engineering majors in question at hand: why are so many of the STEM many of my classes. We congregate in the same majors at OSU opposed to adding even just one lecture halls to indulge in math, chemistry, humanities class?

O

Something I have observed in all of my STEM classes is that the engineering and science majors seem to feel like they have all of their puzzle pieces in the correct spots. They have the internships. They have the leadership positions. They have the fancy research positions. And believe me, I have met some truly remarkable and brilliant engineering students here.

Yet, I have also observed many of these students struggling to know how to talk to other people or show empathy. Despite their robust knowledge of the world at a particle level, they cannot see beyond their microscopic view and attempt to understand hardships and viewpoints of other individuals. It’s true that a creative writing course or philosophy class may not satisfy their prerequisites, but would it not make them a more well-rounded individual?

The mindset that only engineering majors are important is an insular and a ludicrous notion.

It cultivates a dangerous culture that allows us to forget what genuinely makes us human: the arts. It is seldom that a differential equations class will cover the ethics of humanity or explore the ways in which humans empathize with each other.

The university, however, is failing in its efforts to persuade STEM students on the value of a liberal arts education, regardless of one’s major. Even though OSU offers a wide variety of classes in the humanities, it needs to implore students to become more involved in the same volume of events that are provided for STEM majors, and it must offer the same quality of internships and opportunities they receive. Requirements of Bacc Core classes are not sufficient enough to fully comprehend and appreciate the liberal arts.

Of course, not everyone prefers the liberal arts. For some, it is simply not their passion continued on page 10

SU’s required health class, HHS 231, provides information on how to stay healthy and fit. But it’s missing something: sex.

HHS 231 IS MISSING SOMETHING

For many people, college is the first time they are living alone and able to make decisions regarding their health without any parental presence.

This means that for some, college is the first time they can freely experiment with sex. For sex to be safe and healthy, education is key.

And HHS 231 is a good candidate for teaching sexual health.

I just finished taking HHS 231, and yes, I understand that the topic of the class is “lifetime fitness for health,” into which sex education doesn’t exactly fit at first glance. But as a required course and one that discusses physical health in a broad sense, HHS 231 could include essential elements of sex education, such as STIs, birth control, and consent. If done well, students will become more comfortable discussing sex in a respectful way, better prepared to avoid STIs and unwanted pregnancy, more aware of consent and its importance, and generally more confident in making decisions about their sexual health.

Many people may assume that everyone in college has already taken “Sex Ed,” but according to a 2018 State Profile report by the Sexuality

by Allison Thompson Information and Education Council of the United States, only “16 states require instruction on condoms or contraception when sex education or HIV/STI instruction is provided.” OSU students who are not from Oregon may not have been educated on contraceptives and STIs at all—information that is vital to having safer sex. Even students who have already been educated about contraceptives and STIs would benefit from a refresher, particularly in a class that emphasizes holistic health from a long-term perspective.

Others may argue that because students are required to take an continued on page 10

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A

brand-new term will soon be upon us, and with it, a new cost for students.

In Spring 2020, the Board of Trustees will put into effect “Fee #2,” a universal flushing tax for all on-campus undergraduates. Students utilizing university lavatories will be charged ten cents every time they flush the toilet.

FINANCIAL CRISIS FORCES FLUSHING TAX

by Hunter Calvert

The 2018 Oregon State University Annual Financial Report shows the university spent 141 million dollars on the financial categories detailed as “Institutional Support” and “Other Expenses.” The small flushing tax will supplement increasing and unspecified college operations expenses, according to the Office of Finance and Administration. The fee was given its name as a reminder that “students and their education are always our number one priority, and their money is number two,” Chief Financial Officer Michael J. Green wrote in an official statement.

President Ray stated that increasing expenses are what drove the administration to enact Fee #2, which will exist as his final economic legacy, given his impending retirement. “We pride ourselves on our economic transparency here at Oregon State,” President Ray said.

“As I say farewell, I urge students to realize that we are really in the midst of a financial crisis and that their contribution is essential to the continuation of this democratic institution.”

The Board of Trustees sees Fee #2 as a necessary last resort in providing quality education to students. “We sat on this issue for a long time, but it wasn’t a problem that could be wiped away easily,” President Ray said. “After pushing for a more solid solution, we were forced to squeeze out Fee #2, for the betterment of student health and education on campus.”

Students can conveniently pay the flushing tax with Finance and

“Considering Cascadia,” continued Big One—in fact, we could easily make things worse. As reported by Andrew Selsky with the Associated Press, in 2018 Oregon’s legislature repealed a construction ban in Tsunami zones, “allowing fire stations, police stations and schools to be built in the potential path of a tsunami.”

To paraphrase the opening of The Oregon Resilience Plan, published in 2013: we have a choice between preparing ourselves, through voting in favor of ballot initiatives to retrofit our infrastructure and stockpiling supplies in anticipation for the disaster, or abdicating our responsibility, choosing to live in ignorance or despair of an earthquake that’s imminent, yet whose damage could be significantly mitigated?

So, which future do you choose?

Administration’s brand new “Brown Cash” account, the color choice inspired by the appearance of OSU’s beloved Benny the Beaver mascot. Students’ Brown Cash Card automatically connects by Bluetooth to brand new “Beaver Smart Toilets,” a highlyadvanced technological installation, the cost of which is included in student tuition. Beaver Smart Toilets are free to use for all students, excluding the tax.

Regarding the cost of the toilet technology, The Office of Finance and Administration promises that student dollars are not simply going down the drain. “This type of innovation defines Oregon State University and greatly enhances the education of our students,” Associate Vice President for Finance Heidi Sann said.

Professors, instructors, and graduate teaching assistants, however, are wary of Fee #2’s effects on their undergraduate students. “Ever since the administration started charging for Fee #Two, my students have seemed anxious,” chemistry professor Dr. Mike Wazowski said.

“They’re always shifting around in their chairs, and won’t focus on a single word that comes out of my big mouth.”

A new student organization labeled the “Freedom of Nature” club has begun scheduling daily field trips to the McDonald–Dunn forests.

Unlike most student organizations that hold meetings indoors, the club members pride themselves on doing their business in nature.

Some students, however, feel marginally constricted by the fees put in place by Finance and Administration, especially regarding Fee #2.

“It makes just as much sense as a matriculation fee, except it’s worse,” undergraduate student Conner Mowery said. “It’s like a fee for a subway that you have to ride every day to survive, except the tunnels are my bowels, and the subway is—well, you know.”

“Engineering or Bust,” continued and they find artistry in other disciplines, like math and science. That is perfectly acceptable! I am not asking that students immediately switch their majors to literature—rather, I’m challenging them to extend themselves and see the value of the arts. This is the one time in our lives when we can learn anything we want from experts and professionals, so take that Russian literature class, learn more about the American Civil War, make art!

College is a place to delve deeper into one’s intellectual vitality, to stretch your mind in multiple ways, and not just learn about the complexity of particles or DNA. Science can teach you about DNA, but the humanities force what you to discover what makes you unique. To neglect any opportunity to learn more about the human experience is a disservice to evernyone. The humanities are vital to survive.

“HHS 231,” continued online course on consent before coming to OSU, we don’t need another class that covers topics about sex. But why not teach consent twice, given how incredibly important it is? A one-time, online introduction isn’t enough. We need to discuss consent in the context of safe, healthy sex, and we need to discuss sex in the context of lifelong health.

I’m grateful that HHS 231 activly takes recommendations on what material to teach. Let’s tell them that this course can help OSU students make healthy decisions in every area of their lives— from food to working out to sex.

The Exchange is a student-driven publication that features writing by WR 121 students on issues they determine relevant to the OSU community.

Students not only author the articles, they also act as reviewers for one another, providing and receiving quality feedback. Near the end of each term, students become editors, ultimately deciding which pieces advance toward publication. At each stage, the goal remains the same: to develop compelling arguments that invite new perspectives and facilitate the kinds of change students want to see realized.

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FORUM STUDENT SECTION, Continued from Page 6

CRIME

Corvallis Police Log: Feb. 14-17

By MICHAEL EUBANKS Crime Beat Reporter Feb. 14 Criminal Trespass 2/Disorderly Conduct 2

C YNTH I A DE LA T O RR E, Fourth-year psychology and human and developmental family sciences student

“I actually didn’t know that, I haven’t been to a women’s basketball game. I guess maybe because it’s not advertised enough… the hype isn’t there, although I have heard Women’s basketball plays better than Men’s.”

An officer was dispatched to The Green Room marijuana dispensary in central Corvallis for a report of harassment. A female had reported that a male had been coming to the store the past several days after being told not to come back. The female also stated that the male told her that he was going to kill her.

Upon investigation, the male was arrested for Disorderly Conduct 2 and Criminal Trespass 2 and transported to the Benton County Jail. He was released later in the day.

DUII - BAC Test Refused

COLLIN V O GT, Second-year public health student

TOM OR R, Third-year kinesiology student

“I think it’s kind of weird that women’s doesn’t “To be honest, we’re all there watching the have a student section, I didn’t realize that was a game so it doesn’t really impact me at all.” thing. If you’re going to have a sporting event like that you should have student sections, and I feel like that would bring out more people.”

Use Snapchat or a QR code reader to read The Daily Barometer’s previous article about OSU Athletics’ student section for the Women’s Basketball home Civil War.

An officer was on patrol in downtown Corvallis when he noticed a white pickup truck pull out of the parking lot of the McDonald’s on NW Third Street and pulling out onto NW Van Buren Avenue.

As the truck pulled onto the roadway, the officer noticed the traffic light controlling eastbound traffic on the road turn yellow.

Instead of stopping for the light, the truck accelerated quickly enough that the engine revved loudly and it quickly sped through the yellow light which appeared to turn red while the truck was still in the intersection.

The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and the driver exhibited signs of impairment and consented to a standard field sobriety test. The tests showed a number of clues of impairment and the driver was arrested for a DUII. The driver refused a breath test and ultimately a telephonic search warrant was granted for a blood draw. After getting his blood drawn at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, the driver was taken to The Benton County Jail and released to the jail staff.

Feb. 15 Criminal Trespass 2 An officer was dispatched to the Havana Club in downtown Corvallis for a trespass.

Upon arrival, the officer located the male employees wanted trespassed and gave him a trespass notice.

The male subsequently attempted to go into the club again and was arrested for trespassing.

Due to the jail not having room, he was cited in lieu of custody.

Feb. 17 Escape 2/Interference with a Peace Officer/ Resisting Arrest/Possession Officers located a male riding his bicycle westbound on NW Van Buren Avenue. One of the officers knew there was probable cause to arrest the male from a previous case.

The male initially began to flee from the officer on his bicycle but was later located by another officer in the area of SW 11th Street and SW Jackson Avenue.

The other officer attempted to take the male into custody when he again ran away, this time on foot. The three officers then chased him, yelling at him to stop and that he was under arrest. After jumping a fence, the male was found a short time later hiding under a car.

He was taken into custody and resisted officers by pulling away and attempting to kick. After being taken to the ground and placed into leg restraints, the male was put into a patrol car.

He was booked into the Benton County Jail on the probable cause affidavit as well as for interfering with a peace officer, resisting arrest and possession of methamphetamine after a white powdery substance was located on his person in jail.

The jail informed one of the officers that they would be releasing the male, so the officer wrote him a citation for the charges.

SUBMITTING A TIP The Daily Barometer works to provide fair, in-depth and impactful coverage of the Oregon State University community and the City of Corvallis.

If you have information about a story you think deserves our attention, you can submit a tip on our website at DailyBarometer.com under the About tab.

Tips can be anonymous.

Crime and city tips can also be emailed to the City Editor at baro.city@oregonstate.edu.

FEBRUARY 24, 2020 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • 11

CITY

COOPER BASKI NS | ORANGE MED I A NETWORK

Two cyclists wait behind a car as they navigate their way around downtown Corvallis. The City Council recently voted to direct funds toward future safety projects.

Corvallis City Council approves amendment to set aside funds for pedestrian, cyclist safety 1% of Transportation Maintenance Fee will be used to fund future projects

By WILLIAM ROSS News Contributor After sustained community pressure, the Corvallis City Council made a decision regarding pedestrian and cyclist safety funding, which has the potential to affect the people of Corvallis for years to come.

The Corvallis City Council passed an amendment to the Transportation Maintenance Fee —which comes from Corvallis residents’ water bills—to 1% of funds toward future pedestrian and bicyclist safety projects.

“In February 2021, the TMF increase is expected to generate $3.7M over the following 12 months. Based on that, the 1% would be about $37,000,” said Corvallis Public Information Officer Patrick Rollens. “In February 2022, the TMF increase will generate about $5M over the year, increasing the 1% amount to $50,000.”

On Feb. 18, the amendment passed, with seven councilors voting yes for the amendment, one voting no and one absence. Ward 1 City Councilor Jan Napack was the sole no vote, and Ward 7 Councilor Paul Shaffer was absent.

The 1% will be directed into a designated fund right away, while the actual funding will not start being used for projects until approximately the summer of 2021 which will allow the fund time to get larger and for a project to be executed, said Corvallis City Manager Mark Shepard.

The 1% amendment to the Transportation Maintenance Fee was proposed to the council and voted on after the death of an 11-year-old girl at a crosswalk on Highway 99/Third Street early last month.

The city, working with the ODOT, has already implemented safety measures along the Corvallis section of Highway 99 to help improve safety conditions.

Speed radar signs will now remain up on the Highway 99 Chapman Street crossing permanently. The city also has signs which will allow them to inform pedestrians in an event the flashing lights are not working for a crosswalk, according to Shepard.

“We have spare parts on hand so we can facilitate a fix on any damage or malfunctioning equipment on the flashing lights,” Shepard said.

ODOT has put in “speed reduction ahead” signs off the south ramp of Highway 34 to Highway 99. There are plans for ODOT to redo the striping at the Chapman crossing to improve visibility in the future, but the weather will play a role in when the project starts, Shepard said.

ODOT has reduced speed in sections of Highway 99 which impacts south Corvallis.

The 35 miles per hour speed limit on Avery Ave. to Hopkins Ave. is now 25. The stretch of Hopkins Ave. to SE Park Ave. which was 35 is now 30 mph.

Oregon Department of Transportation plans to start a corridor study this summer

12 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • FEBRUARY 24, 2020

on Highway 99, it will be a two-year planning process, Shepard said. From the study, it is possible ODOT will find new ways to make more improvements.

With these updates in place, city staff and council members can look into the future of other safety projects planned around Corvallis.

The city has a list highlighting areas of town that could be improved by making adjustments to the surrounding road and sidewalks.

“We have some data about where there are safety issues and I think that would be a reasonable thing,” Barbara Bull, the councilor of Ward 4 said. “I would hope to see some improvement around campus.”

This has some concern with the funding for pedestrian and bicyclist safety projects around Corvallis. Napack voted no to the amendment on Feb. 3, which necessitated the second vote on Feb. 18.

“It’s not enough money, it needs its own funding track,” Napack said. “We really need to do this right and it’s going to take a while.”

The Corvallis City Council will have meetings in the summer to discuss transportation priorities, according to Bull.

“When we talk—hopefully in the summer—I will be looking for more revenue,” Bull said.

“I’m hoping that staff will have other ideas of where revenues can come from because people are concerned about using pavement money on it.”

Use Snapchat or a QR code reader to access The Daily Barometer’s previous coverage on the death of a pedestrian and the Corvallis City Council’s discussions of the Transportation Maintenance Fee.

FORUM

Daarstad: We all must eat less meat Going vegan or vegetarian would save water, keep ecosystems cleaner, reduce overgrazing

By HALEY DAARSTAD Columnist Everyone should be eating less meat. The amount of meat that Americans consume is not sustainable and is causing harm to the environment.

The production of meat has increased about five times in the past half-century, and the amount per person has doubled. By 2050 this number is supposed to increase by another 140%.

As of 2018, a person will eat an average of 222 pounds of meat per year.

This means that if every person at Oregon State University ate meat, a total of 7,275,828 pounds of meat would be consumed in one year.

This increase in meat consumption is a huge problem. Meat has an enormous energy footprint, which is the measure of land required to absorb the carbon dioxide emissions.

When compared to a piece of corn, it takes about 75 times more energy to produce meat than corn.

Animal agriculture is responsible for around 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions. This is larger than what is contributed by transportation.

However, by eating less meat or shifting to a vegan or vegetarian diet, that number could be significantly reduced. A vegan is someone who does not eat or use animal products, while a vegetarian is a person who does not eat meat.

By eating less meat, a person can save water, reduce water pollution, reduce the destruction of habitats and ecosystems and reduce green-

PHOTO IL L USTRATION BY JOSHUA L UCAS | ORAN GE ME D IA NETWORK ARCHIVES

Fresh vegetables and baked goods are for sale at the Corvallis Farmers’ Market. house gas emissions. Which all contribute to a more sustainable future.

To produce one pound of beef it can up to 50,000 liters of water.

Not only does it take a substantial amount of water to produce meat, but it can also cause great harm to waterways. Animal waste, antibiotics, and hormones that are involved in the animal agriculture process enter rivers and stream ecosystems, severely harming them.

Around 30% of the land on Earth is used for agriculture, and 70% of that land is used for animal agriculture. Livestock farming can result in overgrazing, which has led to soil erosion and deforestation.

The amount of meat people consume today will not lead to a sustainable future. The fact is that people need to start eating less meat.

While it can be difficult at first to implement this lifestyle change, there

are different things that can help.

Pavneet Kaur, a dietetics major and president of the Vegan and Vegetarians club, shared the ways that helped her. From following different Instagram accounts that posted vegan facts and awareness, to finding support systems online, there are multiple things in place that can help people who want to make this lifestyle change.

“What was most helpful for me,

Letter to the Editor: University mental health emails insulting I really, honestly do not want to see another email from the university talking about mental health until they increase the budget of CAPS and hire more counselors.

The email sent out on Friday, Feb. 20th that introduced Kognito, a mental health online training website, is yet another band-aid to a problem they haven’t solved. As students we do not schedule break downs or mental health needs. When my grandmother went into a coma during my freshman year, CAPS told me

I would need to wait four weeks to see a counselor unless I felt like this was truly an emergency—four weeks out being finals week of spring term, and I decided not to book an appointment because it felt useless. My grades tanked and I struggled to get my footing after she passed a few days later. I’m very lucky to have family and friends who were willing to listen, cry with me, and offer encouraging words. Being able to see CAPS that week could have changed the rest of that term and the following summer for me.

Many friends have had this same complaint after trying to make a single-session counseling appointment but being turned away by the next available appointment being three to five weeks out. We all feel as though OSU continues to put misguided effort towards a subject they claim to care so deeply about. I hope I’m wrong, but please, no more “it’s all on you” emails.

Sierra Hosea Earth sciences major

was reminding myself every day of all the beneficial aspects of veganism,” Kaur said.

Joining the Vegan and Vegetarian club is another way to become more involved. The Vegan and Vegetarians club is a safe and comfortable place for students to engage with other vegan or vegetarian students, and to promote the different aspects behind plant-based diets, explained Kaur.

Molly Test, a biology major and secretary of Vegan and Vegetarians club, has been vegan for four years and shared how her vegan journey has impacted her.

Growing up in Portland and having a brother who was vegan she was able to learn a lot, and after she began doing her own research and finding out the realities of mass animal agriculture she decided to make the lifestyle change, Test said.

According to Test, throughout her journey as a vegan she has learned that the best way to get people to learn more about veganism is to lead by example and to approach people with passion.

“I hope they can realize that the diet is already aligned with their values and have every reason to give it a try,” Test said.

A person doesn’t have to become a vegan or vegetarian to make a small difference, just by doing Meatless Mondays a person can do a lot.

With the growing population, the world can not sustain the current diets of Americans. Eating less meat can save our planet.

Letters to the Editor will be reviewed for submission on a firstreceived basis. Letters must be submitted by the Thursday before the next print publication. Letters must be 200 words or fewer and must include the author’s signature, academic major, class standing or job title, department name and phone number. Authors of emailed letters will receive a reply for the purpose of verification. Letters are subject to editing for space, style, clarity and civility.

Letters which are timely, relevant and accurate will receive priority for publication. Each reader will be allowed one published letter per month. Letters may be published either in print and/or online.

FEBRUARY 24, 2020 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • 13

FORUM Up For Interpretation: Coronavirus

By SHRIDA SHARMA

YAYS & NAYS The Barometer lists OSU’s favorite and least favorite things this week.

YAYS • YAY to long walks in the warm sunshine • YAY to good coffee • YAY to self-care and destressing • YAY for newly elected ASOSU members • YAY for a successful In This Essay I Will

By LUKAS DUMESTRE

DAMchic launch party

NAYS • NAY to having midterm exams during week 8 • NAY to drama • NAY to Sunday homework • NAY to power outages • NAY to pages being deleted on InDesign and having to start over on the newspaper (due to a power outage) 14 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • FEBRUARY 24, 2020

HOROSCOPE

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Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22)

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

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long-term consequences.

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S U D O K U

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Invest into a shared dream.

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and reach a wider circle.

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friends. Make long-

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LEVEL: 1 2 3 4

to benefit family and

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Across 1 On a peg, as a golf ball 5 Panda Express kitchen items 9 Aerospace giant __ & Whitney 14 Pre-deal payment 15 Rapper/actor with a cool name?

16 Talk show host in the National Women’s Hall of Fame 17 Keyboard chamber work 19 Pending state 20 Go off-script 21 Indian royal 23 Very long time 24 Shih Tzu or Chihuahua 28 Wet just a bit 31 Airer of old films 32 Kindle download 33 Norse royal name 36 Was shown on TV 40 Authorize someone to represent you at the shareholder meeting 44 Tea biscuit 45 Sank, with “down” 46 Fellows 47 Pontiac muscle car 49 Financed like many fleet cars 52 Personal unrest 57 __ Paulo

58 Bruins star Phil, to fans 59 Eye surgery acronym 63 Singer Ronstadt 65 Command to bypass a recap of prior episodes ... and what the puzzle circles do 68 Make sure not to see 69 “Electric” fish 70 Product preview 71 Like a bad breakup 72 Deuce topper 73 Smoochy love letter letters

25 Sign gas 26 Relative via marriage 27 Mideast bigwig 28 Magazines with Alfred E. Neuman 29 Intl. oil group 30 __ facto 34 Had lunch 35 Snake’s poison 37 Capital of Italia 38 They aren’t together anymore 39 Unit of force 41 “Picnic” dramatist 42 Prepare (for) 43 __ extra cost Down 48 Tense NBA periods 1 Cantina snack 2 Oklahoma city 50 Taylor of “Mystic Pizza” 3 And others: Abbr.

51 Largest living 4 Jeans antelopes 5 Quipster 52 Muslim religion 53 Hardly worldly 6 Text digitization meth.

54 They’re forbidden 7 Knightley of 55 Unexpected win “Love, Actually” 8 Brown ermine 56 “Today” weather anchor 9 Frigid zone ice formation 60 Crock-Pot dinner 61 Hogwarts librarian 10 N.Y. tech school __ Pince 11 Carrying a weapon 62 Screwball 12 It’s forbidden 64 Prefix with card 13 Skimpy swimsuit or count 18 Column that aptly includes the letters BIO 66 Land in l’eau 22 Stick (out) 67 Future therapist’s maj.

FEBRUARY 24, 2020 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • 15

ADVERTISEMENTS CGE, Continued from Page 5

UNIVERSITY THEATRE AND MUSIC PRESENT

JACOB LE | ORANGE MED IA NETWORK TOP: Feser, left, and Haverkamp confront each other in Rogers Hallway after class was dismissed.

Haverkamp questioned Feser on why he wouldn’t sign the petition.

BOTTOM LEFT: Undergraduate Forestry student Tali Ilkovitch joins protest to support graduate employees and researchers.

BOTTOM RIGHT: OSU Provost and Vice President Edward Feser, right, requests to respond to the petition after he has had time to read it.

by supporting the event. Event-goers could receive a misconduct letter for violating OSU’s time, place and manner rules by protesting within a classroom.

“Will there be moral repercussions? No, I can sleep well knowing I have done my best to build a just, peaceful and equitable world. Will there be university backlash? Almost guarantee if you try to speak about these issues, they will ignore you through their official channels. If you talk through unofficial channels, they will absolutely punish you and not speak to you,” Haverkamp said.

According to Clark, the university uses policies regarding free speech to avoid classrooms and labs from getting disturbed.

“The first effort would not be to punish someone but to inform them of how they can engage in appropriate free speech,” Clark said.

OSU and members of CGE will continue to have bargaining meetings for the coming months.

“The Coalition if Graduate Employees and 16 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • FEBRUARY 24, 2020

the university have agreed to a bargaining process, and are meeting twice monthly, to arrive at an updated collective bargaining agreement. The university and CGE have had a collective bargaining agreement since 2001.

I respect the roles of the university and CGE bargaining team, and look forward to the results of this important bargaining process,” Feser said via email.

While ongoing meetings continue, employees’ conditions will continue on as they have in previous years.

“It is not enough to raise wages, we must chop from the top and lower the wages of those who are greedily consuming the financial resources of this institution,” Haverkamp said.

“Oregon State University is flushed with cash and financial rich, but morally, spiritually and ethically they are bankrupt.”

Graduate employees will continue to work with CGE until the demands of the petition are addressed by the OSU administration.