Burt Hall fire's effects burn on | Jan. 14, 2019

JANUARY 14, 2019 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • VOL. CXXIII, NO. 13

Burt Hall fire’s effects burn on Damage possibly compounded by adherence to grandfathered fire codes, research inside building lost to flames, water damage

Page 3 NEWS: After squatters, fraternity increases security 8 • FORUM: MLK Jr.’s legacy eroded 14 • SPORTS: Intramurals face gender disparity 10

INDEX

COMMUNITY CALENDAR MONDAY,JAN.14

9th Annual OSU Staff Art Exhibit

LaSells Stewart Center, Giustina Gallery 8 a.m.

Celebrate works of art created by OSU staff and retirees at the 9th Annual OSU Staff Art Exhibit. Visit with the artists at a reception on Mon., Jan. 14 from 5-7 p.m. at the LaSells Stewart Center Giustina Galleria. The exhibit runs from Tues., Dec. 11, 2018 through Sun., Jan. 27, 2019.

TUESDAY, JAN. 15

President’s Winter Celebration

Memorial Union, MU Lounge 9 a.m.

OSU faculty, staff and students are invited to take a break for treats and gourmet beverages. Join President Edward J. Ray in celebration and conversation.

Mission Blue Documentary Screening

The Valley Library, Autzen Room 6 - 8 p.m.

The Valley Library will host a free screening of the Emmy Award-winning documentary Mission Blue, which focuses on the life and work of renowned oceanographer, marine biologist, and environmentalist Sylvia Earle.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 16 Craft Center Open House

Student Experience Center, Craft Center 2 p.m.

Join the OSU Craft Center and check out all the activities they will be holding throughout the term. This event is free and will offer an orientation to the center.

Students can get a free membership for the term.

THURSDAY, JAN. 17

Speed Friending: Make New Friends FAST!

NEO GOBERT | ORANGE MED IA NETWORK Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity had squatters vandalize their house over winter break, and as a result will be boarding up their windows.

IN THIS ISSUE

3 4 7

Burt Hall fire damage still a hindrance

8

Squatter surprise causes fraternity to focus on security

Winter weather puts Corvallis homeless at risk

13

Sp orts: Gender di sp ari ty i n i ntramurals p ersi sts

Q& A w i t h G a m a g o ra G e ekho u s e

14

Memorial Union Building, Ballroom 5 p.m.

Join the Active Minds student club for an evening of dinner, fun and friendship.

Everyone welcome!

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FRIDAY, JAN. 18

Learning Innovation Center, 228 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Helmed by executive producer Shawn Carter (aka Jay-Z), Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story examines the life and legacy of Trayvon Martin. The sixpart, unscripted documentary series looks at one of the most talked-about and controversial events of the last decade, including the worldwide Black Lives Matter movement that grew after Trayvon’s death.

Viewings are free and will be followed by a moderated discussion. Watch one episode or all!

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Opinion: Dismissal of Martin Luther King Jr.’s radical views erodes legacy

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COVER: Burt Hall 2, a section of Burt Hall, sustained significant fire damage during fall term.

Because Burt Hall was constructed before fire codes required new buildings to have sprinkler systems, its lack of sprinklers meets regulations.

2 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • JANUARY 14, 2019

COVER STORY

Caution tape is stretched across the front of Burt Hall, which has damage caused by a fire started in a laboratory during fall term.

CLAIRE NELSON | ORANGE MED IA NETWORK

Burt Hall fire causes lasting damage, sets back research efforts Lack of sprinkler system may have contributed to extent of damage

By CHLOE STEWART News Contributor The College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science is still reeling from the damage caused by a fire in Burt Hall that took place at the end of fall term, and subsequent efforts to evaluate and repair the damaged portion of the building reach far and wide across the university.

The fire started in a scientific microwave, in a laboratory on the second floor of Burt 2, on Friday, Nov. 30. The “2” indicates the specific section of Burt Hall, of which there are four.

According to Jim Patton, fire prevention officer at Oregon State University, Burt Hall, as well as a number of other older buildings around campus, are not equipped with fire sprinklers, which could have helped mitigate the damage done by the fire. Fire codes and other safety regulations in place at the time of these buildings’ construction did not mandate the inclusion of fire sprinklers and they have not since been updated. Current regulations allow these buildings to be grandfathered in because of these differences, making the buildings technically in compliance with

Our team is still spending a bulk of our day-to-day time contending with the aftermath.

JASON BALDERSTON Facilities and Operations Manager for CEOAS

the current rules.

Steve Clark, vice president of University Relations and Marketing, says fire sprinklers are just one part of effective building safety measures.

“Sprinklers are very valuable, but they are not an exclusive measure that contributes to a building’s safety,” Clark said in an email.

“Maintenance of a building and the safe storage, maintenance and use of flammable materials, including paper supplies or fabric, as

well as the care and use of electronic equipment are important safety measures. So is proper emergency training of staff and students who work in and frequent campus. Safety and sprinklers are not an either or.”

According to Patton, the fire was thought to be extinguished as firefighters arrived on the scene in a single engine. However, thick, black smoke rising from the building’s chemical hood stacks and the chemical nature of the fire’s origin indicated that cause for continued concern. As the severity of the fire became apparent, additional fire engines arrived on the scene for a total of three or four.

Ultimately, the fire was contained to the lab. Patton said that the microwave from which the fire originated was “over packed,” by the firefighters, meaning that it was packed into a sealed, secured container so that it could burn out safely.

The rest of the lab was, according to Patton, effectively incinerated after it reached “flashover temperature,” meaning that the room’s temperature rose to approximately 1,200-1,400 degrees Fahrenheit, causing the entire lab’s contents to rise to their temperature of ignition and subsequently burn.

There were no fire-related injuries.

According to Patton, one firefighter endured a minor wrist injury after working to help contain the fire.

However, the damage done to Burt Hall extends far beyond the lab in which the fire originated. The fire also resulted in water and smoke damage to different parts of the building.

According to Jason Balderston, Facilities and Operations Manager for CEOAS, the water from the firefighters’ hoses and water from pipes, both domestic and lab-specific deionized water lines, ruptured during the fire and flooded the entire second floor. The water then seeped down to and flooded the first floor, then seeped down to and flooded the basement.

The movement and accumulation of the water has also resulted in mold growth in many of the building’s wall cavities. Additionally, the smoke from the fire penetrated the third floor of the building, causing damage to scientific equipment and a great deal of soot accumulation.

“The damage is really extensive,” Balderston said.

See FIRE, Page 6

JANUARY 14, 2019 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • 3

NEWS

Corvallis homeless population at risk during cold-weather season

Homeless population faces increased chance of illness during extreme weather conditions

By NOAH NELSON News Contributor On October 7, 2015, the city of Portland, Oregon declared a state of emergency due to their severe homeless issue, according to PortlandOregon.gov. Portland is not the only city with this issue, however. According to an article by the Gazette Times, there exists about 1000 homeless people in Corvallis, forcing this town to confront an issue of its own.

During these chillier months, additional dangers to homeless people present themselves.

According to the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council, cold weather poses many risks for the homeless population, including: frostbite, mild to severe hypothermia, and even trench foot. The NHHC says that homeless people are at risk of these conditions in weather ranging from 50-32 degrees fahrenheit. The temperature in Corvallis during the winter frequently dips below this temperature range at night.

Whether it be a domestic abuse victim that has nowhere to go after escaping their abuser, medical bills that have become so burdensome on a person’s finances that they eventually cannot afford their rent or mortgage, or a family that has lost their home to a natural disaster, people can become homeless for a variety of reasons.

With these reasons combined, the city of Corvallis is now dealing with a growing population of homeless people.

Kendra Phillips-Neal is the program director of Jackson Street Youth Services, which assists runaway homeless and at risk of being homeless youth in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln County, with sites located in Lebanon, Albany and Corvallis.

“The risks and dangers of being homeless during cold weather are not having a safe and warm place to be, falling ill and not being able to obtain care or become healthy due to being in the poor weather constantly, more serious health issues that come with not being able to keep your socks and shoes dry and attempting to sleep in extreme weather conditions (loss of toes, limbs, or death),” Phillips-Neal said.

According to Phillips-Neal, there are too few warming shelters available in all Benton Counties served, specifically shelters specifically for the youth and young adult population or ones they feel safe in, and the ones that do exist only open up if the weather is very severe. She says there are even fewer opportunities for the homeless youth of the county.

“Most cold weather shelters are for the adult populations and not appropriate for our youth,” Phillips-Neal said.

Due to the cold weather, Jackson Street Youth Services, and all shelters, are in need of greater donations that could help the homeless population during the winter.

See HOMELESS Page 5

AKSHAY PAWAR | ORANGE MED I A NETWORK Facilities provided by the Corvallis Men’s Shelter for visitors include a smoking area, beds, television and a laundry machine.

4 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • JANUARY 14, 2019

NEWS

The Corvallis Men’s Shelter, a space for homeless people to take refuge from harsh weather conditions, is located on 211 Southeast Chapman St.

HOMELESS, Continued from page 4 “Socks are the number one requested item on the street. Decent gloves are always nice too,” Phillips-Neal said. “Things like easy-toheat hot meals, the hand and foot warmers you can pop in gloves and shoes, and tarps are always awesome donations.”

Bill Glassmire is the Corvallis city councilor of Ward Seven, a district that is located northwest of the main campus of Oregon State University. According to Glassmire, the only special action taken during the winter months to alleviate homelessness is the opening of two winter homeless shelters.

“The organization and the staffing of those shelters are good-size volunteer efforts; local

governments provide some funding but no operational staffing,” Glassmire said. “The cold-weather shelters include some navigation services to help homeless people take advantage of existing social services, for example through Samaritan Health Services and Benton County Health Department.”

According to Glassmire, the city of Corvallis has, in recent years, limited its government activities to designing and implementing bigpicture legislation and regulations.

In 2018-19 the city provided $60,000 for the men’s cold weather shelter, as well as $38,400 in funding for the lead administrator of the Housing Opportunities Action Council and about $360,000 of social service funding that helps vulnerable populations, including the homeless.

AKSHAY PAWAR | ORANGE MED IA NETWORK

The mayor of Corvallis, Biff Traber, says the issue of homelessness is a priority for him.

“Homelessness is a very serious problem on which I spend a substantial amount of time working,” Traber said. “The work on it ranges from dealing with city council and staff, Benton County, HOAC and community groups on both immediate needs as well as the long term increase in affordable housing and supportive services.”

According to Traber, Corvallis is unique in how the city supports the various non-profits assisting homeless people.

“These (non-profits) are funded by community donations, grants and funding from government. Corvallis has for decades funded these organizations through its Social Services Fund; this is not common in small

cities,” Traber said.

The city of Corvallis has, for years now, supported and worked closely with non-profit organizations like shelters and churches, in order to solve the issue of homelessness, according to Traber.

The first letter of HOAC stands for Housing because this is the key to solving homelessness, according to Traber. Temporary shelters are not a permanent solution.

“The ultimate solution to homelessness is provision of housing for all those who need it along with the services and support needed to keep them housed,” Traber said. “We as a city need to have much more housing affordable for those at all income levels. This is a challenge that the city takes seriously.”

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JANUARY 14, 2019 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • 5

COVER

CLAI RE NELSON | ORANGE MED IA NETWORK Sections of Burt Hall of been taped off with restricted access due to hazardous materials from the fire while the reconstruction begins.

FIRE, Continued from page 3

C LAIR E NELSON | ORAN GE ME DIA N E TWORK Fire damage encompassed the room on the 2nd floor and Burt hall took heavy water damage when extinguishing the fire.

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6 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • JANUARY 14, 2019

According to Balderston, Burt 2 is CEOAS’ primary analytical lab space and was home to a great deal of scientific research and equipment.

The third floor in particular houses a great deal of highly sensitive equipment, including approximately 11 mass spectrometers, machines used to analyze the makeup of a material by separating molecules and isotopes.

The damage done to this building has also made it necessary to relocate many researchers and other staff and faculty. Balderston stated that approximately 40 people had to relocate, with relative success thus far. The damage done to this space has caused major setbacks in the CEOAS researchers’ work.

Balderston said that he is frequently met with surprise when describing the lasting effects of the fire.

“That’s happening all across campus and out in the community: it was a fire in a laboratory and that was the end of it,” Balderston said.

“People don’t realize the extent of the damage and the effect that that’s having on our research enterprise in every part of the college. Our team is still spending a bulk of our day-to-day time contending with the aftermath. It’s still a very challenging and dynamic situation over here.”

During this time of uncertainty for CEOAS, other groups from across the university have stepped in to help.

Libby Ramirez, University Architect and Director of Capital Resources, and her

colleagues Christina McKnight, interim chief risk officer and Dustin Sievers, Project Manager, are part of a team working to evaluate the damage done to the building, make plans to repair the building and determine how insurance will contribute to the resultant expenses.

“We have assembled a team that includes people from the College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, OSU’s offices of Capital Planning & Development, Enterprise Risk Services, Environmental Health & Safety and Procurement & Contracts to assess and serve the immediate needs as it regards the teaching and research that would otherwise occur in Burt Hall before this incident,” Ramirez said in an email. “This team also is addressing remediation of building damage and long-term planning associated with repairs.”

Clark also indicated that, in coming years, the university plans to update certain buildings on campus to include fire sprinklers and other important features.

“Meanwhile, as part of its 10-year capital forecast and also long-term university plans to deal with deferred maintenance, OSU is creating plans to update many buildings for seismic reinforcement, other safety improvements, including some new fire sprinklers and issues such as accessibility,” Clark said in an email.

NEWS

Q&A with Gamagora Geekhouse

By JAMES TROTTER News Contributor

Dave Okerson and Brittni Lipscomb are the owners of Gamagora Geekhouse, located on Madison Avenue in Corvallis. The self-labeled geek house was created with the intent to have a space that felt like a home, to host social gatherings where people can get together and play games, read or watch movies.

Q: What have been some challenges of running a board game shop of this type?

Brittni: This is completely different. I think one of the biggest challenges is explaining to people what it is. Especially the older generations, the people who have insurance and the property owners. Actually explaining what it is we’re doing, and we have lots of questions like “Oh, you mean people are going to pay you to play Monopoly?” and we’re like, “No, they’re not.” It’s really difficult trying to explain where games are now, and why people are so interested and why people would pay to be interested in that.

That was the biggest challenge for us starting. The biggest challenge for us now is that we’re growing so fast. We opened July 31st and we, just before Christmas, have our 600th member. So 600 people have said “This is our home now,” and it’s like, we have one, two, three, four tables?

It’s almost every week we’ve had something that we’ve had to adjust because it isn’t working, we’re growing too fast, we’re doing things we didn’t think we thought we were going to be doing. So, just being able to be flexible in growing so fast is a great problem, but a fun little puzzle.

It’s just the two of us, we do everything.

We decorated everything, we stock everything, we don’t have any other help opening it up, and no help doing anything.

It’s just us, but it’s fun though.

Q: What do you tell people who come in wondering what you do?

Brittni: We show them. Almost every single game we have in our retail section we have in our library. We can actually break it out, run through it, go through the components, put

CL AIRE N E L SON | ORAN GE MED IA NETWORK Brittni Lipscomb (left) and Dave Okerson (right) own Gamagora Greekhouse, a space intended to host social gathering where people can play games, read and watch movies.

it on the counter and run through a couple of turns and see what’s going on. But that’s been the best thing for us, is to actually show people that there’s more to it.

Q: What are you excited for the most about the upcoming year?

Brittni: The three pillars that we did in our personal life before we even thought about opening were board games, graphic novels and movies. That was a big thing that we wanted to really build here. We now have a game every day of the week that we’re going to teach people to play, which we were just doing sporadically before the New Year. We’re keeping all the

scores and stats, even random stats like what color people play as, what characters they play as, what their scores are throughout the rounds, different things like that. We’re really excited to start collecting data on game plays.

Next month we’re going to be doing a sort of book club with graphic novels. I’m excited.

We’re going to start small with a few people meeting once or twice a month getting into the nitty-gritty of what’s happening in the graphic novels. The artists, the writers, what’s happening in the world when this story’s coming out, kind of like a lit class but for graphic novels.

The following month we’re starting our

movie draft. This is something we’ve done in our personal lives for years, but it’s kind of like fantasy football. There are seven people per group, and you each get 100 virtual dollars. We have a list of movies that are coming out in the year, and we get to bid on these movies. When you win the bid, whoever has the highest gross after the year, wins. It’s a very simple thing, but it’s a ton of fun. It builds relationships that you didn’t even know were there.

Also, we’re going to get a tap, which is really exciting. I don’t drink, but he’s so excited. He’s like, “I just want pints. That’s all I want, is pints.”

Q: What have been the challenges in running more of a living room or lounge space rather than a regular shop?

Dave: You’ve got people asking, “What is it?” and you have to explain what it is as a concept. But on the other side of the coin though, a lot of the people that come in here saying “Thank you, thank you for making this place,” which is a weird thing. It’s something that we wanted, but for somebody to give you that feedback, “we’re just happy you exist,” to get that sort of groundswell of enthusiasm and excitement about the place is something other places don’t get.

Q: What do you think’s driving the increased interest in board games in the past years?

Dave: That’s a good question. I guess I can only speak for myself and use that as maybe a theory, but I prefer the social interaction that comes with board games. You’re joking with someone, laughing, making fun of someone, getting upset when you lose, whatever that kind of laughter and social interaction that happens.

Computer games aren’t the same. I’m on the networks with my friends and I can hear the jokes back and forth, but it’s not the same as a physical interaction. (...) It might be the way my brain works or whatever. And I like computer games, when I’m not here I’m usually on the computer at home. But for games in general, I think it is that social interaction that maybe we don’t have a lot of other avenues for.

Gamagora Geekhouse is open WednesdayThursday 4 - 11 p.m., Friday-Saturday noon to midnight and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

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JANUARY 14, 2019 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • 7

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NEWS

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS | SCHOOL OF ARTS AND COMMUNICATION

SAC Presents 18-19

An evening with

ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO

A Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Special Event

Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019 | 7:30pm The LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th Street, Corvallis

TICKETS: $30-$35 in advance | $35-$40 at the door FREE to OSU students with ID in advance, or at the door while tickets are available.

Purchase online at: liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/SACpresents

liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/SACpresents

Oregon State University fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon has boarded up all accessible windows after vandalization

Fraternity increases secur

Tau Kappa Epsilon to board up windows as frater

By JADA KRENING News Contributor Tau Kappa Epsilon, an Oregon State University fraternity, is implementing extra security measures to avoid further surprises like the notification that squatters had lived in and vandalized their house over winter break.

Over the break, the Corvallis Gazette reported that six individuals had allegedly squatted in and vandalized the Tau Kappa Epsilon and Chi Phi fraternity houses, both of which were vacant at the time. As a result, Tau Kappa Epsilon will now be paying more attention to security, including boarding up all accessible windows.

Both fraternity chapters are inactive during the 2018-19 school year, and t herefore are currently lacking residents.

OSU graduate and alumnus of Tau Kappa Epsilon, Erik Jaqua, is currently the chairman of the housing corporation that owns the TKE house in Corvallis.

According to Jaqua, winter break is one of the most concerning times for managing the property. Many students leave town, including those that would normally be residing in the facilities.

“I can’t speak for other fraternities, but we had arranged for a regularly scheduled walk-through to happen during the break,” Jaqua said via email. “We 8 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • JANUARY 14, 2019

were not expecting someone to vandalize property in order to break-in and enter the premise, though.”

As a result of the squatting incidents, security measures are now being emphasized at the TKE house. Accessible windows have been boarded to prevent another incident, yet Jaqua acknowledges that these measures are not an option for regularly-operating fraternities.

“I imagine it’d take a diligent, ongoing effor to ensure common sense practices (locked doors windows, walk-throughs, tenants, etc.) are in place to deter where possible,” Jaqua said via email. “In case the deterrence doesn’t work, it’s good to have a plan and be ready to deal with adverse circumstances in case something goes wrong.”

Jonathan Weinberg, a third-year student and president of the Interfraternity Council, explain that the houses are property of third-parties which typically consist of chapter alumni. The houses are not owned by the university.

“I would predict that the damages will be handled by the respective owners of the property,” Weinberg said via email. “We are sorry for the damages and hope that the owners can continue to work with the City of Corvallis to prevent this in the future.”

Leslie Schacht Drey, the assistant dean o Students & Director of the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life, also emphasized that the fraternity houses are not owned or operated by

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n and squatting occurred over winter break of 2018.

NEO G OBERT | ORAN GE ME DIA N E TWORK

rity after squatter incident

rnity remains inactive for 2018-19 academic year

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Oregon State University, but was upset to hear the news of the squatters nevertheless.

“We are disappointed that anyone, not approved to be in any vacant or occupied private house, would gain access to that property by trespassing and would use the property without permission and damage its contents or facilities,” Schacht Drey said via email.

Since each fraternity house is privately owned and operated, modes of security are maintained by the third-party organizations that own the property.

However, Schacht Drey wants to help make sure owners to educate themselves on proper security measures for the properties.

“We will remind all fraternity and sorority organizations affiliated with OSU, and that operate in privately owned houses, to contact Corvallis Police and learn more about recommended property safety procedures,” Schacht Drey said via email.

In addition, the Interfraternity Council will continue to work to provide advice and assistance to fraternity house owners regarding security and safety measures.

“If a chapter house remains vacant for an extended amount of time, the Interfraternity Council will continue to advise property owners to seek enhanced security and work with relevant city services to ensure the safety of their respective property,” Weinberg said via email.

01/16/2019 | 6 PM | SEC Lounge

Come celebrate the latest issue of Beaver’s Digest with a panel of special guests, refreshments and more!

NEO GOBE RT | ORAN GE ME DIA N E TWORK The fraternity has placed a ‘No Trespassing’ sign on the front door following squatter incident.

JANUARY 14, 2019 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • 9

SPORTS

10 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • JANUARY 14, 2019

SPORTS

New payment, registration plans help organize intramural sports Sports Programs sees decrease in participation

By JARRED BIERBRAUER OMN Sports Chief The Department of Recreational Sports at Oregon State University has seen a slight decrease in students participating in intramural sports, but an increase in overall revenue one term after launching their new payment plan and online registration option.

With new methods of student registration and fee changes, staff members of DRS are hoping that the shift has made signing up for intramural sports easier and more accessible for students.

Assistant director of Sports Programs, Joe Shaffer, said although there has been a decrease in student involvement and an increase in overall revenue, the changes cannot wholly be attributed to the changes made towards the payment plan.

“Participation in team sports in general have been decreasing over the years, and not just at OSU, but across the country,” Shaffer said via email. “This was an opportunity to update some of our systems and structures for a better customer experience and align our fee structure with what others are doing in the industry, as well as other programs in Recreational Sports.”

At the beginning of the 2018 fall term, DRS officially launched their new registration program online, featuring a more efficient method of student registration onto teams for intramural sports. According to Shaffer, the changes have increased efficiency for his staff, as all rosters had to be tallied by hand prior to fall term.

“With the paper rosters, we had to enter every student ID number from every roster into our old system. This took hundreds of hours,” Shaffer said via email. “Now everyone can instantaneously join a team online and we no longer have the roster issues that we had in the past.”

Shaffer added that one of the best features on the new website is the free agent feature, allowing a student without a team to sign up as a free agent and be picked up by teams who need players, all online. Tracking participation, recording overall win percentages and collecting virtual trophies for winning championships are other new additions.

Brian Hustoles, Recreational Sports marketing and communications manager, said the switch to an online payment and registration system for intramural sports was well worth it.

“It allows students to easily identify sports of interest, register at their convenience, coordinate rosters and sign-up as a free agent,” Hustoles said via email.

Constance Parker, a fourth-year student studying electrical and computer engineering, has been participating in intramural sports every term since fall of her first year at OSU.

See INTRAMURAL Page 12

An intramural basketball participant drives into the paint as he attempts a layup.

ORANGE MED IA NETWORK ARCHIVES

JANUARY 14, 2019 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • 11

SPORTS

ORANGE MED I A NETWORK ARCHI VES

Strudents get set on the starting line during an intramural track meet at Whyte Track on May 21, 2018.

INTRAMURAL, Continued from page 11 “The online registration is so much better.

Last year was a nightmare trying to set teams up because I physically had to get a certain amount of signatures and fill out everyone’s information. Then go into the office to turn it in and pay full price out of my pocket for the team fee,” Parker said via email. “After that, it was annoying to get people to pay me back and it was such a hassle.”

According to Parker, being a team captain is much simpler now that her teammates have to fill out their information once and pay once a term.

“All I have to do is create a team and invite people. They simply have to click “accept invitation” and it’s done, the team is made.

No need to pay people back or to fill out paperwork,” Parker said via email.

In addition to the changes introduced last term, DRS switched their payment plan from a team fee to a new $20 all-you-can-play intramural pass for each individual. Shaffer

said, people who only play one sport may not see value in it, but he encourages participants to try other activities.

“We have received positive feedback from people who do take advantage of playing in multiple sports and leagues like our single gender and co-rec leagues,” Shaffer said via email. “Also, team managers like it since they no longer have to track down fees from their players.”

Parker, who did several intramural sports last fall, said her participation averaged out to be $1.50 for each team she was on due to her frequent involvement.

“Personally, I think the the pass is great. I have access to do any sport for very cheap,” Parker said via email. “For all the teams/events, it is well worth it to have a guaranteed place to play and a team to compete against every week for the season.”

With the old pricing of teams and events, Parker said the prices were very dependent on the sport and the number of people on the team to determine how much it would cost. “$20 is not much. For someone like myself,

12 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • JANUARY 14, 2019

who plays on at least three team sports a term, I would have to pay more than $20 and that is not even including the one day events that were never worth my money,” Parker said via email.

According to Shaffer, one issue with the payment plan is that groups like fraternities and sororities have to pay for multiple passes, but the online system only allows one payment per account at a time.

Additionally, financial constraints can be a problem for students wanting to participate.

“We definitely do not want a financial hardship to prevent people from participating,” Shaffer said via email. “If anyone does need financial assistance, we encourage them to see us in the Sport Programs office in Dixon.”

Individuals can pay with a credit card or charge their student account to take care of the $20 fee. For groups, DRS will be accepting checks to purchase bulk intramural passes from winter term on so captains can distribute them to their players.

“Everything is going as planned. We expected there to be a learning curve for people to get used to the system,” Shaffer said via email.”While we

did see some decreased participation in some sports that were expected, we experimented with new sports like our four on four soccer league and that was a huge success.”

Despite the benefits, Parker doesn’t believe that students are taking full advantage of the pass for the unlimited access towards intramural sports.

“The changes I think are great for the average student, though I don’t think students are taking advantage of the pass,” Parker said via email.

“It gives the students an opportunity to take a break from school to play sports they enjoy with their friends for a reasonable price.”

According to Hustoles, Recreational Sports has been working on many different programs to help students become more involved overall, such as group fitness and Dam Fit passes, renewing memberships and lockers and making court reservations online.

“While we are still making improvements to this system, we are delighted to make it easier for members to purchase and participate in Rec Sports programs and services,” Hustoles said via email.

SPORTS

Intramural female participation hits five-year low Department of Recreational Sports working to increase equality in gender participation

By LAUREN SLUSS News Contributor Almost every inch of the courts at Dixon Recreation Center was covered by basketball shoe-clad feet, with 117 students waiting for the 3v3 co-rec tournament to begin. Out of these 117 players, however, only a handful stood out—the sole nine female participants.

The fall 2018 tournament reflects an overall trend of shrinking female participation in Oregon State University intramural sports. OSU’s Department of Recreational Sports, however, is working to promote female participation.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve how Rec Sports as a department is serving the female population,” said Joe Schaffer, assistant director of Sport Programs.

For at least the past five years, females have consisted of roughly 25 percent of total OSU total intramural sport participation, according to data gathered by the DRS. During the 2017-2018 academic year, intramurals saw 2527 total females participate and 8043 total males. These numbers also mark a decrease in overall attendance, with female participation shrinking nearly 14.5 percent and male 10.8 percent from the previous year.

“We’ve always sat at around 25 percent of our participant being female,” Schaffer said. “I’d say that’s about on par with other universities when it comes to intramural sports.”

The low rates of female intramural engagement may be influenced by the limited opportunities women were given in the past, according to Graduate Assistant of Sport Programs, Megan Guilfoyle.

“I think historically, since there has been a low turnout in women’s leagues, it has encouraged us to open more opportunities for men’s teams to fill those open timeslots,” Guilfoyle said. “Since that strategy has worked, women’s leagues are now limited to few time slots, and unfortunately they might not be available to play during those times despite those times being popular in the past.”

Some female intramural participants have felt the present repercussions of historical limitations on female participation. Ellie VanDevelder, a third-year studying education and political science, has previously participated in both female and co-rec leagues.

As one of the nine women who played in the 2018 3v3 basketball tournament, she found it discouraging to see the lack of female teams.

“I felt like I didn’t belong,” VanDevelder said.

“There were so few of us (females) in a maledominated space that I felt like I really faded into the background.”

VanDevelder said she would have felt much more comfortable if more females had participated in the tournament.

“I think there would’ve been a bigger group confidence for the females, like a sense of belonging,” VanDevelder said. “It also would have demanded more space in the room and respect from our male counterparts, showing that basketball is just

2013-18 Intramural Sport Participation Total male partici pants

Total female partici pants

10,000

7,500

5,000

2,500

0 2013/2014

2014/2015

2015/2016

2016/2017

2017/2018

Year Participants

2013/2014

Overall male Participants Overall female Participants

2014/2015

2015/2016

2016/2017

2017/2018

8,213

8,917

9,370

9,021

8,043

2,745

3,115

3,241

2,954

2,527

DATA P ROVI D ED BY THE D EPARTMENT OF RECREATI ONAL SERVI CES

as much for girls as it is for guys.

VanDevelder is not the only one to recognize the low number of females in intramural sports.

Schaffer and the DRS are aware of the gender discrepancy, noting that other universities are facing the same difference.

The DRS has been working to promote more equitable participation, specifically through marketing material and hiring processes.

“I don’t know if we’ll ever get it to 50/50, but we’re always looking for ways to do that,” Schaffer said. “When we add a new sport, we’re definitely looking for sports where we’ll see men and women participate.”

Additionally, Schaffer and his team try to promote participation from both genders indirectly through their selection of promotion materials.

“We are very conscious of what our marketing material looks like, making sure that there’s a balance between genders in that material so everyone can see themselves in our sports,” Schaffer said.

Internal hiring processes can also impact participation, Schaffer said. Females employees who supervise field and court intramural play

outnumber male employees.

“Those are two ways that we are looking for females to see themselves in our program, either through employment or through marketing material that goes out,” Schaffer said.

The Department of Rec Sports also made a significant change last year to increase equity in play between the genders.

Up until the fall of 2017, some intramural co-rec teams employed different rules for men and women. For example, women’s baskets scored would be worth twice that of a men’s basket. However, the DRS did away with the rule differences at the beginning of the 2017 academic year after receiving negative feedback from female players, according to Guilfoyle.

“We have gotten rid of certain rules that limited game flow because those rules were meant to encourage men to involve women in play and vice versa, however we learned that was not a reality we needed to prevent,” Guilfoyle said. We have moved away from those stipulations.’

All co-rec leagues now have the same rulebook between the genders, with the exception of the “plus-one” gender requirement

concerning the number of participants on a court or field. If a team has five players, for example, it needs to be split two of one gender and three of the other.

The DRS has received a positive reaction since the change, Guilfoyle said.

“Students have really enjoyed being able to have freedom in softball pitching lineups or volleyball rallies or flag football plays, just to name a few examples,” Guilfoyle said.

“In addition, I think women feel a sense of empowerment that they don’t need any extra boost in order to be as competitive as the men.”

Guilfoyle hopes for increased female participation in upcoming sports, noting that volleyball is one of the only sports that is consistently comparable in numbers between men and women.

“I would love to see this extend to more sports,” Guilfoyle said.

Winter term registration opens Monday, Jan. 14. This year, all registration takes place online and can be found on the Department of Recreational Sports’ webpage.

The registration deadline is Jan. 22.

JANUARY 14, 2019 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • 13

FORUM

Krening: Tunnel vision regarding Corvallis not MLK Jr.’s beliefs undermines legacy a small town LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Deradicalized image of MLK an injustice to his beliefs

By JADA KRENING Columnist Just over a decade after he was killed, Martin Luther King Jr. had become the personification of the Civil Rights Movement—a safe figure for the era, one in which both the political left and right aimed to claim as their own, in turn disregarding the very ideas and principles in which King stood for in the 1960s.

Today, when we celebrate MLK Day, we tend to think of King in terms of his textbook image: the man who delivered the iconic “I Have A Dream” speech during the March on Washington, the man who advocated for non-violent direct action in the face of racial violence and racial inequality. And while King should certainly be recognized for his skills as an orator and the progress he made during the Civil Rights Movement, this deradicalized image that we are presented with today in many of our classrooms and communities is one which ignores his lifelong progressive goals and ideas.

Many of these ideas would be considered radical even by today’s standards: his comprehensive fight for economic justice, his anti-war stance, and more specifically, his promotion of affirmative action and reparations for African-Americans.

“King’s goals were much more expansive than can be encompassed in the term ‘civil rights.’ In fact, he had begun to talk about human rights

in a really robust way,” Associate Professor of History Marisa Chappell said. “King recognized the connections among racism, militarism, capitalism, and really sought to organize ordinary people to challenge these interlocking systems.”

In the 1960s, King was certainly regarded as radical. He was considered dangerous by much of white America, was viewed as a threat by political parties and the government and was even the target of extensive FBI surveillance and wiretapping.

By neglecting to recognize the way in which King was treated during his fight for civil and human rights, we continue to perpetuate the deradicalized textbook image— the version of history which is a triumphant but inaccurate narrative.

Andrew Valls, associate professor of political science and author of Rethinking Racial Justice, discussed the troubling notion of failing to acknowledge all of King’s life’s work in the modern day.

“That involves a kind of sanitizing of his actual thought and involves a lot of historical forgetting about what he stood for, what he wanted, and just how controversial he was at the time,” Valls said.

Placing King’s textbook image on a pedestal, and advertising the holiday named in his honor as a “Day of Service,” continues to undermine the significant racial inequality and racial disparities persisting for African-Americans in the present day: mass incarceration, gentrifi-

CARTOON

cation and the lingering impacts of redlining and other discriminatory policies, in addition to economic inequality.

In fact, according to Pew Research Center, income gaps among racial groups continue to persist, stating that in 2016, “blacks at the 90th percentile of their distribution earned 68% as much as whites at their 90th percentile, the same as 1970.”

Valls emphasized this problematic notion of a “Day of Service,” ultimately because it creates the illusion that “the way to achieve further progress on issues of race is through private, individual action,” rather than addressing the explicitly racist policies of the past with new, progressive, well-crafted policies.

The persistence of racial inequality in the United States is certainly something King would be disheartened to see if he was alive today. And furthermore, his deradicalized image—one which has been “co-opted by conservatives who opposed all of the goals that King embodied,” as Chappell described, and one which fails to tell the entirety of his story—is perhaps something he would also find troubling.

Ultimately, by failing to acknowledge the entirety of King’s beliefs, and by neglecting to address the same persistent issues of racial and social inequality that were also present in 1960s, we continue to undermine the philosophies, legacy and spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.

“Corvallis is a small town...” begins the story on page 7 of the Nov. 19, 2018 issue. I beg to differ. Corvallis is a small CITY, not small town. I know the difference, having grown up in one. My “hometown” had around 3,000 people; it was the county seat, and was considered the “big, small town” surrounded by truly small towns of a few hundred residents.

Allowing for wiggle room in the perception of folks who come from a range of city sizes, there are distinct characteristics, most of which involve two areas of observation: anonymity and scale, and complexity. Walk the main streets of any small town, and people will look you in the eye as you pass by, nod or say a “hello” and perhaps stop for a longer conversation. Not true here in Corvallis. I’m continually amazed, during my walks in Willamette Park, how many people I encounter (ones I don’t know personally) who do not even look at me or recognize my existence. I always say “hello” to them, which stuns and knocks them out their state of isolation, their “bubble” of nonrecognition, as they finally utter a reply. They most likely came here from a much larger metropolitan area, and have been conditioned, by the overpopulation pressure surrounding them, to essentially ignore individuals.

Scale & Complexity reveals itself via a long list of conditions. As Corvallis has grown, so have the number of stoplights, boards and commissions, rules and regulations, traffic congestion, neighborhood destruction/ transformation, etc. all established to “manage” our collective affairs. And because we passed the 50,000 mark, (plus OSU’s exorbitant growth) big box stores and out-oftown/state development interests play a more significant part in our economy, much to the detriment of local businesses and community preferences. Bottom line: Corvallis has long passed the “small town” marker. Call it what you will, or a “small city” but PLEASE don’t confuse it with the genuine item.

M. Boyd Wilcox OSU class of 1966 Letters to the Editor will be reviewed for submission on a first-received 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.

14 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • JANUARY 14, 2019

HOROSCOPE

Facebook: DailyBarometer

M O N D AY J A N U A RY 1 4 T H , 2 0 1 9

Twitter: @DailyBaro and @omnsports

S U D O K U LEVEL: 1 2 3 4

Aries March 21 – April 19

Cancer June 21 – July 22

Libra Sept. 23 – Oct. 22

Capricorn Dec. 22 – Jan. 19

Today is a 7 -- Dreams

Today is an 8 -- Discuss

Today is an 8 -- Talk about

Today is a 7 -- Relax, and

come true with disciplined

team goals, challenges

finances with a respected

coordination. Ask for what

and possibilities. Make an

elder. Collaborate to

you want. You might get it.

enlightening discovery in

grow shared accounts.

Lucrative opportunities can

conversation. The solution

Family fortunes rise

arise in conversation. Talk

you’ve been hunting is

through communication,

about your vision.

within reach. Connect

organization and teamwork.

Taurus April 20 – May 20

and share.

Pursue a dream together.

Aquarius Jan. 20 – Feb. 18

Leo July 23 – Aug. 22

Scorpio Oct. 23 – Nov. 21

Today is a 7 -- The perfect

Today is an 8 -- You’re gaining respect.

Today is a 7 -- Professional

Today is an 8 -- Change

Confidently advance a

opportunities arise in

directions intuitively. A

conversation. Follow up

collaborative dream can

diligently and keep your

advance. Something that

promises. Accept more

seemed closed has cracked

responsibility. There may

open. Coordinate with a

be a test. Expect the

partner to take advantage.

unexpected.

Sagittarius Nov. 22 – Dec. 21

Virgo Aug. 23–Sept. 22

Today is an 8 -- Discuss

in a larger conversation.

Today is an 8 -- Classes,

long-term physical goals

recharge. Brilliant ideas pop

Get some buzz going.

seminars and educational

with your coach or doctor.

up when least expected, in

Share resources and

events open your mind.

What would it take to

information with your

moments of reflection and

A teacher sparks your

narrow the gap between

networks. Make powerful

relaxation. Consider things

creativity. Follow an

current and desired

requests, and offer

from a higher perspective.

interesting thread. Stumble

results? Expert support

generous contribution.

Inspiration sparks.

onto a brilliant idea.

energizes you.

Issue invitations.

personal project. The more you complete, the better you look and feel. Identify risk factors to avoid. Follow rules carefully.

Gemini May 21 – June 20 Today is a 7 -- Rest and

enjoy the game. Romantic dreams seem within reach.

Talk about what you love, and find shared passion.

Focus on fun with friends and family.

solution for a domestic conundrum arises in conversation. Talk with family and housemates.

Together, conserve money and resources to prioritize for a common goal.

Pisces Feb. 19 – March 20 Today is an 8 -- Participate

Does this describe you?

If any of these apply to you, come work with us! We are always hiring. Come check us out on the fourth floor of the Student Experience Center.

C R O S S W O R D

Across 1 Parks who wouldn’t give up her bus seat 5 Jewel box item 10 Colored eye part 14 Cartel acronym 15 Prizefight venue 16 Brit’s “Later!”

17 Version to debug 18 Recall ability 20 Blew like Etna 22 Black as night, e.g.

23 Well-groomed guy 26 __ XING: crosswalk sign 27 Noteworthy period 28 Removes, as a cork 30 Nowhere close 33 Places to swim 36 Geek’s cousin 37 Fodder storage site 38 Hauls with effort 40 Japanese warrior 42 “Right back __!”: “Me, too!”

43 Flashy promotion 45 Turn topsy-turvy 46 Water-testing digit 47 “__ With the Wind” 48 Map app path: Abbr.

49 Cantina condiment 51 One making a living in government, briefly 56 Small piano

59 Motivate 60 Knockout drink, in old gangster movies 63 Puma rival 64 Australian gem 65 So last year 66 Cafeteria staffer 67 Heredity carrier 68 “Some __ time”: “Not now” 69 RR stops: Abbr.

Down 1 Dressed like a judge 2 Mozart work 3 Arrange in advance 4 Like singing sans instruments 5 GoPro product 6 “Judge __”: Stallone film 7 Sleep acronym 8 Lennon’s love 9 Red planet 10 “Who’s there?” reply 11 In quick succession 12 Emphatic type: Abbr.

13 Fit to be tried 19 Puppy’s barks 21 Succinct 24 Orangutan, e.g.

25 Swedes’ neighbors 29 Kissing at the mall, for short

31 Actor Cumming 32 __ rage: body builder’s concern 33 H.S. junior’s exam 34 Numerical prefix with -pus 35 Self-affirming retort 36 “Bye Bye Bye” band 37 Large political spending gps.

39 Rice noodle soup 41 Trumpet mufflers 44 Veggie in a pod 47 Sheer joy 48 Jeremy of “The Avengers” 50 Often-twisted joint 52 Washer cycle 53 Whirl on one foot 54 Hunter constellation 55 Plumbers’ problems 56 Air quality concern 57 Frosty’s corncob accessory 58 Autocorrect target 61 Budgetary excess 62 “Give or take” suffix ... that can be added to the end of 18-, 23-, 51- and 60-Across to form a sort of set

JANUARY 14, 2019 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • 15

NEWS

ORANGE MED IA NETWORK ARCHIVES

Memorial Union renovates over winter break

Escape room converts to study lounge, fireplace now repaired

By JAMES TROTTER News Contributor

During December, many students take advantage of winter break to rest and relax.

While they’re gone, however, campus operations must go on, and many of the facilities on campus change up their day-to-day operations to accommodate the lower student traffic.

Deb Mott, the director of operations at the Memorial Union, said the MU takes advantage of the downtime and lower traffic to complete various maintenance and renovation projects that couldn’t be done during the school year.

“We have projects that we don’t necessarily do during working hours because they’re either noisy or dusty, or would somehow impinge on the working day of other folks,” Mott said.

Some of the maintenance work that Mott’s team does includes deep cleaning the carpets and floors, completing routine kitchen maintenance and working on renovations.

This past break, the repairs to the fireplaces in the MU lounge, which had been out of commission for the past year, were finished,

Mott said. Additionally, Operations Coordinator Michelle Rucker, Carpenter Gary Beedle and Move Coordinator Eric Kerstetter worked over the break to transform the former MU Escape Room area into a new lounge area. According to Mott, the renovation cost the MU $60 in total between paint and repurposed furniture costs.

Although renovations occur, many members of the MU student staff leave for the break.

According to Mott, the 425 staff members that operate the restaurants, coffee shop, maintenances tasks, events and cleaning decreases to just 30 over winter break.

“We’re still fully staffed, but our level of staffing changes to reduced hours and work,” Mott said.

In the case of inclement weather, the MU has designated several employees as essential so operations can continue if the power goes out.

“We’re one of the very few buildings on campus that has a generator. So we can maintain pretty close to full operations if we lose power,” Mott said. “If the university closes, we follow the closure. But our essential personnel will still be here to make sure that everything is still running and operating.”

16 • DAILYBAROMETER.COM • JANUARY 14, 2019

If the residence halls were to experience a blackout, the MU would open its doors for those without power.

“Having that generator here has shifted, I don’t want to say our importance, but our ability to support the residents on campus,” Mott said.

University Housing and Dining Services director of operations and facilities, Brian Stroup, said that if Oregon State University decides to close due to weather conditions, the residence halls and dining centers remain open.

“Our staff is committed to providing the experience students need and expect even during a break period and inclement weather,” Stroup said via email. “We assure that work within our facilities, including cleaning, the meals that we serve and the administration of our program continues throughout the entire year.”

According to Stroup, the dining halls consolidate to one location over the break due to the lower amount of student traffic, while service centers remain open.

Similarly, the recreational facilities shorten their hours of operation accordingly to remain open during the low-traffic break,

according to assistant director of outreach and assessment for the department of recreational sports Tina Clawson.

During the term, Dixon Recreation center sees on average 5896 ID card swipes on weekdays, 1802 on Saturdays and 1619 on Sundays. Over breaks, weekdays see on average 2367 swipes, Saturdays see 467 and Sundays see just 305, according to Clawson.

Programming such as safety classes, club activity, wellness coaching and personal training are not offered during winter break due to the lack of traffic and staff, said Clawson.

Similar to the MU and UHDS, student payroll expenses decrease with the diminished programming and services over the break.

The department of recreational sports makes every effort to keep the Adventure Leadership Institute service desk open during the break in order to accomodate for the seasonal demand for outdoor rental equipment, said Clawson.

With winter break now over and the term underway, most facilities have returned to their normal operating hours.