2019-10-24

The Student Voice of California State University, Fullerton

Thursday October 24, 2019

Volume 106 Issue 30

Letter from the Editor on the Daily Titan’s Oct. 22 issue At the Daily Titan,

we proudly say that we are “The Student Voice of Cal State University, Fullerton.” That means that we speak on behalf of over 39,000 students and give everyone the platform to voice their stories, concerns and everything else in between.

On Oct. 21, the Black Student Union hosted a town hall after a member of Phi Sigma Kappa posted a flyer on social media with a racial slur on it.

The town hall gave anyone who was hurt or offended by the flyer the chance to have their voices heard, and gave anyone the chance to tell CSUF administrators changes need to happen.

After the town hall, members of the audience alleged that a Phi Sigma Kappa member said, “F--- BSU,” which then sparked a discussion between fraternity members and the Black Student Union. The discussion was posted on social media by the Daily Titan, and showed that it was a civil talk that never got out of hand.

The following day, the front page photo of the Daily Titan was a picture during the talk. Without realizing, we made the wrong decision to use the photo as the first thing people saw when they passed Daily Titan newsstands.

The image, which I have received emails and have seen social media posts about, hurt and offended people, as it portrayed the Black Student Union in a negative light, and we take full responsibility for it, and we apologize to anyone and everyone that it hurt.

I was not at the town hall, but I was able to watch the livestream from the Black Student Union’s Instagram page. Listening to it, I heard the hurt, the pain and frustration in everyone who spoke toward Phi Sigma Kappa, President Fram Virjee and other administrators. Despite knowing how important this event was not only to the Black Student Union but all of CSUF, we caused more hurt that we did not intend to give.

Going back to being “The Student Voice of Cal State University, Fullerton,” by making that mistake, we failed to do what it says at the top of each and every paper we print out, and I need to fix that. There’s only one way to do that:

I, Jordan Mendoza, and the Daily Titan, stand with the Black Student Union, and we stand with all people affected by this racist act.

The Black Student Union deserves to be heard; we fully support them during a time that has been extremely difficult for them. In a press release sent to President Virjee, Black Student Union President Bethany Whittaker said, “It is our belief that President Virjee must be held accountable in addressing the structural deficiencies in institutional support for black students on this campus.”

In the release, the Black Student Union also addressed demands that must be responded to by Oct. 25 at noon, including recruitment of black faculty outside of African American studies, an annual scholarship budget of $250,000, and an indefinite suspension of Phi Sigma Kappa.

With the demands listed, I support not only what the Black Student Union demands, but what they deserve.

I cannot count the number of times that I’ve heard CSUF preach about its diversity. The school makes it seem as if it is the epitome of diversity, yet events like this continue to happen. CSUF has the saying, “Titans Reach Higher,” but why are we not reaching higher for black students here?

It is unfortunate that the Black Student Union had to put on the town hall, but their voices deserve to be heard, and we will listen.

Not only do I represent the Daily Titan and everyone associated with it, but I also represent every single student that attends CSUF. When something like this happens here in Fullerton, we must come together to get rid of the hate that has no place at CSUF, and that includes giving people the chance to speak up.

I also condemn the actions of Phi Sigma Kappa for their use of such a hateful and disrespectful word, even if the post got deleted.

Even if it was one person, the action still reflects the entire fraternity in itself, and there should be consequences for their actions.

In the discussion between the Black Student Union and Phi Sigma Kappa, a member can be heard saying, “I’m just mad that you guys are trying to get us shut down,” as if the fraternity is not at fault.

Phi Sigma Kappa is indeed at fault, and they should be ashamed for what they let happen. Even if it was just a joke, the N-word making it into the post shows that the fraternity fosters an environment where such a degrading and derogatory term could be seen as comical.

When some of my staff approached the fraternity for comments regarding the post, they told me that someone said, most likely not knowing that our reporters could hear them, “Get off our property,” and made a shotgun noise.

Not only is that disrespectful to the people who work tirelessly to put out a great paper, but I see it as a threat. Phi Sigma Kappa has no business doing that to the people I call my family, and they have no business hurting the black community. I also stand with the Black Student Union in actions being taken against the fraternity.

I am not black, and I cannot imagine what it’s like to be called the N-word, be harassed or simply put down because of institutional racism.

It’s a horrible act that should have ended long ago, and I will work to put an end to it.

I want to work with the Black Student Union and give them the chance to say whatever they would like, and I would like to formally extend an invitation to work with the Daily Titan to make their voices heard. That’s what they deserve. Their time of being silenced has occurred for too long, they have not been given the chance to have everyone listen to them, and I want to make sure that every voice is amplified on this campus.

I am open to discussing this with anyone who wants to speak. Unlike President Virjee, I will listen to every single person who voices their concerns on this issue, because it is the right thing to do. I care about the students that go here, and they deserve to feel safe and comfortable here — not afraid.

I once again apologize for what happened in the Daily Titan on Oct. 22, and I promise to make sure that something like that never happens again.

To the Black Student Union, know that I am 100% with you, and do not be afraid to reach out to me, and discuss ways we can improve as a newspaper.

To Phi Sigma Kappa, I hope you know that “apology” you issued is not enough. Diversity classes are not enough. Whatever you are thinking should happen, is not enough. Changes need to be made, no matter what brotherhood means.

I look forward to seeing change happen on this campus, because it’s long overdue. By the time I graduate from here, I want to say that a difference has been made, and be proud to say I’m a Titan, because right now, I’m sure as hell not.

The ball is in your court President Virjee, make the right decision.

Signed,

Jordan Mendoza Editor-in-Chief

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Letter to the editor: Response from CSUF president

Letter to the editor: Reflection on faculty failure

Fram Virjee responds to the Daily Titan’s editorial “Offensive flyer demonstrates lack of inclusivity at Cal State Fullerton”.

Sociology lecturer Justin Huft comments on the responsibility CSUF staff has to combat institutional racism on campus.

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Opinion

4

Opinion

4

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2 News

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24, 2019

Student studies HIV attitudes abroad CSUF faculty and students spent two months researching in Thailand.

HOSAM ELATTAR KIM PHAM Editors

Cal State Fullerton health science students and an alumna spent two months in Thailand this past summer conducting research on attitudes about HIV testing and promoting HIV awareness.

“We wanted to study HIV from a public health standpoint and they actually came up with this new method of screening, called HIV self-testing. Basically you can purchase it over the counter, sort of like the way a pregnancy test works,” said Savana Deeb, president of the American Medical Student Association at CSUF.

“

A lot of people are still scared about basically talking about HIV and knowing about HIV.

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NARDEEN SHAFIK CSUF Lecturer Deeb was one of the students who went to Thailand to assist in surveying the local population on their feelings toward self-testing. This is the first time a study tailored on the education efforts of HIV self-testing has happened in Thailand, Deeb said.

She said the Center for Disease Control and Prevention approved self-testing in Thailand in April of this year.

“We were basically trying to figure out how well people know about this new method,” said Nardeen Shafik, CSUF alumna and lecturer in the Department of Public Health.

OMAR SANCHEZ / DAILY TITAN

Student Savana Deeb (left) and CSUF lecturer Nardeen Shafik (right) conducted the first study in Thailand about education efforts of HIV self-testing.

“A lot of people didn’t know about the method, so it’s pretty new. It basically tells us that we need more education on that method.”

Shafik, who also joined Deeb in Thailand, said it’s important to have research on attitudes toward HIV. “Although we’ve come a long way here in the United States with accepting HIV, it is still a taboo subject in a lot of countries,” Shafik said. “A lot of people are still scared about basically talking about HIV and knowing about HIV.” In practicing the principles of her department, Deeb said it was really rewarding to interact and survey the Thai villagers as she enjoys helping the global community through applying her major’s focus on

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preventative medicine.

Deeb, along with the other research students, had an enriching experience working in Thailand, despite the language barrier. Valuable suggestions from respected researchers took the place of preconceived notions of miscommunication.

“They’re all so smart. They had so much to offer, and you would think that because this is a different culture, it’s a different language, it might be difficult to communicate. But it was actually really great trying to get input from them,” she said.

This type of research is important because it promotes health awareness and disease prevention, Deeb said. While existing biomedical research is informative, studies such as these are especially influential

because they allow education to be tailored to the less obvious health characteristics of the virus.

“Thailand has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates, so HIV self-testing can help access to screening, which can encourage individuals to see a health care provider and seek treatment faster, which means they can prevent AIDS or furthering symptoms of HIV,” Deeb told the Daily Titan.

The National Institute of Health funded the trip through the Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Training Program. One of the program’s objectives is to show trainees the importance of international research addressing health issues.

Deeb said it is important that

students take advantage of the research opportunities offered to them.

“It gives you a good cultural experience, which is something that’s kind of rare to find,” Deeb said. “You learn so much, and even if you don’t want to do research in the future, it just helps your critical thinking.”

Overall, Deeb said her work in the village was eye opening and one of the biggest takeaways from the trip.

“It’s like a global perspective of health that you read about in books, but you don’t really understand until you go over there and develop empathy for people that don’t have the same resources that you do, and it makes you want to do something about it,” Deeb said.

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News 3

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24, 2019

Chancellor White How LGBTQ supportive is CSUF? announces retirement

CSUF has made progress but there is still work to be done, students said.

BRANDON PHO Editor

WENDY CHAVEZ BRIAN TORRES Staff Writers

After eight years, the CSU system will begin the search for their next leader.

HOSAM ELATTAR NOAH BIESIADA Editor

California State University Chancellor Timothy P. White will be retiring at the end of the 201920 academic year after serving in his role for eight years.

White was appointed in 2012 after the departure of Charles B. Reed, who served in the position for 14 years prior. Reed died in 2016 while still holding the title of chancellor emeritus.

Gov. Gavin Newsom released a short statement commending White for his work in the CSUs and that he was grateful, “for his tireless service to California, and I wish him all the best in retirement.”

“I had the privilege of working in partnership with Chancellor White while on the CSU Board of Trustees, where I saw his commitment to closing our state’s persistent opportunity and achievement gaps up close,” Newsom said in a press release.

Under White’s administration, the CSU system instituted Graduation Initiative 2025, which aimed to increase four-year graduation rates across the state. According to the CSU website, four-year graduation rates for students who started at a CSU have increased from 19% to 40% since 2015.

Newsom also commended on White’s work on the 2025 initiative, and said that his work would not only change students, but entire communities.

“During his tenure, we have seen CSU graduation rates at an all time high for first time and transfer students, putting the system on a trajectory to exceed the system’s goals for 2025,” Newsom said in the press release.

While Newsom said he was grateful to White, the chancellor has faced scrutiny from students

EDITORIAL

Over the course of this year, Cal State Fullerton has embarked on a number of efforts to show the public that the university welcomes LGBTQ students on campus.

For the first time, the university hoisted a pride flag in front of the school’s administrative building.

The LGBT Queer Resource Center also expanded National Coming Out Day to National Coming Out Week, which included viewings of drag race shows across campus, live drag performances at the campus residence halls, and a coming out fair with resources for students at Becker Ampitheater.

But some students say there’s still work to be done.

Cy Williams, third-year playwriting major and member of the LGBTQ community, said CSUF can do things like increase the sum of funding the university budgets for LGBTQ programs and resources.

“You can always do more,” Williams said.

The LGBT Queer Resource Center is a branch of the Diversity Initiatives & Resource Centers department on campus. For the school’s last fiscal year, the university budgeted just over $557,000 for that department, which also has to account for the Titan Dreamers Resource Center for undocumented students, African American Resource Center and others.

That’s compared to the $7.4 million the university budgeted for its athletics department that same year, or the $2 million budgeted for the Office of the

President.

“If they are spending that much on athletics, then maybe make athletics more LGBTQ friendly, or that trans-folks can participate, non-gender conforming folks can participate,” said Janica Torres, vice president of the Queer-Straight Alliance at CSUF. There are programs and resources on campus, “but you only hear about it a couple of times a year and that’s it,” Williams said. “LGBTQ programs, resources and support have only become more popular in recent times.”

In 2016, CSUF had a total of eight gender-neutral restrooms, and the number of gender neutral restrooms has increased to a total of 30 restrooms as of 2018, according to Cecil Chik, the engagement and inclusion specialist for the Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Programs.

Torres would like to see gender-neutral bathrooms in every building on campus.

“I feel like they could have more gender-neutral bathrooms,” Torres said. “We have disabled LGBTQ folk, and for them they need to access a bathroom.”

In 2015, CSUF developed its housing and residence life by adopting its first LGBTQ and gender-inclusive themed housing known as the Rainbow House, according to President Fram Virjee.

The floor aims to provide a safe and supportive community for students who identify within the LGBTQ community and for those who are allies.

“It’s important for us that as we are creating community and programming related to the queer experience, we’re also focusing on our students and that they are students, and how they can be successful in graduating,” said Nat Betancourt, coordinator of the LGBT Queer Resource Center at the LGBTQ reception Tuesday.

Senior Editors Sophia Acevedo Brandon Pho

Opinion Editors Alyssa Lopez Bernadette Steele

News Editors Hosam Elattar Noah Biesiada

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OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR

Managing Editor Nathan Nguyen

Sports Editors Arnulfo Gonzalez Kason Clark

$3.6 billion and student enrollment has increased by 44,000, according to a CSU press release.

Adam Day, chairman of the board of trustees, has appointed trustees to a Special Committee to conduct a national search.

White will also have a say in who succeeds him as a member of the committee.

There will also be a Stakeholder Advisory Committee, consisting of appointed members from several CSU organizations to serve as representatives for students and faculty.

According to the press release from the CSU, the Special Committee will be taking a tour of several campuses to hear what CSU students and employees hope to see in the next chancellor.

The tour is scheduled for November and December of this year, with the goal of having a new chancellor chosen by the start of the 2020-21 academic year.

Chancellor Timothy White announced his retirement Tuesday.

Sports Assistants Tameka Poland Mariah Ross John Corona

Editor-in-Chief Jordan Mendoza

News Assistants Jessica Benda Lydia Kelley Adam Maldonado Celeste Sharp

University officials hoisted a pride flag in front of Langsdorf Hall on Oct. 7.

and alumni across the CSU, with some even calling for his removal in the past.

Most recently, White came under fire after a state audit into the CSU earlier this year found that the system failed to disclose a $1.5 billion fund that was primarily made up of student tuition. The fund was accumulated during White’s tenure as chancellor.

In a hearing before the state Assembly, White said that the fund was a reserve that could not be used with discretion. Despite the difference in opinion between state auditors and CSU representatives, White said the system will accept the changes of the audit.

Tuition costs for undergraduate student increased from $2,772 to $5,472 between 2007 to 2011. The cost has remained at that price since White’s tenure as chancellor.

The university’s general fund allocation has grown from $2.3 to

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FOR THE RECORD It is Daily Titan policy to correct factual errors printed in the publication. Corrections will be published on the subsequent issue after an error is discovered and will appear on page 3. Errors on the Opinion page will be corrected on that page.

Corrections will also be made to the online version of the article.

Please contact Editor-in-Chief Jordan Mendoza at (657) 278-5815 or at editorinchief@dailytitan.com to report any errors.

© Copyright Daily Titan 2019 All Rights Reserved

OLIVIA HAWKINS / DAILY TITAN

Tuffy the Titan dons the Pride flag like a cape at the flag raising ceremony.

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The Daily Titan is a student publication, printed every Monday through Thursday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, Inc. College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSU. The Daily Titan has functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the university.

Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises. The Daily Titan allocates one issue to each student for free.

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4 Opinion

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24, 2019

Letter to the Editor Dear Daily Titan: I write to shed light on some factual errors in the editorial, “Offensive flyer demonstrates the lack of inclusivity and representation at Cal State Fullerton.” As the Daily Titan continues to cover this story, I thought it might be helpful to correct some inaccuracies. Specifically, the editorial’s false assertions that I “did not contact the (Black Student Union) after the incident occurred,” that I “failed to deliver an appropriate timely response,” and that “our university did not immediately acknowledge African American students until they echoed their obvious distrust of the unsafe environment on campus.”

Please note that the statements regarding the event in question were brought to my attention for the first time late Monday night, and I was in Sacramento where I was in meetings representing the campus all week. Under my direction, the university’s immediate and preliminary investigation into the event occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday. During that same time period, and at my specific request, multiple members of our student affairs team reached out to both our African American student leaders and to students in our African American community, offering our unequivocal support.

As the details of the event became clearer, late Thursday evening after my meetings in the state capitol concluded, I wrote a letter directly and only to the presidents and other key leaders of our African American student organizations. This includes the Black Student Union, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Afro-Ethnic Student Association, the Alliance for the Preservation of African Consciousness, the Divine Servants, the National Society of Black Engineers, Sistertalk, The Movement, Delta Sigma Theta and Kappa Alpha Psi. Both Harry Le Grande, vice president for student affairs, and Clint-Michael Reneau, associate vice president, were copied on that email, and in the interest of transparency, my office is happy to share it with anyone upon request.

Sent on Friday morning, this letter to our African American student leaders was my way of reaching out directly to them before any others. In that communication, I expressly decried the act that had occurred, offered my full support and communicated that I stood by them and our entire African American community.

It was only after receiving this letter that the BSU issued its announcement of the town hall meeting, a communication in which the BSU incorrectly stated that I had not reached out to them. That

inaccuracy was regrettable and likely the source of your misinformation. Finally, it was only after I had first reached out directly to our African American student leaders with support, that I then on Saturday, penned my letter to the entire Titan community.

Further, while it is true that I often share the accurate fact that CSUF is consistently ranked among the top universities in the nation for both strength of diversity and academic excellence — a strong point of pride for all Titans — that in no way seeks to quantify or “paint a vision of sophistication and grandeur.” Instead, since my arrival 22 months ago, I have been deeply engaged in working to improve our campus climate. And that work has borne fruit, as will be shared with the campus in the days and weeks to come.

Finally, it should be clear that, at least in the way I interpret these words, no Daily Titan reporter “went to speak” with me after the town hall meeting. Instead, that evening as I was walking from one meeting to another, a Daily Titan reporter happened to pass me on the promenade and asked if I could stop to talk. I explained that I was on my way to a scheduled meeting and could not stop to talk right then. As has been my practice since I made the Daily Titan headquarters one of my first visits as president, my door is always open to you, our outstanding student reporters and the award-winning newspaper you produce. However, there will be times I am unable to drop what I am doing in real time to answer questions.

In those cases, a call to my office to schedule an interview will be answered promptly.

To be clear, none of the inaccuracies in your editorial minimize the importance of the valid and very real feelings of members of our African American community. I was both grateful and humbled to be present yesterday in a place and space where those feelings could be shared. For me, yesterday’s town hall meeting was a time and place for listening, not for clarification, planning or collaborating a path forward. The times and places to do that very important work will, without a doubt, present themselves in the days and weeks to come as we work together as a community to improve our campus climate for our African American Titans and all of the faculty, staff, and students of our Titan family.

Sincerely, Fram Virjee President

Letter to the Editor We, as faculty, are failing students of color. When I say this in my classes, it is no surprise that white students are the only ones who don’t feel like this. We are failing students on virtually every level at this institution, and the more that students try to address systemic racism at Cal State Fullerton, the more apparent it is that faculty, the very people who are supposed to lift up and support their students, are complicit in creating and maintaining racist structures.

Phi Sigma Kappa recently distributed a flyer that had the N-word on it. This is, at its core, a racist act. Anyone who defends this is engaging in a desperate attempt to buttress white supremacy. The amount of faculty that I’ve heard say, “Well, it was just one person,” is not as disappointing as it is reprehensible.

This is the white version of #notallmen, and it is a tactic used to avoid accepting responsibility for partaking in racist systems. The reality is, the acts of any one member of an organization reflects on the entirety of the organization. Of course, Phi Sigma Kappa knows this, because they pat themselves on the back whenever one of their members has some accomplishment. In those moments, the acts of one member reflect on the fraternity, the brotherhood bonds that unite them all.

However, if a member of a historically black fraternity engaged in some deviant behavior, the fraternity would cease to exist. Every black student on campus would be accosted, as the white people around them asked expectantly for them to personally condemn the actions of the perpetrator. The convenience of when an act represents the group is, in and of itself, a symptom of institutional prejudice. This issue isn’t about personal responsibility though. It’s about violence and how the institution has condoned it.

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Words are violent. When you make people feel unsafe on a campus that pretends it is culturally diverse (when it has a staggeringly low percentage of black admittance — a percentage that has decreased in the last few years), that is violent.

When you defend violence, passively or actively, you are overtly allowing it to continue. When faculty make their black students speak on behalf of all blacks, this is violence. When faculty has conversations amongst themselves or with students, discussing how surprised they are at a black student’s success, this is violence.

When you fail to provide students with appropriate resources to set them up for success, resources that exist for white middle-class students, that is a violent system you have created. When you fail to hire faculty that represents the communities you pretend to uplift, that is a failure on the institutional level. And when faculty aggressively defends an organization (or organizations, plural, if we are looking at the lengthy history of racism in the Greek system), that is a failure on a catastrophic level. When faculty fail to check in on their students after a racist act, this tells students that they are not valued on campus.

When the president fails to reprimand the very fraternity he came from, that is a clear message that arbitrary in-group/out-group membership is more important than racial violence. Remember that when the institution panders to students of color to try and convince them that the faculty or institution cares for them. The actions, or lack of actions, speak volumes, and we, as faculty, keep failing students of color.

Signed, Justin Huft lecturer in sociology

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Lifestyle 5

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24, 2019

Talent Show embraces disability as an identity Disability Awareness Day spreads love to CSUF’s disabled community.

JESSICA BENDA LYDIA KELLEY Asst. Editors

The Humanities Quad was dressed up with purple and blue tables, bright posters and therapy dogs as people gathered to celebrate the fourth annual Disability Awareness Day on Wednesday.

A talent show, student speakers and a pet therapy station were only a few of the many activities at the event, which was designed to honor disability, inclusivity and pride.

“We want students to understand and know that disability is part of an identity group,” said Jacquelyn Gerali, a disability management specialist. “It is an identity. It’s part of diversity and it is very prevalent in the world, and to understand that disability is a part of our culture and part of our society.”

Attendees picked up a disability awareness pass and collected initials from nine tables to receive raffle tickets they could use to win prizes such as gift cards for Krispy Kreme or Starbucks.

A student talent show was one of the primary sources of entertainment, which showcased singing, dancing, visual arts and a variety of other unique talents.

James Meske, a third-year musical theater major, took third place with his rendition of “I Am What I Am” from the musical “La Cage aux Folles.” In the musical, the song takes place when a man comes out as a drag queen and embraces it instead of

being ashamed.

“He is what he wants to be, take it or leave it,” Meske said.

“That song has always spoken to me in different facets of my life, whether it be disabilities or sexual preference or just being different in general, and not always trying to fit the mold and embracing what makes you special.”

Meske said it’s important to embrace the things that make you unique, and though he struggled with that concept for a long time, he’s continuing to make progress toward where he wants to be.

Anne Smith, a Cal State Fullerton student, won first place with her watercolor painting of a salmon on a cutting board, and with it the $200 first place prize.

Gabby Poveda, a CSUF student, claimed second place with a visual art piece as well.

A poster hung on the right side of the humanities building asking students the question, “When you think of disability, what comes to mind?” Those that participated in the event and even people walking by were encouraged to write on a sticky note to add their own thoughts.

By the end of the event, the poster was shrouded with colorful notes containing words such as “strength,” “brave” and “unconditional love.”

There were multiple speakers at the event, including Caroline Benner, who is in her final year of college as a health science and public health major. For her, Disability Awareness Day meant celebrating disability pride.

“Disability does not mean inability, and every day I try and surpass barriers that I come across every day in my daily life,” Brenner said.

A popular attraction at the event was the Pet Prescription Team, an organization that brings therapy dogs to campus for special events or stressful times like finals week. Mandy Loo & Mike Cook, volunteers for the program, said the organization has around 200 dogs.

Pet Prescription Team provide their services for most of Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego and Riverside. Their service know no bounds, visiting places from hospitals to airports in an effort to help people destress.

The Abled Advocators organization also tabled at Disability Awareness Day. The club, which advocates for disability rights, is open to all students, regardless of whether or not they have a disability. The group is like a family, said Joshua Galvan, a Cal State Fullerton student, who runs the organization’s social media.

Abled Advocators help disabled students with a multitude of issues including financial aid, testing accommodations and rehabilitation resources where individuals can be referred to the Disability Student Services.

Though CSUF has made progress in providing disability assistance, Abled Advocates wants to see more accessibility for students with wheelchairs, Galvan said. Currently, there’s no wheelchair accessibility in the front of Langsdorf Hall, so those in wheelchairs have to go around to the backside to take the elevator.

“We just want to bring more awareness of disabilities to students around here at CSUF,” Galvan said. “Because we don’t want them to pity us, we want to be treated just like everyone else, just like the student body.”

LYDIA KELLEY / DAILY TITAN

Visitors wrote on Post-its their answers to the question “When you think of disability, what comes to mind?”

LYDIA KELLEY / DAILY TITAN

After visiting various booths and collecting initials from tables, students could enter a raffle to win gift card prizes.

Sexual assault survivors met with solidarity

Survivor Speak provides a supportive environment for survivors to share stories.

WENDY CHAVEZ BRIANA TORRES Staff Writers

Personal stories and empathetic sighs were exchanged at the Cal State Fullerton housing Piazza Wednesday, Oct. 23 during the fifth annual Survivor Speak event.

The WoMen’s Adult and Reentry Center hosted this night to spread awareness for domestic violence awareness month, providing support and advice for victims of domestic abuse.

Those who attended the event received free churros upon their registration. A stamp card was given out to guests to visit the different booths stationed, and

those who managed to get all eight signatures from each tabling organization received a ticket that would enter them in a raffle.

“Survivor Speak is a community empowerment event. It’s all about supporting and believing survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. It’s an opportunity for survivors to share their experience in a supportive environment,” said Alyssa Avila, violence prevention educator for the WoMen’s and Adult Reentry Center.

Organizations such as Laura’s House, Waymakers’ Sexual Assault Victims Services & Prevention, and Women’s Transitional Living Center attended to ally with and advocate for ending the exploitation of domestic abuse by offering information regarding their services.

Alongside these organizations, Cal State Fullerton’s Wellness Center was also available for those who seeked counseling and psychological services at the event.

“I lived in the dorms when I was a freshman and I stopped by a couple of the events but I never really knew how in-depth it was and the impact that it has. I understand that now as I’m someone who is tabling the event itself,” said Graham Hess, Bro Code Program intern.

The group Weapons of Mass Creations performed original compositions on stage as students explored the booths surrounding the housing piazza.

Each booth offered inclusive games that discussed healthy relationships and gave students the opportunity to place scenarios in three categories: healthy,

WENDY CHAVEZ / DAILY TITAN

A chalk board displays alternative ways that abuse takes form, as experienced by survivors who attended the event.

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unhealthy and abusive.

One booth focused on recognizing power and control in relationships, while another booth offered students the opportunity to write supportive letters on heart-shaped paper for survivors of domestic abuse.

Male roles were also discussed in regards to the issue, touching on topics such as toxic masculinity and social expectations of men in relationships.

“I think there’s a stereotype out there that men are expected to tough it out, and culturally, they’re not supposed to act or seem vulnerable in that sense and I think it’s promoted further in the male culture,” Hess said.

Joseph Franco, lead guitarist of the group Weapons of Mass Creations, said they were invited to the event because their lyrics talk about toxic masculinity, which resonated with the overall theme of the evening.

As one of the few spaces on campus that do not have mandated reporters, the WoMen’s Adult Reentry Center is an inclusive, confidential and safe space for those affected by domestic violence and abuse, to seek support and assistance.

“The WoMen’s and Adult Reentry Center has a confidential advocate, and that advocate is able to provide support services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and sexual harassment,” Avila said.

With a platform to start the conversation for those affected by domestic violence, survivors were able to share testimonies from their own personal experience.

Those who did not wish to disclose their testimony had their stories read anonymously by a peer volunteer.

Brave survivors spoke their truth and reminded those who have been affected by any form of domestic violence that they are not alone. Survivors shared that the best mechanism for

healing is seeking help.

“This is the biggest turnout that we’ve had yet,” Avila said.

“More people are feeling comfortable to come and check it out. I think it will continue to grow as we continue to have the event on campus.”

Their testimonies varied from partners whom they believed loved them, but would always verbally abuse them to being blindsided by manipulative actions in a relationship for a prolonged period of time.

“I think it’s super important to have this platform because a lot of people don’t know and don’t realize they’re in a domestic violence situation. Once they start learning about it and they’re aware of what it is, they start to realize and understand the relationship they’re in and are able to get support from others,” said Tina Bidgoli, Alpha Chi Omega chapter liaison.

For each story disclosed, the keynote speaker reminded the audience that these incidents were unacceptable and should not be taken lightly.

Vanessa Yearsley, a music major, said she gained courage to speak at the event after seeing so many people willingly sharing their story. “(The event) makes it easier for people who want to understand who haven’t been through something like that to be able to understand rather than just reading a book or reading a philosophy or reading stories, it’s right there, they’re able to see that person,” Yearsley said.

Anyone affected by domestic violence can seek assistance from the Counseling and Psychological Services on campus, as well as visiting the WoMen’s Adult and Reentry Center .

“I hope this event helps them feel seen and helps them feel supported not just by the Women’s Center, but also from the rest of the Titan Community,” Avila said.

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6 Sports

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24, 2019

Raina Perez makes it rain under her reign Big West media members named Perez to preseason all-conference team.

ELIZA GREEN / DAILY TITAN

Redshirt junior Raina Perez was named an honorable mention to the all-Big West team last season.

Cal State Fullerton women’s basketball player Raina Perez was one of six players named to the preseason all-conference team by the Big West media members. Other players named to the team include Long Beach State’s Shanaijah Davison, UC Riverside’s Jannon Otto, UC Santa Barbara’s Caroline “Coco” Miller and UC Irvine’s Jordan Sanders and Lauren Saiki.

Perez is coming off a season where she was awarded an allBig West honorable mention.

She tied for the team lead with

an average of 13 pts a game for the season on a shooting percentage of 42.1%. She averaged 35.9 minutes a game in 29 games, which led the team and ranked third in the Big West.

She led the team in assists, averaging five per game and 1.5 steals a game. She shot 80.6% from the free-throw line and 31.7% from 3-point range. She was the first Titan since the 1996-97 season to average 13 pts and five assists a game.

Of 29 games she played in last season, she reached double figures in points 23 times.

KASON CLARK Editor

ELIZA GREEN / DAILY TITAN

Perez led the Titans with 13 points and 5 assists a game.

She excelled in opening games for the Titans, scoring 20 pts against Washington to start the regular season and 23 pts in the conference opener against Hawaii.

This will be Perez’s second season playing for the Titans after she redshirted the 2017-18 season after transferring from Northern Arizona.

The Titans hope to improve on their 2018-19 season where they finished 14-16, including a 6-10 record in Big West play.

They ended the season on a twogame losing streak, including

losses to UC Riverside on senior night and Long Beach State in the opening round of the Big West Tournament.

Perez will be joined by seven returning players from last season, including Big West all-freshman and Best Sixth Person, forward AmieeBook.

Four freshmen join the lineup, and redshirt transfers Taylor Turney and Joy Krupa will play after sitting out last year. The Titans hope they can replace the play from Big West First Team player Daeja Smith.

While Big West media

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Stepping back to reconnect with the basics is a healthy move when circumstances become too complicated. Perhaps your desire to improve a routine prompted you to add more details to your plans.

Patience is essential if you wish to rebuild a splintered trust with a person dear to your heart. There might be some unresolved feelings over a disappointing experience between you.

Paradoxically, taking your personal development to new heights is more likely when you are collaborating with others now. You may be connected to a group of friends or coworkers.

Suspend belief in anything new that sounds too fantastical to be true. Otherwise, you may initiate grandiose endeavors that have little reality to support

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Following your instincts allows you to find your way when traveling in uncharted territory.

Although cynics might dub this beginner’s luck, wiser souls recognize it as beginner’s mind.

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members expect great things from Perez this season, the same cannot be said for the team. Big West media predicted a seventh place finish for the Titans in the Big West this season. Big West coaches were less kind, as they predicted the Titans would finish last in the Big West. The media favors UC Irvine and UC Davis to win the Big West conference.

The Titans will play in an exhibition match at home against Biola on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. They open the season at Southern Utah on Nov. 7.

them.

You might struggle to get a clear read on people’s motives today, including your own. Just when you think you figured out what is driving someone’s actions, they surprise you with their behavior.

Set your ego aside and roll up your sleeves to offer practical assistance to anyone who needs it today.

You possess an uncanny knack for knowing what to do.

Inspiration arises out of the blue today. Choice insights seem to tumble into your mind and out of your mouth when a friend needs an encouraging word.

Making your money work smarter for you takes a certain amount of discipline and determination. Paying off any outstanding debts or liabilities is your first move toward financial freedom.

The answer you give to another person now is likely to be passed on to more people later. In fact, you’re able to calmly steer others through difficult times because of your familiarity with hardship.

A discussion with a partner or close friend about your dreams turns out to be quite eye-opening. Talking about the day’s events is eventful when it comes to conversing with those who know you well.

Your gentle approach to life might be met with suspicion today. Coworkers and friends may think your resistance to confrontation is merely a matter of self-indulgence.

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7

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8 Sports

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24, 2019

Men’s Soccer wins second in a row against first place UC Irvine

MARIAH ROSS / DAILY TITAN

Jose Delgado (3) playing defense against UC Irvine forward Eder Oliva (25).

Two second-half goals helped the Titans improve its record in the Big West.

MARIAH ROSS Asst. Editor

The Cal State Fullerton men’s soccer team initiated a twogame winning streak after a game-winning goal from freshman Owen Lambe placed them 2-1 over the first-place UC Irvine Anteaters on Wednesday night at Titan Stadium.

The match marked the Titans’ first game back with home field advantage after going 1-1 on the road against Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Sacramento State. Their most recent matchup against the Sacramento State Hornets resulted in their first win after undergoing a five-game losing streak that began on the road against James Madison.

Juniors Alex Juarez and Rei Dorwart each recorded their first goal of the season in the matchup that went into double overtime. Dorwart ended the stalemate with the first goal of the game in the 52nd minute with an assist from redshirt senior Oscar Flores. In the 109th minute, Juarez scored the game-winning goal in the tedious matchup.

The Titans executed a strong offense against the Hornets, recording a total of 15 shots, nine of which were on goal.

The team initially failed to carry that same offensive pressure into the matchup with UC Irvine, recording four shots in the first half with only one being on target.

CSUF also lost the possession battle in the first half as they had possession 45% of the half to UC Irvine’s 55% total time with control. Flores emphasized the team’s energy as the reason for their poor play up the field.

“The intensity of the team was very low to start off the game,” Flores said.

The UCI Anteaters quickly

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established their stance with a score from freshman midfielder Roberto Molina in the 20th minute.

UC Irvine wrapped up the first 45 with nine shots and four corner kicks.

The momentum shifted almost immediately into the second half after a penalty kick from Flores in the 53rd minute evened the score and marked the midfielder’s sixth goal of the season.

Sixth year head coach George Kuntz explained how halftime adjustments helped elevate their second half play.

“We kind of switched guys around so we had a little more pressure on their outside backs because their outside backs were killing us,” Kuntz said.

The game-winning goal was assisted by Flores and sophomore Edward Salazar and marked the first in Lambe’s

MARIAH ROSS / DAILY TITAN

Christian Pinzon kicking the ball away from UC Irvine players Eder Oliva (25) and Oscar Cervantes (16).

Titan career.

After enduring injuries at the beginning of conference play, the coach and team had to put pressure on other players to make big plays.

“Coach really emphasized putting a lot of numbers forward into the box. New players are taking runs into the box, getting into good spots and it’s paying off,” Lambe said.

Despite it’s early season success, CSUF slipped to last in the conference in a three way tie with UC Riverside and CSU Northridge.

With the win and two games left in the season, the opportunity to advance to the postseason is still in sight.

“Keep it rolling,” said Kuntz.

“Do what we do best.”

They will see their next opponent UC Davis at Titan Stadium Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.

MARIAH ROSS / DAILY TITAN

Junior forward Christian Pinzon in action on Wednesday night’s match.

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