PORTLAND STATE VANGUARD
VOLUME 72 • ISSUE 32 • JUNE 7, 2018
GRAD GUIDE 2018 P
Inte
l a n o i t a rn
ps o h s i b ex n a e -Chilgn over s al P. 26 resi se scand abu
1 1 .
News -Student protests demand expulsion of alleged rapist P. 4
Opinion -W o m e n d o n ’ t o w e y o u s h it P . 2 8
CRIME BLOTTER MAY 29–JUNE 3 Justin Thurer
May 29 Vehicle break-in Parking Structure One At 2:18 p.m., a student reported their vehicle was broken into on the seventh floor of PS1. The vehicle’s rear window was smashed, but nothing was taken. May 30 Harassment Lincoln Hall After midnight, a student reported they had been physically harassed outside of LH. Theft Stott Field Between 2:20 p.m. and 3 p.m., a student’s keys and wallet were stolen from the southeast corner of Stott Field. May 31 Agency assist SW Broadway & SW Mill Around 10 p.m., the Campus Public Safety Office assisted the Portland Police Bureau in responding to a non-student that reported they had been assaulted while attending an event.
June 2 Harassment Oregon Department of Public Transportation At 1:25 a.m., CPSO responded to a non-student who said they had been attacked by their boyfriend at a camp on SW 13th Ave. Theft/fraudulent use of credit card Unknown Location Around 12:20 p.m., a student reported their purse had been stolen from an unknown location and their credit card was fraudulently used. Tip jar theft Chipotle Around 6:32 p.m., CPSO responded to a report that the tip jar from Chipotle’s Broadway location had been stolen. June 3 Burglary Smith Memorial Student Union Around 9:20 a.m., an individual reported their iPhone had been stolen from an office in SMSU. The alleged theft occurred between 8:55 a.m. and 9:05 a.m.
CONTENTS COVER DESIGN BY SYDNEY BARDOLE
NEWS STUDENTS PROTEST PSU RESPONSE TO SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS
P. 4–5
VIKING VOICES: FATHERS’ DAY PRIDE
P. 27
ASPSU CANCELS 10 MEETINGS, CAN’T MAKE QUORUM
P. 6
PANELISTS REFLECT ON 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF VANPORT FLOOD
P. 7
OPINION WOMEN DON’T OWE YOU SHIT
P. 28
PORTLANDERS MOURN DEATH OF GIGI EUGENE-PIERCE
P. 8
THE DIVIDE BETWEEN ART AND SCIENCE
P. 29
ARTS WHEN PEA LEAVES THE POD: PODCASTS FOR THE POST-GRAD
COLORING PAGE
P. 30
P. 9
EVENTS CALENDAR
P. 31
ARCHIVING URSULA K. LE GUIN
P. 10
2018 GRAD GUIDE
P. 11–22
ARTS ‘BEYOND SILK AND INK’ DISCUSSES ASIAN AMERICAN ART
P. 23
INTERNATIONAL CHILEAN BISHOPS RESIGN OVER SEX ABUSE SCANDAL
P. 26
STAFF EDIT ORI A L EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Evan Smiley MANAGING EDITOR Danielle Horn NEWS EDITORS Anna Williams Fiona Spring INTERNATIONAL EDITOR Marena Riggan ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Alanna Madden OPINION EDITOR Nada Sewidan ONLINE EDITOR A.M. LaVey COPY CHIEF Missy Hannen
COPY EDITORS Molly MacGilbert Jesika Westbrook CONTRIBUTORS Lukas Amsden Adam Bruns Rebecca Capurso Vinu Casper Cassie Duncanson Cory Elia Hossam Elsamanoudy David Gillespie Lily Hart Shandi Hunt Jake Johnson Molly MacGilbert Eva Park Madison Reynolds Justin Thurer Karina Santacruz PHO T O & MULTIMEDI A PHOTO EDITOR Brian McGloin
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Emma Josephson PHOTOGRAPHERS & VIDEOGRAPHERS Andrew Jankowski Li Jun Wu Brett King Lukas Amsden Eva Park CR E ATI V E DIR EC TION & DE SIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sydney Bardole LEAD DESIGNER Robby Day Chloe Kendall DESIGNERS Lisa Dorn Lisa Kohn Kailyn Neidetcher Margo Smolyanska
CONTENT WARNING: ARTICLES ON P. 4–6, 26 CONTAIN MATERIAL REGARDING VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ABUSE.
M A R K E TING & DIS T RIBU TION DISTRIBUTION & MARKETING MANAGER Danielle Horn T ECHNOL OGY & W EB SIT E STUDENT MEDIA TECHNOLOGY ADVISOR Corrine Nightingale TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANTS Damaris Dusciuc Long V. Nguyen Annie Ton A DV ISING & ACCOUN TING COORDINATOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Reaz Mahmood STUDENT MEDIA ACCOUNTANT Sheri Pitcher
To contact Portland State Vanguard, email info@psuvanguard.com
MIS SION S TAT EMEN T Vanguard’s mission is to serve the Portland State community with timely, accurate, comprehensive and critical content while upholding high journalistic standards. In the process, we aim to enrich our staff with quality, hands-on journalism education and a number of skills highly valued in today’s job market.
A BOU T Vanguard, established in 1946, is published weekly as an independent student newspaper governed by the PSU Student Media Board. Views and editorial content expressed herein are those of the staff, contributors and readers and do not necessarily represent the PSU student body, faculty, staff or administration. Find us in print Tuesdays and online 24/7 at psuvanguard.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @psuvanguard for multimedia content and breaking news.
NEWS MAY 30: CITY OF SALEM ANNOUNCES TOXIC ALGAE IN WATER FOUR DAYS AFTER TEST RESULTS
City of Salem, Ore. officials confirmed on Saturday, May 26 dangerous levels of cyanotoxins in Salem drinking water originating from an algae bloom in Detroit Lake, but according to Statesman Journal did not alert the public until four days later. Officials said they are allowed a 10-day buffer period to carry out additional tests and make treatment adjustments to purify the water. However, the city obtained no further test results, and cautionary steps like boiling water or using filters do not kill cyanotoxins. Residents of Salem and Santiam Canyon have been advised only to ingest bottled water, but some grocery stores report running short and Portland freelance journalist Mike Bivins obtained complaints to the Justice Department that some stores may be charging more than $40 per case of water. Salem has lifted the advisory as of Sunday, June 3 but will continue testing the water.
MAY 29–JUNE 1 ANNA WILLIAMS
MAY 29: BAYER MONSANTO MERGER
The Justice Department approved May 29 the merger of Bayer and Monsanto, a deal amounting to $66 billion. Nine billion dollars worth of assets will be sold as part of the merger, with Bayer selling their seed and herbicide business to a third party, as well as its digital farming business.
MAY 31: PORTLAND POLICE BREAKS PROMISE TO DELETE PHOTOS OF PROTESTERS’ IDS
As first reported by Willamette Week, an Independent Police Review audit found the Portland Police Bureau failed to delete photos of activists and local and national press obtained during a mass detention at a June 4, 2017 protest against a right-wing Patriot Prayer “Freedom March.” PPB’s “kettling” of 389 people drew criticism from watch groups including the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed suit against PPB in November. Former PPB Chief Mike Marshman and a PPB spokesperson both said last year the bureau would purge photos of detainees IDs not being used in ongoing investigations, but the IPR found PPB does not currently have a system for destroying such materials. Community members told IPR they were afraid their photos
would be used by the government to document their political affiliations. IPR has suggested PPB draft new policies on mass detention and evidence documentation.
JUNE 1: PORTLAND MARATHON RETURNS WITH DIFFERENT HOST
After the Portland Marathon board of directors canceled the 2018 race following findings that former Portland Marathon Director Les Smith illegally borrowed more than $865,000 from the organization, a new host has rescued plans for this year’s race. Mayor Ted Wheeler and Portland Bureau of Transportation chose nonprofit Run With Paula, which hosts races across Oregon, to host the October 7 marathon. The bidding process is open for hosts for the 2019 race.
JUNE 4: SUPREME COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF BAKER DENYING CAKE TO SAME-SEX COUPLE
The United States Supreme Court ruled the 2017 Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission ruling— which ruled in favor of a same-sex couple that was denied a wedding cake by Colorado-based baker Jack Phillips—unconstitutional. According to The New York Times, Justice Anthony Kennedy said the 2017 decision violated Phillip’s freedom of religious expression. Instead of ruling on discrimination against same-sex couples, the court decided to only rule on whether the Colorado Civil Rights Commission violated Phillip’s rights, which Kennedy argued would not affect future court rulings on discrimination. LGBTQ+ rights activists argue the decision would undermine the court’s 2015 ruling that guaranteed constitutional rights to those in same-sex marriages.
FIRST COLLEGE POSSIBLE PORTLAND STUDENT GRADUATES FROM PSU NGUYEN COMPLETES HER DOUBLE MAJOR IN THREE YEARS ANNA WILLIAMS Portland State senior Ha-Quyen Nguyen will graduate on June 16 with a double major in business management and human resources just a few days after she turns 21. Nguyen is a participant in Americorp’s College Possible program in Portland for low-income, first generation students. She will finish her degree a full year ahead of the rest of her cohort. After graduation, Nguyen will work as a College Possible AmeriCorps coach to help high schoolers like her get into college. “It’s really exciting for us to have this story come full circle,” said College Possible Director of Development and Communications Emielle Nischik, “of having our first college graduate do it in three years and then, even as a first generation student, to turn around and give back.” College Possible coaches students starting their sophomore year of high school all the way through college graduation. According to Nischik, students must qualify for free or reduced lunch in order to participate in the program. According to Nguyen, coaches help students practice for the ACTs, choose colleges to apply to, navigate scholarships and financial aid, and help students establish a support system in college so they are not on their own after high school graduation. The program started in Minnesota but established a Portland branch in 2012 to reach students in east Portland. “David Douglas [High School] was our first partner school,” Nischik said, “and it was really trying to fill that need of students that come from low-income backgrounds, first generation, that need additional support.” Nischik said College Possible serves students who are “in the academic middle,” meaning those who have a 2.0 GPA or higher and most likely wouldn’t consider college without additional support. Nguyen said coaches encourage students not to worry about paying for tuition and instead apply for their dream schools—in some cases, ivy leagues.
According to a press release, Portland’s College Possible branch “is serving 520 students from six partner high schools in east Multnomah County and serving 490 Portland students at 67 colleges and universities across the country, including 12 partner schools in Oregon.” Nischik said the nonprofit also has a significant relationship with PSU. The university rents out office space to a College Possible coach pro bono, and currently about 100 students from the program attend PSU. Nguyen isn’t the first in her family to go to college. Her older sister is a pharmacist, and another sister will be graduating this year with a degree in art history. However, Nguyen said her parents encouraged her to take advantage of any extra support she could get because they know how much of a difference it can make. “We came from nothing,” she said. Nguyen, her parents and three sisters emigrated to the United States from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam when Nguyen was 5 years old. “It was my aunt who allowed us to live with her for the first three years. It was five of us in one small room.” Some family friends expressed skepticism at Nguyen’s potentially nonlucrative decision to work for College Possible for a small stipend and her sister’s decision to graduate in art history. However, Nguyen said this criticism also “motivated [her] to do well” and take enough credits per term to qualify for a scholarship and complete her degree in three years. Nguyen said the job is part of her long-term goal to help universities with diversity efforts and eventually become a school counselor and president of a school. “I’m all about helping others before helping myself,” Nguyen said. “If I help someone else now, someone else is going to help me in the future.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF HA-QUYEN NGUYEN
PSU Vanguard • JUNE 7, 2018 • psuvanguard.com
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NEWS
STUDENTS PROTEST PSU’S RESPONSE TO SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS PROTESTERS DISCIPLINED FOR PUBLIC CALLOUT
STUDENTS ACCUSING PSU OF PROTECTING AN ALLEGED RAPIST. PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMIE PARTRIDGE
FIONA SPRING “Rapists don’t deserve diplomas,” chanted a group of approximately 30 demonstrators marching across campus on May 31. The protesters—primarily members of PSU’s International Socialist Organization and PSU Student Union—were on their way to present university administrators with a petition calling for the expulsion of a student accused of abusing and sexually assaulting multiple women over the period of about 18 months. Protesters said they gathered over 1,300 signatures from the PSU community in the days preceding their march. Interim Vice President of Global Diversity and Inclusion Michael Alexander and Campus Public Safety Office Chief Donnell Tanksley greeted protesters in front of the elevators on the fifth floor of PSU’s Market Center building, where ISO member Tess Carter read a statement claiming the accused student repeatedly raped and emotionally abused her for several months. “It is so difficult walking around knowing there’s somebody out there who would be so
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violent to you and violated you that deeply,” Carter read from her statement. “And then to have this institution know that about this student, yet the survivors who have been silenced and ignored get punishment.” The march was the culmination of a threeday series of protests organized by PSUSU that criticized the university’s response to the allegations. PSUSU has accused the administration of failing to protect survivors by not pursuing disciplinary action against the accused student and disciplining students who called the alleged perpetrator out publicly. Three students filed formal complaints with the Office of the Dean of Student Life in January 2018. “I had a lot of grief in my life [at the time],” Carter said in an interview. “My mom died. One of my very good friends died in a very short space of time. [The accused] completely utilized my vulnerable position to be sexually abusive, to spread lies about me [and] to discredit my voice.”
PSU Vanguard • JUNE 7, 2018 • psuvanguard.com
ACCUSERS FEEL UNHEARD
An event organizer who asked to remain unnamed said she knows of at least four individuals who say the accused victimized them. As far as she knows, none of them have filed police reports. Both Carter and the unnamed organizer are members of PSU’s ISO, a Student Activities and Leadership–recognized student organization connected to a larger parent organization with branches in about 40 cities in the United States. According to a statement posted on the PSU ISO Facebook page, the accused student was expelled from the organization by the ISO National Disciplinary Commitee in January 2018 for violating the ISO Members’ Code of Conduct. ISO investigators outside of PSU claim they found a preponderance of evidence to support allegations of sexual violence, sexual assault, emotional manipulation and slander detailed in three separate complaints filed against the accused. Carter claimed she and two other survivors
filed formal complaints with PSU’s Dean of Student Life office in January 2018, alleging the accused student committed acts of sexual misconduct in violation of the university’s Student Code of Conduct. Carter said she and the other survivors were subsequently called in for an interview with Assistant Dean of Student Life and Director of Conduct Dana Walton-Macaulay. However, nearly five months later, Carter said she has not received any direct communication or follow-up regarding the status of the investigation. “We just heard nothing from the time that we walked out of those interviews,” Carter said. “We know that he’s here. Clearly their decision was to keep him. Clearly their decision was nothing major.”
PSU PROCEDURES UNDER SCRUTINY
Like almost all public and private universities in the U.S., PSU is required to comply with the provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a federal law that prohibits
NEWS
STUDENTS OBJECT TO PSU’S RESPONSE TO SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS.EMMA JOSEPHSON/PSU VANGUARD discrimination based on sex in educational institutions and programs that receive federal funding. Such institutions are also required to take concrete steps to prevent and address sexual harassment and sexual violence. According to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, institutions governed by Title IX are required to respond to all instances of sexual misconduct they either know about or could reasonably be expected to know about. “When sexual misconduct is so severe, persistent or pervasive as to deny or limit a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the school’s programs or activities,” reads a September 2017 Q&A on Campus Sexual Misconduct, “a hostile environment exists, and the school must respond.” Event organizers say the accused student’s presence on campus has contributed to a hostile environment for survivors of sexual assault. “This is really important and really emotional for me,” said PSUSU member Kella Carlson. “Especially to carry everything that I have–all the baggage of my rape and sexual assault with me every day–and to know that I’m attending class at a school and walking around campus at a school that protects serial rapists.” “It makes me feel very unsafe,” she added. “It’s definitely affected my education.” Organizers have also raised questions about PSU administrators’ compliance with university procedures for addressing allegations of sexual assault. Title IX Coordinator Julie Caron said all student conduct investigations, including those regarding sexual misconduct, are headed by Walton-Macaulay. After receiving a complaint, Caron explained, Walton-Macaulay should conduct initial interviews with all involved parties, including the complainant and the accused— also referred to as the respondent. Based on these interviews, Walton-Macaulay determines whether there is enough evidence to
move forward with a full investigation. Prior to September 2017, guidelines put forth by the DOE required that sexual misconduct investigations be concluded in a prompt and effective manner, generally within 60 days, barring exceptional circumstances. While federally-funded institutions are no longer legally obligated to adhere to any strict time frame, Caron said PSU still uses the socalled 60 day rule as a general guideline. She said, “We know these matters are stressful for everybody, and the sooner we’re able to complete them the better.” Whether or not the university decides to pursue a case against the accused, Caron said the complainant will be made aware of the decision in a timely matter and typically in a face-to-face meeting. Protest organizers, however, have accused PSU administration of violating Title IX as well as institutional procedures for addressing sexual assault violations by failing to discipline the accused student or to update the complainants on the status of the investigation. “[Contact between Walton-Macaulay] and the [complainants] has been minimal to the point where it’s been made clear that there is no conclusion to the investigation yet,” the unnamed organizer said. “The complainants have not had any formal update with how the investigations are going.” Carter said after the initial interviews, she heard nothing from the DOSL office until March 12–approximately 60 days after complaintants filed their initial complaints–when one of the other complainants sent an email to Walton-Macaulay requesting an update. “My investigation has taken longer than anticipated,” Walton-Macaulay wrote back. “I can tell you that your case will not be moving forward on its own, but I have not formally resolved the case.” Carter said she and the other complainants found this response unclear and that they have
STUDENTS OBJECT TO PSU’S RESPONSE TO SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS. PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMIE PARTRIDGE not heard from Walton-Macaulay since. Dean of Student Life Michele Toppe and Walton-Macaulay—both of whom are currently under investigation for a disability discrimination complaint—were unavailable for comment.
STUDENTS SANCTIONED FOR PUBLIC CALLOUT
Some protesters have been sanctioned by the university for publicly calling out the accused student during one of his classes. This sanction, the unnamed organizer said, catalyzed the protests. At 7 p.m. on April 30, a group of eight people arrived at a room in Cramer Hall in which the accused student was attending class. They asked the professor if they could make an announcement. When the instructor told them they could have one minute, the group’s spokesperson requested five. The instructor declined and asked the group to leave. When protesters refused, the instructor called CPSO. Before CPSO officers showed up around 7:10 p.m., the group’s spokesperson read a statement accusing the student of multiple counts of sexual assault and abuse. According to a PSUSU statement, a number of students involved in the public callout were subsequently called into the DOSL office for violations of PSU’s Student Code of Conduct and now face sanctions including disciplinary academic probation, reflection essays and community service. Despite reports of witnesses being disturbed or triggered by the public callout, participants maintain they made the right choice. “We called [the accused student] out for the safety of the students in that classroom [and] for the safety of students on campus,” said Carlson, who participated in the callout. “In my opinion, yes, students were triggered, but if we out a rapist so people stay away from him, that’s more important to me.”
PSU RESPONDS
“[PSU] cares deeply about the safety of its students and the greater PSU community,” wrote University Communications Director of Media and Public Relations Ken Ma in a statement. “As such, we are committed to protecting them by meeting our obligations under federal law, including Title IX, to investigate and address allegations of sexual misconduct.” Ma wrote university officials cannot comment on details of the complainants’ cases because doing so would violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. “However, we can share that PSU has investigated every complaint of misconduct— including sexual misconduct—that has been brought to the attention of the university’s Title IX Coordinator, Dean of Student Life or other appropriate university officials,” Ma added. “Our student conduct process is designed to protect students, comply with Title IX and ensure due process for all parties involved.” Caron added, “Any time we get a report pertaining to sexual misconduct—I don’t like using the cliche that we take it seriously because it doesn’t feel genuine, but I don’t know how else to say that we do—we look into every matter that we receive.” However, protesters insist they want to support more than just those who have accused one student of sexual assault. They hope to provide support for other students on campus who may not feel comfortable reporting their assailants. “[What] I hope is accomplished through this [campaign] is that survivors and victims of sexual violence on campus know that there is a space for them and that space can accommodate them,” an event organizer said. “We’re advocating for a lot more people than we realize.” Additional reporting by Adam Bruns and David Gillespie. The accused student, who Portland State Vanguard chose not to name, said he would not comment without consulting his lawyer.
PSU Vanguard • JUNE 7, 2018 • psuvanguard.com
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NEWS
PORTLANDERS MOURN DEATH OF GIGI EUGENE-PIERCE ELEVENTH TRANSGENDER PERSON KILLED IN 2018 DAVID GILLESPIE This week, activists and members of Portland’s queer and transgender community mourned the death of Gigi EugenePierce, a 28-year-old transgender woman who was murdered on May 21, 2018 in downtown Portland. Eugene-Pierce was the 11th transgender person killed this year, and friends have said her struggles with drug addiction and houselessness point to a lack of resources available to people who are discriminated against for their gender identity. “Unfortunately, even as progressive as Portland is, transgender people are still prone to homelessness and drug addictions from lack of resources and support,” wrote Dallas Jackson Falls, a longtime friend of Eugene-Pierce, in a Facebook message. “She was wonderful. We all miss her terribly.” Just before midnight on Monday, May 21, Eugene-Pierce was shot and killed on SW 2nd St. between Ash and Ankeney Sts. in downtown Portland. Suspect Sophia Adler, 33, remained at the scene and was subsequently arrested by Portland Police Bureau officers. Adler currently faces murder charges. Appearing in court on Tuesday, May 22nd, Adler plead not guilty. Patricia Hart, a local friend of Eugene-Pierce, told KOIN News Eugene-Pierce was trying to help Adler get off drugs. Adler had recently lost custody of her children, and Hart said Adler may have thought Eugene-Pierce was to blame. Witnesses described a scene in which Adler and Eugene-Pierce were having an argument that escalated into gunfire when Adler struck EugenePierce with her purse. Friends told Willamette Week Eugene-Pierce was from Boise, Idaho, where she performed as a drag queen before moving to Spokane, Wash. in 2014. Eugene-Pierce moved to Portland two years later and came out publicly as transgender in July 2017. Despite her energetic spirit, which former employer and friend Jason Johnson told Willamette Week “[was] filled with glitter and cocktails,” Eugene-Pierce struggled on and off with drug addiction. “She moved to Portland to try to get sober,” Falls stated. “And she did for a while. But it was a few months ago that she started living on the streets and was both seeking and using drugs again.” “Gigi never stuck around in one place for more than a year or so,” Falls added. “There are places she always went back to, like Boise and Spokane. But she loved Portland. It was the only place she ever called home.” Though PPB Public Information Officer Christopher Burley said police do not believe bias or hate motivated Eugene-Pierce’s death, advocates claim Pierce’s struggles with drug abuse and homelessness—along with her violent death—make her part of an unnerving pattern within the United States. According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, one in five transgender individuals have faced houselessness at some point in their lives. This trend can be sourced, in part, to what the NCTE describes as discriminatory housing practices that led to one in 10 transgender individuals having been evicted from their homes due to their gender identity despite the fact that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has condemned
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PSU Vanguard • JUNE 7, 2018 • psuvanguard.com
such practices as being in violation of the Fair Housing Act. According to American Addiction Centers, around nine percent of all U.S. citizens admit to struggling with alcohol and drug abuse. In contrast, the figure for individuals in the queer and transgender community is more than triple that of their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts, at just over 30 percent. Researchers from the American Journal of Public Health found 44 percent of transgender individuals have dealt with depression as a result of the stigma against their gender identity, while 33 percent have dealt with anxiety. A separate study published in the LGBT Health journal found 44 percent of transgender adults researchers interviewed had made at least one attempt on their own life. Additionally, according to the Human Rights Campaign, the murder of Eugene-Pierce was the 11th murder of a transgender individual in 2018. This follows the trend in 2017, which saw the highest amount of recorded murders of transgender individuals to date. HRC claims there have been 117 recorded events of fatal violence against transgender and non-binary individuals since 2013. Community members have held at least two vigils for Eugene-Pierce since her death. Portland’s Q Center held a vigil on Friday, May 25, and community member Ecko Constantine hosted a separate event in downtown Portland on Saturday, June 2. “[At the vigil] we talked about the 11 deaths of trans people this year and how those are just the deaths that they want us to know about,” Constantine wrote in a Facebook message. “[More] transgender people die than that.” “None of us...knew Gigi,” Constantine continued, “but it was important for us to honor her because being queer is being family.” “While all of us...mourn the loss [of Eugene-Pierce], we take
COURTESY OF DALLAS JACKSON FALLS heart in our state being one to which transgender people are drawn,” wrote Basic Rights Oregon in a statement. “We rejoice at being part of a transgender community that’s gorgeous in its diversity, vibrant in its resistance and tireless in its challenge to systems that seek to oppress its members on the basis of transphobia, homophobia and racism.” “We won’t rest until the all the Gigis in our state can truly thrive,” the statement continued. Any Portland State students looking for support are encouraged to utilize PSU’s Queer Resource Center by going to www.pdx.edu/ queer/, visiting their physical office located in Suite 458 of the Smith Memorial Student Center, or calling them at 503-725-9742.
NEWS
PANELISTS REFLECT ON 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF VANPORT FLOOD
BLACK RESIDENTS ENCOUNTERED RACIST HOUSING PRACTICES AFTER FLOOD
CORY ELIA Eight panelists gathered to discuss the scientific and cultural causes and effects of the 1948 Vanport, Ore. mass flood in a symposium on June 1 in Portland State’s Smith Memorial Student Union ballroom. The panel, which took place on the 70th anniversary of the flood, followed a screening of the 2016 documentary “Oregon Experience: Vanport” by Oregon Public Broadcasting. According to OPB, Vanport—located between Portland city limits and the Columbia River—was a city hastily built by the Kaiser Shipyard Company to house approximately 40,000 shipyard migrant workers and their families during World War II production efforts. To encourage the laborers and returning veterans to stay in Vanport after the war, the Housing Authority of Portland built Vanport College, which would eventually become Portland State. On Memorial Day 1948, Vanport, the second largest city in Oregon, fell victim to what OPB called one of the worst natural disasters in Oregon’s history. Heavy snowfall that winter combined with above normal temperatures, and an intensely rainy May fed the Columbia River to the point of overflowing. At the time, authorities told residents to stay in their homes and that there was no immediate threat. When the dike broke, it flooded 650 acres and left approximately 20,000 laborers and families houseless.
Panelist Christina Appleby, geohazards analyst for the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, said only “15 people died during the flood, [but] many of the community members were unregistered, [meaning] the real number could be much higher.” Appleby explained Vanport was built on a floodplain to begin with, but Jim Connor, a geologist from the United States Geological Survey, said soil liquefaction due to a poorly constructed dike and bordering railroad contributed to the severity of the flood. The area that was Vanport, Appleby added, has since been taken back by nature except for Portland International Raceway that sits on the easternmost part of the former site. Researchers found relocation efforts along with discriminatory housing practices, resulted in segregation of the Black and white communities, which contributed to today’s demographic of North Portland having a higher number of Black residents than most other regions in Portland. Panelist Ed Washington, a survivor of the Vanport flood and community liaison for PSU’s Office of Global Diversity and Inclusion, shared his experiences with racism before the flood and after relocation. Washington recently won the Nohad A. Toulan Urban Pioneer Award for Public Service for his work educating the public about racial issues.
In an interview with Smithsonian magazine, Washington said after WWII, Vanport gained a reputation as a crimeridden slum. Thousands of white residents moved out, he said, but Black residents had to stay behind because the only place they could legally buy homes was in the Albina neighborhood in North Portland. The flood came upon residents swiftly, Washington said during the panel. “Sunday morning [five days before the flood], notes appeared on people’s doors saying there is no danger of a flood right now.” However, he added, “it happened so fast; there was no warning.” The number of Black residents displaced from the flood, according to Smithsonian, was roughly equal to the population of Albina, which was already crowded. “There was no way for us to get out,” Washington said. “There was nowhere for us to go.” Some white Portlanders temporarily offered to house Black families, but most, like Washington’s family, ended up living in temporary wartime housing. However, though housing in Vanport was segregated, Black and white children still went to school and played together. “I probably faced more racial issues when we had to move into Portland than I ever would’ve in Vanport,” Washington said. Watch the full documentary for free at opb.org/television.
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NEWS
TO: Students of Portland State University Subject: ASPSU Meeting canceled… again due to lack of quorum Shandi Hunt The Associated Students of Portland State University canceled at least 10 committee meetings since the start of the spring quarter, most often due to lack of quorum. The canceled meetings, compounded with low voter turnout in this year’s ASPSU elections and the resignation of at least seven student government members this winter, point to an overall struggle for ASPSU leaders to maintain accountability and structure within the organization. Coordinator of Student Government and Advisor for Greek Life Candace Avalos pointed to a number of reasons ASPSU members give for missing required meetings, including time conflicts with other classes and extracurriculars. However, Avalos added members don’t always let directors know they can’t make a meeting until the last minute, meaning “there’s a lot of last minute cancellations due to quorum.” “We tried to do committee night, where students would plan their schedules around a particular day,” Avalos said, “but it didn’t work out very well. I think we are on the path to changing the culture, [but] it needs to be something that’s structured.” According to former ASPSU President Brent Finkbeiner, meeting cancellations have decreased this term. However, in an April 16 address to the student senate, he said last-minute cancellations no longer be considered acceptable and could result in members losing their seats. “From here forward, if it’s not 24 hours before the meeting, [your absence] won’t be excused,” Finkbeiner said. “We do not like this part, but if these bylaws are violated, we will bring up attention requests for articles of impeachment.” He added, “We don’t do this with intent of being punitive or pushing people out, but we are losing our accountability.” ASPSU leadership positions are paid through Education Leadership Service Awards, which provide financial support for PSU students in leadership positions affiliated with the university. According to Avalos, members are required to sit on two committees, attend senate meetings every other Monday evening, attend four leadership fellows meetings per term—with accompanying homework assignments—and maintain a GPA above 2.5 and consistent enrollment in six or more credits per term in order to receive their ELSAs. ELSA amounts are determined by the Dean of Student Life using a point system based on the scope of responsibilities for each student leader position. ASPSU Senate members receive $700 per term. Student Fee Committee Members, who are responsible for distributing about $15 million of student fees, receive $1,500 per term, and the ASPSU president receives $2,700 per term. Avalos said ASPSU leaders could be held more accountable if their ELSAs were retracted if they didn’t meet the requirements. However, she said, “ASPSU leadership needs to decide what the criteria [are] going to be for [retracting ELSAs].” “I can, on behalf of the ASPSU, retract ELSAs for the lack of commitment, [but] my problem is that I need good structured criteria to justify it,”Avalos added. “It has to be something consistent. We’re not just going to start taking away people’s ELSAs without talking to them.” Finkbeiner said attendance issues may come as a result of the high number of meetings ASPSU members are expected to attend—sometimes as many as four per week. “That is something perhaps the next administration [can] restructure,” he said. “Is having [fewer] more effective meetings something ASPSU wants to pursue, and is that something the students want?” Luis Balderas-Villagrana took over as ASPSU President on June 1. Finkbeiner said, “I hope that the new administration has learned from lessons this past year and what is effective when being lenient and understanding as a leader.” “I have a lot of confidence in Luis and [incoming ASPSU Vice President Lelani Lealiiee] in doing that, and I do believe that they are going to be able to use the lessons learned this year to enforce those policies,” Finkbeiner added. “It was very difficult for me to enforce things…Not enough people respected the agreements that they made through the ASPSU constitution.” “I would agree that [ASPSU has] an issue with commitment,” Avalos said. “I think… the last minute cancelling, [members] not letting anyone know they can’t make it or scheduling classes when they know they are supposed to meet…is a symptom of a larger, not only ASPSU, but a PSU problem, just like juggling these very different student lives and trying to get them in one place.”
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NEWS
‘BEYOND SILK AND INK’ MOVES PAST ASIAN AMERICAN ART STEREOTYPES JAKE JOHNSON
Littman + White Galleries will host “Beyond Silk and Ink,” a conversation about contemporary Asian and AsianAmerican art on June 7, 2018. The L+W panel is a part of PSU’s Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month programming and was planned in collaboration with PSU’s Pacific Islander, Asian and Asian American Student Center. Scheduled to join co-curators Mui Easland and Andrew Jankowski were Ralph Pugay, Lilian Ongelungel and Takahiro Yamamoto. All are working within the contemporary art world and the panel was set to coincide with the closing of Louem Lorn’s show in the White Gallery, “Romhaur.” Lorn is a Cambodian artist and gallery owner who lives and works in Battambang, Cambodia. “Romhaur” is a series of photographic works that look like paint washes and are vaguely Rorschachian in the way they allow the viewer to create different interpretations of the images’ abstract worlds. They are actually macro photographs of ice, which is mindboggling. Lorn stated the images are a reflection of himself and ask us to look at the deepest level of ourselves and the things
around us. Through this work, Lorn sought to deepen our understanding and open up our view of the world. “Beyond Silk and Ink” encourages audiences to dig deeper— to move past what we know as ice and explore beyond what’s assumed of Asian and Asian American art—which tends to be typecast by Western academia as having a typical aesthetic and promptly disregarded when it fails to fit the Western view of what Asian art should look like. “In a way, ‘Romhaur’ delivers the message that contemporary Asian art exists beyond traditional mediums and aesthetics, i.e. ink calligraphy on rice paper,” Easland wrote. “We further this idea in a panel discussion on what it means to move beyond tradition, and into the contemporary art world.” Much like the recent dialogue “Native Perspectives,” “Beyond Silk and Ink” will be an excellent opportunity to shed artistic stereotypes. Through this conversation, perhaps we can better understand how to create a responsible, equitable and respectful art community with the help of some of the contemporary Asian and Asian American artists who
PHOTO CAPTION. JAKE JOHNSON/PSU VANGUARD work within it. Stay tuned to L+W Galleries’ Facebook page for more updates about the rescheduled panel.
‘MR. WEINSTEIN WILL SEE YOU NOW’ MUSICIANS AMANDA PALMER AND JASMINE POWER RELEASE POWERFUL SONG IN WAKE OF #METOO CASSIE DUNCANSON “We know who you are, and we’re not going to allow you to get away with it any longer.” These were the words spoken by Asia Argento at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Musicians Amanda Palmer and Jasmine Power explore similar themes with their song “Mr. Weinstein Will See You Now.” The new single was released on May 23 and was co-written with film music arranger Sketch & Dodds. On the song’s creation, Palmer wrote: “I’ve been fiddling in my own head for months with ideas for songs and tunes to address the #metoo movement, and it’s such a hard thing to write about it. It’s so personal to these women, these stories, and it felt too wrong to write something funny and cabaret, the topic is too harrowing. It’s not surprising that, just like the movement itself, it took two women getting into a room together, comparing notes and joining forces to create something almost like an anthem for taking back our narrative.”
#TIMESUP
The #metoo movement, well known for its recent resurgence, began in 2006 when it was coined by activist Tarana Burke as a way of reaching out and empathizing with people who have experienced sexual assault.
The past two years have been rife with women and men shining light on their abusers within Hollywood: Anthony Rapp exposed Kevin Spacey’s inappropriate behavior when Rapp was a young teenager; Terry Crews has talked about his sexual assault at the hands of a Hollywood executive; Rose McGowan and Asia Argento, among many others, incriminated Harvey Weinstein and the various structures that allow abusive men to stay in power. During Argento’s powerful speech at Cannes, she informed the festival audience she was raped by Weinstein at Cannes back in 1997. The actress called Cannes’ annual event Weinstein’s hunting grounds. “There are those that need to be held accountable for their conduct against women for behavior that does not belong in this industry, does not belong in any industry or workplace,” Argento said. “You know who you are. But most importantly, we know who you are, and we’re not going to allow you to get away with it any longer.” Times up for: Larry Nassar. Louis C.K. Bill Cosby. Charlie Rose. Garrison Keillor. Mario Batalli. R. Kelly. The list goes on and on. After being charged with rape in the first and third degrees—among other counts—on May 25, Harvey Weinstein turned himself in.
Weinstein was arrested, and then released on a $1 million bail. But, unless you’ve been living under a rock, none of this is news to you. Palmer and Power’s new song is nearly six minutes long and gives voice to the interiority of a woman experiencing physical trauma at the hands of a man in a hotel room. While Weinstein is never named, the song title speaks volumes in addition to multiple references to hotel rooms, films and casting. Their voices weave around each other— both separately and in unison—almost clashingly at times. Palmer’s rough voice pulses throughout. Power’s polished and clear voice dips in and out of clarity, as if forcing you to listen. The effect is like listening to someone who can’t quite piece together a single complete thought. The song starts off with a simple piano riff, and slowly a string orchestra is added as the music continues. At 4:30, the orchestra swells—like a pointed cinematic moment as the two musicians sing, “Open casket, open casting/ this is where the story stops.” The last line of the song sounds like you can’t hear the end of a sentence—there’s this unresolved tension. Palmer sings, “This never happened,” while Power sings, “I’m the one writing this.” It’s like you’re listening to these women talk,
COURTESY OF TOP SHELF then you unexpectedly encounter silence. The song is haunting, and after only a single listen, it wiggles and worms into your head. It is reminiscent of a reimagined lullaby—one that the Brothers Grimm might have penned. Palmer is known for championing turning pain and hurt into art. “Mr. Weinstein Will See You Now” is no exception. There is a whole world of hurt out there. And maybe this art can help give voice to that pain.
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ARTS & CULTURE
ARCHIVING LE GUIN’S LEGACY
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS ‘URSULA K. LE GUIN’ PAPERS PRESERVE MATERIALS FROM AUTHOR’S LIFE AND WORK MOLLY MACGILBERT It has been four months since the passing of beloved speculative fiction writer Ursula K. Le Guin. The writer is immortalized through the worlds her words built, which stand preserved in the Ursula K. Le Guin Papers, a collection of materials from her life and work. The collection is held in University of Oregon Libraries’ Special Collections & University Archives (SCUA) at Knight Library. According to UO Libraries’ Curator of Manuscripts Linda Long, who has overseen the collection and had a working relationship with Le Guin for over 20 years, Le Guin first began donating materials to Special Collections in 1980. Long first arrived to work in SCUA in the late 1990s, and the collection was first processed in the early 2000s. Le Guin continued to deposit materials to the collection over the years. The collection now features Le Guin’s original first-draft manuscripts, family photographs dating back to her early childhood, audiotapes, interviews, professional correspondence in the form of letters and emails, literary awards and original artworks, including the author’s hand-drawn maps. “All the things you would expect to find from a very successful author,” Long said.
ONE FOR THE ROAD
The papers attract researchers from all over the world. SCUA sponsors the Le Guin Feminist Science Fiction Fellowship, an award of $2,000 that helps bring researchers to Eugene. “Even if an applicant doesn’t win, I’ve noticed many find a way to come,” Long said. “Many researchers are interested in topics of gender and sexuality as it might relate to writing and literature.” The Ursula K. Le Guin Papers collection is one of several feminist science fiction collections held by SCUA. The people of SCUA are working toward making the papers easily accessible to the public in the near future. “We hope to have an online finding aid up on our shared regional database that we use to post finding aids to manuscript, archival and photograph collections at the end of next fall term,” Long said. “The finding aid will be accessible to the public and will be findable through a simple search such as ‘Ursula Le Guin Papers’ in Google or other search engines.” Preserving and sharing these materials helps preserve Le Guin’s legacy as a major figure in the literary and cultural history of Oregon and beyond. “She was a staunch advocate for fellow
women writers, a champion of social and environmental justice and a leading light for all readers who love imaginative literature,” said Adriene Lim, dean of libraries. “We in the UO Libraries find some comfort in knowing that we will honor one of her heartfelt wishes by preserving her extraordinary legacy and keeping it accessible to scholars and fans for posterity.” Long will be participating in a panel discussion of Le Guin’s work on at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 7 at The Little Church. The discussion is presented by the Portland State Creative Writing program and Portland-based literary magazine Tin House, and will include Le Guin’s son Theo Downes-Le Guin and author Molly Gloss. The event is free and open to the public. At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, local nonprofit Literary Arts will hold their Tribute to Ursula Le Guin at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. The event will feature photos and rare documentary footage of Le Guin and tributes from her fellow writers and friends including Margaret Atwood, Molly Gloss and Walidah Imarisha. The sold-out tribute will be streamed live on YouTube and later rebroadcast on Literary Arts’ The Archive Project via Oregon Public Broadcasting Radio.
1. Amour, T’es Là? – Banda Magda, Amour, T’es Là? (2013)
10. Gemini – Snarky Puppy, Culcha Vulcha (2016)
2. Chief – Lettuce, Crush (2016)
11. Agua De Beber – Astrud Gilberto, The Astrud Gilberto Album (1965)
3. Tarova – Snarky Puppy, Culcha Vulcha (2016)
12. No Hay Problema – Pink Martini, Sympathique (1997)
4. Soul Sauce (Gauchi Guara) – Cal Tjader, Soul Sauce (1964)
13. Rush – Kali Uchis, Por Vida (2015)
5. Grey’s Groove – Greyboy feat. Karl Denson,The Sep tember Sessions (2002) 6. Respect – Rotary Connection, Songs (1969)
ALANNA MADDEN
7. Oh, Happy Day – Quincy Jones, Walking in Space (1969)
For the last DJ Salinger playlist, I wanted to save the best for last. Or at least, a list of some of my favorite songs for others to rediscover. It’s been a pleasure sharing music with you this year. Enjoy!
8. Mystic Brew – Ronnie Foster, Two Headed Freap (1973)
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COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.
9. Into the White – Pixies, Here Comes Your Man (1989)
14. Picture This – Beastie Boys, Hello Nasty (1998) 15. Summer Madness – Kool & The Gang, Light of Worlds (1974) 16. Things We Said Today – The Beatles, A Hard Day’s Night (1964) 17. Lately – Massive Attack, Blue Lines [2012 Mix/Master] (1991) Listen to DJ Salinger at psuvanguard.com or on Spotify.
GRAD GUIDE 2018 -Commencement ceremonies calendar P. 12–13 lass c g n pri s 8 . 14 1 P 0 2 s r -PSU e numbe . 18 P by th s t ’ don d n a do’s t b e -D to t o n ay . 21 k o s -It’ uate P grad
-Where to defect after graduation P. 20 -Things to take advantage of while you’re still a student P. 15
-The good, the bad, the ugly of unpaid internships P. 21 -Should you go to grad school? P. 16–17 -This isn’t your parents economy P. 19 PSU Vanguard • NOVEMBER 28, 2017 • psuvanguard.com
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GRAD GUIDE
CEREMONY CALENDAR 2018 WEDNESDAY JUNE 6, 2018 Veteran Graduation Ceremony Native American Center
5 PM
SATURDAY JUNE 9, 2018 PSU’s Family Friendly Commencement hosted by Resource Center for Students with Chidlren SMSU Ballroom
1:30–5 PM
MONDAY JUNE 11, 2018 Honors Graduation Ceremony & PSU Commencement SMSU Ballroom
2:30–6 PM
WEDNESDAY JUNE 13, 2018 Lavender Graduation 2018 Celebrating Queer, Trans, and Ally Graduates SMSU Ballroom
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6 PM
GRAD GUIDE
FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018 Graduate School of Education Viking Pavillion
3–5 PM
College of the Arts Graduation Celebration Lincoln Performance Hall, Room 175
1:30 PM
SATURDAY JUNE 16, 2018 The School of Business Ceremony one Graduate and Undergraduate Viking Pavillion
NOON–2 PM
The School of Business Ceremony two Graduate and Undergraduate Viking Pavillion
5:30–7:30 PM
SUNDAY JUNE 17, 2018 Morning Ceremony: Professional Schools & Colleges Moda Center
10–12:30 PM
Afternoon Ceremony: Colleges of Liberal Arts & Sciences Moda Center
3:30–6PM
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GRAD GUIDE
A GRAPHICAL BREAKDOWN OF UNIVERSITY DEMOGRAPHICS FOR SPRING 2018
SOURCE: http://tableau.services.pdx.edu/Students/vv
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GRAD GUIDE
THINGS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHILE YOU’RE STILL A STUDENT REBECCA CAPURSO AND MADISON REYNOLDS If you’re graduating this term, chances are you’re counting down the days until you don your cap and gown, burn (or preferably recycle) your notes, and leave campus for good. If you’re living on campus, it might be coming sooner than you think: According to the University Housing and Residence Life website, move-out day is June 16, 2018, the same day as many commencement activities. You can get a one-day extension if you really need to, but aren’t you stoked for the renter’s life? But before you have to GTFO, here are a few perks of being a card-carrying student you should take advantage of while you’re still at PSU. Here are things you should do and places you should go, both on and off campus, that are either free, offer student discounts or are simply just part of the college experience.
ACADEMIC STUDENT AND RECREATION CENTER
For some, this may seem obvious, but others might not have taken the time to fully explore all the opportunities the Rec Center has to offer for the $44 Rec Center fee you pay each term. If you’re looking for a basic workout, they have over 180 pieces of weight and cardio equipment, as well as an indoor track. Looking for a more interesting way to exercise? Try rock climbing or bouldering on the rock walls, swimming in the heated six-lane pool or stopping by for a drop-in team sport. They also offer an array of drop-in group fitness classes for all abilities, like cycling, yoga and water aerobics. And don’t forget about the hot tub! According to a Rec Center representative, you’ll only have access to the gym until June 25, so take advantage of it while you can.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The Portland Streetcar is free for students with their PSU ID, which means you don’t have to pay for gas or fare, worry about parking or experience road rage. Visit Powell’s Bookstore, then head to the Pearl District. Take a nap and wake up at OMSI. The possibilities are endless. If you bought a TriMet Student FlexPass, make the most of it by hopping on the MAX or a bus to travel farther than you can on the Streetcar. This student pass costs 40 percent less than the standard TriMet monthly pass, so definitely take as many trips as you can before the end of the term.
BRANFORD PRICE MILLAR LIBRARY
Maybe returning to the library doesn’t sound particularly fun, but PSU’s library has some amazing resources to take advan-
LISA KOHN tage of beyond just renting books. They have a large collection of research databases like PsycINFO, PubMed and BioOne that offer thousands of journal articles that otherwise require payment. They also provide links to stream movies, documentaries and music. During finals week, the library will be open 24/7, so if you have ever wanted to hang out in a library at 2 a.m., this is your chance. Maybe you can spend the extra time using your printing credits. Graduates can continue using all library services including rentals through summer 2018 and into the fall. The ability for grads to rent library materials will officially expire on Oct. 20, but the library is open to the public, and through the Oregon Libraries Passport Program you’re allowed to borrow up to five books for three weeks with one renewal.
CENTER FOR STUDENT HEALTH AND COUNSELING You can receive free or low-cost health and dental services and speak to a counselor during walk-in hours. Next, book an appointment for the Mind Spa, located on the third floor of the University Center Building. This gives you free access to Light Therapy, a massage therapy chair, and Biofeedback tools – everything you need to stop stressing about the post-graduation future for a moment. If you’re still not fully blissed out, why not end the day with a follow-up visit to the Rec Center’s hot tub?
THE CHEERFUL TORTOISE AND THE BLAZERS
While there aren’t any student discounts here per se, The Cheerful Tortoise is one of those places you should probably go
to at least once while you’re at PSU. This on-campus sports bar is almost as old as the college itself, and offers a full bar, food, karaoke and various specials throughout the week (Thursdays feature $1 beer—adjust your itinerary accordingly). If the Blazers are playing, use your student status to see them at a discounted price! With your student email, you can sign up for the Blazers Student Pass, which gives you access to cheap last-minute tickets if they are available.
HOT LIPS, PAM AND MOVIES
Need some cheap weekend activities? First, get lunch at Hot Lips Pizza. They offer a slice of pizza for $2.50 with your student ID. Then, go check out the Portland Art Museum and buy yourself an annual pass for college students. It’s a one-time cost of $20, which means for the price of a single admission, you can come back for free every day for the rest of the year. If you’re in the mood for a movie, see what’s playing at 5th Avenue Cinema, an on-campus, student-run theater that shows films that you won’t find in regular theaters. Admission and popcorn are free for PSU students! If indie films aren’t your cup of tea, make a trip to Cinemagic Theater on Hawthorne, where students get a $2 discount for all movies.
GET OUTSIDE
Get outside today with the help of PSU’s Outdoor Program, which offers discounted trips and equipment rental. If you’re going camping, rent a tent for up to four days for only $10. Need snowshoes? $9. They have great prices on everything from ice axes to paddle boards—truly anything you would need for one last adventure before graduation.
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GRAD GUIDE
VINU CASPER Well, the answer is a good news, bad news situation. The bad news: Probably not. The good news: That’s probably okay. If you’re still on the fence about going to grad school, there are a few details to consider before you make a decision. Going to college to get your undergrad degree and going to grad school are two very different things. While you’ve spent your glorious undergrad days out there learning, experimenting, taking chances and figuring out what exactly it is you want to make of yourself, grad school is a completely different story. Grad school is an intense and focused experience that will allow you to delve deeper into the subject you choose. It’s not the time for exploring or figuring out what you want to do. If you’re on the fence about what it is you’re passionate about, grad school probably isn’t for you. If you’re considering grad school because you want to put off the frightening adventure that is the job hunt, don’t. Yes, you’ll learn immensely in grad school, but nothing is a substitute for actual work experience. I know it’s scary to put yourself out there, pushing resumes, getting rejected time and again in your quest, but if it’s that fear that’s making you consider grad school, I advise caution. Grad school
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can be brutal, and it takes real passion to power through it, and I’m afraid avoiding an uncomfortable situation isn’t inspiration enough. You might just be making yourself overqualified. Talk to a bunch of grad school graduates, and I’m sure this story will come up at least once. Being overqualified is a weird situation to be in. Your employer knows you’ll do a good job but is afraid you’ll either get bored at the job or that you’ll feel you aren’t being paid for what you’re worth. Employers would rather avoid paying you more for having a grad degree and may not hire you at all. It’s a weird feeling to be told you’re too good for a job, and with a graduate degree you’re setting yourself to a higher standard, so better set your sights equally high or risk this scenario. If you were never into research to begin with or pushing your field of study further, grad school might not be fun for you. If all you want is to work in the industry, and unless that job you have in mind specifically calls for a masters’ degree, you might not need to battle through grad school to get to where you want to be. Grad school is heavily academic, meaning you’ll be learning about experimental concepts—most times not even adopted by the
industry yet—and for good reason. Some methods succeed, some don’t. Some ideas are interesting but might not make a big difference in the long run. That’s the nature of academia whether you’re in the humanities or the sciences. Everything you learn might not be as practical as you hoped for. Attending grad school will affect every aspect of your life. You might not find the time to hang out with friends and family like you’re used to; you might not have a regular sleep schedule; you might find yourself pushing off meals just to meet deadlines. That’s just how grad school is. It takes a little adjustment, a little sacrifice. If you enjoy your comfort, think long and hard before making this decision. Grad school can be a wonderful and genuine opportunity for the right reasons. It might be someone’s ticket to a new country and a new life. Others might really want to be at the bleeding edge of advancement. A few might picture themselves becoming advocates and educators of their field of study. But for the rest of us, take it from a grad student who didn’t know any of this until he found himself in the thick end of his program: (Some pursuits are best left to the truly committed.)
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GRAD GUIDE
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GRAD GUIDE
THIS ISN’T YOUR PARENTS’ ECONOMY Welcome to adulthood. Don’t expect any favors.
JENNY VU
ADAM BRUNS “Stop being so lazy, when I was your age I had a house and a pension already lined up.” “What do you mean you can’t find a job? Everyone has a job!” “Why did you go to college anyway?” The growing United States economy might seem like more of a burden than a benefit to graduating college students who no longer have the convenient excuse of global economic recession when responding to comments like these from nosy relatives. Things may look pretty good from the perspective of a baby boomer looking to enjoy a few decades of pensionfunded margaritas, but for young people fresh out of college there are a few signs to keep an eye on. According to a press release from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate sunk to 3.9 percent in April 2018, its lowest since December 2000. This means that most recent graduates should be able to find a job, but it doesn’t guarantee that job will be in the field they studied or that it will pay a living wage. Much of the recent expansion in the job market has come by way of low-skilled work that doesn’t require a college education. An economic forecast published by Portland State’s Northwest Economic Research Center reported in February 2018, 37 percent of new jobs in Oregon were in the construction sector, hardly surprising given Portland’s booming real estate market. That said, let’s talk about that real estate market. Is the dream of homeownership swelling within you? Do you feel
your achievement of the American Dream—complete with white picket fence and golden retriever—is just around the corner? Probably not, considering the median sale price of a home in Portland is $420,900, according to Zillow. Of course, things are cheaper in other parts of the country—I hear Detroit is nice this time of year—but most college grads can look forward to several more years of renting before they even think about buying a home, and that’s only if the field they enter offers substantial wage growth over the course of their career. And about that wage growth: It’s not looking so great either. Theoretically, when everyone can find a job, they should have more opportunities to negotiate for a higher wage, right? Apparently not. The New York Times reported in October 2017 that while historical patterns show a correlation between low unemployment and faster wage growth, this trend has not held in recent years. Although unemployment dropped significantly between 2010 and 2016, wages grew by only 1.9 percent, no faster than they did when unemployment was at its highest. As discussed in the NYT article, economists have proposed many reasons for stagnant wage growth including declining union membership and automation taking over jobs. Whatever the reason, new college grads will have to deal with the fact that their paychecks probably aren’t going to be growing for a while.
Still, some continue to tell new college grads not to worry so much—as if we learned anything else in four years of exams. President Donald Trump has regularly taken credit for recent economic growth, and pointed to the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The bill slashed corporate taxes and made substantial changes to the individual tax code that reduced federal taxes for most Americans, though some people in high-tax states ended up paying more due to a decreased deduction for state and local taxes. The president and other prominent Republican politicians have claimed reducing taxes for corporations will result in increased wages, according to an article by Economic Policy Institute Research Director Scott Bivens published by The Washington Post. Bivens called these claims bunk, writing, “Corporate tax cuts aren’t just useless as a wage-booster, they’re likely even worse at spurring business investment than measures to boost typical workers’ leverage and bargaining power.” It’s too early to judge the effects Trump’s tax plan will have on the economy. The plan changed countless economic variables instantaneously, and matching each of those changes with real-world effects borders on the impossible. One thing’s for certain: The economy may look good from the outside, but it has substantial flaws hidden beneath the glowing job numbers. College grads can expect to find work when they depart from the university, but whether that work will be fulfilling personally and financially is another question.
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WHERE TO DEFECT AFTER GRADUATION
EVA PARK, KARINA SANTACRUZ, LUKAS AMSDEN AND MARENA RIGGAN
ICELAND
CANADA
DENMARK
Denmark is a Scandinavian country bordering Germany and separated from Norway by the Skagerrak Strait. It is a half-hour train ride from Sweden, making it a convenient entryway to travel further into the Norse countries or down into Central Europe. I was lucky enough to spend some time in Denmark in August 2016. With over 390 kilometers of bike lanes, Copenhagen is truly a city of bicycles; in fact, you will stand out without one. People of Denmark are wonderful and kind, and they speak English as if it was their native language. When you are approaching Denmark on a plane, numerous windmills welcome you. Wind energy currently supplies more than 40 percent of the country’s energy. It would be great to live in a country with cautious environmental plans. –Eva Park
Canada extends from its southern border with the U.S. into the Arctic Circle. Canada has had a history of taking defectors from the U.S. since the 1850s. According to Vox, around 20,000 African Americans relocated to Canada in the 10 years preceding the Civil War. It also known for being a diverse and immigrant-friendly country, with approximately 20 percent of the population foreign-born. More than 60 percent of immigrants come from Asia and the Middle East, and more than 13 percent come from Africa. During the 2016 U.S. election, a local radio station host of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton even launched a website to help potential immigrants in the wake of a Trump election result. Having both French and English language skills will vastly improve your chances of gaining residency. Canada also has a fast-track immigration system known as Express Entry for those in skilled occupations, which are typically occupations regarding government, financial institutions, engineering, architecture, healthcare, physics, chemistry and administration, though this is hardly the complete list. The country is also home to beautiful nature such as Niagara Falls in Ontario, Banff National Park in Alberta, Prince Edward Island, Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains and the Capilano River area in British Columbia. Free basic health care, affordable education and an excellent tertiary education system from higher taxes are other great reasons to move to Canada. –Karina Santacruz
This small Nordic island nation is ranked first in gender equality by the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap, and in 2016, 48 percent of elected representatives were women. The country continues to fight the gender wage gap, and by 2022 any place of employment that cannot certify gender wage equality through an independent body will incur daily fines. Additionally, parents are offered nine months of maternity leave in which 80 percent of salaries are paid. The country also boasts an unemployment rate of only 2.7 percent based on data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and with a declining population, Iceland is also in need of around 2,000 employees each year to keep GDP growth positive. The current population is 337,577 people. Education is free at their public universities for both citizens and international students. Iceland is referred to as the land of ice and fire owing to its spectacular natural scenery including glaciers, icy beaches, geysers, the aurora borealis, puffins and waterfalls. Iceland is also one of the most volcanically active regions in the world; however, the volcano Þríhnúkagígur is dormant and the magma chamber accessible. –Marena Riggan
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
ECUADOR
Ecuador has recently been hailed as a paradise for retirees, known for its world class healthcare and low cost of living. South of Colombia and north of Peru, Ecuador rests on the equator and is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. From the Amazon to the Andes, it hosts volcanoes, rain forests beaches and more. Quito, the world’s second highest capital and seat of the former Inca Empire, was the first city in the Americas to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ecuador is also home to the Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin and home to sea iguanas and the long lived Galápagos tortoise. A former Spanish colony, Ecuador boasts numerous cathedrals dating back to the 1700s, The most famous of which, Basílica del Voto Nacional, is touted as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. I will personally be defecting to Ecuador come August. –Lukas Amsden
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BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Budapest may not be famous for its food or its beer, but it has a rich history. The capital city of Hungary was originally a Celtic encampment before becoming a Roman settlement. In the late 9th century, the Kingdom of Hungary was founded, though it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, and most recently was part of the Soviet bloc. The architecture is a mix of Ottoman and Neoclassical among classical and even Roman structures. Budapest is split down the middle by the Danube river into what the citizens call Buda and Pest. Old Buda contains many historical sites such as the conical spires of the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Buda Castle. Across the river in Pest is the famous Parliament building, built in the Gothic revival style. Budapest is a city where you can feel like a Roman, bathing in the open air thermal baths at Széchenyi, while a ride on the subway will transport you to the Soviet Era. –Lukas Amsden
You should consider getting a job in one of the most advanced cities in the world. Safe, clean and modern, Dubai offers plenty of job opportunities that attract millions of people around the world; in fact, only 15 percent of Dubai’s population are native Emiratis, with expats making up the other 85 percent. This environment further makes it easier for you to start your own business and enrich your entrepreneurial capabilities. In addition, there are no taxes, meaning all income will go into your pocket with no government intervention. Though the UAE recognizes Arabic as its official language, people mainly speak English in their occupations as the country’s lingua franca. In the evening, enjoy the luxurious life in different clubs and pubs with friends. According to The Telegraph, the UAE was rated the second safest country in the world by the World Economic Forum in 2017. Both public and private healthcare systems exist in the UAE, and its continued improvement is one of the pillars of the country’s Vision 2021. –Hossam Elsamanoudy Photo Credits : Iceland and Canada photos by Brian McGloin/ PSU Vanguard. Budapest photo by Lukas Amsdon. Denmark photo by Eva Park. Ecuador and Dubai photos courtesy of Creative Commons.
GRAD GUIDE
IT’S
E T A U D A R G O T T O N Y A K O
LILY HART A few days from now, thousands of Portland State students will walk across the stage at the Moda Center, but there will also always be students who do not graduate. And, guess what, that’s perfectly okay. Not everyone graduates from college; in fact, according to the United States Department of Education, the number of people that graduate from a university ranges from 56 to 66 percent—little more than half. While not graduating may seem discouraging, it doesn’t mean you will not have a career.
TAKE YOUR TIME OR TAKE A BREAK
Even though this June marks the end of your fourth year in college, there’s no shame in being a fifth year, a sixth year or beyond. The national average of time spent in higher education before graduation is actually six years. You may even want to take a break for family obligations, finances or personal well being. There’s no shame in taking a year, five years or a decade off. If you’re planning on a break, it would be a good idea to speak with your adviser. That way, if or when you return—especially if you’re planning on returning fairly soon—you’ll know what classes you’ll need. You can ensure you know what university services will still be available to you. Some require you to simply be a PSU student while others require you to be enrolled in classes.
OR STOP THE MADNESS
You might be considering dropping out completely. One thing to ask yourself before dropping out is why? Is it because of your major? Perhaps you would be happier in a different field. If so, take some time to try out different classes.
Is it that you’ve been taking too many classes a quarter? Then try going part-time, which is between four to eight credits or one to two courses. And in some cases, the degree might not be worth the price for the career you want. It’s worth it to brainstorm why you want to drop it out. Even if none of these ideas are the solution, making sure you know why you want to drop out will help you figure out the optimal path to take after you leave. Whatever you decide, consulting with a PSU academic adviser, professor or career counselor is a good idea, especially if you hadn’t joined the workforce before starting college. You can successfully have a career in a field you enjoy without a bachelor’s degree. U.S. News states careers such as dental hygiene and physical therapy require high school diplomas, certificates or associate’s degrees. There are many fields, such as cosmetology, animation and aviation, which utilize on-the-job training or have special vocational or trade schools. There are also many careers you can obtain without a formal degree but through other forms of training. It can feel as though society expects everyone to get college degree in a tidy four-year period. However, if you don’t find yourself falling into the mainstream narrative and expectation, you’re not alone. No one is judging. It’s your life. Whether you need to take a break or leave college altogether, do what’s right for you.
UNPAID INTERNSHIPS: THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE NETWORKING, THE EXPLOITATION MOLLY MACGILBERT As much as we might want to pirouette from campus straight into a sparkly career with a hefty salary, that’s not always easy. While you’ll be armed with a strong educational background, you may not have much relevant career experience yet. That’s why internships—yes, even unpaid ones—can be a helpful option for transitioning from learning in a classroom to learning in the workplace. There are two sides to internships. Unpaid internships potentially exploit and take advantage of young people looking to climb the professional ladder. They also price people out of the best jobs by creating barriers for those with less economic privilege. In January 2018, in the wake of a wave of recent intern lawsuits, the U.S. Labor Department updated its guidelines for unpaid internships. According to the department, unpaid internships must “be for the benefit of the intern…not displace existing employees, but work under the close supervision of existing staff… [and be] similar to training that would be given in an educational environment.” While unpaid internships may not be the right route for everyone, here are some points to consider.
WHAT’S YOUR MOTIVE?
Does an unpaid internship align with your goals and dreams? Do you need—or even want—the experience, or are you only considering it because it’s what you think you’re supposed to do or because it looks good on paper? Internships are, above all, opportunities to learn. Your biggest motivation should be gaining knowledge, skills and experiences that will get you closer to where you want to be.
IS IT DOABLE?
Would an unpaid internship work with your life situation and schedule? How will you afford rent, food and other expenses? Internships vary in required time commitments: Some may require 20 hours a week; others may only require four. Some internships can be done remotely, so you can set your own hours. Once you’ve graduated and no longer have classes and homework, you’ll be more likely to have time to balance an unpaid internship and a part-time job to make ends meet. Taking on an unpaid internship can be a challenge, and it’s best to assess your financial, personal and professional needs before you bite off more than you can chew.
UNPAID INTERNSHIPS MAY NOT BE JOBS, BUT THEY DO REQUIRE WORK
As cliche as it sounds, you get out of an internship what you put into it. If you take advantage of your experience, you will learn hands-on, valuable skills, gain confidence in your field and your abilities, gain a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses and build your resume. Even if you stumble along the way, learning from rookie mistakes will keep you from making them in a more permanent position. I believe the ethics and benefits of unpaid internships depend on the businesses or organizations providing them and the individual’s goals and capabilities. If the party offering the internship is a government agency, major corporation or Ivanka Trump, they have no excuse not to pay interns for their time. But if you have enough time and economic ability to offer your services to a small business or nonprofit for
LISA DORN free and learn professional skills along the way, I say go for it. If you decide to take the leap and intern without pay, challenge yourself, don’t be afraid to ask questions and try to absorb as much information as you can. Whether paid or unpaid, internships are opportunities to learn—even if the lesson you learn is to never work for free ever again.
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GRAD GUIDE
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ARTS & CULTURE NEWS
WHEN THE PEA LEAVES THE POD
TOP TWO PODCASTS TO HELP NEW PROFESSIONALS
LISA DORN
ALANNA MADDEN Graduation countdowns are a common tradition toward the end of spring term, but the realities of graduating are also bittersweet. Leaving the structure of college to enter a professional workforce requires…well, professionalism. Lately I’ve been asking people about their plans post-graduation, and I’m surprised to hear a common theme of entrepreneurship, aspirations to earn a living wage while working less or even working minimum wage to get by in order to focus on their music/art careers. I’m not surprised people want this, but I am surprised how realistic many people believe these postgraduation plans are. The biggest difference between what makes something realistic and fantasy, though, involves setting small, attainable goals with some form of direction toward making the larger picture happen. This is easier said than done, but often the missing connection involves implementing small practices that allow you to develop better relationships and communication skills; daily, structured habits; and strategically analyzing the way we process information and act on our thinking on a regular basis. It’s all ‘no-shit’ stuff, but I’m constantly surprised by how much I need to learn in order to plan and direct my goals effectively. While the following recommendations might seem cheesy, don’t let your ego keep you from remaining teachable outside of Portland State. After all, if you knew it already, you wouldn’t be here.
THE TIM FERRISS SHOW
While I don’t identify as an entrepreneur and have no interest in pursuing that goal, The Tim Ferriss Show seldom isolates listeners into believing the content is only applicable for business owners. Much like The Art of Charm, TFS features a wide range of guests with extensive interviews and information about how many global operations function from the people who run them. What I enjoy most about this show is how I can embrace the theory of ‘learning the mistakes of others,’ which is practiced in just listening to successful people’s experiences and understanding what did or didn’t work for them in the long run. You can learn about certain career risks and their outcomes, how figures from different cultures were brought up and which practices or ethos—however foreign—allowed them certain opportunities, or ways of thinking. You might even learn about potential future employers. Many people on the podcast are people who are in the position of hiring contemporary, passionate graduates such as yourself. Learn about who your audience could be and go for it. If you’re looking for an episode recommendation, my favorites have been #167 with Jamie Foxx, #218 with Kara Swisher (“The Most Feared and Well-Liked Journalist in Silicon Valley”); and the April 26 episode with Nick Thompson, Editor-in-Chief of WIRED magazine.
THE ART OF CHARM
AOC is one of those podcasts where I’ve found myself rolling my eyes because, like The Tim Ferriss Show, the podcast is marketed toward entrepreneurs. Also, the show hosts are constantly advertising their self-help bootcamp, which is specifically provided only for men. That’s gross, right? However, AOC does provide a ton of great topics, advice and a wide range guests I’d never heard of before. You can learn about reading body language from a former CIA agent, how to overcome toxic insecurity in relationships, developing anger management from a neuroscientist, and more importantly—if Shaquille O’Neal actually believes the Earth is flat. I’m completely serious; Episode 602 is an interview with Shaq and it’s worth every minute. It appears as though Jordan Harbinger, the regular AOC show host, recently left to make his own podcast, and the newer show hosts are pretty rough to listen to. Most all episodes before April 2018 are still available to listen to though, and I highly recommend you check them out.
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INTERNATIONAL
THIS WEEK
around the
WORLD
May 27–June 3
Germany
Around 20,000 anti-far right protesters descended upon Berlin to counter a protest conducted by the far-right group Alternative for Germany (AFD). AFD is known for being Islamophobic, anti-immigration and anti-European Union. At least 13 anti-AFD protests were registered with the city.
May 31
Denmark
Danish legislators passed a new law banning full-face veils, with 75 for and 30 against. Though the Danish government says the law is not intended to target any religion, its popularly known as the burqa ban. Violations will incur a fine of around $156, with repeat offenders fined up to around $1,560.
On May 30, a knife attack on a train in northern Germany has left one civilian and a police officer injured from confronting the attacker. On June 3, the area around the Berlin Cathedral was put in lockdown after a knifeman went on a rampage with around 100 people inside. The knifeman was shot by police in the leg, and another officer was shot by a stray bullet. No other injuries were reported.
May 30
Kiev, Ukraine
Russian journalist Arkady Babchenko, known for being critical of the Kremlin, was reportedly murdered by gunshot at his Kiev home after his wife found his body. However, Babchenko came out during a press conference to reveal his death as a hoax. His death was faked after Ukraine’s Security Service became aware of a plot to assassinate the journalist in order to catch the perpetrators. His own wife and other close family and friends were unaware of the setup.
May 30
Athens, Greece
Thousands protested in the streets of Athens against years of economic downturn and a new set of austerity measures scheduled to take effect this summer. According to Reuters and Al Jazeera, more than 10,000 workers, union members, youth, students and pensioners went on strike, putting the country at a standstill for 24 hours.
May 29
May 29
Pakistan; India
After weeks of crossfire in the disputed Kashmir region, Pakistan and India have agreed to cease-fire agreements outlined in 2003. Though fighting has intensified recently, the region has been experiencing violence from military and armed groups since 2016; 150 civilians and troops have been killed in the clashes since 2016 and thousands more since 1989.
Hungary
May 27–June 1
Spain
A bill has been proposed in Hungary’s parliament that would criminalize anyone or any group assisting undocumented migrants in their efforts to gain legal status in the country. Additionally, a separate bill has also been proposed to change the constitution in order to deny asylum to foreigners entering Hungary through a third country.
Spanish officials rescued over 500 migrants from the Mediterranean Sea by the afternoon of May 27. Migrants from North and Sub-Sarahan Africa were attempting to cross the Strait of Gibraltar aboard 17 small boats—three of which sank—when they were rescued following plane and helicopter searches of the area. The Spanish parliament voted in a no-confidence vote to depose Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. All 180 legislators voted in an absolute majority for his removal due to a scandal involving Rajoy’s center-right People’s Party. The scandal, known as Operación Gürtel and ongoing since 2009, alleges parallel accounts within the party were used for illegal financing and non-transparent donations.
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May 27
India
The External Affairs Minister of India Sushma Swaraj addressed the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal during a press conference, stating, “Our foreign policy is not made under pressure from other countries.” India will not accept U.S. sanctions for continuing to conduct business with Iran, which is a major source of oil for the country. Swaraj also met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif following the press conference.
May 29–June 2 May 30
Tunisia
Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission, which was established in 2014 to investigate human rights abuses, began their first trial on May 30 against former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who is accused of being in connection with the death and torture of a member of the Muslim democratic political party Ennahda.
Israel; Palestinian Territories
According to a statement from the Israeli military, around 30 Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza on May 29, targeting the central Gaza Strip and Khan Yunis. Rockets were also fired from the Strip into southern Israel between May 29 and May 30. A short-lived ceasefire went into effect; however, two mortar shells were fired on the evening of June 2 from Gaza. According to Haaretz, Palestinian sources suspect mortar fire is being conducted by a group outside Hamas association. A female Palestinian paramedic was shot and killed by an Israeli sniper bullet on June 1 during continued protests along the Gaza-Israel border. The 21-year old medic Razan al-Najjar was attempting to reach protesters injured at Khan Yunis during Friday protests at the time of the fatal incident. Thousands attended her funeral June 2.
INTERNATIONAL
May 27–June 3 June 1
U.S.
According to NPR, protesters gathered in over two dozen cities, including New York, Atlanta, Santa Monica and Miami to bring attention to the more than 600 children immigration officials took from parents crossing the border illegally last month. The Trump administration enacted the policy to deter undocumented immigrants, and the Justice Department said the rule is necessary because children cannot go to jail with their parents while they face misdemeanor charges for migrating illegally. Instead, children are being placed in shelters run by the Department of Health and Human Services.
May 31–June 1
Washington, D.C. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced May 31 that tariffs—25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum imports—against Canada, Mexico, and the European Union will take effect Friday June 1 at midnight. In a retaliatory measure, the EU announced American imports of steel and aluminum will also incur tariffs of the same amount and take effect at the same time.
May 27
President Trump met with the senior North Korean official Kim Yong-chol on June 1. Immediately after leaving the meeting, Trump announced he would hold talks with North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore on June 12 as initially planned. Trump had previously cancelled the summit on May 24.
South China Sea
Two United States military vessels sailed within 12 nautical miles of a string of islands China has claimed as its territory. According to anonymous U.S. officials, the Higgins guided-missile destroyer and the Antietam guided-missile cruiser were carrying out maneuvering operations, while China’s defense ministry stated the operations “seriously infringed upon Chinese sovereignty”.
May 29
Hawaii
The Kilauea volcano on Hawaii’s main island continues to spew fast-moving lava for the fourth week. Officials closed part of Highway 132 and told residents who had not already evacuated to do so immediately, warning that volcanic glass fibers carried by the wind may cause injury. A small explosion of ash from the summit reached around 15,000 feet high. About 2000 people have been evacuated, and more than 400 electric poles and at least 82 homes have been destroyed. According to The Independent, part of a man’s leg was shattered by lava spatter on May 19.
May 29
Puerto Rico
A Harvard study released in the New England Journal of Medicine estimated 4,645 died during Hurricane Maria last year, which directly contradicts the official numbers estimating only 64 died during and immediately following the devastation.
May 30
Malaysia The finance ministry of Malaysia announced a bank account number the public can donate to in order to help the government repay its national debt. The move comes after the GoGetFunding account “Please Help Malaysia!” received over $3,500 in donations. The new Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad is making it a priority to cut Malaysia’s national debt, which currently amounts to approximately $250.8 billion.
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NEWS INTERNATIONAL NEWS
CHILEAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS RESIGN OVER SEX ABUSE SCANDAL KARINA SANTACRUZ On May 17, 2018, all 34 of Chile’s Catholic bishAccording to anops offered their resignations in the wake of yet other NYT article, another child sex abuse scandal coming to light. Pope Francis had The announcement came after Pope Francis previously defended called a crisis meeting to discuss the allegations; Barros, calling the however, he has yet to accept their resignations. claims against him slanSexual abuse allegations against the Catholic der. “There was not one Church have become a notable topic of discus- shred of evidence against him,” sion since the first allegations came to light Francis said. in the 1980s. In Lafayette, La., Rev. Gilbert The Pope’s response was not taken Gauthe was reported to the diocese by the fa- well, raising concerns in Chile over his ther of one of the victims, after which the commitment to justice for victims. He later bishop offered settlements to affected families. apologized for what he had said, understandOne family refused ing the pain it caused the and instead sued the of sexual abuse, Sexual abuse allegations victims diocese and publicly “Here I have to apologize against the Catholic testified in court, because the word ‘proof’ which subsequently hurt them,” he said on his Church have become a led to more victims return from a January 2018 notable topic of coming forward. visit of the country. “It hurt A recent incident discussion since the first a lot of abused people.” occured in Australia Three of the victims— allegations came to light when the Archbishop Juan Carlos Cruz, James in the 1980s. of Adelaide Philip Hamilton and José Wilson was convicted Andrés Murillo—spent of concealing child five days in the Vatican in sexual abuse cases in the 1970s. Additionally, order to personally meet with the pope. Australia’s third highest-ranking religious of- According to The Guardian, Cruz stated ficial Cardinal George Pell is standing trial for the pope acknowledged his part in the sexual offenses from decades prior. case in relation to his repeated defense Bishop Juan Barros was accused of be- of Barros. Cruz, a victim of Fernando ing witness to the abuses of Reverend Karadima, accused Barros of witnessFernando Karadima, who was found guilty ing the abuse and doing nothing. of sexually abusing boys in the 1970s and The resigning bishops wrote in a 1980s. According to The New York Times, statement, “In communion with Karadima’s punishment by the Vatican was [the pope], we want to re-estabhis relocation to a different parish and a life lish justice and contribute to reof pray and penitence. pairing the damage caused.”
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SYDNEY BARDOLE
VIKING VOICES
FATHERS’ DAY PRIDE A RESPONSE TO RECENT HATE CRIMES AGAINST VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES ALANNA MADDEN I’m the daughter of gay fathers, but I’m also the daughter of the entire LGBTQ+ community. Because of this, I grew up with a different understanding of Father’s Day and Gay Pride, which usually falls on the same day in Portland. Growing up in Portland, I’ve watched the city’s LGBTQ+ community mature into a beautiful, diverse and inclusive community but rarely meet others with similar experiences. While writing about this is both empowering and painful at once, it’s also important to share. I didn’t always consider myself lucky to have gay dads. My father came out when I was in the second grade, and my parents subsequently divorced. Although I’m an editor and English student now, the divorce caused me to check out of school completely; my second grade teacher asked my parents to hold me back because I couldn’t read or write. I don’t remember being incapable, but I remember the mobile trailer classrooms, constant testing, counseling sessions and watching my dad move out with his new partner. After my father moved to Northeast Portland, I stayed with him every other weekend and every Wednesday night. He drove my younger brother and I to school on Thursday mornings, which required him to wake up at 4 a.m. and drive three hours out of his way to work. His new partner offered structure and stability for us: He made our meals, demanded cleanliness and enforced quiet hours. We thought he didn’t like us, but he raised us like his own. My father’s new friend circle consisted of men who were in their 40s. Back in 2000, this meant many of them were survivors of the HIV/AIDS endemic. Like my own father, these men encouraged me to be outspoken and strong and embrace my individuality. I loved art and theatre, and they encouraged my artwork. One of them in particular was Mark, who always went out of his way to make me feel special and talented. He promised he’d come watch me perform. But then I learned one of the hardest lessons of my childhood, and it’s one that isn’t actually unique.
The lesson was that I had no reason to be ashamed of my dad’s sexuality, but I had everything to fear. I kept my dads’ homosexuality a secret because I constantly heard anti-gay slurs in public. The Lutheran church I attended as a child condemned same-sex relationships. I saw local news reports about people beating and killing gay men around the country. I often heard my classmates call others a “faggot” and use the word “gay” as a pejorative. Then, I had to watch Mark pass away. When I was 12, Mark became terminally ill from AIDS. During his last few months alive, I remember making him handmade cards with angels and telling him I’d see him again in heaven. Mark was moved, and my dad told me Mark cried. It was then I realized how little Mark was ever told he’d go to heaven, or that God loved him at all. I prayed for Mark’s recovery, but like so many others at the time, he eventually perished. This would be the first of many times where religion and society failed me as a daughter. Mark died from an illness for no other reason than the U.S.’s misinformed and prejudiced creation of cultural health stigmas. Mark didn’t simply die from AIDS; he died because he was gay. As a child, these events were difficult to not internalize. I knew my father was suicidal prior to coming out: He shared his childhood experiences being bullied and threatened over suspicions of being gay. When you know your existence as a child is a direct result of denial and societal bigotry, it’s hard to not feel like a mistake. I dealt with this internalization by trying to be grateful for my dad not coming out sooner. If he had, he could have died from AIDS too; or even worse, he could have been beaten to death. But hard lessons didn’t end with Mark. I denounced my faith at age 13; I lost respect for authority figures and lost the desire to fit in. I tried to be one of the boys; I played rough, skateboarded, listened to death metal and used drugs and drank far earlier than I should have. Because my dad was gay, my rebellious nature often led people to assume I was lesbian—especially from my own parents. Little did they know, I was trying
to protect myself from being bullied further at school. I used to enjoy being girly until I started being called a slut and a whore at the age of 12 by classmates; I didn’t even know what sex was. Over the next couple years, there were countless, well-intended interventions from my family to “admit” my lesbianism, which felt more like them pressuring me into being lesbian. It was like a parallel, heteronormative reality where instead of hiding in the closet, I was pressured to go in and then come out as the lesbian people insisted I was. As you could imagine, this was incredibly confusing. I tried to go in the closet, but it wasn’t for me, yet people still insist today that it’s where I actually belong. People will always try to stereotype you. Over the years, I decided to embrace my childhood within the gay community. I went to the Escape on weekends with my out friends. My father and I had weekend dates where we eventually watched all of John Waters’ films, many times over; I celebrated local drag culture. Every sentimental moment of my life has somehow involved Madonna, Tina Turner, Barbra Streisand, or a quote from the classic movie Mommy Dearest. I even used every bit of my fun savings to take my dad to Madonna’s 2015 Portland concert. I’ve attended the Pride Parade with my Dad on Father’s Day and continue to celebrate gay culture with my dads. What felt like the end of my family before actually developed into the most beautiful, diverse and full family I could have asked for. In light of recent violent events on Portland State’s campus, within Portland and America as a whole, it’s important to support and encourage the entire LGBTQ+ community and any populations that are systematically vulnerable to hate crimes. Communities aren’t exclusive to those who identify within them; they’re also a family of overlapping communities that are raising each other. Violence isn’t limited to physical abuse when it’s found in societies’ language, attitudes, implicit and explicit biases and the way we choose who or what to really care about. There’s nothing left to choose when it really starts with you.
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OPINION
WOMEN DON’T OWE YOU SHIT
MALE ENTITLEMENT IS A DANGEROUS EPIDEMIC MOLLY MACGILBERT Entitlement lurks behind sexist corrup- from an inherited problematic societal struction and cruelty everywhere, from corporate ture? While it is unacceptable either way, I offices to the Oval Office. The attitude that choose to believe in the latter because it leaves women are indebted to men perpetuates prob- more room for change. But this change needs lems ranging from skewed power dynamics to to happen now. If we don’t work to shift toxic physical threats. mindsets and power dynamics soon, they will A student named Shana Fisher was one of continue to harm women. the 10 killed in the Santa Fe High School shootIf you have no experience as a woman, reing on May 18. According to Fisher’s mother flect on your own behaviors. Even if you think Sadie Rodriguez, the suspect had been making you are harmlessly flirting, know that women advances toward Fisher for four months and might feel uncomfortable due to the real risks grew increasingly aggressive despite her turn- we face. Acknowledge the fact that you do not ing him down repeatedly. A week after Fisher understand what women go through every day stood up to him in class, the suspect opened in situations you may not think twice about, fire on students he didn’t like and, according to such as walking down the street, taking pubRodriguez, Fisher was the first one. lic transportation or trying to have a good time While this shooting may be an extreme re- while out with friends. action to rejection, violence toward women You may also subconsciously internalize enfor such reasons is a prevalent problem. The titled attitudes whether or not you are in a comdangerous—and sometimes deadly—rage of mitted relationship. According to the National rejection is a very real issue for women every- Domestic Violence Hotline, nearly one in 10 where every day. Misogynistic women in the U.S. have been Even if you think raped by an intimate partentitlement is causing mass violence, and it needs to stop. you are harmlessly ner in her lifetime. Your girlEntitled hostility can take varor fiance or wife does flirting, know that friend ious forms, from domestic vionot owe you sex or marriage lence to sexual harassment to women might feel or children. Help contribute blackmail. On May 22, a licensed uncomfortable due to to a safe and comfortable enLos Angeles lawyer was arrested for women by rethe real risks we face. vironment for allegedly threatening to respecting us as individuals and voke a woman’s visa unless she had sex with respecting our boundaries. It’s that simple. him. Male entitlement also plays a role in the The modern world is well overdue in graspsexual harassment that occurs in workplace ing the concept that a woman’s purpose is not environments worldwide, publicized or not. A to serve as a mere vessel for penises and babies. study by the United States Equal Employment Women are not required to fill cookie-cutter Opportunity Commission estimated 75 percent roles of obliging mothers or wives. As powerof workplace harassment cases go unreported. ful as the female body may be, our power goes Intertwined with warped power structures is far beyond it. And as obvious as these statethe delusion that women are somehow sexually ments are to some people, our society needs to indebted to men. directly and concretely reflect this understandAbuse of power, whether by brandishing a ing that women are individuals with as much professional position or a physical threat, of- inherent power as men. ten involves abuse of women. Take President We do not owe you our time or attention. Donald Trump’s pussy-grabbing statements as We do not owe you a smile or a conversation. just one example. We do not owe you our phone numbers. We do There is no logic or justification to this en- not owe you a date, a second date or our bodies titlement, and its cause is difficult to pinpoint. in any capacity. And when refusing to give you Do predatory men feel inherently entitled due whatever it is you demand from us, we do not to some primal instinct, or does the issue stem owe you an explanation.
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PSU Vanguard • JUNE 7, 2018 • psuvanguard.com
KAILYN NEIDETCHER
OPINION
THE DIVIDE BETWEEN ART AND SCIENCE VINU CASPER
Educational funding in this country has always come It is the arts that shape our society, our perception of our sucwith a narrative: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math cesses and of our shortcomings. An idea, presented in a creative (STEM) is in crisis, and that’s what we hear in order to way, can spark a hundred more. Inspiration runs wild in the arts, push funding toward new computers, new textbooks and and finding ways to look at things differently—to see from anbetter teachers for the sciences. This is all acceptable until gles we hadn’t before and to try out new things—are common you realize it’s pulling away from other departments that ground between the sciences and the arts. And funding one and also require funding. not the other is simply not justified. The current administration is proposing to slash funding Those who dismiss the arts as trivial will cry practicality; they’ll to liberal arts endowments entirely and add an additional point out science makes a real difference, as if to say art does not. $200 million to promote the sciences. I understand educaThey’ll say science gives us tangible, visible change, as if to say art tion in general is underfunded and any money coming in does not. If art is the act of influencing perception and emotion, is a good thing, but most of it is bethen art has been a factor in every major ing funneled into one department. As science defines the world, change we have ever been through. Art I understand innovation is perceived has helped win elections and start revoluour art defines us. as literal magic, and STEM is given tions and end tyrannies. Art has told our priority of importance because of the possible technological stories and made sure they were remembered. developments and solutions to widespread problems—cures Another prominent argument those who don’t find imporfor diseases and tools for our needs. And yes, I understand tance in humanities have is the aspect of employment. This science is pushing us forward. is exemplified by former North Carolina governor Patrick However, this doesn’t mean art is not also pushing us toMcCrory’s statement, “It’s not based on butts in seats but on ward something greater. Similar to how scientific breakhow many of those butts can get jobs.” He went on to criticize throughs impact the world, it is undeniable that a work gender studies and philosophy. of art can be just as influential. Expressing ideas in new, I refuse to believe the importance of art can be overlooked. And meaningful ways that exceed mere words is the very defiby choosing to fund science over art time and time again, we are nition of art. These ideas affect us as a society, just as the overlooking the arts. We are doing it a disservice. How can we let ideas of science affect us as a species; as science defines an entire generation of filmmakers, artists and storytellers down the world, our art defines us. simply because a few among us do not value it enough?
Viking Voices is an open platform, rolling submission Op-Ed column open to all students, faculty and staff of Portland State. Submit your thoughts, stories and opinions to opinion@psuvanguard.com Please provide your name and major or affiliation with PSU. No submissions over 600 words. Submissions are voluntary, unpaid and not guaranteed to be published. All submissions will be reviewed and selected by the Vanguard Opinion Editor.
PSU Vanguard • JUNE 7, 2018 • psuvanguard.com
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CONGRATS, GRADUATES. We know your to do list just got more daunting, but take baby steps and deep breaths. Let some coloring soothe your soul, inside or outside the lines.
YOU GOT THIS! -VG Team
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PSU Vanguard • JUNE 7, 2018 • psuvanguard.com
Jake Johnson
JUNE 5–11 COMMUNITY
FILM & THEATER
MUSIC
ART
SOMALIA’S SOUTHERN WAR: THE FIGHT OVER LAND AND LABOR PARSONS GALLERY 212G 5:30 P.M. • FREE • ALL AGES Daniel Van Lehman former consultant for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in the 1990s. Lehman will lecture about his experience and the ongoing situation in Somalia.
BLACK PANTHER IN CONTEXT: A PANEL DISCUSSION SMSU 333 4 P.M. • FREE • ALL AGES A discussion about the comics and box office phenomenon as it relates to the real world historical and contemporary contexts that inherently engage with the fictional content.
WED JUNE 6
GATORADE PONG TOURNAMENT REC CENTER COURTS 1 & 2 6 P.M. • FREE • ALL AGES Registration is free for students and registered teams are guaranteed to play at least two games. All these electrolytes are gonna make this event electro-lit. Did I do that right? Is lit still hip? Do not BYOBooze.
MEDIEVAL MONSTERS IN THE EAST, MONSTROUS MANNERS IN THE WEST ART BUILDING 200 7 P.M. • FREE • ALL AGES Medieval manuscripts are pretty wild, and Maud Pérez-Simon is going to help explain some of the less-thanobvious meanings some of these creatures have in their historical texts.
TONY BENNETT ARLENE SCHNITZER 7:30 P.M. • $45–180 • ALL AGES It’s so cool of Lady Gaga to help out the unknown artist Tony Bennett in her upcoming studio collaboration. Just kidding. Come check out this legendary crooner in a classy venue.
DE-STRESS FEST CULTURAL RESOURCE CENTERS SMSU 228 1 P.M. • FREE • ALL AGES Chill with some dogs, create your own nachos, decorate your cap and gown and take a de-stress kit. make it, we are so bleepidy bleepin’ close.
PSU CREATIVE WRITING & TIN HOUSE: A DISCUSSION OF THE CAREER AND WORK OF URSULA K. LE GUIN THE LITTLE CHURCH 6 P.M. • FREE • ALL AGE The panel looks to explore Le Guin’s life as a writer, activist and literary citizen.
NOON CONCERT: MUSIC OF THE GREAT WAR LINCOLN RECITAL HALL 75 NOON • FREE • ALL AGES Music history undergrads have curated a selection of compositions from the good people on both sides that were specifically created for and during the Great War.
FRI JUNE 8
FRIDAY TRANSPORTATION SEMINAR: THE FUTURE OF TRANSIT FARE PAYMENTS KARL MILLER CENTER 465 NOON • FREE • ALL AGES This is an interesting opportunity to learn what Daimler and BMW think about—and are probably lobbying for—how riders should be able to pay.
SCHOOL OF FILM ANNUAL CELEBRATION LINCOLN PERFORMANCE HALL 175 4 P.M. • FREE • ALL AGES The evening begins with students presenting their work, followed by a reception and closing out with a curated showcase of student work and award ceremony.
ROAD HOUSE: THE PLAY! THE SIREN THEATER 7:15 P.M. • $18–25 • ALL AGES The Siren Theater and Bad Reputation Productions put on some incredible events, but even if it’s terrible it will be an incredible time.
SAT JUNE 9
OMSI AFTER DARK: TAPAS & TEQUILA OMSI 6 P.M. • $40–70 • 21+ If there’s one thing that cures anxiety about the increasing threat of a robot takeover, it’s definitely getting a buzz while telling the OMSI display robots they will never be human enough to really enjoy tasty treats.
GLAM! FORD FOOD & DRINK 7 P.M. • $5–10 • ALL AGES The third installment of Justin Buckles Productions and Nae Nae Marshall’s all ages monthly drag revue! Comedy, music and tasty food featuring performers from Portland and all over Oregon.
OPENING RECEPTION: “LAX / PDX II” - CURATED BY THINKSPACE ANTLER GALLERY 6 P.M. • FREE • ALL AGES Over 70 artists will be on display from notorious Los Angeles gallery Thinkspace. Locals may recognize Josh Keyes and Nosego, among others, for their Portland murals.
SUN JUNE 10
SUPPER TIME COMEDY AT ALBERTA STREET PUB ALBERTA STREET PUB 8 P.M. • FREE • 21+ The comedy night seems to have been in good hands under a new name and new management by co-hosts Corina Lucas, Milan Patel and Silberman.
“NATIVE WISDOM: PEOPLE OF THE OREGON INTERIOR” 2 P.M. • $7–9 • ALL AGES Environmental changes have altered the cultural and economic lives of Native people in the Pacific Northwest. This documentary, presented by Wisdom of the Elders, seeks to explore and explain some of those effects.
AVERY SUNSHINE JACK LONDON REVUE 9 P.M. • $25–30 • 21+ With her powerful vocals and background in gospel music, Avery Sunshine controls the stage. Sunshine is a singer-songwriter who doesn’t beat around the bush.
GAY SKATE OAKS PARK ROLLER RINK 7 P.M. • $7 • ALL AGES An all ages safe space that celebrates the LGBTQ community, every letter and every color are welcome to come and skate.
VIDEO GAME NIGHT AT PSU HOTLIPS PIZZA PSU 6 P.M. • FREE • ALL AGES Nothing gets your aggression out like runnin’ laps in the mushroom cup while trying to sabotage your opponents with booby traps and lightning shrink-rays.
KILLER INSECTS VERSUS THE WHITE EAGLE THE WHITE EAGLE 7 P.M. • FREE • 21+ Back to Back B-Movie horror films featuring some bizarro insects of monstrous proportions.
THU JUNE 7
TUES JUNE 5
2018 GRAD PIZZA PARTY SIMON BENSON HOUSE 11 A.M. • FREE • ALL AGES Some people are graduating and that means we can all eat free pizza. The first 200 graduating seniors get a free “Silipint;” budget cuts are cutthroat y’all—every grad is welcome to sign the Class of 2018 banner.
MON JUN 11
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