Nov. 1, 2023

The Emory Wheel Since 1919

Emory University’s Independent Student Newspaper

Volume 104, Issue 12

Printed every other wednesday

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Chalkings, allegations of antisemitism ignite debate

By Jack Rutherford Contributing Writer Chalkings highlighting deaths in Gaza, among other pro-Palestinian messages, appeared on campus over Sunday night. The chalkings marked the ground in front of the Dobbs Common Table, stretching around Asbury Circle and past Cox Hall, while other chalkings were displayed in front of Goodrich C. White Hall.

The messages garnered attention on Monday as students walked over the pastel letters spelling out “CEASEFIRE IN PALESTINE” and “8000+ PALESTINIANS MURDERED,” adding to an ongoing debate about the Israel-Hamas war on campus.

Since Palestinian militant group Hamas’ initial attack on Israel on Oct. 7, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has reported over 8,000 Palestinian lives have been lost in Israel’s retaliating attacks as of Oct. 31.

Israel declared war on Hamas, which the United States and other countries have designated as a terrorist organization, on the day of the initial attacks.

Fenves alleges antisemitism Emory University President Gregory Fenves ignited debate among members of the Emory community when he sent an email on Oct. 25, stating that he was “appalled” by students’ behavior at a protest earlier that day.

Fenves wrote that the demonstrators, who were protesting “Stop Cop City” and Israel’s attacks in the Gaza Strip, used “antisemitic phrases.”

A member of ESCC’s working committee, who requested to remain anonymous out of fear of being doxxed,

Goizueta BBA degree earns STEM designation

By Alexa Freedman Staff Writer

involved around 60 Emory students, faculty, staff and alumni marching from Asbury Circle to Convocation Hall before attempting to enter Fenves’ office to deliver a list of ESCC’s 12 demands. When this effort proved unsuccessful, protesters then gathered in the lobby of Convocation Hall until Director of Presidential Initiatives and Special Projects Anjulet Tucker (00C, 09G) arrived and accepted a copy of their demands.

In their demands to the president, protestors objected to Emory’s affiliation with the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center facility, demanding that Fenves step down from his position on the Atlanta Committee for Progress, which endorsed the construction of the facility in 2021.

Protesters also called on the University to issue a statement of support for

When students contemplate pursuing a degree in a STEM field, biology or chemistry might come to mind.

However, Emory University recently added an additional subject area to the list: business administration.

Last month, Emory approved Goizueta Business School’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree for a STEM designation, starting with 2024 graduates. Specifically, the University labeled the program as a management science, meaning it “focuses on the application of statistical modeling, data warehousing, data mining, programming, forecasting and operations research techniques to the analysis of problems of business organization and performance,” according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Following a thorough review of Goizueta’s curriculum, the business school’s administration sent the STEM-designation proposal to the University’s Academic Review Committee and the Office of the Provost, according to Goizueta Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Admission Andrea Hershatter (05G).

The Goizueta administration asserted that the business school’s courses significantly focus on technology and analytics.

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Jack Rutherford/Senior Staff Photographer

Jaanaki Radhakrishnan (26C) shouts chants during the Oct. 25 protest in Convocation Hall. cited the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange (GILEE) as the connecting factor between these two issues. They alleged the training facility would support GILEE, which facilitates exchange in tactics between American and international law enforcement agencies, including Israeli police. GILEE’s website does not mention direct involvement with the Israeli Defense Force, Israel’s national military force fighting Hamas.

Emory Hillel President Avery Adelman (24C) said that she was “surprised” to hear pro-Palestinian calls at the rally, instead of chants focused on protesting the training center.

During the protest, participants chanted “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which the American Jewish Committee characterizes as antisemitic, due to the idea that the chant calls for a Palestinian

takeover of Israel’s land between the Jordan River and Mediterranean Sea. The phrase has been adopted by Hamas. However, Fenves’ email condemning “antisemitic” chants did not directly address any specific phrases.

The University declined to comment further on the claims.

“Throughout the event, antisemitic phrases and slogans were repeatedly used by speakers and chanted by the crowd,” Fenves wrote. “I cannot be more clear — this kind of rhetoric has no place at Emory. I am appalled by this behavior. It violates our core values, particularly our commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all who learn, work and live on our campuses.”

Emory Stop Cop City (ESCC), a part of the broader movement opposing the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, organized the protest. The rally

University launches investigation into flier defacing incident

By Lauren Yee Contributing Writer As tensions about the Israel-Hamas war continue on campus, Emory University garnered attention on social media after fliers raising awareness for Israeli civilians being held hostage in Gaza were vandalized on Oct. 24. The fliers hung on campus for a few days before students noticed that “FREE PALESTINE” had been written across the pages in black marker.

The University Senate’s Committee for Open Expression is currently reviewing the incident, Assistant Vice President of Communications Laura Diamond wrote in a Oct. 26 email to the Wheel. Diamond said that they have no further information to share at this time, including whether the Emory Police Department has been able to identify the individual or group behind this act of vandalism.

“Emory will continue to prioritize the well-being of our community, to promote open expression for all perspectives, and to encourage dialogue that acknowledges our shared humanity,” Diamond wrote in a Oct. 26 email.

The day after the posters were defaced, students organized a “Stop Cop City” and pro-Palestine protest.

University President Gregory Fenves later critiqued the rally for including

“antisemitic” phrases in a Universitywide email on Oct. 25. Emory Israel Public Affairs Committee Senior Advisor Cassidy McGoldrick (24C) said she noticed that the fliers were no longer posted after the protest, although she is unaware of who took them down or when.

“It’s caused a lot of division,” McGoldrick said. “Everyone, regardless of their level of knowledge or education on the conflict, has an extreme stance when at the end of the day I think the conflict itself is very complicated and requires a lot of education and background knowledge to feel justified in supporting claims that you make.”

Committee for Open Expression Chair Ilya Nemenman explained that vandalizing the fliers violates section 8.14.5.8 of Emory’s Respect for Open Expression Policy, which states that Emory community members “who defaces the open expression of others will be held in violation of this policy.”

The section includes chalkings, fliers, signs and “displays” as examples of “nonpersonal expression” protected under this policy.

“Interfering with somebody else’s speech, or doing things that are potentially violations of various local, state, federal laws are definitely not protected by the policy,” Nemenman said.

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“It would be very useful for people to actually read the policy before they choose to express themselves in this situation where tensions are running high and there is a lot of conflict.”

McGoldrick said she hopes that whoever vandalized the fliers receives disciplinary actions.

“We’re more just waiting to see how they hold people accountable for their actions, to make sure it’s not just a safety net, almost,” McGoldrick said.

“We want action to be taken.”

Student response Rami Fabian (25B), one of the students who put up the fliers, said that the issue of Hamas taking Israeli hostages is important to him as a member of Emory’s Jewish community.

“I have family and friends who do know some of the people being held hostage, and this felt like beyond an Israel-Palestine issue,” Fabian said.

“This is just a human rights thing. We want our family to come home.”

While Fabian said he seeks peace and nuance in the situation, he said he found the vandalization “disrespectful … to all the people hurting in Israel.”

“I do want peace and I do want a free Palestine and a free Israel and I want us to coexist, but this is just not the way that that can happen,” Fabian

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Courtesy of R ami Fabian

Vandalized fliers raising awareness for Israeli citizens taken hostage in Gaza hang in a window on campus. said. “I don’t think writing ‘Free Palestine’ over the faces of hostages is conducive to anything.”

Israel Public Affairs Committee President Sophie Kalmin (26C) expressed a similar sentiment.

“It’s dehumanizing,” Kalmin said. “I find it so incredibly offensive. It breaks my heart that that’s what is considered activism and that’s what is considered acceptable.”

Emory Students for Justice in Palestine (ESJP), who requested to remain anonymous for safety purposes, wrote in an email to the Wheel that

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they stand in “complete opposition” to the vandalization of the fliers around campus.

“Ever since the beginning of this new iteration of violence in Gaza, we have repeatedly stressed to our members to respect this practice of open expression at Emory, which is afforded to all members of the Emory community,” ESJP wrote. “We believe in the importance of upholding open expression standards at the University under all circumstances, and especially dur-

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The Emory Wheel

Jewish student clubs commend Fenves’ statement against 'antisemitic' chants at protest Continued from Page 1 “Palestinians and Palestinian students” and asserted that Emory should “separate entirely from any zionists and anyone doxxing or threatening Palestinians and Palestinian students.”

Adelman, took issue with calls for Emory to distance itself from Zionism, stating that Judaism and Zionism are “inextricably linked.” Zionism is support for a Jewish state in the land that is currently Israel, according to Merriam-Webster.

“Emory Hillel is an explicitly and proudly Zionist organization,” Adelman said. “We understand that … Jews have the right to self-determination in our indigenous homeland.

Judaism and Zionism are inextricably linked, so to remove all ties from Zionism is to remove Jewish organizations on campus, to remove a Jewish home for students on campus.”

The Emory-Israel Public Affairs Comittee (EIPAC), a pro-Israel campus group, wrote in an Oct. 29 statement on Instagram that the protesters’ demands to separate from any Zionists were “blatantly antisemitic.”

EIPAC President Sophie Kalmin (26C) said she was uncomfortable with the protestors’ demands that Emory distance itself from Zionists.

“When I personally hear that, I hear a call to dismantle the only Jewish state in the entire world,” Kalmin said.

Kalmin further expressed concern that the establishment of a Palestinian state “from the river to the sea” would be hostile to Jewish people.

“It’s very hard as a Jewish person to just hear this phrase and think that anything but horror and Jewish massacre would happen,” Kalmin said.

Fenves stated that Respect for Open Expression policy protected the protesters’ freedom of speech, but he implored students and faculty to consider the impact of their words and actions.

ESCC denied Fenves’ claims that their protest contained antisemitic rhetoric or slogans in a statement released on their Instagram on Oct. 27.

“The slogan originated in the context of calls for the full liberation of the land of Palestine, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea,” ESCC wrote. “‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,’ is not a statement for the exclusion of the Jewish people, but rather a call for solidarity, acknowledgment, and freedom from the chains of colonial oppression that bind all.”

In a statement to the Wheel, Emory Students for Justice in Palestine (ESJP) explained that they do not find the chant antisemitic because it calls for equality for all people on the land.

“President Fenves’ email made grossly generalized accusations against the students, faculty, and staff who attended the walk-out,” ESJP said. “In sending out this communication, President Fenves has exacerbated the existing tensions on campus and has negatively framed pro-Palestine advocates on campus as perpetrators of hate speech.”

The ESCC statement said that “shared content related to the protest” used “weaponized vagueness and misleading information in a deeply anti-Black diversion from the goals of ESCC.” The member of ESCC’s working committee who spoke with the Wheel additionally denounced Fenves’ statement as intending to suppress the Stop Cop City movement.

“There was a lot of misinformation about what Stop Cop City stands for and by not denouncing that, not explicitly naming what it is that we said and did, he's just increasing the division in order to create more opposition to us as a movement,” the member said.

ESJP stressed that they were not affiliated with the Oct. 25 protest in a statement to the Wheel. The group

Chalkings on campus

Tiffany Namkung/Social Editor

A chalking calls for ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict. claimed that Fenves’ “misinformed” depiction of the walkout “intensified feelings of fear” for both Muslim and Jewish students. ESJP added that their members do not feel safe on campus following Fenves’ message.

“President Fenves demonstrated a disappointing bias in speaking out against anti-Jewish hate while not at all acknowledging the rampant Islamophobia that has plagued our community since Oct. 7,” ESJP wrote.

“Differentiation in treatment and the spreading of misinformation by the Emory administration has unfortunately enabled the further targeting of pro-Palestine advocates as well as Muslims and Arabs on campus.”

Adelman and Kalmin said they supported Fenves’ statement. In addition, Chabad at Emory Rabbi Zalman Lipskier praised Fenves in an email to organization members on Oct. 27.

Lipsker noted that Emory Chabad worked with the Emory Police Department and DeKalb County Police Department to upgrade its security measures in response to the current campus and political climate.

“We feel especially grateful to be situated on one of the few college campuses which has a leader who shows the courage and moral clarity to

denounce terror and hate, and call out antisemitism for what it is,” Lipskier wrote.

Associate Professor of Philosophy Marta Jimenez said that she was concerned that Fenves’ statement would make students apprehensive to express pro-Palestinian sentiments.

She added that she believes opposition to Israeli actions and policies are being misconstrued as antisemitic, citing people in the United States who recently lost their jobs after supporting Palestine.

“My worry is that people are not going to be able to speak because they are afraid of being understood as being haters or as being antisemitic,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez said another faculty member accused her of not caring about Israeli lives after she sent a statement questioning Fenves’ allegations to colleagues on Oct. 27.

“They were questioning the honesty of my approach to the issue, as if I was trying to defend some kind of secret mischievous agenda,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez also attempted to send the same statement to an Emory College of Arts and Sciences faculty Listserv on Oct. 27 but said that moderators did not forward her email to the group.

The chalked statements that appeared Sunday night included “CEASE FIRE NOW,” “BOMBING CIVILIANS IS A WAR CRIME” and “4000+ CHILDREN MURDERED IN PALESTINE.” Other chalkings promoted a non-profit website titled “If Americans Knew” that focuses on the Israel-Palestine conflict and criticizes the United States’ support of Israel.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry stated on Oct. 31 that about 3,500 children have been killed in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7. U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden, have cast doubts on the veracity of this data.

Eamon Sinclair (25B) said he saw eight to 10 people writing the chalkings in Asbury Circle when he was walking back from the library late Sunday night. The chalkers’ identity remains unknown as of press time.

The message stating that over 8,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza caught Sinclair’s attention, prompting him to raise concern about the claim not being backed up by a source.

“If you don’t have a source, it’s such a limited context for people that don't know what's going on and it paints a picture that might not be true,” Sinclair said.

However, Sinclair said he welcomed the discussion these chalkings would bring. He added that he hopes the messages, which are still intact as of Oct. 31, do not get vandalized.

“Part of me said it’s amazing that this is happening now on campus, and good for you that you’re sparking this because I personally believe that there’s two echo chambers on campus that are advocating their side to themselves,” Sinclair said. “It feels like it’s the first time on campus that there is actual debate.”

— Contact Jack Rutherford at jack.rutherford@emory.edu

University elects new Board of Trustees members

By Allison Marksman Contributing Writer Emory University’s Board of Trustees elected Goldman Sachs Growth Equity Team co-Head and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) Darren Cohen (96C) and Bishop Robin Dease on Oct. 25.

The board manages the governance and welfare of the entire institution, creating University policy and possessing fiduciary responsibility. Trustees serve initial six-year terms, which are renewable for four-year successive terms. The board, which can have up to 45 trustee positions, currently has 36 members with the addition of Cohen and Dease.

Goddard Investment Group CEO Robert Goddard III is the current chair of the board, while Bishop William T. McAlilly (81T) and Smith, Gambrell & Russell Partner Leah Ward Sears (80L) serve as the vice chairs. Other members include former Coca-Cola Company Vice President Javier C. Goizueta, Aflac Foundation President Kathelen Amos (79C) and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Senior Program Officer Teresa Rivero (85Ox, 87B, 93MPH).

Cohen graduated summa cum laude from Emory in 1996 and played on the men’s tennis team.

After earning his degrees in philosophy and political science, Cohen served as an analyst for Accenture plc, an Irish-American consulting and technology strategy firm.

He then spent over two years at the Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, now owned by B. Riley Financial, as a

vice president in investment research.

After leaving the company, Cohen began his career at The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. as executive director in investment research before leaving after three years to serve as a senior analyst for Calypso Capital Management LP. Cohen returned to Goldman Sachs in 2007 as a vice president. In his current role as Growth Equity Team cohead and CIO, which he has held since 2018, Cohen runs a $5.2 billion growth fund and oversees one of the world’s largest growth equity platforms.

Dease is the Episcopal leader of the United Methodist Church’s North Georgia Conference. She grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. with 12 siblings. After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Claflin University (S.C.), Dease went on to earn a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary (D.C.).

In 1992, Dease joined the South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church before becoming a full-time pastor in 1998 and an ordained elder in 2001.

Throughout her career, Dease has worked at multiple churches across Georgia and has served on various denominational and conference boards, including as a delegate for the United Methodist Church’s general and jurisdictional conferences in 2012, 2016 and 2020. The Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference elected her as a bishop in 2022.

— Contact Allison Marksman at allison.marksman@emory.edu

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STEM designation benefits international students Continued from Page 1 “The degree should match the reality of the education they’re receiving,” Hershatter said.

The new designation is a byproduct of Goizueta’s revamped curriculum that rolled out in early 2023, according to Hershatter. The curriculum now allows sophomores to matriculate into the business school during the fall semester as well as established new statistical and technological competency requirements, which Hershatter believes pushed the program over the threshold required to receive a STEM designation.

“It became increasingly apparent that the curriculum itself was infused with enough of the necessary criteria that the entire program could be certified,” Hershatter said.

The change especially impacts international students, Hershatter said.

According to Emory’s International Student and Scholar Services, 90% of Emory’s international students study in the United States under F-1 visas.

Once they have graduated, students with an F-1 visa can work in the United States for one year if a company hires and sponsors them under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.

If a company wants to permanently hire an international graduate after their first year, the graduate can enter a “lottery” for an H-1B visa, which can last up to six years. Hershatter said there is only about a 30% chance of securing an H-1B visa through this process.

However, graduates with STEMdesignated degrees can apply for a two-year extension after their first year in the workforce, giving international students more chances to stay longer in the United States, according to Hershatter.

“It’s a very big risk for a company to hire a student who doesn’t have a STEM degree and put them through all of that training and development and want to keep them and not be legally eligible to keep them,” Hershatter said. “If the student has a STEM-designated degree, one year

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Students demand University adopts defenition of antisemitism Continued from Page 1

Jack Rutherford/Senior Staff Photographer

Goizueta Business School’s new curriculum helped the BBA program obtain a STEM designation. changes to three years, so now the odds work such that with three bites at the apple, it’s much more likely that an individual student will be somebody that the company can retain if they choose to do so.”

Prior to acquiring the designation, many international Goizueta students double majored in a STEMdesignated field through Emory’s College of Arts and Sciences so they could have the STEM OPT extension after their graduation, BBA Council Vice President Liam O’Sullivan (24B) said.

“It allows for less creativity and free will in terms of classes and how you want to structure your remaining time at the school,” O’Sullivan said.

“It’s really big and really helpful to allow students to take that weight off their shoulders and now transition into potentially more passion projects or classes they actually think are of interest.”

Santiago Gonzalez del Solar (26C), who is an international student and plans to major in business, said the extra time to find a job before having to leave the United States is “very beneficial.”

“It just brings me more hope in regards to my job opportunities and lets me know that I can stay in the U.S. longer,” Gonzalez del Solar said of the designation.

BBA Council President Michael Chan (24B), who described the STEM designation as a “lifeline” for international students, said the change “couldn’t have come at a better time.”

He explained that many students are increasingly worried about their ability to find jobs after graduation in today’s economy, especially international students who have a limited amount of time to find a job in the United States.

Additionally, the new STEM designation is just the tip of the iceberg in Goizueta’s plan to have the BBA degree match contemporary analytical and technological business trends, Chan added.

“This designation is a sign that it’s not going to slow down,” Chan said.

“We’re going to keep going in that direction. I’m excited to see how it plays out.”

— Contact Alexa Freedman at alexa.freedman@emory.edu

ing times of heightened tensions.”

However, antisemitism on campus has not been limited to the fliers, McGoldrick said. She pointed to the Oct. 25 “Stop Cop City” protest as an example, referring to a student’s sign that said “Colonizing Oppressive Pigs.”

Although the protest was originally intended to oppose the University’s ties with the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, protestors linked this issue with the Israel-Hamas war, calling on the president to acknowledge the Palestinian lives lost in the conflict.

McGoldrick said she believes the sign was antisemitic, noting that comparing Jewish people to pigs is a “common antisemitic trope.” She said that some people — including Emory Stop Cop City — have claimed that the sign, which also said “F*** Cop City,” was only referring to the police and not Israel, but she believes this is a “weak” argument.

“I don’t think you can make that justification while you’re holding it up, chanting, ‘From the river to the sea,’” McGoldrick said. “Simultaneously, I’ve never heard a cop being called a colonizer before, whereas I’ve heard Israel be called colonizers or oppressors.”

McGoldrick said that while the protestors may not have had the intention of being antisemitic, they have the obligation to apologize.

Next steps The University does not currently have a concrete definition of antisemitism, according to McGoldrick.

In the past, Jewish and Zionist advocates have proposed the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition, which characterizes anti-

semitism as “a certain perception of Jews,” expressed with hatred and in both rhetorical and physical forms.

The definition has not been approved by the University. Other schools, like Georgia Institute of Technology and Duke University, have adopted this definition.

“With the rising number of antisemitic incidents on campus as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, I think that it provides the grounds for the administration to reconsider adopting it,” McGoldrick said.

According to McGoldrick, there is a need for greater communication about antisemitism. She added that all students have the right to express their opinion on the conflict.

“I fear that when we tell people what they’re saying is antisemitic, it is being perceived as you’re not allowed to advocate for Palestinian rights and for a homeland for the Palestinians,” McGoldrick said. “I truly don’t think that it’s mutually exclusive. You can advocate for a free Palestine and a Palestinian state without being antisemitic.”

Fabian said he hopes people understand the struggle of the Jewish community as of late.

“I urge people to understand that this is the hardest time possible for the Jewish community around the world and antisemitism is growing at a tremendous rate like we haven’t seen since the Holocaust,” Fabian said. “The Jewish people as a whole just want peace and that’s all I’m praying for, is just somehow we can get to peace in the future and not have to deal with terrorism and be able to coexist one day.”

— Contact Lauren Yee at lauren.yee@emory.edu

Emory opens Atlanta campus dorms to students over winter break

By Yoyo Pang Contributing Writer Emory University is allowing students to stay on the Atlanta campus over winter break for the first time this year. For the past 15 years, students could only register to stay on the University’s Clairmont campus, according to Senior Director of Housing Operations Elaine Turner.

Winter housing registration opens today for students who have a spring 2024 housing agreement and are residing on Emory’s Atlanta or Clairmont campuses. Turner announced this change to housing policy in an email to students last month. Applications will close on Dec. 6.

This year’s winter housing program

will help support students who may face large expenses to fly back home, according to Senior Associate Director of Academic Advising for International Students Frank Gaertner. At the time of publication, the cheapest round trip flights to Beijing, China and Seoul, South Korea — the two most common home countries for Emory’s international student population — for winter break cost $2,613 and $2,945, respectively, according to Expedia.

Campus Life Executive Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives Sara Tanner added that students can stay over the entire break, which lasts from Dec. 16 to Jan. 14, 2024, or return to campus early.

However, Tim Yau (27C) explained that the policy was announced too late

The Emory Wheel Volume 104, Issue 12 © 2023 The Emory Wheel Alumni Memorial University Center, Room 401 630 Means Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322 Business (404) 727-6178 Editors-in-Chief Matthew Chupack and Sarah Davis matthew.chupack@emory.edu sarah.davis@emory.edu

Founded in 1919, The Emory Wheel is the financially and editorially independent, student-run newspaper of Emory University in Atlanta. The Wheel is a member publication of Media Council, Emory’s organization of student publications. The Wheel reserves the rights to all content as it appears in these pages, and permission to reproduce material must be granted by the editor-in-chief.

The statements and opinions expressed in the Wheel are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Wheel Editorial Board or of Emory University, its faculty, staff or administration.

The Wheel is also available online at www.emorywheel.com.

for some international students. Yau, who is from Taiwan, already booked his flight home and said he would have considered staying on campus if he knew about the program sooner.

“Maybe it would be better if it was announced earlier because sometimes when you order tickets you can't really get a refund,” Yau said.

Xinyi Wang (26C), who is from China, is traveling to Canada over break. She did not consider staying on campus, but noted that the policy will benefit students who decide to stay.

Sigma Delta Tau Community Advisor Shaina Ginsberg (24C) expressed a similar sentiment, saying that some students have unique experiences that may not be considered when shutting down the campus.

“It's more accommodating of students who for whatever reason may think that the best choice for them is to stay on campus,” Ginsberg said.

Resident advisors (RAs) can choose to work over the break and will be paid $60 and 25 Dooley Dollars on the days they have shifts, according to an Oct. 23 email to all Atlanta campus RAs obtained by the Wheel. She said nine RAs signed up to work during this period as of press time. This includes Ginsberg, who decided to stay on campus because she has friends and family in Atlanta and wants to make money to save up for medical school.

Tanner wrote that an “on-duty team member” will be available to support students in residence halls over break 24/7. The Counseling and Psychological Services, TimelyCare and the Emory Police Department will also be available. There will be scheduled maintenance services during this

time, though some facilities may be closed, Tanner added.

Alabama Hall RA Nina Chi (24C), who is from Taiwan, decided to stay on campus for winter break largely due to flight costs.

Additionally, Chi said she can act as a resource for other international students who are staying at Emory over the break.

“Whenever they need help, they can reach out to me,” Chi said. “It’s really nice that they have another option to stay in the States without worrying where they have to stay and if it’s a safe space or if there's a lot of planning that they have to do for staying here in the winter.”

Wang and Yau raised concerns about staying at Emory in the winter, such as limited dining options.

The Dobbs Common Table and Cox Hall food court will not be open during winter break. Instead, Gaertner wrote that the Eagle Emporium in the Emory Student Center and the Clairmont Cafe located in the Student Activity and Academic Center will provide dining services. The University will cater food for students on holidays when the Eagle Emporium and Clairmont Cafe are closed, Gaertner added.

In addition, Wang and Yau pointed out that it might be isolating staying on campus over break since there will be fewer social events. Hamilton Holmes RA Andrew Choi (24C), who is traveling for break, said that while there are advantages to staying in an emptier dorm, such as having more freedom, he agrees isolation may be difficult.

“That social aspect is one reason why we enjoy living in dorms,” Choi said. “I could foresee some issues of

loneliness or homesickness for sure, but that is just the case whenever you move away from home.”

However, Tanner said that there will be engagement opportunities during the break for students. Chi said she wants to host a friendsgiving dinner for Christmas or New Year’s and collaborate with other RAs staying on campus to host larger events over break. Ginsberg added that she may host small dinners or movie nights.

“We can include more students to join and make it … very welcoming and inclusive for all the students from different cultural backgrounds, and just feel a sense of community when they're far away from home,” Chi said.

RAs are also trained in mental health first aid, which prepares them to help students who may be struggling with loneliness and connect them with resources, Ginsberg added.

Students who stayed over break will get the chance to fill out a survey to provide feedback about their experiences in January, which the University will use to evolve and enhance the programs and services, according to Tanner.

Complex Hall RA Luis Ciriaco (25C) said although there may be difficulties staying on campus, he believes it is a process of “trial and error.”

“If it works, it works,” Ciriaco said.

“If it doesn’t, well, at least they tried rather than just assuming.”

Editor-in-Chief Matthew Chupack (24C) is a resident advisor and had no role in writing or editing this article.

— Contact Yoyo Pang at yoyo.pang@emory.edu

The Emory Wheel

Opinion EDITORIAL

Unite for unions, support Emory graduate students Despite massively contributing to Emory University’s research and education, Emory graduate student workers struggle to stay afloat. This is evident in Laney Graduate School’s January 2023 survey, which aimed to assess the cost of living of Emory graduate student workers.

“It is difficult to do good research when you are hungry. It is difficult to do good research when you are so financially stressed,” said one Laney Graduate student in their anonymous response to the survey.

Raising graduate workers’ standard of living is part of the goal of EmoryUnite! — Emory’s own graduate student worker union, which the Emory undergraduate community must actively support.

Starvation wages are simply unacceptable for all the labor that graduate student workers do. Emory undergraduate students need to step up to advocate for the prospective union through attending rallies and increasing campus awareness.

The stressors on graduate students extend beyond their time as students.

Anxieties over an uncertain post-doctoral job market, especially in academia where positions have historically been inaccessible, weigh on them.

As one of the leading institutions in the U.S., it is imperative that Emory takes a significant step to fairly compensate graduate students.

In the same manner, it is important that undergraduate students at Emory recognize the fears that graduate students have while supporting the cause.

Unions struggle to form and operate in Georgia because of the state’s “rightto-work” law, which prohibits unions from exercising standard practices like enforcing dues and requiring all employees to join the union.

Without dues, unions cannot operate, and without strong participation, they lose much of their bargaining

power. However, Emory graduate students gained the right to unionize in a 2016 National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruling and now possess the power to set an example for the rest of the state with EmoryUnite! and advocating for Laney Graduate School student worker wages, stipend security and improved working conditions.

It’s clear that Emory graduate students have had to overcome incredulous systemic barriers to even organize campus-wide voting for the establishment of a comprehensive union, and it’s vital that undergraduate students and others at Emory foster a supportive environment for student organizers to thrive and advocate for the best agreements for graduate students.

Graduate students now await the result of an Oct. 16 and 17 election, which will determine whether EmoryUnite! will establish a majority union with the NLRB and become the first graduate worker union in Georgia.

If decided in EmoryUnite!’s favor, Emory will be required to bargain with the union and bridge the power inequity between the institution and its graduate workers that its administration and policies have directly caused.

Even if it does not engage directly in union-busting practices, the University’s aims are opposed to those of the union. Former Laney Dean and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs — Graduate Studies Lisa Tedesco, explicitly responded to EmoryUnite!’s initial unionization effort in a 2017 public statement that “graduate students are not employees,” diminishing their contribution to undergraduate learning environments.

Rather, the majority of Emory’s support towards graduate students comes in the form of free tuition, valued at $23,400 per semester. Since higher-education institutions like Emory

don’t perceive graduate students as employees, their stipends are thought of as charity, not salaries, and are supposedly enough to support graduate students. This perspective overlooks the tremendous amount of work that graduate students perform, from teaching classes, developing coursework, engaging in research and acting as mentors for undergraduates.

Doctoral students need to be recognized for their labor and compensated fairly for it. In essence, the potential union is negotiating for recognition as workers and fair pay for work — basic rights.

As students, we see the incredible assistance that graduate students provide in order to enhance our own educational opportunities, and it’s imperative that we stand with them — despite the administration’s continued diminishment of their contributions — in this fight for their livelihoods.

The administration’s response to student organizing efforts illustrates a criticalas point: Emory’s graduate students are given the same responsibilities as full-time employees but

Soph Guerieri/Staff Photographer

aren’t treated as such. Co-chair of EmoryUnite! David Meer argued that a union would ensure some stability for student workers, as “Emory could at any point drop its student worker stipends in half if it wanted to.”

Meer is still on his parents’ health insurance because Emory’s graduate student health insurance does not provide him adequate coverage. If David had children, 15% of his stipend would go towards their dependent’s healthcare — a stipend which is already well below Atlanta’s living wage.

Jerik Leung, a third-year doctoral student worker and an active organizer with EmoryUnite!, provided some insight into the reality of motivating graduate student workers to unionize.

“There’s been a larger financial squeeze,” he said in response to the cost-of-living crisis.

Leung also pointed out that within the graduate school, there are large disparities formed by the range of financial stability among students.

While some students are able to focus on research and attend classes for their dissertation, others have to dedi-

cate time to their families, part-time work, instructor jobs and fellowship stipends to continue their education.

The reality that graduates face when simply trying to better their futures through higher education cannot be tolerated by Emory’s undergraduate student body any longer. It’s imperative that students support their graduate student teaching assistants in any way they can.

Overall, Emory’s high student fees, low stipends and limited healthcare benefits, combined with Atlanta’s rising cost of living, put an extreme strain on graduate student finances.

Despite a 6.5% national inflation rate in 2022, graduate student salaries have not been increased to match higher costs.

The average Laney graduate student makes $36,376, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, which is almost $3,000 less than Atlanta’s $39,372 average wage for a single adult with 0 children in 2023.

Emory’s position as a leading university also emphasizes the significance of EmoryUnite!’s success as their victory would set the tone for labor organizing at private institutions and other student worker groups in Georgia.

Emory has the ability to change the political landscape in Georgia and beyond, so it must be a leader in welcoming this new wave of labor organizing in our state.

It’s important that undergraduate students support the prospective union by attending any future events dedicated to raising funds, awareness and membership, as graduate students are crucial to Emory’s intellectual culture.

By joining their fight for just treatment and fair pay, undergraduates will not just be contributing to a large, nebulous organization. Rather, they will be both supporting graduate students, and in turn, their own futures.

The above editorial represents the majority opinion of the Wheel’s Editorial Board.

The Editorial Board is composed of Evelyn Cho, Marc Goedemans, Sophia Hoar, Carson Kindred, Justin Leach, Eliana Liporace, Elyn Lee, Lola McGuire, Shruti Nemala, Sara Perez, Maddy Prucha, Jaanaki Radhakrishnan and Ilka Tona.

The Emory Wheel Volume 104 | Number 12

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The Emory Wheel welcomes letters and op-ed submissions from the Emory community. Letters should be limited to 300 words and op-eds should be at least 500. Those selected may be shortened to fit allotted space or edited for grammar, punctuation and libelous content. Submissions reflect the opinions of individual writers and not of the Wheel’s Editorial Board or Emory University. Send emails to matthew.chupack@emory.edu or postal mail to The Emory Wheel, Drawer W, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322.

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The Emory Wheel

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

5

Open Letter: Response to President Gregory Fenves’ email Rick Donner & Pamela Scully We attended the demonstration that Emory University President Gregory Fenves criticized as “antisemitic” in his Oct. 25 message to the Emory community.

We come away from both the demonstration and President Fenves’ letter with profound disappointment, even sorrow.

We found the demonstration very problematic, even counter-productive, and it was no way to build a coalition to stop Cop City.

Combining Stop Cop City with a particular position on the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, one that included the chant “From the river to the sea,” surprised and alienated potential allies.

Many came to the rally understanding it was a demonstration against Cop City.

Several left the demonstration upon hearing pro-Palestinian chants.

Further, our understanding is that even students whose main preoccupa-

tion is support for Palestinian rights were not apprised of the leaders’ decision to include an assertion about Palestine and Israel, and a particularly strong one at that, alongside the Stop Cop City message.

It also alienated those, including us, one of whom is Jewish, who oppose Cop City and have been deeply critical of Israel’s position toward Palestinians.

The chant “From the river to the sea,” which was used frequently in the protest, can imply calling for the end of the state of Israel. For some, it also implies opposition to Jews in general.

This, combined with the absence of any criticism of Hamas, implies support for Hamas’ tactics and long-term strategy. That is profoundly chilling and disturbing.

We agree with the follow-up statement issued by Emory Stop Cop City, which acknowledges that “as long as one people’s existence relies on the oppression of another, Palestinians and Israelis can never share freedom.”

However, while the statement says that “many academics explain antisemitism is not intrinsic to the phrase,” the statement also needs to acknowledge

that for many Jews, the idea of the end of the state of Israel is threatening.

And the claim that fear of a Jewish

By not condemning the practice of doxxing, President Fenves has failed in his responsibility to ensure the safety of all members of the Emory community. massacre “holds deeply racist and Islamophobic notions” is at best blind to the actions of Hamas on Oct. 7. If those actions did not resemble a massacre, what does?

But we were also disappointed by President Fenves’ letter in response to the protest. First, he seems to have automatically concluded that the chants were antisemitic, thus effectively allying himself with those for whom any criticism of Israel constitutes antisemitism.

By seemingly encouraging people to lump those critical of Israel with

support for antisemitism, President Fenves contributed to polarization on campus.

Second and related, President Fenves’ letter failed to educate as we would expect of a university president. Rather than delivering a blanket charge of antisemitism, he could have elaborated on the specific issue which concerned him and have invited the demonstrators to clarify how they understood that message.

Third, he could have challenged what seems to be an increase in doxxing (posting personally identifiable information for the purposes of shaming or silencing individuals), whether by students or alumni, of Muslim or Jewish students.

Doxxing may well be protected speech, but we think the practice is nefarious and ought to be discouraged publicly. Leaders are supposed to establish healthy community norms.

This era is very difficult for our Muslim and Jewish students in particular. By not condemning the practice of doxxing, President Fenves has failed in his responsibility to ensure the safety of all members of the Emory community.

Finally, President Fenves could have acknowledged that the main thrust of the demonstration was opposition to Cop City and Emory’s de facto support of Cop City through its links with the Atlanta Committee for Progress.

Even if he disagrees with the students, as a leader President Fenves would have done well to applaud their concerns about their university’s de facto support for such a contested public project.

These students were following Emory’s long-standing call for civic engagement. They did so peacefully, emphasizing their identity with the University. Why, despite disagreements on the issue itself, would Emory’s leadership not recognize and support such engagement?

Rick Doner, Goodrich C. White Professor (Emeritus), Dept. of Political Science Adjunct Professor, Rollins School of Public Health Pamela Scully, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor, Dept. of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Institute of African Studies

Jennifer’s Body is more than softcore porn. It’s your new Halloween staple.

Maddy Prucha You are a 12-year-old boy in 2009, and you have just reached the coveted last class of Friday. You watch the clock hands aimlessly — too bad, now you can’t factor. When that bell finally rings, you clip on your helmet and erupt out of your seat and into the halls.

You know you look idiotic, but your mother has spies everywhere eager to snap a picture of you without it. You suck it up, and you ride.

A euphoric feeling is in the air this afternoon. Is it the freedom from the chokehold of academia’s rigidness? Is it tonight’s McDonald’s meal that your father promised to buy you because your mom divorced him, and he wants to be your favorite parent? No. It’s what stands before you. It’s Megan Fox’s boobs.

You grab your popcorn and are ready to go. Except, when you sit for this screening of Karyn Kusama and Diablo Cody’s “Jennifer Body,” you don’t realize the enigma of feminist critique that you are entering. This is nothing like what you saw in trailers.

The girl-on-girl scene is totally overhyped. You leave a Rotten Tomatoes review of 37% and ride back to your friend’s house for a debrief. You tell Carl his sister is hot.

I watched “Jennifer’s Body” for the first time this school year, knowing its mixed legacy.

The movie is a hidden gem, a satire so layered and clever that the majority of first-time viewers in 2009 missed its pro-woman message. The marketing campaign of 20th Century Fox undermined the film’s chances right from the start by excluding the very demographic that the filmmaking team had intended the movie for: women.

This Halloween, forgo the overdone, overhyped horror classics.

Take the path of nuance, and get your girls together for a “Jennifer’s Body” watch party! If you knew any-

thing about “Jennifer’s Body” when it came out, it was probably that it was going to give you the chance to see Megan Fox being sexy. Fox was fresh off the set of “Transformers” as Mikaela Banes, a seductive schoolgirl who could fix your car in 10 seconds in a bikini, and the straight men were waiting for more. When it came time to market “Jennifer’s Body,” the movie studio took an expected approach. The poster featured Fox scantily clad, legs poised like a good girl, with the hook, “She’s got a taste for bad boys.”

It may as well have been an advertisement for a porno, which apparently is not such a farfetched notion, as a preliminary marketing idea was to have Fox host an amateur porn site to promote the film.

Cody and Kusama were disgusted but unsurprised. “[W]e are seeing either we made a movie that they see completely differently, or what’s in front of them is something they don’t want to see,’” Kusama said in a 2018 interview with IndieWire. “It was awful, but now I’m realizing this is evident of the world at large.”While the film is nuanced and manages to critique a diaspora of elements in just 90 minutes, it does a superb job of spotlighting female friendship dynamics, men’s obsession with women’s sexual expression and the death of innocence in adolescence.

If you haven’t actually seen “Jennifer’s Body,” I suggest you pause here and put your Emory Universitysponsored Max account to good use. If that’s too much, here’s what you need to know: a high school girl named Jennifer Check (Megan Fox) becomes a man-eating demon after a ritual gone wrong, and her best friend Anita “Needy” Lesnicki (Amanda Seyfried) attempts to save her and their town. From there, it’s all spoilers.

One of Cody and Kusama’s main objectives with the film was to highlight the beauty and complexity of female friendships — hence why I sug-

gest you watch it with your girlfriends!

Jennifer, a popular cheerleader, and Needy, a shy nerdy schoolgirl, are unlikely best friends.

However, their relationship is strong, and is, at times homoerotic.

In a 2009 interview with “The Frisky,” Cody wrote about this portrayal: “[w]hen I was a teenage girl, the friendships that I had with other girls were almost romantic, they were so intense. I wanted to sleep at my friend’s house every night, I wanted to wear her clothes, [and] we would talk on the phone until our ears ached.”

Ivana Chen/Contributing Illustrator

Jennifer and Needy portray this, and their physical relationship escalates this notion to show its prominence. Their makeout scene occurs in the middle of a screaming match between the two. There is also a string of toxicity in Jennifer and Needy’s relations that complicates the erotic and the platonic.

For instance, Jennifer is often degrading toward Needy, with a tone that is more condescending than not.

But Needy, akin to her nickname, disregards this mistreatment, as she feels she could not function without

Jennifer — a common trope in toxic relationships.

In the film, the theme of male obsession with female sexuality is prominently showcased. The scene involving Jennifer’s virginity sacrifice illuminates the twisted and perverse nature of this fixation, as the group of male characters capitalize on an innocent girl’s vulnerability for their own gain. Jennifer turns into a man-eating demon after losing her virginity, flipping the power back to her.

Religion permeates the narrative as a metaphor for deeper societal norms and beliefs that perpetuate this dangerous obsession. This connection is epitomized when a religious man is murdered by Jennifer while clutching his rosary, symbolizing the distorted and entangled relationship between faith, desire and violence. These moments in the film underline the perilous consequences of idealizing and objectifying women, ultimately highlighting the exploitation and violence that can arise from such attitudes. The theme of the death of innocence is prevalent throughout the film, as it explores the loss of virginity as a symbol of purity and the destruction of seemingly innocent characters.

Needy witnesses Jennifer’s transformation into this demon-like creature, an event that underscores how virginity is perceived as an emblem of innocence and its loss can lead to a metaphorical death.

While nice men in the story are often portrayed as innocent due to their kindhearted nature, they still fall victim to Jennifer’s seduction and murderous intentions. Chip, Needy’s boy-next-door boyfriend, does not escape Jennifer’s pull, and while he is dying, he can’t muster much more to Needy than how hot she looks in her dress.

This nuanced portrayal prompts contemplation on gender roles and sexuality within the story. Despite embodying kindness, Chip’s vulnerability highlights an underlying theme: That surface-level kindness does

not mean a man is incapable of dark things.

Needy begins the film as the epitome of the good girl archetype, a portrayal of innocence and simplicity that contrasts sharply with the seductive allure of her best friend, Jennifer. As the story unfolds, Needy’s life takes a tragic turn as she witnesses Jennifer’s demonic possession, thrusting her into a world of supernatural horrors and challenging her sheltered worldview.

The scene involving Jennifer’s virginity sacrifice illuminates the twisted and perverse nature of this fixation, as the group of male characters capitalize on an innocent girl’s vulnerability for their own gain.

Her journey is marked by a tragic loss of innocence as she uncovers dark truths, becoming entwined in supernatural horrors and grappling with her own guilt and newfound powers.

To fully appreciate the depth of “Jennifer’s Body” I implore you to revisit this cinematic piece with a fresh perspective this Halloween. It’s time to recognize and celebrate the feminist commentary that the film masterfully weaves into its plot. So take a day off from barhopping this Hallo-week (in case Maggie’s decides to go Melody Lane on the students of Emory).

Let’s grab our popcorn and seize this opportunity to appreciate “Jennifer’s Body” for what it truly is: a thought-provoking and nuanced exploration of female friendships, societal obsession with sexuality and the tumultuous journey from innocence to empowerment.

Maddy Prucha (26C) is from Long Island, NY.

OPINION

6 Wednesday, November 1, 2023

The Emory Wheel

WAHIDI’S WHAT’S HAPPENING

Silence is not golden, but it can still be valuable Safa Wahidi

There is an ancient Egyptian proverb that translates to “Speech is silver, and silence is golden.” As a student journalist, I’ve always disagreed. I believe that words have the unparalleled power to move people and that fresh takes can facilitate productive discourse and cross-cultural understanding. There’s immense value in being outspoken.

However, over the course of the last few weeks, with the rise of a social media climate plagued by a torrent of misinformation, I’ve begun to wonder whether the idiom actually holds some merit — especially when it comes to posts geared for social clout rather than social change. This is often the case with celebrity activism.

Over the years, the role of the celebrity has changed drastically.

While stars were once seen rather than heard, today’s influential figures thrive on exposure, offering their opinions on everything from parenting to politics. TikTok clips and Instagram stories are no longer just a way to connect with fans; they’re curated marketing tools to shape a favorable image and maintain positive press. If there’s a global conflict or social movement in the world today, your favorite star is expected to post about it, regardless of whether or not

they’ve taken the time to research the cause that they’re advocating for thoroughly.

Justin Bieber and Jamie Lee Curtis are the latest examples of celebrity activism gone awry. Following the terrorist attack launched by Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7, the Canadian singer and American actress rushed to show their support for Israel.

Instead, they mistakenly uploaded images of Gaza in the process. When followers pointed out the locational error, both posts were promptly deleted, with little acknowledgment after the fact.

This kind of impulsive posting is fundamentally unjust. The IsraelPalestine conflict is not a trend, and the suffering of innocent civilians should never be reduced to merely taking sides.

If the likes of Bieber and Curtis exhibit this kind of behavior, their fans are sure to follow, inciting increased polarization. Further, rash posts such as these come across as poorly planned public relations moves, neglecting the complexities and nuances that comprise the intricate history of the conflict.

This type of activism also harkens back to the #BlackLivesMatter (BLM) movement in 2020. After George Floyd was murdered in police custody, several celebrities responded to systemic racism with lackluster statements and empty platitudes.

Notably, Emma Watson faced criticism for posting three black squares — edited to match her Instagram feed — with no additional resources linked. While the actress has long been known to speak up for feminist causes, her actions demonstrated that maintaining an Instagram aesthetic is her ultimate priority — not tangible social reform. The 1975’s Matty Healy also faced reproval when he took the BLM movement as an opportunity to promote one of his songs via Twitter. To call these actions tone-deaf would be an understatement. But perhaps most memorable of all celebrity activism mishaps is Gal Gadot’s “Imagine” music video, which was uploaded to Instagram during the initial outbreak of COVID-19.

We advocate for a fundamental shift in the culture of existing clubs and the creation of new ones. that prioritize collaboration over resume-fodder activities.

The clip featured three minutes of a star-studded lineup singing along to John Lennon’s classic hit. Although intended to promote unity at a moment when most households were

suffering from the grave health crisis and ensuing economic insecurity, the post of upper-echelon stars quarantining in mega-mansions lacked any sense of self-awareness.

While you may think that you could care less about how celebrities and other privileged individuals react to pressing issues, the bitter reality is that we live in a world where certain voices garner more attention than others, and the actions of influential people have far-reaching consequences. When Justin Bieber posts that he is “praying for Israel” with an image of the Gaza Strip in May 2021, he is perpetuating misinformation upon impressionable young fans that can stoke the fires of Islamophobia and anti-semitism alike.

This doesn’t mean celebrities shouldn’t share their opinions. On the contrary, individuals with a large platform have an inherent responsibility to spread awareness. But part of that responsibility also includes distinguishing between when your voice is necessary and when it’s better to simply listen and learn.

Supermodel Bella Hadid, who is half-Palestinian, has also recently encountered scrutiny for her stance on the conflict. On Oct. 26, Hadid began an Instagram post by asking followers to “forgive [her] for [her] silence,” before mourning the innocent lives lost. Her statement faced criticism from both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian individuals, and this too highlights the limits of celebrity

activism. Our culture shouldn’t be so morally depraved that we don’t allow influential figures time to fully process world events before speaking up about them.

Celebrities must end the era of virtue signaling, aligning with causes just to devise a particular image and accrue social capital. It’s evident that silence isn’t golden, but sometimes it’s still valuable. Just as there is a time for doubling down on your values, there is also a time for research, reflection and seeking nuance. Inauthentic posts do nothing to elevate the conversation, and instead, create a ceaseless cesspool of ignorance.

Although we cannot change how celebrities choose to engage with activism, we can alter our individual actions and unlearn our own biases.

Audre Lorde famously said, “Your silence will not protect you.”

I still agree with her, but I think that there’s something to gain from developing a well-informed, logical opinion rather than one based on what’s trending on your Instagram feed. Silence is not complicity if it means taking the time to seek context before responsibly speaking out. It’s not neutrality, and it’s not political indifference. It’s just common sense.

Safa Wahidi (23Ox) is from Sugar Hill, Ga.

Colonialism is intrinsic. Americans are not above it.

Lola McGuire The United States is no better than any colonialist empires of the past. We continue to pave a path that allows for colonialism throughout the world.

It is time we own up to our failures as a nation. I implore you to recognize the historic and ongoing role that the United States plays in perpetuating colonialism across the globe. Colonialism is stealing people’s ability to practice self-determination, exercise a representative government and insulate themselves from racism and various forms of cultural misconception.

It is widely thought in today’s world that colonialism is a problem of the past, but that is not the case.

Not only are countries still actively colonizing, they are upholding systems that keep colonialism structurally intertwined with society as a whole.

Americans choose to overlook many aspects of our history because they are simply too embarrassed.

We extrapolate this mindset to the American enslavement period, the displacement of Indigenous populations in North America and Japanese-American internment camps during World War II. These abhorrent actions by the government are blatantly pushed to the side when discussing the horrors of American history with high school students. However, something that is less acknowledged is the legacy that this country’s colonialism has left on the world.

Colonialism is the oppressive

domination and exploitation of one country or region by another more powerful state. Americans choose to ignore the fact that we are colonizers; we are the problem. One way is by exerting control over people or would-be states that are not considered American citizens. Another is by using our status as a wealthy, developed nation to manipulate other states. It is disappointing and devastating that we are too selfcentered and ignorant to break our ties. Instead, we should be using our status in the world to assist, with permission, in restoring the culture and autonomy of these used and abused places.

“Taxation without representation” is tyranny. It is abhorrently ironic that the U.S. is replicating the very actions that we once fought so hard against in order to win our liberation.

One glaring example of where colonialism is free reigning is in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico was taken over by the United States during the SpanishAmerican War. It has limited powers in the U.S. government and is unable to vote in the presidential election.

People in Puerto Rico pay most federal taxes, yet they do not have the ability to vote on the legislation that affects their tax rates.

They are allowed to vote in the primary elections but cannot par-

ticipate in the electoral process.

They are being taxed without representation, which is incredibly ironic because one of the major catalysts for the American Revolutionary War was England’s taxation of the American colonies without representation. James Otis, a firebrand lawyer of Massachusetts at the time coined the phrase, “Taxation without representation is tyranny.” It is abhorrently ironic that the United States is replicating the very actions that we once fought so hard against in order to win our liberation.

Puerto Rico has voted in several referendums to decide their own political fate. The United States did not authorize a binding vote in Puerto Rico until last year, which is set to occur in November 2023. Most advocates against Puerto Rican statehood argue that the United States should not allow statehood for Puerto Rico because of the potential shift in the balance of power in the U.S. Congress.

The imbalance of power originates from the fear that Democrats would get both Puerto Rico’s Senate and House seats in Congress, leading to a potential loss of political power for Republicans. Yet politicians blame their refusal to grant Puerto Rico independence on the white man’s burden, arguing that the territory would not be able to survive without their support . This same colonialist attitude can be observed in other U.S. territories, such as Guam and American Samoa.

An alternative way colonialism is practiced in the U.S. is through exerting control over other countries’ domestic politics for our own benefit. For example, when the

U.S. intervened in Iraq in the early 2000s, the U.S. claimed to bring democracy when the true motive was to secure resources like oil. The declared objective of the intrusion — to oust the regime dictator Saddam Hussein — was met within a few weeks.

Yet the U.S. stayed in the country for eight years. It is morally corrupt to interfere in another country’s internal affairs the way that the U.S. does. We went into Iraq and caused civilian deaths simply because of our greed.

It is essential to clarify that Saddam Hussein, who terrorized his own people, was not a better alternative.

However, it is not the job of the United States to interfere at every chance it gets. If humanitarian organizations were called into action by the United States in Iraq, it is possible that our actions may have been more understandable. But this was not the case, and we continued to occupy land that did not belong to us for fear of losing access to natural resources. If another country were as involved and manipulative as the United States, we would have a dramatic and aggressive reaction.

We are in a position of privilege and have the chance to be a good big sister to other countries in the world rather than a bully. We must model just behavior.

I do not understand why it is the consensus of the nation that our

behavior is appropriate. Americans and the American government should be better than this.

Americans are not morally superior. Americans are not intellectually superior. Americans are the same as their neighbors and those on the other side of the Earth. We have no right to control or manipulate other potential states’ autonomy and livelihood. We are not better than England, Spain or other colonizing states.

Break this continuum of coloniality. Acknowledge that so many of our societal, political and economic disparities can be attributed to colonialism.

Channel your anger and frustration into making electoral changes in the United States so we can counteract and reverse the colonialistic past we have molded.

I call on Emory University students to recognize the wrongdoings of the government and to raise awareness within their own communities. From there, I urge us to be vocal beyond the Emory student body. We can contact our congressional representatives and lobby them to take action in pushing for Puerto Rico’s independence.

From this point forward, we need to be more intentional about our actions in the international sphere.

The United States does not need to interfere at every opportunity it gets to do so. We are in a position of privilege and have the chance to be a good big sister to other countries in the world rather than a bully. We must model just behavior. We must strive to be the light of hope and peace. We must do better.

Lola McGuire (26C) is from Nashville, Tenn.

&

The Emory Wheel

Arts Entertainment STAFF ARTICLE

Totally killer: A&E staff’s favorite Halloween films

By A&E Staff

What’s your favorite scary movie? Georges Méliès’ silent short “The House of the Devil” (1896) first brought scares to the silver screen, and Tod Browning and Karl Freund’s infamous “Dracula” (1931) later popularized the horror genre. Nearly a century later, cinephiles everywhere ring in the spooky season by watching and rewatching their favorite Halloween films. As the leaves start to turn and the temperatures begin to drop, nothing is better than curling up indoors and preparing for the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. Scream queens or silly witches, demons or dorky costumes: Arts & Entertainment staff hold these Halloween flicks close to their blood-pumping hearts.

in development. “Scream” moves lightning-fast through its 111-minute runtime and finds comic relief in every character. The film’s script is serially smart, a maze of twists and turns that never lets a viewer breathe and never washes the knife clean.

Era-spanning performances from Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and others electrify an already buzzing film with deliciously deadly screams.

Integral in reforming the trope of the final girl and carrying the honor of helping to define an iconic genre, “Scream” is the epitome of pure bloody fun.

— Nathan Rubin, Arts & Entertainment Editor

For those who prefer to lean into the nostalgic aspects of Halloween, rather than the frightening ones, “Halloweentown” is perfect for you.

— Amanda Lerner, Contributing Writer ‘Twitches’ (2005) Before “Wizards of Waverly Place” (2007-2012) enchanted Disney Channel audiences, another magical family had already charmed viewers’ hearts. The movie follows antithetical twin sisters Alex Fielding (Tia Mowry) and Camryn Barnes (Tamera Mowry), who were separated at birth on Halloween night. Upon their 21st birthday, Alex and Camryn discover

‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ (1966) While most Halloween classics center around horror, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is simply delightful, filled with classic moments like Charlie Brown (Peter Robbins) receiving yet another rock during trick-or-treating or Lucy Van Pelt (Sally Dryer) pulling the football away from Charlie. The dialogue is where the film truly shines. The characters speak like children but with just a hint of sophistication.

Linus Van Pelt’s (Christopher Shea) hope to make the most “sincere” pumpkin patch or Charlie’s conclusion that he and Linus have “denominational differences” are just two examples of the film’s charming and witty dialogue.

A sense of comfort also lies within the movie. I don’t remember when I first saw it — it feels like the film has been a part of my life forever. The beautiful soundtrack and timeless animation immediately give you a sense of security: You are returning to a Halloween classic.

— Alex Gerson, Film & TV Desk ‘Dawn of the Dead’ (1978) George A. Romero’s “Dawn of the Dead” is the most satisfying zombie film ever made. The sequel to his cult classic “Night of the Living Dead” (1968) follows two Philadelphia SWAT team members, a traffic reporter and his girlfriend who, amid the zombie apocalypse, seek shelter in a suburban shopping mall.

Watching the movie is tactically satisfying, as our heroes take inventory and organize the stores in the mall, transforming it into an efficient and well-equipped fort.

Some say you need a strong stomach for “Dawn of the Dead,” and I admit it is gory, but the splattering heads and bright red blood are so obvious and handmade that the gore lands more as a comedy than violence. Plus, it satisfies my dream of occupying the dual Home Depot and Costco Wholesale 10 minutes from my house in the event of an apocalypse — I can’t be the only one, right?

— Daniel Rosen, Senior Staff Writer ‘Scream’ (1996) A legendary bob reduced to bloody string. Hundreds of stab wounds. A television set to the head. Guts. Lots and lots of guts. “Scream” is one of the most well-known and well-memed franchises in horror movie history, and rightfully so. The clever slasher has its audience predict its every move while still providing shocking scares around each crimson-soaked corner, a masterclass in a perfectly balanced horror-comedy. You can still find the film’s infamous ghostface getup in every Spirit Halloween pop-up store, and the franchise is still going strong almost 30 years later, with a seventh film currently

escape the horrors of everyday life.

— Safa Wahidi, Opinion Columnist ‘Monster House’ (2006) This animated Halloween film is my all-time favorite. The image of the interior of the “Monster House” resembling a human’s mouth has not left my head since I watched it as a kid. The chandelier in the room dangling from the ceiling represents a uvula, and the human-eating haunted house could not have appeared scarier.

The depiction is creative in this film, as the house embodies the movements of a living creature. The main characters, three children who encounter and try to destroy the “Monster House,” were around the same age as me when I first watched it, making me especially immersed in the horrors of the plot. The film has quite a few jump scares over the background of well-themed graphics that picture the scenery of a spooky

Ivana Chen/Contributing Illustrator

‘Halloweentown’ (1998) Lovers of Halloween understand that the festival is much more than a spooky holiday — celebrants watch the world transform into something entirely new each October. No other time of year can match the aesthetic, and director Duwayne Dunham highlights that uniqueness in “Halloweentown,” transporting viewers to a world bursting with Halloween spirit. Three siblings, Marnie Piper (Kimberly J. Brown), Dylan Piper (Joey Zimmerman) and Sophie Piper (Emily Roeske) follow their grandma, who lives a double life as a witch, into a mystical town called “Halloweentown.”

Outdated graphics, terrible costumes and cheesy puns make this film as comforting as warm apple cider on a chilly autumn day. Despite being a children’s movie, people of any age can appreciate the underlying themes of self-acceptance and the importance of family in this film.

each other’s existence — and the fact that they could not have grown up more differently. With a little meddling from their supernatural guardians, Alex and Camryn learn that they were born in a mystical dimension called “Coventry” to a monarch named Miranda DuBaer (Kristen Wilson). When the girls find out that their biological father sacrificed himself to protect them from an evil entity that still threatens the land, they are forced to fulfill an old prophecy and defend the kingdom from “The Darkness.”

“Twitches” is a Halloween hidden gem. The effects are dated, and the greenscreens are laughable. Still, the film manages to touch on timeless themes such as coming-of-age, overcoming class differences and protecting your family — both the one you were born into and the one you choose. While “Twitches” may lack the fright factor of other Halloween favorites, it is comedic, lighthearted and nostalgic — the perfect flick to

Ivana Chen/Contributing Illustrator

autumn. I recommend watching “Monster House” for a fun and fearful night, experiencing a Halloween haunted house through the eyes of your younger self.

— Ellen Choi, Contributing Writer ‘Coraline’ (2009) No animated movie has continually captured my imagination quite like “Coraline.” While not specifically a Halloween movie — the story takes place in winter, while the original book the film is set in late summer — this stop-motion film is positively bursting with spooky energy. The plot is as riveting as it is spine-tinglingly scary, perfect for a dark October night.

After Coraline Jones’ (Dakota Fanning) family moves into one floor of a dilapidated old Victorian house, the girl discovers a door to an alternate world ruled by a monster that calls itself Coraline’s “Other Mother” (Teri Hatcher).

Everybody in this world has buttons for eyes, and the vivid hues contrast strongly with the quiet gray life that Coraline has become bored with.

The film has amazing music too.

Oozing with the soothing cadence of a lullaby, Bruno Coulais’ soundtrack lulls the audience as Coraline explores the borders of both her new home and the “Other Mother’s” alluring world. Although the titular protagonist is distinctly unlikeable, all her aggressive sarcasm becomes almost endearing. She is alone for much of the film, and I love the way her defiant independence echoes the feeling of childhood trick-ortreating. “Coraline” is a startlingly nostalgic film that will tempt you to rewatch it year after year.

— Brigid May, Contributing Writer ‘Girl vs. Monster’ (2012) “Girl vs. Monster” is a stand-out film from Disney Channel’s “Monstober,” the annual month-long Halloween movie marathon held from 2005 to 2016. For people who love the spooky season but hate to be spooked, this movie is the perfect watch. Directed by Stuart Gillard, “Girl vs. Monster” walks the line between producing immense second-hand embarrassment and genuine sympathy for the characters.

Olivia Holt stars as Skylar Lewis, a 15-year-old girl who discovers her parents are fourth-generation monster hunters on Halloween.

According to her best friend, Skylar has always been the “girl who knows no fear.” Her progression from fearless to petrified to emboldened again is a wonderful full-circle moment perfect for this comfort film.

Alongside her journey, we watch her friends Henry (Brendan Meyer) and Sadie (Kerris Dorsey) overcome their fears of locker-room talk and academic failure. For a 2012 film, the computer-generated imagery is quite impressive, especially when the monster “Deimata” (Tracy Dawson) sprouts her three gabby heads. While it may not be Oscars-worthy, “Girl vs. Monster” is a heartfelt Halloween film with great humor, an empowering message and a little horror — mostly from the fashion choices.

— Catherine Goodman, Music Desk ‘David S. Pumpkins’ (2016-present) “David S. Pumpkins” is an annual “Saturday Night Live” skit that began in 2016 when Tom Hanks put on a $12.99 suit from Party City in an episode just before Halloween. Since his first appearance, David S. Pumpkins became a fan favorite for his bizarre, comedic twist to traditional Halloween characters. The skit storyline follows a similar narrative each time: A group of people go on a haunted ride, expecting to be scared out of their minds. Kenan Thompson is their guide, narrating the ride and building up suspense for each new actor that the guests will see.

First, they think it is a normal ride until funky music comes on.

A man in a cheap pumpkin-patterned costume flocked by two men in skeleton costumes arrives on the stage, introducing himself as David S. Pumpkins, to the guests’ surprise.

The guests become more and more confused as the character shows up again and again while refusing to provide any information about why he is there or what the “S.” stands for. While not terrifying, the skit is comedic and shows the side of Halloween that is often obscured: the fun, friendly tradition of dressing up and having a good time. If you have a chance in the next few weeks, look up past versions of the Saturday Night Live skit!

— Jessie Satovsky, Staff Writer

8

ATLANTA ART

ATL Collective creates intimate environment for musical discovery

By Catherine Goodman Music Desk As tea candles illuminated the faces of eager patrons and the soft pouring of cabernet echoed off the walls, City Winery Atlanta buzzed with excitement. Some onlookers were dressed to the nines in sleek black suits and floor-length dresses while others sported high-schoolbranded merchandise and scuffed sneakers. Old friends embraced while strangers exchanged pleasantries. The purple and red lights flickered, and a hush rolled over the crowd as the show began.

While the performers took their places — one at the piano and two on stools with their guitars — Micah Dalton, co-founder and artistic director of ATL Collective, welcomed the guests.

ATL Collective is a nonprofit concert series designed to spotlight local musicians, create community among Atlanta artists and hopefully help artists launch their careers. The group began in 2009 by inviting talented local musicians to share the stage and reimagine their favorite classic albums.

As a fly on the wall, I witnessed a night of companionship, finedining and, of course, wonderful music.

ATL Collective hosted “Songwriters In-The-Round” at City Winery Atlanta on Oct. 23.

Tickets for the show cost $25, and all proceeds support Camp Collective, a program that enables Atlanta musicians and songwriters to write, produce and record original songs. The camp is open to all ages, designed to create connections among the Atlanta music community and foster undiscovered talent.

The headlining performers included Prisca Strother, David Ryan Harris and Eliot Bronson.

Each artist has a unique voice, effortless charisma and remarkable talent.

Strother, who is a music director for ATL Collective, dominated the stage. Her voice is reminiscent of P!NK, with aweinspiring range and power. While she played the piano, her soulful voice reverberated off the walls.

My table sat in silence, struck by the beauty of her vocals. Her song detailing the grief of losing her soulmate brought both my neighbor and myself to tears. In contrast, Harris demonstrated his talent on the electric guitar, introducing a funky-blues energy

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to the crowd. Harris reminded me of Leon Bridges with his stunning falsetto and intoxicating rhythm.

My favorite of his performances is what he dubbed a “sexy make out song,” although the singer admitted his present back pain has hindered him from feeling frisky.

Lastly, the folk singer Bronson brought the audience back down to earth with his acoustic guitar.

His melancholic tunes “Empty Spaces” (2020) and “Time Ain’t Nothin” (2014) cut deep with their brutal honesty. Nevertheless, his beautiful voice was the perfect bandaid for the fresh wound.

In between rounds, Strother invited participants from Camp Collective to debut their original songs. Clark May performed their unreleased “You Didn’t Count (Taste),” a searing breakup ballad written and produced with Strother. The singer’s admiration for Strother and his gratitude to Camp Collective were palpable.

“Camp Collective changed my life,” May said.

Brenda Nicole Moorer, Cory Mosser and Ben Holst then took the stage to perform their unreleased original, “Dan’s Place.”

A fallen tree at 800 East Avenue in Atlanta and a local’s efforts to keep the tree upright inspired the song.

The banjo, played by Mosser, emphasized the nostalgic energy of the track.

While the music was wonderful, the people made the evening even more special. The intense adoration these musicians have for Atlanta and for one another was obvious both on and off the stage. I felt like a stranger invited to a Thanksgiving dinner — and then given the honor of cutting the turkey. The family welcomed me instantly. I also had the privilege of sitting with artists and therefore speaking with past ATL Collective performers. To my right was Erika JaNaé, a graduate from Georgia State University and a talented R&B singer. While the difference in quality between our voices during the final sing-along was embarrassingly humbling, watching her eyes light up with genuine excitement at every track was a beautiful sight. The night’s performers were her friends, mentors and inspirations.

ATL Collective has created a community in which musicians are supported in both their professional and personal endeavors. As a fly on the wall, I witnessed a night of companionship, fine-dining and, of course, wonderful music. If you are looking to discover new artists, new friends or even simply to enjoy a delightful ambiance, ATL Collective events are the perfect place to start.

— Contact Catherine Goodman at catherine.goodman@emory.edu

Photo Courtesy of David Watkins

Various ATL Collective artists perform in a songwriting showcase at the City Winery Atlanta.

ARTS APLENTY

Explore performances, art installations, campus art Building | Room 290 Hosted by Emory’s creative writing department, this open mic night gives students an opportunity to share their original poems, prose, playwriting excerpts, songs and more.

In addition to student readings, this year’s open mic will feature a raffle with prizes, including a fuzzy blanket, a notebook, a Toblerone chocolate bar and a mug.

Ha-tien Nguyen/Podcast Editor

By Alexandra Kauffman Emory Life Editor Diverse performances, exhibitions and more fill the campus event calendar in upcoming weeks.

From a theater production of Valerie Solanas’ “Up Your Ass” to an open mic night hosted by the creative writing department to the public art installation “Praise House Project: Standing on Hallowed Grounds,” here’s a glimpse of the upcoming arts scene at Emory University. All events are free.

‘At the Crossroads’ exhibition Date: Oct. 16 - May 18, 2024 Location: Robert W. Woodruff Library Level 3 Emory’s Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library presents a new exhibit featuring Benny Andrews, Flannery O’Connor and Alice Walker.

All three artists grew up in Georgia, and “At the Crossroads” examines how their lives and works have overlapped geographically, chronologically and thematically.

This exhibit presents archival photos, letters, manuscripts, artwork and other items from each artist.

‘Praise House Project: Standing on Hallowed Grounds’ Date: Oct. 20 - Dec. 15 Location: Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church Charmaine Minniefield, a former Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library artist-in-residence, curated the “Praise House Project,” a public installation of African and AfricanAmerican artwork.

Minniefield received the National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” Grant for this project, allowing her to present three “Praise House Project” installations throughout Atlanta.

The project, in addition to her previous work, explores themes of African and Indigenous identity and tradition.

Moving Still: A Night of Dance Date: Nov. 2, 7 - 8 p.m.

Location: Michael C. Carlos Museum | Ackerman Hall Offered in conjunction with the “You Belong Here: Place, People, and Purpose in Latinx Photography” exhibit, this event will feature a performance in the Carlos galleries.

Emory Dance Company students and Julio Medina (13C), assistant professor in the dance and movement studies program, will perform a choreographed reflection of the exhibit and Medina’s Chicano identity. This event requires registration.

‘Up Your Ass’ theater production Date: Nov. 3 at 6 p.m., Nov. 4 at 6 p.m., Nov. 5 at 1 p.m.

Location: Alumni Memorial University Center | Harland Cinema “Up Your Ass” (1965) is a play by Valerie Solanas, a radical feminist and artist known for her divisive “S.C.U.M,, Society for Cutting Up Men, manifesto” (1968).

“Up Your Ass” shares many of the same social concerns as the manifesto but takes the form of a satirical, irreverent play criticizing the patriarchy.

Emory’s production of “Up Your Ass” is one of the few performances of the play.

Student Studio: Mug Making Date: Nov. 10, 1 - 4 p.m.

Location: Michael C. Carlos Museum | Tate Room Student Studio offers Emory students a chance to relax and create art. Participants will have the opportunity to create mugs inspired by two Greek artworks in the Carlos’ permanent Greek and Roman Art collection: the bronze Kalathos (4th century BCE) and the Sub-Mycenaean Mug (1000 BCE). Ceramic artist Ana Vizurraga will help students make their own clay creations with provided materials.

Open Mic Night Date: Nov. 10, 6 - 8 p.m.

Location: Psychology and Interdisciplinary Sciences

‘Blood Wedding’ theater production Date: Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. - Nov. 19 at 2 p.m.

Location: Alumni Memorial University Center | Mary Gray Munroe Theater Theater Emory will perform “Blood Wedding,” a play written

by Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca.

The script follows a young woman in a patriarchal society as two men fight for her love.

Exploring themes of time, choice, love and fate, this play will take viewers on an emotional journey.

Emory Stop Cop City fundraising concert and teach-in Date: Nov. 10, 6:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Location: ask organizers Emory Musician’s Network is combining art with activism in their upcoming fundraising event in partnership with Emory Stop Cop City (ESCC).

ESCC is a chapter of the larger national movement “Stop Cop City,” in which Emory Students work in solidarity with activists to oppose the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center.

Emory student bands and artists will perform to raise awareness for various Stop Cop City organizations, including Community Movement Builders, Cop City Vote and Atlanta Solidarity Fund.

— Contact Alexandra Kauffman at alexandra.kauffman@emory.edu

PAID RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: The Emory Mental Health & Development Program is seeking individuals worried about recent changes in their thoughts and perceptions.

Individuals aged 12-34 may be eligible if experiencing one or more of the following:     

Unusual thoughts Questioning if things are real or imaginary Suspiciousness or paranoia A sense of having special powers or unrealistic plans for the future Unusual experiences with seeing or hearing things that are not there

The purpose of this study is to see how unusual thoughts, suspiciousness or paranoia, and unusual experiences with seeing or hearing things that are not really there can be used to predict risk of psychosis through computerized tasks. The study will be conducted online through Emory University.

An initial screening will be done. Then, if the study is found to be a good fit, you will be invited to participate in the main study. Participants will be compensated $30 per hour.

Contact us or visit our website for more information: Phone number: 404-727-7547 Email: mentalhealth.research@emory.edu Website: https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/mhdp/ or scan the QR code: STU00211351: CAPR Principal investigator: Elaine Walker

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Emory Life

Emory community celebrates Pride at annual drag show

By Alexandra Kauffman Emory Life Editor Students gathered in the Emory Student Center multipurpose rooms on Oct. 29 for Emory Pride’s 19th annual drag show.

In addition to dazzling performances from student groups, the student-run organization catered food from Tin Drum Asian Kitchen and provided soda and Thai iced tea, mini bundt cakes and a chocolate fondue fountain. The club also offered free pride-themed merch, including glittery cowboy hats, sunglasses with colored lenses, glow sticks, enamel pins and stickers.

Next to the merch tables, students took photos in a photo booth with a sparkling, silver sequin background.

Music by Kesha, Cher, Pet Shop Boys, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and other iconic artists in the queer community blasted through the speakers as event-goers socialized, collected merch and grabbed a bite to eat.

The show opened with host Olvr M Face, an Atlanta-based artist, hyping up the audience, encouraging them to cheer louder. Sporting an orange and green cheerleader

costume and blonde wig, they performed a choreographed solo dance to the song “Mickey” by Toni Basil, complete with sassy looks, eye rolls and pom-pom waving.

At the end of their performance, Olvr said, “Y’all like that? Give it up for this hair!”

Pink lights flooded the stage as Jewish a cappella group ChaiTunes followed Olvr’s performance. With lead vocals by Hayley Powers (24C), the group sang a cover of “Hypotheticals” by Lake Street Dive. The members sported baseball caps, jerseys, polos and sunglasses as they sang the romance song.

An Emory student who performs under the name Taylor Novella took the stage next with a solo performance, dressed in a sequin flapper dress, fishnets, red gloves and pearl necklaces.

She started the performance behind a giant spider web before emerging from under the web., and she danced to the song “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)”

by Fergie featuring Q-Tip and GoonRock. Her performance reached a climax as she jumped off the stage, strutted around the audience’s tables

Jack Rutherford/Senior Staff Photographer

Emory Pride host Olvr M Face announces drag queen Sasha Rosa’s contest victory and posed for photo.

and removed her gloves to spread colorful scraps of paper like confetti, reminiscent of Sasha Velour’s iconic RuPaul’s Drag Race season nine lipsync performance.

Emory’s women+ dance group Persuasion Dance Crew followed, giving an energetic hip-hop performance. The dancers hit every beat with their synchronized moves as they performed four songs.

After the first three performances, halftime activities commenced. Students volunteered to take the stage, showing off their elaborate outfits and dance moves.

Eight groups of students went up on the catwalk to do handsprings, strip or simply strut in a competition. Group two, consisting of Theo Nguyen (26C), Lilith Ragsdale (26C) and Nico Lung (26C) ultimately won.

The crowd went wild for Ragsdale and Lung’s confident walks and stylish outfits as well as Nguyen’s voguing across the stage.

Nguyen, who was already familiar with the ballroom dance scene, appeared confident on the stage. “[Ballroom] is about being radically, resolutely queer and is designed to facilitate it,” Nguyen said.

After the short intermission, host Olvr returned to the stage, now donning a fluffy blonde wig, lacy crop top and matching patchwork pants and vest set. They introduced an Emory student who goes by the stage name Sasha Rosa, a solo drag queen performer.

Rosa wore sparkly black flared pants and a flowy crop top. Her red gloves matched her red graphic eyeliner and long orange wig. Set to Beyoncé’s “PURE/HONEY,” Rosa mesmerized the audience with her expressive hand movements, facial expressions and eye contact. The audience hollered uproariously as she removed her shirt halfway through her performance, revealing a black velvet crop top and gold belt. Rosa made her way into the audience, snaking through tables and passionately lip-syncing.

Student production explores feminist critique, offensive comedy

By Alexandra Kauffman Emory Life Editor Valerie Solanas was one of the most controversial thinkers of the 20th century, and she is now considered to be the first radical feminist writer.

Her writing is unapologetically offensive and intentionally incendiary.

In her famous work the “SCUM Manifesto,” for instance, she advocates for the abolition of currency and killing all men.

Solanas’ satire “Up Your Ass,”

which she wrote in 1965, oozes with her characteristic aggression and passion.

The play follows Bongi, a lesbian prostitute, as she encounters a variety of characters, including cat-callers and drag queens. Emory University’s production of “Up Your Ass” opens on Nov. 3 in Harland Cinema, and the play will run through Nov 5. Olivia Gilbert (26C) directs the entirely student-run production.

This production is funded by Clifton Communities, an initiative introduced by Residence Life and

Jack Rutherford/Senior Staff Photographer

Emory students gather in Harland Cinema for a dress rehearsal of the Clifton Communities Project.

Housing Operations for the 20232024 academic year.

With this initiative, sophomores in groups of six to 12 share one or two suites in Clifton Tower and receive funding for an arts project that will occur during the academic year. The production of “Up Your Ass” is the first half of one Clifton Communities’ project, with the second half being a documentary on the rehearsal process, which will be edited and released in 2024.

Gilbert, who is the project lead for the Clifton Communities production, became interested in Solanas’ work in fall 2022 after reading about her in a women’s, gender and sexuality studies (WGSS) course titled “Gender Trouble,” which Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of WGSS Elizabeth Wilson taught.

“I read the play and thought, ‘Oh, this is crazy. It’s terrible. It’s so fun,’” Gilbert said. “And my friends were also interested in Solanas and her work, so it just evolved.”

Later, she and five other students, including Mya Green (26C) and Sandy Askins (26C), asked Wilson to be the faculty advisor for the Clifton Communities project.

The production began at the start of the semester. Green created and distributed posters influenced by

See CAST, Page 10

Jack Rutherford/Senior Staff Photographer

Emory students partake in the catwalk competition to show off their outfits and moves.

TNT Dance Crew stylishly took the stage in matching black pants and T-shirts with red text that read “TNT Dance Crew.” They gave a gender-bending hip-hop performance, as the girls danced with traditionally masculine moves, and the boys vice versa.

Addressing the crowd as “ladies, gentlemen and people with mullets,” Olvr gave the final performance.

They started whimsically prancing around the audience to an old-timey song about Captain Hook before transitioning to a sensual performance to a remix of “7 Rings” by Ariana Grande and “Bongos” by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion.

All the performers returned to the stage to hear the verdict of the contest. The judges, consisting of Emory faculty in the department of women’s, gender and sexualities studies, chose the winner. Though Persuasion, Rosa and TNT were all finalists, Rosa ultimately won. The crowd erupted in applause.

Lucy Corkman (27C), an audience member, reflected on the drag show as one way queer people can find community with one another.

“Seeing queer joy makes it feel like

there’s a place for you, and I know that sounds really corny, but when you don’t see yourself and you don’t see people like you, you feel crazy and weird,” Corkman said. “But when you can be around other people that have the same experiences and feelings, it’s just so joyful and happy.”

Nguyen explained that Pride started as a form of political protest and is still inherently political today.

“A big part of why this is a celebration is because of exactly the philosophy,” Nguyen said. “So much about Pride [and] drag shows is about being unapologetically queer and being able to create a consolidated space for that to exist.”

Alyssa Colen (25C), Emory Pride’s diversity, equity and inclusion chair, expressed that Emory Pride’s drag show is an important opportunity to support peers and partake in queer history.

“The support that we can give our peers who would like to try or get into drag is important, as well as keeping on and respecting the tradition and history of drag,” Colen said.

– Contact Alexandra Kauffman at alexandra.kauffman@emory.edu

Nearby indie bookstores craft unique reading selections

By Lauren Katz Contributing Writers For students searching for a fun weekend activity, in need of course materials or looking for a new captivating read, independent bookstores are the place to go.

Independent bookstores, beyond their comfy atmosphere and unique book and gift offerings, provide integral connections and resources to the community by creating intellectually stimulating spaces and business opportunities.

Try visiting these local indie bookstores to find your new favorite books, games and gifts while simultaneously supporting the local Atlanta community.

Eagle Eye Bookstore Distance: 1.4 miles (5 minute drive) Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 12-6 p.m.

Eagle Eye Book Shop offers a cozy and relaxing vibe with plenty of aisles lined with a wide variety of titles. Located on North Decatur Road, not only is Eagle Eye the closest independent bookstore to Emory, but it also is the only indie bookseller

L auren K atz/Contributing Writer

Eagle Eye Book Shop displays colorful signage.

to offer both new and used books.

The used and new books are mixed together on the same shelves, but used ones are marked with stickers. Outside the store, Eagle Eye also has additional racks of used books that cost just a few dollars and are still available outside of store hours.

The books outdoors demonstrate Eagle Eye’s trust of the community, as they rely on the honor system for

See LOCAL, Page 10

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EMORY LIFE

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Cast, crew embrace unsavory content Local bookstores bring cozy vibes to Emory area Continued from Page 9 in Valerie Solanas’ play

Courtesy of Matthew Paulin

Students rehearse Valerie Solanas’ “Up Your Ass.”

Continued from Page 9 the “SCUM Manifesto” cover and a general late ’60s aesthetic. The project slowly garnered interest through persistent advertising. Finally, the production team held auditions on Sept. 8 and 9, and everyone who auditioned got a role. Most of the cast does not have prior theater experience, including Gilbert, who has never directed a play. “[The cast] is all so close because of the meetings we’ve had and just the conversations we’ve had,” Green said. “There’s not a lot of pressure to be this amazing actor. We’re just having fun with it.”

“The people that are represented and those interactions are still relevant to our modern world.”

— Mya Green (26C)

The cast fostered a collaborative atmosphere. While Gilbert is the director, she said others helped her by giving notes on delivery and blocking.

“We’re all contributing in that way,” Gilbert said. “We watch someone perform a scene, and then the entire cast gives feedback and stage direction. It’s really a joint thing.”

Part of this cast-wide collaboration included revising the play’s content. The cast unanimously decided they were uncomfortable delivering lines that included slurs written in the original manuscript and chose to replace them.

For example, “fruit” replaced the F-slur.

“We prioritized our actors and how comfortable they were performing it rather than the artistic integrity of the piece,” Gilbert said.

Nonetheless, “Up Your Ass” contains an abundance of shocking, disturbing and what some may consider problematic content.

“It’s satire against every single type of person,” Gilbert said. “You can’t get away from it, and it’s so knowingly transphobic and racist that it almost subverts itself.”

However, the show delivers more than shock value, as Gilbert, Askins and Green alike acknowledged the hilarity of the content. They believe that the offensive material is inextricable from the humor, and they may even complement each other.

The show’s vulgarity allows it to transcend time, and this raunchy comedy brings relevance to modern audiences.

“The people that are represented and those interactions are still relevant to our modern world,” Green said. “There’s a character named

Ginger, for instance, and I would describe her as a modern day ‘pickme’ girl, even though this was the 1960s.”

Indeed, this play has the potential to be divisive. Solanas’ writing is what Wilson describes as “confrontational.”

However, the students involved in Emory’s “Up Your Ass” production hope to use the play’s comedy and unsavory material to open a dialogue.

“We want people to really talk about what this was, and what it is now,” Gilbert said. “Whether or not it’s totally gross and should never be performed again, or if maybe it’s a radical act of feminism that we shouldn’t ignore anymore.”

Askins hopes that viewers can position the play’s content in relation to their own lived experiences.

“Sometimes, it’s not going to be as explicit as it is in the play — the sexism, the poor treatment,” Askins said. “There’s glimmers of reality in it that could be very easily crossapplicable to everyday life.”

Wilson believes this production could bring awareness to the diversity of feminist thought, an especially pertinent issue on a college campus.

“It’s really important that college students see the wide variety of what gets called feminism,” Wilson said.

“Everyone’s not marching to the same beats, and that there are some people related to feminism who really disagree with each other.”

payment by asking customers to slip bills under the door. On top of these, the store takes trade-ins of popular used materials for store credit.

Eagle Eye Book Shop has a wellrounded selection featuring the most common book genres and topics, including extensive fiction, sci-fi, history and southern novels. The shop also includes a robust games and puzzles aisle and a section with stationery. In the back of the store, a secluded reading room holds special editions and overstock while also offering a quiet place to sit and read.

Eagle Eye Book Shop holds numerous events each month, such as book launches and signings of many Atlanta-based authors, book club meetings and community engagement activities in and around Decatur. In the past, Eagle Eye has partnered with the local Decatur Book Festival, one of the biggest independent book festivals in the U.S., which is presented by Emory.

Little Shop of Stories Distance: 3.0 miles (10 minute drive) Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 12-6 p.m.

Little Shop of Stories offers a unique bookstore experience, with a main focus on children’s and young adult books and games. Additionally, it also features plenty of adult fiction and nonfiction novels. One side of the store is dedicated to children’s books and offers an extremely diverse collection of picture books, chapter books and games.

The other half of the shop features popular contemporary novels and nonfiction titles on a combination of shelves and tables. Near the

L auren K atz/Contributing Writer

“We want people to really talk about what this was, and what it is now, whether or not it’s totally gross and should never be performed again, or if maybe it’s a radical act of feminism that we shouldn’t ignore anymore.”

— Olivia Gilbert (26C)

Gilbert hopes that viewers, regardless of whether they react to the play with delight or disgust, will remain open minded to Solanas’ previously unplatformed and dismissed ideas.

“It’s so open to interpretation, and it has not been interpreted because people just think that [Solanas] is insane,” Gilbert said. “By opening it, we’re allowing this brilliant woman to have her voice and be understood.”

– Contact Alexandra Kauffman at alexandra.kauffman@emory.edu

The couch offers a cozy nook for reading.

L auren katz/Contributing Writer

Eagle Eye Book Shop is just a five-minute drive from campus.

entrance, Little Shop of Stories offers unique gifts such as bags, mugs and notebooks.

Located in downtown Decatur for nearly 20 years, the bookstore has strong ties to its community. Beyond books by Georgian authors, the store also has a series of books providing a Georgian scavenger hunt experience. Clue Town Books, created by a local Atlantan, Jay Carlson, provides explorative information in puzzle form on different areas of Georgia.

They even have a scavenger hunt book that offers a puzzle-filled guide around Emory. Little Shop of Stories engages with the community as a partnering bookseller at the Decatur Book Festival.

The shop offers an innovative way of recommending books by selling mystery books wrapped in paper to conceal the book title while listing several similar books on the wrapping, so readers can get a feel for the type of book they are purchasing without spoiling the surprise. Some mystery books also have age range and genre listed to help match books with a fitting reader.

In addition, there are also staff book recommendation shelves that feature descriptions of each staff member’s preferred genre and some of their favorite books, providing readers with more interpersonal book recommendations.

Little Shop of Stories offers multiple events each week for all types of readers, such as a Banned Books Club, Children’s Literature Brunch and holiday-themed events. The whimsical decor and imaginative layout provide a mystical shopping experience and a haven for people of all ages.

Crossword Happy Halloween

Virginia Highland Books Distance: 3.3 miles (11 minute drive) Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 12-5 p.m.

Located in the historic Virginia Highland suburb of Atlanta, Virginia Highland Books combines contemporary titles with the building’s oldfashioned brick interior.

The shop has two stories, with contemporary fiction and children’s books on the main floor and nonfiction and classics housed in the basement.

The book-browsing experience is made easier by many titles laid out on tables and grouped into unique categories such as local authors, banned books and popular book club picks.

Virginia Highland Books’ selection features predominantly contemporary fiction titles but also has a sizable children’s and young adult section.

Moreover, the store features an extensive collection of travel guides for Atlanta and Georgia as a whole.

The front of the store has large chairs for the tired browser or avid reader. Beside them are still more unique notebooks, stationery and writing supplies. Situated in front of the main windows, the chairs offer readers a view of the bustling Virginia Highland area.

The surrounding shops and restaurants in the vibrant neighborhood make this a great bookstore to stop by on a casual day out.

– Contact Lauren Katz at

lauren.katz@emory.edu

By Miranda Wilson Crossword Desk ACROSS 1. __wocky, eerie children’s poem by Lewis Carroll 7. Mutated gene 8. What Jack’s ax is used to do in The Shining 9. Collapsed 10. Sergeant’s commands DOWN 1. __ _ lantern, what is carved from the shape of this puzzle 2. Laisser __, unchecked freedom 3. What one’s neck might do after a vampire bite 4. If __ Street Could Talk, 2018 Oscar nominee 5. Young eel 6. Cattails

Scan for answers!

Howell views each season as a ‘fresh start’

Continued from Back Page

Queens University of Charlotte, senior and women’s team captain Moshelle Borjigin said going up against such tough opponents pushed people to perform.

“Every time we race a team that’s faster than us, it’s always so cool to see certain people that just throw down super fast times,” Borjigin said. “I feel like racing fast teams brings out the fast in people, and that’s just fun to watch.”

Howell added that he focuses less on the end result of a given meet and more on helping each athlete realize their potential. Howell said he doesn’t intend to “build upon” the results of last season’s national championship.

“I really look at each season as a unique fresh start,” Howell said. “It’s

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 11

SPORTS

The Emory Wheel

not going to help us to think back and to continue to celebrate what we did last year. We’re in a totally different spot now.”

Like Borjigin and Gibbons, senior diver Alex York is looking to make the most out of his last year at Emory, ideally making nationals. He’s been very close in the past, placing 6th in the 3-meter dive at the 2023 University Athletic Association Swimming and Diving Championships.

“We’re all trying to win NCAAs, so that’s definitely the goal for the year,” York said. “So [we’re] working hard every day in the pool and everything, just to get there.”

York, who is the only diver on the men’s side, said growing Emory’s dive program and improving his relationship with his teammates” are also a priority for him.

“As the sole male diver, it’s tough for sure,” York said. “But the guys on the team have been making a big effort to include me in everything.”

Fontana further emphasized the closeness of the team, saying they operate as a “whole,” not a part.

“That’s the idea, that you head into each and every day trying to get a little bit better,” Fontana said.

“And you can do so in a group where you’re not only thinking about yourself, but you’re thinking about others. It really makes it a pretty special atmosphere.”

The teams’ next meet will be at the George W. Woodruff Physical Education Center for the Emory Fall Invitational on Nov. 3 at 6 p.m.

SWOOP’S SCOOP Sport

Opponent

Time

Friday Nov. 3

Volleyball Swim & Dive Volleyball

Birmingham-Southern Emory Fall Invitational Rhodes

12 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

Saturday Nov. 4

Swim & Dive W Soccer Volleyball M Soccer Volleyball

Emory Fall Ivitational @ Rochester Randolph-Macon @Rochester Berry

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

12:15 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

Sunday Nov. 5

M Basketball

@ Georgia Southwestern

4 p.m.

— Contact Sasha Melamud at sasha.melamud@emory.edu

*Home Games in Bold

Hall, Patberg praise Rodriguez as a strong team leader

Continued from Back Page

against Belize. So that was an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful that everything worked out as best as I could have imagined and prayed for.”

Rodriguez represented El Salvador at the 2022 CONCACAF Tournament Qualifiers, where she scored three goals in a game against Belize. As one of the younger players on the roster, Rodriguez said she was focusing on going in as humble as she could be.

“If [I] played the U.S., I would have played Alex Morgan at the time or Carli Lloyd, so it was pretty crazy,” Rodriguez said. “I felt so privileged to be there. I was so grateful for the opportunity.”

After graduating from Providence College, Rodriguez made her way to Emory University to pursue a master’s degree at the Rollins School of Public Health. Because of her ACL injury and the COVID-19 pandemic, she still had two years of competition eligibility and explored different options for graduate school, including Emory.

Rodriguez said that Emory “checked

both of those boxes” in terms of its academic offerings and highly-competitive soccer program. The location was also a plus for her, with the warm weather being a welcome change from the Northeast.

A visit with Women’s Soccer Head Coach Sue Patberg and an opportunity to work with Assistant Coach Catherine Whitehill helped Rodriguez make the decision to come to Emory.

“She had other opportunities and other great schools that wanted her to go there and play,” Patberg said. “We just happened to be incredibly fortunate to be on the receiving end of Mara joining us.”

Rodriguez has had a great career so far at Emory, starting in all 19 games in the 2022 season, winning a 2022 All-UAA honorable mention and scoring a hat trick in an away game on Sept. 23, 2022 against Maryville College (Tenn.).

She also played in all 16 games this season for Emory and is one of the team’s captains. Patberg referred to

Renovations will benefit future teams

Continued from Back Page “They have a lot of intramural teams practicing there,” Nastasi said.

“A lot of pick-up games go there — they rip off the field. It’s not as well taken care of as our field, because they really do keep that prepped and ready for our games.”

Junior sprinter Sam Ryba said that while it is “annoying” that renovations are occuring during the track season,

they will be “very beneficial for the team down the line.”

“I think a renovation will be very useful, especially when we’re hoping to host our [University Athletic Association] championship next spring outdoors,” Ryba said.

— Contact Harley Semon at harley.semon@emory.edu and Sasha Melamud at

Madeline Shapiro/Sports Editor

The outdoor track at the WoodPEC will undergo renovations beginning on Nov. 20.

Natalie Sandlow/Staff Photographer

Rodriguez battles a Brandeis midfielder on Oct. 20.

Rodriguez as a “strong leader.”

“She never really gets panicked,” Patberg said. “She doesn’t get overly emotional or overly frustrated where it takes her out of her ability to perform. She really can stay engaged in the game.”

Patberg added that Rodriguez is “an encourager” who helps her teammates “to perform at their best.” Rodriguez dominates both ends of the field defen-

sively and creates scoring chances for both herself and her teammates.

Graduate forward Kylie Hall echoed Patberg’s sentiments.

“If you lose the ball, she’s the one to be like, ‘It’s alright. Snap out of it,’ which is a great leadership quality as well,” Hall said. “I think she’s just a great leader by example because she’s always going to go 100%.”

Hall said she instantly became

friends with Rodriguez because of her great qualities as a person.

“I just fell in love with her personality on and off the field,” Hall said. “She’s very humble. She’s really, really selfless. She also is such a hard worker.”

Rodriguez has “superstitious” pregame rituals that all her teammates make fun of her about.

“I always go to [Goldbergs Fine Foods] before every game and get a bagel,” Rodriguez said. “And then in the locker rooms, I always put my right cleat on before my left and my right shin guards on before my left shin guards.”

Thanks to Goldbergs Fine Foods — or rather, her dedication and hard work — Rodriguez has had immense success in the realm of women’s soccer at Emory and beyond.

“She’s always making sure that everyone’s happy and that everyone feels confident,” Hall said. “She’s an amazing leader and teammate.”

— Contact Jack Rutherford at jack.rutherford@emory.edu

‘Hungry’ Chicago upsets men’s soccer

Continued from Back Page

the season and their first in the conference.

The defeat didn’t impact their standings in the UAA, as the Eagles had already clinched the program’s first UAA title in 11 years at home versus New York University last weekend. Nevertheless, Schmitt recognized that what ultimately gave the Maroons an extra competitive edge was their NCAA tournament qualification on the line.

“For Chicago’s case, we found someone that was really hungry and desperate to get a result, with them having had so many ties and, while they’ve had some results against some really good teams, hadn’t really found their footing in the UAA,” Schmitt said. “So I think for them, it was a kind of a do-ordie situation, and for us maybe … we were a little bit self-assured that this wasn’t as important to us as it was to them.”

Schmitt expressed that the team as a whole was still disappointed in the loss.

“I think we would all admit a little bit of dissatisfaction and feeling that ‘this was a very beatable Chicago team’ on the road, and that we missed out on an opportunity to keep that perfect slate in the UAA,” Schmitt said.

The Eagles travel to Rochester on Nov. 4 for their final game of the

Natalie Sandlow/Staff Photographer

Senior midfielder Cobi Promislow advances with the ball during a game against Brandeis University (Mass.) on Oct. 20. Emory won 4-2. regular season. Schmitt noted that the Yellowjackets’ style of play will be a well-anticipated challenge. “[Rochester] is probably the most difficult team to play against in terms of what we try to do and how we try to play versus a team that’s relying on very direct play, set pieces, likes to break up play with fouling, not afraid to be physical and make it hard for you to win

and try to just take away whatever you do well,” Schmitt said. “They try to counterbalance that and make it a little bit of an ugly game. From that perspective, it’s a really good opportunity to sharpen our teeth before we head into the NCAA tournament after that.”

— Contact Sage Hou at sage.hou@emory.edu

The Emory Wheel

Sports SOCCER

Men’s and women’s soccer face Chicago

By Sage Hou Contributing Writer

Emory University men’s and women’s soccer teams traveled to the University of Chicago in a University Athletic Association (UAA) matchup on Oct. 28. The women’s team left with a 1-1 tie, while the men’s ninegame unbeaten streak ended after a 1-0 loss.

Women’s soccer battles for draw Natalie Sandlow/Staff Photographer

Graduate midfielder Mara Rodriguez dribbles past freshman midfielder Ali Pennella during a game against Brandeis University (Mass.) on Oct. 20. Emory won 1-0.

Rodriguez brings professional experience to Emory

By Jack Rutherford Contributing Writer

For graduate midfielder Mara Rodriguez, it didn’t happen overnight.

It all began with her mother, a former collegiate soccer player, teaching her the basics like “learning how to walk with a ball” at 4 years old.

Rodriguez first played on a small hometown team her mother coached, which “sparked [her] love” for the sport.

“I obviously look up to her so much,” Rodriguez said. “So having her introduce the sport to me set it apart from other sports I tried and grew that connection.”

Rodriguez continued playing soccer throughout her childhood, eventually verbally committing to West Virginia University (WVU) in eighth grade. While she wasn’t set on a major, she was drawn to WVU’s soccer program, which had just come off a deep NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship run in 2016. Rodriguez was so excited to join the team that she graduated high school half a year early

to practice with the team in the spring before her freshman year.

When she arrived at WVU, Rodriguez worked hard to get “her feet settled” and “set some mini goals” for herself as the youngest on the team in an intense environment. Even though she loved the program and the coaching environment, Rodriguez realized she wanted to attend a school that was more challenging on the academic side. As a result, she transferred to Providence College (R.I.) for her sophomore year.

“I love the ocean, I love the water, so ultimately that led [to] my decision to go to Providence where, academically, it hit all my criteria,” Rodriguez said. “Obviously, it was still at a very, very high level — being in the Big East Conference, playing teams that go to the NCAA tournament every year — so I knew I was still going to be playing soccer at that highest level.”

Rodriguez still has fond memories of her time at Providence College and developed close friendships with her teammates.

“I absolutely loved it,” Rodriguez said. “The girls are still all of my best

EMORY ATHLETICS

friends … I still have some friends on the team that are in their senior year now, so it’s crazy to watch them be seniors when they were freshmen when I knew them.”

Over the course of her high school and collegiate careers, the El Salvador women’s national football team continued to recruit Rodriguez. It started when her club coach, who knew she was a dual United States and El Salvador citizen, called a scout from the national team to come observe some of her games while she was in high school. From there, the team invited Rodriguez to their youth camp for the U-15, U-17, U-19 and U-20 levels. Rodriguez eventually made the senior level of the El Salvadoran national team roster in 2023, despite tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during her senior year at Providence College.

“It was crazy because my first camp was my very first time back after tearing my ACL,” she said. “And then my first game back was my first full national team game with the full team

See HALL, Page 11

Emory entered the women’s matchup with an 8-4-4 overall and a 1-3-2 UAA record. The team piled on offensive pressure and took the first six shots of the game. They finally found a breakthrough in the 14th minute with a goal from senior midfielder Mia Han, which marked her fourth goal in three games.

“It definitely feels good to be on that streak and to be able to help my team out,” Han said. “But that stems from our goalkeeper to our defense, midfield, to forwards and who scores — it’s a whole team effort.”

Chicago sophomore forward Avery Gallucci equalized Han’s goal seconds before the end of the first half after finishing a rebound from a save by sophomore goalkeeper Sophia Garcia.

The second half remained evenly matched, with both teams each tallying 10 total shots and four shots on goal. In the 81st minute, Chicago received a penalty kick after a handball infringement, but Garcia heroically denied Chicago junior midfielder Stella El-Fishawy’s attempt from 12 yards.

“I hate practicing [penalty kicks] against her in practice because she’s so good at them,” Han said of Garcia.

“She knows how to get in your head, and she exudes this confidence that

makes us feel super secure … If we lost, I think that we would be out of the tournament, so it was a huge moment for us, and I honestly just had a gut feeling that she was going to save it.”

The Eagles head to No. 10 University of Rochester (N.Y.) next week in a must-win to keep their hopes of making the NCAA Division III tournament alive. They currently sit seventh in the UAA Standings.

Men’s soccer loses 1st game in UAA play The No. 6 Eagles faced heavy pressure from No. 24 Chicago, the reigning Division III champions, throughout the first half. The Maroons registered nine shots, five of which were unable to find the target and three of which forced saves from senior goalkeeper Peter Wagner.

In the 36th minute, the Emory defense gave way as Chicago junior defender Jack Leuker placed a free kick from 20 yards out into the top right corner to give the Maroons the lead.

The Eagles did not leave Chicago without a fight, mustering three shots on goal in the second half.

Freshman forward Lorenzo Avalos had the Eagles’ best chance to equalize when he made a cut toward the inside of the field and put a shot on frame, forcing the Chicago senior goalkeeper Will Boyes to make a nice save.

“Overall, we played incredibly well in the second half,” Assistant Coach Clayton Schmitt said. “We were probably a little bit unfortunate not to have gotten the tying goal.”

The team’s loss against Chicago was only their second loss of

See HUNGRY, Page 11

SWIM & DIVE

Outdoor track to shut Swim and dive gears up for 2023-24 season down for renovations

By Sasha Melamud Contributing Writer

By Harley Semon and Sasha Melamud Contributing Writers Emory University’s Department of Athletics and Recreation announced in an email on Oct. 27 that the George W. Woodruff Physical Education Center (WoodPEC) outdoor track will close for renovation until May 2024 starting Nov. 20. The stadium seats and varsity soccer field will be unavailable while the track is undergoing renovations.

Director of Recreation and Wellness April Flint wrote in an email to the Wheel that the track surface, which last underwent renovation in 2010, is due for replacement.

The closure will particularly impact the Emory men’s and women’s track and field teams, whose winter seasons begin in December, in addition to Emory community members who use the space.

Junior sprinter Jackson Price said athletes will travel approximately a 10-minute drive off campus to another track for practice. He added

that the new practice location will make course registration for the Spring 2024 semester more “stressful” because the additional commute time will eliminate more class options than usual.

The indoor track at the WoodPEC will remain open, but Price said that its usage is limited because the track is half as long as the outdoor one.

“We can’t do a ton on [the indoor track],” Price said. “I’m sure we’ll use it more than we would normally do, but I think we’ll just commute out to the [alternative] track.”

Emory women’s soccer freshman defender Jessica Nastasi noted that the track and field athletes will not be the only varsity athletes affected by the closure. Starting in the spring, the soccer team will practice at Kaminski Field, another on-campus recreational facility at the end of Peavine Creek Drive Northeast.

Nastasi said Kaminski Field is “not as good quality” as the WoodPEC stadium field.

See RENOVATIONS, Page 11

Emory University’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams hope to make a splash this year. Last season, the women finished as runners-up in the 2023 NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships, and the men secured the program’s third national title.

Head Coach Jon Howell, who is entering his 25th season at Emory, said he is looking forward to this year, despite having lost 35 swimmers to graduation. Howell said that this change is significant because these seniors played key roles at the national championships last year, securing first place in several events.

“Our seniors are always such huge contributors for us, both in terms of leadership and experience that they can share, but also our best performers every year are our seniors,” Howell said. “So we lost a huge group last year, and a very impactful group, but that clears the way for others to step into new roles this year, and that’s happening now.”

Associate Coach Cindy Fontana said the upperclassmen on the team are

“engaged and motivated” to step into leadership roles, noting that a competitive but supportive environment creates a “great energy.”

The eagerness of the freshman class also “excites” Fontana, who said that it often takes new athletes time to adjust to a collegiate environment.

“Sometimes, [freshmen] classes can take a little bit longer to start speaking up or get involved in things,” Fontana said. “This group has, right away, shown their personality and been able to fit in.”

Men’s team captain and senior Ryan Gibbons noted that upperclassmen in past seasons have had to step in and motivate freshmen to give every meet their all, but that hasn’t been the case this year.

“This class has just blown us away,” Gibbons said. “Beyond fitness, they’re just so excited to get up and race in practice and in meets … These guys and girls are just so excited to be here, and honestly, that’s all we can ask for and more.”

On top of the adjustment to a collegiate environment, the NCAA recently changed the training schedule regulations for DIII sports. A set number of days rather than weeks

measures the number of practices allowed, shifting this year’s season to have an earlier start date and longer duration. As a result, Howell said the coaching staff have “ramped things up” in training.

Other changes this season include working with a nutritionist, a confidence coach and new recovery coaching, particularly to safeguard the athletes’ mental health, Howell said.

“There’s just more that we need to do to help support them,” Howell said.

“So we really invested a good amount of time and money into finding some opportunities for them to get some support in different ways.”

On the technical side, Gibbons spoke about how the team has emphasized racing, improving speed off the diving block and simulating competition through intrasquad meets.

The teams faced Queens University of Charlotte (N.C.) and Georgia Institute of Technology in October, who compete at the Division II and Division I levels, respectively.

Although the teams’ only victory came from the men’s side against

See HOWELL, Page 11