THE GATEPOST Framingham State’s independent student newspaper
Volume 87 • Issue 2
FSUgatepost.com
September 21, 2018
Jenna-Nicole Richard / THE GATEPOST
Members of the Rams’ women’s soccer team hold hands during the national anthem before the game.
FSU proposes renaming dorm after first African American grad By Jillian Poland Associate Editor President F. Javier Cevallos submitted a request on June 15, 2018 to the Department of Higher Education (DHE) to rename North Hall after Mary Miles Bibb, the first African American student to graduate from FSU. The DHE must approve any request to name or rename buildings on a state university campus as it is granted full responsibility for all state university property under Massachusetts state law. The request to rename North Hall is the result of a petition submitted by alum and former Student Trustee Karl Bryan during the 2018 spring semester. Bryan said he collected the over 100 required signatures by hosting an informational table outside of the McCarthy Center and talking to people one-on-one. He also had support from fellow SGA members. Bryan said, “I felt that FSU was lacking when it came to memorializing the achievements and contributions of its students of color. Then, after the racist incidents last year, I felt that there was no better time to make a statement of support for the POC community of FSU.” Bryan suggested renaming North Hall in particular because it is “unnamed,” in that it is not named after an important figure like other buildings on campus. Once Bryan’s petition was submitted to the school, Framingham State’s Board of Trustees reviewed and approved the idea at its May 16 meeting. Bryan said, “The admin was overwhelmingly supportive. They thought it was a great idea from the get-go
See NORTH HALL page 4
News
Opinions
FSU implements test-optional pilot By Bailey Morrison Editor-in-Chief As part of a pilot program in conjunction with the Department of Higher Education (DHE), the University will not require incoming students to provide SAT/ACT scores. The admissions department will now focus more heavily on cumulative high school GPA. The minimum GPA requirement at FSU is 2.0, according to Shayna Eddy, associate dean of admissions. In 2017, the DHE offered select Massachusetts state institutions the opportunity to test the policy for admissions that fall. The pilot aimed to determine if the test scores traditionally submitted to universities should be made optional. FSU has decided to participate in the pilot program beginning spring of 2019. Jeremy Spencer, dean of enrollment management, spearheaded this effort and submitted a proposal to the voting members of the academic policies and all university committees in February of 2018. These governance panels vote on any policy change or addition. The proposal contained a study which supported the omission of SAT/ACT scores for incoming students. According to the study, the switch to a test-optional model benefits “underrepresented applicants with a weighted high school GPA below a 3.0.” The study further indicated that the minimum combined SAT score of 990 disproportionately impacted students in black and Hispanic communities. Vincent Ferraro, sociology professor, conducted the study in fall 2017, using enrollment data from fall
See SAT/ACT OPTIONAL page 3
Arts & Features
Sports
GATEPOST INTERVIEW pg. 2
TRUMP WILL NEVER GET IT pg. 6
STATE STREET STYLE pg. 9
FERR OR FOUL pg. 13
INSIDE OUT pg. 5
WEEKLY COMIC pg. 7
THE SUMMER OF YOUNG MONEY pg. 11
MEN’S SOCCER pg. 14
INSIDE: OP/ED 7 ARTS & FEATURES 9 SPORTS 13
2 | NEWS
Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Bailey Morrison Associate Editor Jillian Poland News Editor Nadira Wicaksana Asst. Arts & Features Editors Zach Colten Andrew Willoughby Opinions Editor Lizzy Stocks Interim Columnist Thom Duda Sports Editor Matt Ferris Asst. Sports Editor Liam Gambon Design Editor Cara McCarthy Interim Photos Editor Corey McFeeley Staff Writers Brennan Atkins Noah Barnes Mackenzie Berube Tessa Jillson Robert Johnson Patrick Peterson Kate Shane Staff Copy Editors Jordan Bacci Jon Lee Evan Lee Lauren Paolini Cam Turner Caeley Whalen Staff Photographers Ryan Feinblatt Allie Gath Donald Halsing Amanda Martin Jenna-Nicole Richard Margaret Richardson Oscairy Tavares Michael Upton Ashley Wall Staff Designer Kathleen Moore Staff Illustrator Shayna Yacyshyn Advisor Dr. Desmond McCarthy Assistant Advisor Elizabeth Banks Administrative Assistant Gwenyth Swain 100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu
THE GATEPOST
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
Gatepost Interview Brendan Fraser
SILD Student Government and Club Coordinator What are you looking forward to the most during your time here? I think that my hope is that I can put my stamp here at Framingham State, and make a difference - be the person that everyone knows, like, “Oh yeah, I can go to Brendan.” Once I get to that level, I’ll be happy. I’ll be happy when people know that I’m here to be helpful. I think that’s my initial goal.
By Nadira Wicaksana News Editor What is your educational and professional background? I graduated from MassBay Community College with my associate’s degree back in 2012, then transferred here to Framingham State as an English major. I had a secondary education minor, but then partway through my first semester, decided that wasn’t the right track for me, so I dropped that minor. I stayed with English, because I love English. I graduated from here in 2016 and I went in straight in the day after graduation to my master’s program at Salem State, going for their higher education student affairs program. I just graduated from there in May of this year. ... I really had a fun time [at FSU], even though, you know, some of the work was a lot. I think I learned way more [at FSU] than I’d expected. It’s great to be back. Now that you’re back at FSU as a staff member, how does it compare to being a student? I think that this time around, being new again, I’m not so lost. As a new student, you have this kind of feeling, “What is this place? I don’t really know anybody.” Now that I’ve already gone through that, and I know the school very well, I came back here with more confidence. I know the perfect place to park, too! What do you like to do in your free time? I like to hang out with my friends as much as I can. I enjoy cooking, baking. I like to read and write - you know, the basic English major stuff. ... I’m trying to join some affinity groups on campus. I’d like to be a part of communities here on campus, get as involved as I can be. Starting next week, I’m going to be able to start meeting with students who are looking to create new clubs, and I have a list of those students. I’m excited to jump right in.
What are you most proud of in your career so far? Every step I take, every new transition I take is a step toward something greater. When I first started at MassBay, that was my start to higher education and my love for it. Taking Ashley Wall / THE GATEPOST a student who is super upset, who What were you involved in doesn’t know what to do, has issues when you were a student here? going on - taking that student, helpWhen I was here, I was the ing them, giving them resources so co-president of the English Club. I that by the time they leave, they’re also worked as a student worker in leaving with a smile on their face, admissions. I worked under Shayna knowing what they need to do. That Eddy over there, and Mary Parsons. is something that’s so important to Unfortunately, I couldn’t be more me. I think coming here as the next involved just because at that point, step in my career - this is my first ofI was working three jobs, so it was a ficial full-time job in higher ed - was lot. I was working there, I was work- something to be proud about. And I ing at MassBay, and I was also work- really, really love that they gave me ing at Boston Market. The joys of be- the opportunity to come here. ing a college student! What do you like the most about working with students? I think that it’s that I can make a difference in their lives. I can help them be successful. I’m excited in this role to be a resource for them, somebody that they can turn to if they have questions or if they’re having problems or anything like that. I want to be that person who would help them. Throughout my master’s program, I was in internships - I was in advising roles. One of them was helping students get in good academic standing, so I do have a good understanding of the academic side. Now, I’m in student affairs, so it’s, you know, a good balance. Every student should have a good balance between working and extracurriculars. I want to give whatever help I can give.
Do you have any advice for FSU students? I think that getting involved is something that is super, super important. It’s something that a lot of people think might hinder their academics, that it could be something they’re worried about - splitting up their time for different things. But statistics show how important clubs really are. It helps [students] build skills to understand how to work in a team, become a leader, things like that. So, it really is important - not that academics are not important - to find that good balance. That’s where I would love to be able to help if students have issues with that.
CONNECT WITH NADIRA WICAKSANA nwicaksana@student.framingham.edu
Police Logs Thursday, September 13 14:28 Towers Hall Panic Alarm Checks OK
Friday, September 14 13:45 McCarthy Center Unauthorized Solicitation Advised and Removed
Saturday, September 15 21:38 FSU Police Dept. Suspicious Activity Report Taken
FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM
Saturday, September 15 22:21 North Hall Large Group/Crowd Dispersed
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
THE GATEPOST
NEWS | 3
SGA leaders share insights from American Student Government Association Conference By Mackenzie Berube Staff Writer SGA President Ben Carrington and Class and Club Treasurer Allie Flood proposed a new agenda for the year focused on advocacy over the allocation of funds during SGA’s weekly meeting on Sept. 18. Carrington and Flood were inspired to create the new agenda by attending sessions at the American Student Government Association Conference at Emerson College on Aug. 4. Carrington was particularly impressed by advice he received from Michael Anthony, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management at Rochester Community and Technical College. “He really talked to me about making sure the campus is inclusive and making sure we celebrate our diversity,” said Carrington. Flood said advice offered by Vicky Owles, another speaker at the conference with over 25 years of experience, was very important.
Flood said, “We aren’t just a bank to give money out to clubs and things like that. Advocacy is our main job, and we want to attract all kinds of students to come here.” Carrington and Flood outlined strategic goals for the year. First, they want to make students aware that Open Forum is a time set aside during every SGA meeting to give students the opportunity to voice their concerns. Second, they would like to survey students who are unable to attend meetings in order to get feedback. They also intend to broadcast SGA meetings online for those students. They also brought up the possibility of having a monthly luncheon for students to talk about issues with President F. Javier Cevallos. Flood suggested adding a president’s report to The Gatepost. “Last year there had been some - reporting,” said Flood. Carrington said, “I want to have a president’s report for The Gatepost. This can be a way for the students to be involved and
to know what SGA is doing. My whole goal this year for SGA is to be clear on communicating, and I want to make sure what we are doing in here gets to every student on campus. “With that, we want to get more students involved in Open Forum. It’s a great opportunity for students to get involved. That’s my big aspiration for SGA - to have students coming in, voicing their concerns,” Carrington added. During SGA’s Open Forum session, Secretary Erin Johnson expressed concern about lack of blue light police boxes on campus. “I work at 3 a.m. and that road [Adams Road] is all kinds of scary. If we could get a blue box over there, I know I would feel a lot safer,” said Johnson. [Editor’s Note: There is one blue light police box on Adams Road.] In his President’s Report, Carrington announced that the SGA overnight retreat preparations are ongoing. “There will be a fire - get your marshmallows,” said Carrington.
Vice President Alex Backer suggested conducting a survey for students to see if they would support having water-bottle-filling stations placed in all residence halls. In other news, Student Activity Treasurer Driana Lebron announced that her committee allocated $425.10 to M.I.S.S. for their Woman Crush Wednesday event. Lebron’s committee also funded $3,390.75 for the Comic Con event for the Comic Book Club. Robert Johnson, vice president of Comic Book Club, said, “With this money, we aim to supply students with transportation to and from Rhode Island, and to have enough funds to buy 50 tickets for those interested to come on the trip on November 3.” Advisor David Smailes praised SGA. Smailes said, “I think what we are doing here is really important. You’re serving the public.” CONNECT WITH MACKENZIE BERUBE mberube@student.framingham.edu
what they really shine in and
the number of students to come
SAT/ACT optional Continued from pg. 1 2013 to fall 2016. The study concluded “weighted high school GPA was a statistically better predictor of success at the conclusion of the first-year.” According to the University website, SAT/ACT scores are required for students interested in the STEM programs, potential honors students, or students who were homeschooled. President F. Javier Cevallos said with this transition, there will be a greater emphasis on the cumulative GPA of prospective students because “high school GPA is a much better predictor of academic success than the SAT.” He said the SAT is “culturally biased” and doesn’t provide enough information about a prospective student’s academic history. Cevallos added because not every student can afford to take SAT prep courses, or retake the exam itself, it favors students who come from more affluent backgrounds. “A lot of students don’t have the money to be retaking the test. The SAT itself doesn’t try to create any inequity - the fact is that the more that you practice, the better you’re going to be. That’s just the way it is,” he said. Cevallos added, “The SATs do
measure some things. But, they are only a predictor and indicator and that is only one of the many ways we can measure the success of the students.” Taylor Anderson, a sophomore and former orientation leader, works as an intern in the New Student and Family Programs office, formerly First-Year Programs. She said she thinks the switch to test optional will benefit students who do not test well. “More students who feel as though they’ll have a better chance of getting into a school, because it doesn’t focus so much on test scores, may apply at higher rates.” Lorretta Holloway, vice president of enrollment and student development, said often the price of SAT tests as well as application costs prevents students from applying to the schools they aim to attend. “The college application process is stressful and expensive. She added, “This will eliminate, for some students, the pressure of associating admission with a test score - particularly students who are low on funds.” Hailee McDonald, a senior and former orientation leader, said this change will have a positive impact on more non-traditional students. “Their extracurriculars will hopefully get more recognition - so students can showcase
Designed by Andrew Willoughby
what they’re passionate about.” She added, “I personally have seen students come into admissions who think they’re not going to get into schools because their test scores are low - capable students being discouraged by one test.” Ayanna Ferguson, junior and student trustee, said, “Making FSU a test-optional school may allow prospective students who feel that their SAT scores may not be the best to feel more comfortable to apply, which may increase
in the incoming class, which is important for us.” She added, “A single test score shouldn’t hinder someone’s chances at an education if the field that they plan to go into may not even require you to have the best writing or math skills.”
CONNECT WITH BAILEY MORRISON bmorrison1@student.framingham.edu
@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com
4 | NEWS
THE GATEPOST
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
North Hall Continued from pg. 1
and they assisted me with going through regulations and connecting me with the right people.” According to the DHE’s building naming rights policy, the Board of Higher Education (BHE) now has 120 days to review and approve the proposal. The BHE’s first fall meeting is set for Oct. 23, shortly after the deadline. Universities are encouraged, though not yet required, to support any proposal to name a building after a person with fundraising, either in the form of donations from the intended honoree or the creation of a related scholarship. However, Cevallos said, “In the case of a historical figure, I think that we might try to make a case that an exception is justified.” In 1843, Mary Miles Bibb - then known as Mary Elizabeth Miles became the first African American woman to graduate from Lexington Normal School, a teacher’s college that eventually evolved into Framingham State University. According to the Henry Whittemore Library blog, Mary Miles opened two schools for black and
white children at a time when African American children were not afforded a public education. Miles and her husband, abolitionist Henry Bibb, also hosted the final stop on the Underground Railroad in Canada. Additionally, Mary Miles coowned the abolitionist newspaper “The Voice of the Fugitive” with her husband. When Henry Bibb left on lecture tours, Mary Miles was given complete control over the editing and publishing of the paper. This made her the first woman in Canadian history to publish a newspaper, according to the Henry Whittemore Library website. In 1852, activist and journalist Martin R. Delany reported Mary Miles Bibb had graduated from the Normal School in Albany, New York - which would become University at Albany, SUNY - rather than the Lexington Normal School. This information has been reprinted in several works on the Bibbs, including in the 2002 introduction to Henry Bibb’s autobiographical book, “The Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb,” by historian Charles Heglar.
George Wiedeman, archivist for the Department of Special Collections & Archives at University at Albany, SUNY, said in an email it has long been “claimed and rumored” that Mary Miles Bibb attended the Normal School in Albany. Wiedeman said, “It’s possible, yet seems unlikely that Mary Elizabeth Miles attended the State Normal School here.” He added, “She is not listed in the early registration books. However, the first page of the first book is missing, so it is possible that she attended the first term in 1844, but she is not listed as a graduate anywhere.” Colleen Previte, special collections librarian and archivist at Framingham State, said Mary Elizabeth Miles did attend the Lexington Normal School. Miles is included in the Lexington Normal School “Catalogue of Teachers and Alumnae” for the years 1839 to 1900. Additionally, according to Previte, Miles’ name is included on the school’s original register. Previte said she thinks the name change is a “wonderful idea” be-
North Hall is one of only two dorms on campus not named after an influencial historic figure.
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cause Mary Miles’ work is often overshadowed by that of her husband. “I think it’s fantastic to see her finally recognized for her work, especially by her alma mater.” Millie Gonzalez, interim chief officer of diversity and inclusion, said, “Renaming the building after Mary Miles Bibb, the first African American graduate, would highlight and reinforce our legacy of supporting inclusion and our continued commitment.” Cevallos said while the University and the state are committed to diversity and inclusion, “the number of buildings that have the names of people of color on them is very limited. We have none on this campus. … And so, it would be nice to have a building named after an African American woman.” Cevallos added he was “delighted” by the petition because it came from the students. “It’s a great project and it started where it should have - with students thinking about it.” CONNECT WITH JILLIAN POLAND jpoland@student.framingham.edu
Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST
THE GATEPOST
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
NEWS | 5
FSU joins new effort to provide college education to inmates By Nadira Wicaksana News Editor FSU joined the Massachusetts Prison Education Consortium (MPEC), an organization established by MIT to provide postsecondary education to people currently and formerly in prison statewide, according to a Sept. 5 University press release. The Vera Institute of Justice, along with the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, awarded a $250,000 grant to MIT over the course of three years to fund MPEC’s creation. MPEC is comprised of both two- and four-year educational institutions. Other consortium members include similar statewide programs, such as the Petey Greene Program, as well as law enforcement agencies, according to a Vera Institute press release. The effort is led by the MIT Experimental Study Group and involves 13 institutions, including Boston University, Harvard University, and Mount Wachusett Community College. Framingham State is the only state university involved in MPEC. The move to join the consortium follows the University’s involvement in the international Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, started by Temple University professor Lori Pompa in 1997. The program allows college students to take courses alongside inmates in a correctional facility. Professors Deborah McMakin, Paul Bruno, and Martel Pipkins have been involved with the program since the inception of the University’s own Inside-Out at FSU program in the spring of 2014. The initiative was initially spearheaded by former FSU criminology professor Daisy Ball. Bruno said FSU’s involvement in the Inside-Out program led to its recognition by the Massachusetts Department of Corrections, which sent emails in the spring of 2017 inviting every professor teaching in the program to meet-
ings regarding the lack of access to higher education in prisons. “It’s funny how these things happen,” Bruno said of the timing. “It’s just happenstance ... it was a little bit of luck.” The following semester, the professors attended meetings with professors from schools such as MIT and Tufts University, which had also begun to implement their own programs within correctional facilities. MIT Professor Lee Perlman, part of MIT’s Experimental Study Group, was asked by the Vera Institute for Justice to apply for the grant, according to Bruno. Because of MIT’s relative newness to prison education programs, Perlman decided to apply as a consortium. According to Bruno, part of the grant money will be used to employ an administrator, Carole
participating MPEC institutions do not grant credit, but one of the consortium’s goals is to follow in Framingham State’s footsteps. “Many of the faculty involved in this want to see their institutions move toward credit-bearing courses,” Bruno said. Through the Inside-Out program, FSU has already established partnerships with the Massachusetts Correctional Institution (MCI) in Framingham, as well as the Middlesex Jail and House of Corrections in Billerica. Every semester, ten students take courses at MCI-Framingham, according to McMakin. The courses are in the humanities and social sciences, according to Bruno and McMakin. “We do a very traditional Greek drama class - we do a lot of Sophocles, ‘Oedipus Rex,’” Bruno said. “I’ve started every class by using
“It provides unbelievable
opportunities to confront implicit biases and assumptions.” - Deborah McMakin, psychology professor Cafferty, at MIT, whose job will be “to keep track of all the education that’s going on in the prisons.” Bruno added the money will allow FSU to “continue doing what we’ve been doing all along. In terms of Framingham State, we’re not going to change anything, except for the fact that we will be ... informing the consortium what we’re doing.” Bruno said, “We are a leader insofar as we grant credit to incarcerated students. We’re positioned in such a way that we’re considered a kind of model.” He added some of the other
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Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. The idea of the allegory is that we’re all in a prison, that this world is a prison.” Bruno said the teaching environment provides opportunities for students to challenge any preconceived notions they might have about inmates. “In some ways, teaching a[n Inside-Out] class is like teaching a class anywhere,” Bruno said. “And then are times where ethical questions come up that make it a really interesting conversation with, you know, people who have been sentenced to prison for
something that they’ve done.” McMakin, whose background is in education, said the opportunity to teach incarcerated people shaped her teaching methods as a whole. “It provides unbelievable opportunities to confront implicit biases and assumptions,” McMakin said. She added, “One thing I often hear students say is, ‘I will never have this opportunity again.’ And that’s why students are so driven to do it.” McMakin said she believes both the “outside” students those from educational institutions - and the “inside” students - those within the correctional facilities - have the equal opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences. “Everybody is a student. Everybody is a teacher,” she said. McMakin said a conscious effort is made on everyone’s part to avoid calling the inside students prisoners. Bruno said while the main mission of the Inside-Out program is to effectively reduce the rate of recidivism and provide career pathways to people recently released from prison, it also gives an opportunity for FSU students to change how they perceive incarcerated people. “[In the classroom], we see them as human beings,” Bruno said. “We don’t see them as prisoners.” FSU President F. Javier Cevallos said, “As the country grapples with the epidemic of mass incarceration, we are proud to play a role in expanding access to postsecondary education to current and former inmates. Education holds the power to transform lives and increase economic opportunities for this largely abandoned population.”
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6 | OP/ED
OP/ED
THE GATEPOST
THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL
Ethical news In an era where there is a breaking news story every hour, it is easy to be confused or suspicious of what is being reported - especially in country obsessed with “Fake News.” But for ethical journalists, each article represents hours spent checking and rechecking their claims before the story hits the front page. Journalism is a field based in ethics and codes of conduct. Every news organization has a set of rules regarding what is an acceptable source. Typically, information is unsuitable to report unless it has been confirmed by two trustworthy sources. There are reporters who dedicate their lives to presenting news in an impartial manner. But even given an honest pursuit, achieving complete objectivity can be nearly impossible. Once you accept that any brain trying to organize information will apply some sort of bias - no matter how harmless - it becomes easier to spot it. Give five people the same news story to write, and you’ll find five different ways of organizing perfectly credible information. Each person filters and prioritizes information in a slightly different manner. While ethical journalists do their best to report only the facts, bias can slip into the arrangement of those facts. You may have noticed that even this publication which prides itself on practicing ethical journalism - has a liberal leaning. That’s why it is vital to vary your news sources. It can sound exhausting to spend your time jumping from news source to news source, inundating yourself with political, social, and economic horrors. Choose two sources that you can regularly look to for credible and timely news and one that’s radically different. Throughout the week, check headlines, skim articles, read those that interest you and maybe take a glance at a few opinion pieces. In this way, you’ll see two politically similar takes on an issue and one that is opposite. Now you have a sense of what all sides are saying. You’re better prepared to decide for yourself what stance you take on an issue. (If you don’t want to scale the paywall, with just the click of a button, you can access The New York Times with a free subscription through our library’s database.) And don’t let the national or world news overwhelm you. Every national and global news story is someone’s local news. Pay attention to what is happening in your community. Not only will it help make the news feel less foreign, but it will make you better prepared for your daily life. Our example? Your college newspaper. Every week, the student government association holds its weekly meeting to discuss relevant issues on campus and decide where a portion of your student fees are allocated. And every week, the reporters at The Gatepost diligently attend these meetings and publicize that information. This is one of the many ways for you to keep track of what matters on this campus - by reading the news. Don’t forget that the news thrives when fresh voices are broadcasted. It does not operate independent of you. Have you seen coverage in this paper - or any paper that you don’t agree with? Or maybe there’s something you find important that isn’t being reported on? Submit an opinion piece. Write a letter to the editor. Better yet, join our news staff. Change the way the news is reported. Take advantage of the information around you instead of letting it take advantage of you.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
Trump will never get it By Thom Duda
Interim Gatepost Columnist This month, the estimated death count for Hurricane Maria was roughly 3,000 in Puerto Rico due to several factors, and some of the blame has been justifiably placed upon the Trump administration’s head for its handling of the situation. On Sept. 13, President Donald Trump took to Twitter to say that the numbers were wrong, citing that it was more along the lines of 16 to 18 deaths since he had been there, and that the studies’ astronomical death tolls were really a ploy by the Democrats to make him look bad. An independent study, per the BBC’s reporting, by experts of George Washington University Milken Institute, commissioned by the Puerto Rican government, put the death toll up to 2,975 lives. The President of the United States essentially claims that more than 2,900 people did not really die and that it’s all just a political stunt.
I must ask all Trump supporters this question: Have we crossed the line of decency yet? Because if we have not, I would really like to know where it is quartered off, so we can maybe move it back several thousand yards - or lives - to the point where we are not fulfilling Stalin’s old adage about massive deaths just being a set of numbers. This is pathetic, disgusting, and dangerously repulsive. We have the highest official in the country displaying an ego of bargain-bin-quality glass, incapable of accepting the tremendous loss of life that is on our country’s hands. The President’s office must take responsibility for that since it is the high seat. Whether he or anyone else wants to argue, Puerto Rico is the United States’ responsibility - its people are our people - lord knows we’ve forced them to fight in our wars and help out with revenue, despite a lack of statehood. Not only did we fail them horribly during this kick in the
pants from Mother Nature, we have failed their memory by allowing Trump to discard them so easily on a Twitter rant with two posts of a set character count. Nearly 3,000 deaths mothers, fathers, children, neighbors and friends - all gone in one of the worst hurricanes to date, and it’s a stunt from the Democrats to make him look bad. This is monstrous behavior. How can anyone defend this? This isn’t an issue for the teams to hash out - these are our own people dead and largely because we didn’t adequately respond. This is about our “leader” turning their deaths into a prop to shield his fragile ego with a defense as flimsy as those paper towels he threw into the crowd in Puerto Rico the great success story of a job well done. Those paper towel rolls were so wonderful, the best paper quality, with deuce-covering absorbency.
Campus Conversations What do you think of Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh? By Kate Shane and Donald Halsing
“I don’t like him because of the allegations. He poses a threat to women’s reproductive rights.” -Andrea Thurlow, junior
“It is kind of iffy. How are we going to put someone like this on the supreme court?” -Al Alexander, freshman
“I don’t think he should be appointed.” -Hallie Potts, freshman
“I don’t think he should be a nominee. That is ridiculous.” -Taylor Anderson, sophomore
“I don’t like him.” -Mely Estrada, sophomore
“I don’t think he is a good person.” -Adam Wilbur, senior
Op/Ed submissions reflect the opinions of their authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of The Gatepost or its staff.
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SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
THE GATEPOST
7 | OP/ED
The little things By Shayna Yacyshyn Staff Illustrator
Boys can be boys, but men will pay the price By Lizzy Stocks Opinions Editor [Warning: This article discusses regarding sexual assault.] The #MeToo era is still on the rise as Christine Blasey Ford, a psychology professor, accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her at a high-school party 36 years ago. For many, Blasey’s allegation comes as a deceitful plot by the Democrats to damage Kavanaugh’s nomination by delaying the Senate Judiciary Committee’s vote for as long as possible. For others, the allegation comes during a crucial time in American history, as a Kavanaugh confirmation could greatly impact women’s rights - specifically the right to choose - for years and years to come. Not only that, but Blasey’s accusations against Kavanaugh have actually left many wondering if a decades-old allegation is even enough basis to deem him unfit for the Supreme Court - as if a man’s previous decision to profoundly disrespect a woman’s body would have no bearing on his potential to overturn Roe v. Wade. Discussing on Fox News whether or not high-school misconduct is grounds for future consequence, Ari Fleischer, former George W. Bush press secretary, asked, “Should that deny us chances later in life? Even for [a] Supreme Court job, a presidency of the United States, or you name it?” Do I have to spell it out for you? Y - E - S. Plain and simple.
When concerning assault and/or rape, one’s lawlessness in high school should certainly deny them chances later in life, especially regarding the presidency or a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court. Instances of juvenile sexual assault are chalked up to the excuse, “Boys will be boys,” all too often. If the phrase, “Boys will be boys,” carries the implication that attempted rape is just another part of boyhood shenanigans, then the “men” these boys become should have to the pay the ultimate price later in life when and if their victims bravely come forward. Time and time again we’ve seen young men get away with their actions simply because of their age. Take Rapist Brock Turner, for example. Rapist Brock Turner, then 19, was caught brutally raping an unconscious woman behind at a dumpster at Stanford University, and his father seriously thought
a prison sentence and lifetime conviction for rape was a “steep price to pay for 20 minutes of action.” Judge Aaron Persky apparently agreed, as Rapist Brock Turner was only sentenced to six months in prison - and served a mere three - because Persky felt a harsher sentence would have a “severe impact” on the rest of his life. That’s the point. Losing confirmation as the next Supreme Court Justice just may be Kavanaugh’s steep price to pay for his actions 36 years ago. It’s time our society stops catering to accused men and starts taking abused women seriously. Boys can be boys, but it doesn’t have to be at the expense of girls being girls.
@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com
ARTS & FEATURES | 8
THE GATEPOST
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
ARTS & FEATURES The power of transparency in a democratic society
Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST Media and legal experts, including members of the New England First Amendment Coalition, discuss freedom of the press in honor of constitution week.
Tessa Jillson Staff Writer
B
y the end of the Civil War, America had “radically evolved” into an industrial capitalist society where children were forced to work in factories and workers were killed or persecuted for protesting and rioting, said John Ambacher, professor of political science at Framingham State University. According to Ambacher, the framework of the Constitution wasn’t changed until the famous Labor Act of 1935-36, allowing workers to organize and bargain with their employers without oppression. “The way they saw the First Amendment, the free speech clause, was in an aspirational sense. It was to be used to change the social and economic structure of American society,” Ambacher said. On Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Alumni Room, students and faculty gathered in honor of Constitution Week to listen to a panel discussion about the First Amendment as it relates to journalism. Featured speakers included Anne Brennan, regional director of news and operations for Gatehouse Media; Jonathan Albano, legal practitioner in the Boston area who has worked for press organizations such as The Boston Globe; Jennifer Peter, managing editor at
The Boston Globe; and Ambacher. The media and legal experts spoke about freedom of the press, the First Amendment’s importance to democracy, the regulation of free speech, and controversies concerning the media. Brennan, who was the moderator of the event, asked Peter how the First Amendment affects the way The Boston Globe makes decisions. Peter said the amendment is a “part of everything we do” at The Boston Globe. It gives reporters a sense of purpose and responsibility “to shine a light on the government, to shine a light on government officials, to hold people accountable, to hold companies accountable, and to make sure the rights of the minority don't get quashed by the majority.” She added, any news organization needs the First Amendment for a number of reasons - for instance, to protect journalists from libel and/or to obtain withheld court documents. Brennan and Ambacher cited New York Times v. Sullivan as an example of the First Amendment protecting the rights of a newspaper. The case ultimately ended in a unanimous decision, with the Supreme Court ruling in favor of the newspaper because there was no evidence the paper acted with “actual malice” against the public official. People tend to forget that the
First Amendment protects freedom of speech and rights from government censorship, not from private people such as newspaper companies or organizations, Brennan said. For example, the media recently reported that a woman named Juli Briskman lost her job after a video surfaced on the internet of her giving President Donald Trump the bird. According to Albano, “Unless you have a discrimination claim … employers can say, ‘Hey, sorry, that message is not consistent with our values and we don’t have to keep you as an employee.’” Albano said this is happening more and more to people because of social media. Brennan added, “What we’re giving away is more than just, ‘I like to buy Clark shoes and dog kibble.’ It’s some very deep information about ourselves.” Ambacher said, “It seems in the last 20 years that we’ve just sold our souls away.” Brennan asked about the current limits and regulations of freedom of speech on the internet, at which point, Albano commented on how “massively unregulated” the internet is and how freedom of speech can also result in irresponsible or hate speech. Ambacher defined hate speech as a type of “spirit murder,” adding, “I mean, you can recover from a broken leg, but … it’s difficult to recov-
FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY'S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM
er when you've been humiliated, dehumanized by somebody because of your race, because of your religion, sexual orientation.” He continued to ask the forum questions such as, “Where do you draw the line on speech that's humiliating and speech that’s harassment, and how do you protect your equal opportunity when someone is saying hateful comments about your race, gender, or sexual orientation? “It’s a difficult call. … It’s a gamble. And maybe there is no alternative to that gamble. … I go back and forth - it’s like a ping-pong ball. … A lot of this is hope … and also it gets down to citizens evolving in terms of protecting their liberties and freedoms,” Ambacher said. Albano referenced American jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes and his thoughts on freedom of speech and the power of the truth. Holmes states that if you put all the facts out there - the good, the bad, and the hateful, the truth will eventually win. “That’s been a cornerstone of First-Amendment thinking,” Albano said. “I find today scary because, you know, we’ll [have to wait and] see if that’s true.”
CONNECT WITH TESSA JILLSON tjillson@student.framingham.edu
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
THE GATEPOST
9 | ARTS & FEATURES
ALBUM REVIEW
Cardi vs. Nicki: Fashion Edition By Lauren Paolini and Caeley Whalen Staff Writers Team Cardi or Team Nicki? This is the question music fans have been debating since the two rappers’ feud came into the limelight several months ago. Both artists have been tweeting and recording disses. The even had a physical altercation at a party during New York Fashion Week. But the real showdown is on the red carpet. While Nicki and Cardi are both known for their bold fashion choices, their styles are ever-evolving and almost always covered by the press. Cardi has a unique ability to showcase a sexy look while also keeping it classy. She gives off major Jessica Rabbit vibes, with a refreshing style that she is not afraid to have fun with. In the past, Cardi has stunned in garments by designers such as Christian Siriano, and has been vocal about her love for online retailer Fashion Nova. Ever since her 2010 hit song, “Superbass,” Nicki Minaj has made plenty of headlines on the fashion front. When she first came on the scene, Nicki rocked crazy wigs with mixed patterns and color-blocked outfits. In the past few years, her style has grown more functional, a bit toned down while staying true to the wild Nicki flare that her fans know and love. There was an altercation this month between Cardi and Nicki at Harper’s Bazaar Icon Party. Nicki arrived in a low-cut, tiger-striped, high-low gown, paired with leopard-print pumps and a slicked back scrunched blonde hairdo. And yes, this is the toned down version of Nicki’s style. Cardi showed up to the event wearing a red, floor-length Dolce and Gabbana gown with ruffled sleeves. The “Bodak Yellow” rapper had her hair pulled back in a middle part with a low ponytail of curls in the back and a bronzed makeup look. While her dress covered her shoes, Cardi allegedly threw one of her red Elie Saab high heels at Nicki during their fight. Both women exited the party after their altercation - Nicki posing for pictures outside of her car, and Cardi with a massive bump on her eyebrow and a shoe count Cinderella can relate to. While we think Nicki and Cardi both looked red carpet ready and stayed true to their respective styles, we’re giving this round to Cardi B. Nicki’s mismatched prints on her dress and shoes made the look confusing and hard to follow. Cardi’s red gown made a statement on the carpet when most attendees were wearing neutral colors. The feud between Nicki and Cardi doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon, so no matter whose team you’re on it’s best to stay tuned. Let’s just hope no more dresses are torn or shoes thrown. CONNECT WITH LAUREN PAOLINI AND CAELEY WHALEN lpaolini@student.framingham.edu cwhalen2@student.framingham.edu
"Nearer My God" Setting a new standard By Andrew Willoughby Asst. Arts & Features Editor St. Louis indie rock band Foxing’s third record, “Nearer My God,” is an album about religion, grieving the death of friends, and maturation. It also just might be the band’s masterpiece. Foxing’s debut album, 2013’s “The Albatross,” was a heart-wrenching emo/ math-rock album which perfected the sound they were going for. Their sophomore effort, “Dealer,” was released in late 2015 - an album on which the band experimented with a far more atmospheric take on the subgenre, with much less emphasis on mathematical rhythmic structures and memorable choruses. The album definitely didn’t live up to its predecessor, and many fans thought Foxing had lost its touch. However, last summer, frontman Conor Murphy released a self-titled solo album under the name Smidley. The album saw the return of a more basic emo style and the welcome addition of a previously unseen sense of humor in Murphy’s lyricism, especially on the tracks, “No One Likes You,” and “F**k This.” Lyrically, “Nearer My God” ditches the comedy, but on songs such as “Bastardizer” and “Crown Candy,” Smidley’s songwriting style shines through. “Grand Paradise” is a perfect introduction to the album. It sets up the major themes of rejection by Christianity and self-exile and reintroduces the dog metaphors from the band’s previous projects. Murphy sings in his signature falsetto - backed by a synthetic drum beat and marching piano chord progression - “Luck left late Saturday and now … I’m shock-collared at the gates of heaven,” which will be mirrored by the closing track as he belts, “Heaven won’t let me in.” Upon the delivery of this line, acoustic drums crash in and an urgent guitar lick is introduced. This sudden sonic shift signifies a new era for Foxing, as from this point on the remainder of the album is nothing like the band’s previous output. It’s a courageous and bold decision, but it definitely pays off. “Lich Prince” is a ballad about dealing with depression and wishing former lovers the best. The chorus’ repeated mantra, “I just want real love for you” mirrors that from “Rory” off of Foxing’s first album, “Why don’t you love me back?” Murphy has matured emotionally and it’s beautifully reflected in both his music and lyrics. By far, “Nearer My God’s” standout track is “Gameshark.” Foxing’s most sin-
Triple Crown Records
ister sounding song, again opening with a synthetic drum beat which is then joined by the band’s catchiest bassline yet. The song examines society’s tendency to glorify musicians with depression and addiction and the effect that has on the artist themselves. It’s also a wonderful example of Murphy’s vocal range. Then there’s the album’s title track, a song about Murphy’s desire to be desirable. When it was initially released as a single, Foxing simultaneously released five versions of the song - English, Spanish, German, Japanese, and French. Re-recording the song in five languages speaks volumes to the band’s ambition and the universality of the song’s themes. There’s little to complain about with “Nearer My God.” The one thing that messes with the flow of the album is the nine-minute-long “Five Cups.” Around the halfway mark of the song, it turns into an atmospheric drone that, while chilling the first time around, gets repetitive on sequential listens. However, if any track on this album were to make it big, it would be the penultimate “Won’t Drown,” which has a vocal melody that meets the theatrics of Imagine Dragons - a comparison I never thought I would make in a positive way. “Nearer My God” is one of the most ambitious indie-rock albums of the last few years, and I truly hope it puts Foxing on the map.
Grade: A Self-reflection has led to Foxing’s most cohesive and complex album yet.
CONNECT WITH ANDREW WILLOUGHBY awilloughby@student.framingham.edu
@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com
ARTS & FEATURES | 10
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
THE GATEPOST
The Couch Boys
review:
By Robert Johnson Jr. Staff Writer
Brennan Atkins and Noah Barnes Interim Entertainment Correspondants “White Boy Rick” is a crime-drama biopic directed by Yann Demange featuring Matthew McConaughey and breakout star Richie Merritt. It follows the real story of the world’s youngest kingpin and informant, Rick Wershe Jr. and his gun-toting father Richard Wershe Sr. The movie takes place in ’80s Detroit where drugs, guns, and poverty are prevalent on the streets. To survive the harsh conditions of Detroit, Richard sells and manufactures firearms and firearm accessories to make ends meet. This gets Richard in trouble with the police after one of his firearms is traced to a recent murder. The police make a deal with Ricky to ensure his family’s protection from any charges. All he has to do is sell $4,000 worth of crack cocaine and provide information on dealers. The most memorable part of the film has to be Ricky and Richard. They have an odd father/son dynamic, almost more like best friends, which keeps the movie consistently entertaining. It's hard to believe that this is Merritt’s first film because he and McConaughey give outstanding performances. The emotions feel real, the interactions are natural, and at no point does it seem like the relationship between the two is disingenuous. While the film succeeds in the depiction of Ricky’s and Richard’s characters and performances, it lacks, to be frank, everything else. The only other characters in the
movie are either mentioned and not shown very much, or so shallow that they might as well not exist. Another problem the movie has is it simply takes on too many subplots. While everything that happened in the movie really did happen, a director should include things that progress the story, not add to it. Subplots can be a tool to enhance a story, but in this film they distract. This movie jumps between the years of 1984 and 1987, and because of this we come back to characters with seemingly different motives. On top of that, the passage of time between the cuts are really what should be shown. The selling of the drugs and the weapons isn't shown very much. This makes Ricky seem to be a lot better of a person than he actually is, and the movie doesn't feel aware of that. This isn’t to say that the audience can’t feel sympathetic, but it seems like an attempt to make you feel something rather than a unbiased biopic. There are moments in the movie where not much happens. They show scenes to signify something that has already been signified in the movie, and this leads to it being boring at times. It feels like wasted potential. You have two great actors - and maybe even the others you didn't bother to use - an amazing true story, great setting, and it can easily relate to themes that are prevalent even today. Instead, it feels like a cocoon, or a puzzle with missing pieces.
CONNECT WITH BRENNA ATKINS AND NOAH BARNES batkins@student.framingham.edu nbarnes@student.framingham.edu
Oni Pre
ss
Film noir is one of my favorite genres in the realm of cinema, and when it is done well, it keeps one at the edge of their seat, ready for whatever twist that lies around the corner. During the last Fall semester on a Comic Book Club-organized trip to The Hall of Comics, I stumbled across “Angel City,” a film noir-like, six-issue long miniseries set in the 1930s that chronicles the adventures of Dolores Dare - a once aspiring Hollywood starlet turned mob enforcer for the Volantes. Dolores’ tale is one of revenge, spawned from the murder of her best friend in a dumpster behind the Chinese Theater and the creative team of Janet Harvey (writer, “Batman” #569) and Megan Levens (artist, “Madame Frankenstein”) do a wonderful job, both visually and verbally, showcasing her resolve on every page. This is a very female-driven story, which is much different from the norm of film noir stories that take place during the ’30s across all media - Dolores and the other women in the story are not just beautiful, but also cunning and deadly. Women of color, women of varying shapes and sizes are all seen as individuals with personality. Rudyard Kipling put it best: “The female of the species must be deadlier than the male.” The “norm” in most vintage film noirs dictates that a woman is only there as the object of a male detective’s desire, the one he feels a desire to “protect,” because she is “unfit to do such a thing herself.” “Angel City” is not that kind of story - it subverts that trope. Dolores instills fear in the people she seeks answers from, and Levens makes sure that the reader sees that emotion in every wrinkle of her face. She always has a fully loaded revolver and self-defensive maneuvers at her disposal, letting those who think about going against her that she is a lethal force in a red dress, or whatever she decides to wear in a case, with no intent of hesitating. She will do anything to get her friend the justice she deserves. If you are a native of California or a major film buff who likes to focus on the Golden Age of Hollywood, and I know many students on campus who are, in both respects - you will appreciate the settings. They would be immediately familiar to you, like the previously mentioned Chinese Theater, which kicks off the plot proper. Levens does a fantastic job in showing the world of “Angel City” as a colorful, yet gloomy crime landscape. Harvey’s writing is cinematic and complements the artistic efforts well, almost as if reading through it emulates the experience of watching an episode of “The Sopranos” or one of the movies in the “Godfather” trilogy, but with more women in it. For those of you who are into crime podcasts like “My Favorite Murder” or, fittingly enough, “Hollywood & Crime,” this is the comic for you - Harvey and Levens make note in interviews regarding “Angel City” of the existence of crime podcasts as a major source of inspiration for them. If you are clamoring for more female-driven comics in your life, or are just fascinated in stories revolving around the Golden Age of Hollywood by crime stories with lots of action and suspense, I highly recommend that you buy the graphic novel compilation of all six issues, titled “Town Without Pity,” either digitally or physically at your local comic shop. CONNECT WITH ROBERT JOHNSON JR. awilloughby@student.framingham.edu
FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY'S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
THE GATEPOST
11 | ARTS & FEATURES
The summer of Young Money Zach Colten Asst. Arts & Features Editor It’s been a Young Money summer. The leadoff batter for the label-superteam was Drizzy Drake. His fifth studio album, “Scorpion,” dropped June 29 following the suspenseful EP, “Scary Hours.” After one week, the double-sided album boasting 25 songs had garnered over 1 BILLION streams on Spotify - more than any other solo artist, well, ever. The project features a variety of tastes from the seasoned slugger, ranging from the soft and sultry to the bold and braggadocious. Highlights include “Emotionless,” where Aubrey speaks on his own reputation, as well as calling out his superficial society over a soulful sample of Mariah Carey’s 1991 song, “Emotions (12” club mix),” “Mob Ties,” a sinister sendoff to any surviving haters, and “In My Feelings,” the Louisiana-trap anthem that spawned comedian Shiggy’s internet dance craze, along with a colorful, cinematic music video co-starring La La and
the legendary Phylicia Rashad. ceived so much flak, as Nicki diWith all of the “Scorpion” hype, rectly shouts out Biggie at the I was almost worried the next track’s opening. She explained Young Money release this sum- the song was supposed to be in mer would go overlooked. Luck- good fun - sampling B.I.G.’s origily, I was mistaken. When inal 1994 song, “Just Playing Nicki Minaj dropped her (Dreams),” which names third studio album, different R&B singers “Queen,” on Aug. Mr. Wallace wanted 10, it was met to be with. with a mix of I found this g e t- d o w n to be one of on-yourthe most raw knees-andsongs on the worship kind of project, with othpraise, and outer heavy-hitters rage at the fiery including “Bed emcee’s flair (featuring Ari(flare?). ana Grande),” Most neg“Chun Swae ative crit(featuring icism - of Swae Lee),” which there and “Come See Young Money Entertainment was little - was About Me.” provoked by Nicki’s song, “Barbie If you know me, you know I can’t Dreams,” where the rapper takes help but appreciate artwork when playful jabs at several big indus- it is so well done. The cogency of try names for lusting after her, the album title, “Queen,” with the including Young Thug, Tekashi majestic photograph of Nicki in 6ix9ine, 50 Cent, and her ex-boy- full Nubian-princess garb, is comfriend Meek Mill. pelling. Set in front of a burning, I was surprised this song re- orange and yellow background,
Nicki oozes her inner Cleopatra. While Drake and Nicki Minaj had two of the biggest drops of the summer, recent announcements have brought on even more hype from the Young Money camp. After what seems like an eternity, Lil Wayne has finally emerged successful from his legal battle with Young Money Cash Money founder Birdman, as the sole owner of the newly branded Young Money Records. Free of the Cash Money title that has kept his new work unreleased for so long, Weezy is now at liberty to release his highly-anticipated album, “Tha Carter V.” On Sept. 10, the rapper announced an official release date for the project: Sept. 23. While I am expecting this comeback to be “Incredibles 2” caliber, it is yet to be seen whether Lil Wayne will put a cherry on top of the Young Money Summer, or if their sonic sundae will melt in the still-lingering heat.
CONNECT WITH ZACH COLTEN zcolten@student.framingham.edu
Please join us to celebrate the
GRAND OPENING
of the Rams Resource Center (RRC) Monday
September 24 11:30 – noon
Located in West Hall Room 106
The RRC provides non-perishable food items, toiletries, and resource referral for FSU students, faculty, and staff.
Learn More framingham.edu/student-resources
@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
THE GATEPOST
12 | SPORTS
SPORTS
Women’s Soccer comes up just short against Westfield State By Matt Ferris Sports Editor
Stevens started in net for the Rams and made five saves. Angelillo again led the Rams on offense with four shots. The loss drops the Rams to 0-5 on the season.
On Saturday, Sept. 15, the Framingham State Rams took on Westfield State in a MASCAC match. The game’s first goal came in the 26th minute, when Jenn Rennich received a pass from Ashley Levya and put it into the back of the net to give the Owls a 1-0 lead. Midway through the half, Framingham had a good scoring opportunity but came up short. After a 2-on-1 was stopped with a foul by the Owls, the Rams had a good look at net with a free kick, but the shot went just wide. No more goals came in the first half of action, giving the Owls a 1-0 lead going into the break. After a scoreless first 30 minutes in the second half, the Owls finally broke through for the second goal of the game in the 72nd minute. Levya took a pass from Bella Eduardo and fired it past the Rams’ keeper to make it 2-0. In the closing minutes of the game, the Rams had one more opportunity to score, but again came up short. Olivia Mihalek ripped a shot on net, but it hit the cross bar and stayed out of the goal. The Owls closed out the game 2-0. Jennifer Stevens made seven saves in net for the Rams. Erin Angelillo led the Rams’ offense with three shots. Westfield outshot the Rams 15-8 and won the corner kick battle 7-5. With the loss, the Rams drop to 0-4 on the season.
WESTFIELD STATE 2 FRAMINGHAM STATE 0 Framingham took on Keene State on Monday, Sept. 17 in a nonconference match. Keene State opened up the scoring in the 16th minute. Maggie Vogt fired a cross into the box from the corner that Sarah Carron put into the back of the net to make it 1-0. The rest of the first half was scoreless, sending the Owls into half with a 1-0 lead. Both teams had several scoring opportunities in the second half, but neither was able to convert. The Rams had two very good chances, both off free kicks inside of 20 yards. Both free kick shots ended up wide of the net to keep the score at 1-0. Keene State closed out the game, earning a 1-0 victory over the Rams.
Jenna-Nicole Richard / THE GATEPOST The Rams huddle up before their match against Westfield State.
KEENE STATE 1 FRAMINGHAM STATE 0 The Rams traveled to Rhode Island College on Wednesday, Sept. 19 for a nonconference match. Rhode Island opened up the scoring in just the 4th minute of play. Madyson Christian received a cross from Brooke Young, and ripped a shot into the net from about 10 yards out to make it 1-0. In the 19th minute, RIC struck again. This time, it was Brittany DeGrooth receiving a pass from Soleil Galagarza and putting it into the net to make it 2-0. RIC was awarded a penalty kick in the 29th minute of play. Rams’ goalie Madison Brown made the save but gave up a rebound. Breanna Ford fired the rebound into the net to make it 3-0. In the 45th minute, Rhode Island added one more goal to the lead to make it 4-0. This time, it was Galagarza with the goal. Just one minute after halftime, in the 47th minute, RIC scored their fifth goal of the game to make it 5-0. DeGrooth scored her second goal of the game off a feed from Young. Galagarza scored her second goal of the game in the 61st minute when DeGrooth sent in a cross to the box that she finished off to make it 6-0. In the 63rd minute, DeGrooth finished off her hat trick by scoring her third goal of the game. She fired a shot from 10 yards out and found the back of the net to make it 7-0. Brown and Stevens split time in net for Framingham. Brown made four saves and Stevens made three. Almstrom had three shots to lead the Rams. With the loss, the Rams fall to 0-6 on the season.
RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE FRAMINGHAM STATE
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CONNECT WITH MATT FERRIS mferris2@student.framingham.edu
Jenna-Nicole Richard / THE GATEPOST Kayla Almstrom (26) fights off a defender as Erin Angelillo (13) looks on.
FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
THE GATEPOST
Ferr or Foul:
Pats take chance on troubled receiver Josh Gordon By Matt Ferris Sports Editor On Saturday, Sept. 15, the Cleveland Browns announced they would be releasing their troubled but extremely talented wide receiver, Josh Gordon. But Cleveland received so much interest from other teams for Gordon, they decided trading him was the best option. Many teams came knocking, but ultimately, the New England Patriots won the bidding war and acquired Gordon and a seventh-round pick for a fifth-round pick. The Browns originally drafted Gordon in the second round of the 2012 NFL Supplemental Draft. Gordon played his college ball at Baylor, where he was kicked off the team for failing a drug test for marijuana. Gordon showed promise in his rookie season with Cleveland, playing in all 16 games. He was among all the top rookie wide receivers with just over 800 yards and five touchdowns. In the off-season before the 2013 season, Gordon got himself into more trouble involving drugs. He failed another test for marijuana and was suspended for two games. He came back and played in the rest of the Browns’ 14 games and was the best receiver in the NFL, accumulating a league-best 1,646 yards for the season. Gordon found himself in more trouble during the next off-season as he was arrested for driving while impaired and suspended for the whole season. He appealed and got his punishment reduced to 10 games. When Gordon returned, he was not effective, only catching for 300 yards in his five games. In the next off-season, Gordon again violated the NFL’s substance abuse policy and was suspended for the entire season. He also missed the entire 2016 season after failing another drug test for marijuana. He ultimately checked into a rehab facility during the season to get himself clean. Eventually, the NFL reinstated Gordon in week 13 of the 2017 season. He played in the final five games of the season for the Browns and caught for 300 yards. This season, Gordon played in one of the Browns’ first two games and has one catch for 17 yards. After missing a mandatory team meeting, the Browns decided to cut ties with the receiver, sending him to New England. This could be a terrific move for the Patriots. While Gordon hasn’t had the best track record in his career, coming to New England could turn things around for him. The Patriots have a reputation of being a very strict team, which could be exactly what Gordon needs to stay clean. Not to mention there is virtually no risk for the Patriots. Yes, they sent their fifth-round pick, but they are not losing a pick in the deal, because Cleveland is sending a seventh-rounder right back. New England also has a history of turning troubled players around and getting the most out of them. In 2007, the Patriots acquired Randy Moss, who also had his offthe-field issues. In all three of the seasons they had him, he caught for at least 1,000 yards and had double-digit touchdowns. The Patriots’ trade for Gordon could be exactly what the struggling offense needs. An elite outside receiver should take some of the attention off the Patriots’ biggest weapon, Rob Gronkowski, and give him more opportunities. If Gordon stays clean and healthy, the Patriots may have made one of the best trades in recent memory. CONNECT WITH MATT FERRIS mferris2@student.framingham.edu
SPORTS | 13
Volleyball dominates against Fitchburg State By Liam Gambon Asst. Sports Editor The Framingham State Rams dropped both games of a doubleheader when they traveled to Rhode Island on Saturday, Sept. 15 to face Rhode Island and Salve Regina colleges. The Rams lost their first match against Rhode Island College by a score of 3-1. Three of the four sets ended in single-digit deficits. RIC won the first set 25-21, then followed up with a 25-20 win. The Rams fired back with a win of their own in the third set, winning 2518. RIC ultimately closed out the fourth set with a dominant 25-11 win. For the Rams, Brandee Thomas led the Rams with a team-best 12 kills. Grace Caughey added eight kills and 13 digs to her match while, Brandey Rodriguez followed her with seven kills of her own and three digs. Alyssa Cafarelli recorded 13 digs, and Mackenzie Whalen contributed 29 assists to go along with her eight digs.
RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE FRAMINGHAM STATE
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In the second match of the day, the Rams were swept in three sets by Salve Regina. The first set ended with a score of 25-17, while the second ended 25-10 and the third and final set ended 25-11. The Rams were heavily outpaced in hitting percentage. The Seahawks had a .225 hitting percentage while the Rams had a lowly .032 hitting percentage. The Seahawks also added in 11 aces on the day to Framingham’s one. The Rams were led in kills by Thomas and Rodriguez, who both accumulated five. Whalen recorded 17 set assists and seven digs, while Caarelli added in 15 defensive digs.
SALVE REGINA 3 FRAMINGHAM STATE 0 The Rams’ next matchup came at Fitchburg State against the Falcons on Tuesday Sept. 18. Framingham swept their conference rivals in this match three sets to none. In the first set, the Rams came out firing. Framingham outscored Fitchburg 25-5, backed by an astounding .522 hitting percentage. The second set was closer ending with a 25-16 victory for the Rams, followed by a 25-14 game-sealing win in the third set. The Thomas/Rodriguez duo once again led the Rams’ attack with eleven kills each. Rodriguez’s eleven kills were backed by a solid .625 attack percentage. Whalen added a game-high 28 assists to go along with eight digs. Deidre Fay held down the fort as she recorded 14 digs. Julia Barry also contributed nine on the day. The Rams out-dug the Falcons 50-26, and out-aced them with nine aces to Fitchburg’s five. The key to the dominant victory was the Rams’ stellar .305 hitting percentage compared to the Falcons’ .093 hitting percentage. The win moves the Rams to 6-5 on the season
FRAMINGHAM STATE 3 FITCHBURG STATE 0
CONNECT WITH LIAM GAMBON lgambon1@student.framingham.edu
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14 | SPORTS
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
THE GATEPOST
Men’s Soccer shuts out Fisher College By Matt Ferris Sports Editor On Saturday, Sept. 15, Framingham traveled to Westfield to take on the Owls in a MASCAC game. In the 15th minute, the Owls jumped out to an early lead. Josh Baillargeon received a pass from Liam Kelly and ripped it past the Rams’ goalkeeper to make it 1-0. The Owls continued to put pressure on the Rams’ defense for the rest of the half, but were unable to convert on any of their chances, sending the game into the half at 1-0. Westfield’s Tyler Diotalevi was given a red card, forcing the Owls to play the rest of the game a man down. In the 62nd minute, the Rams finally capitalized on the man advantage and tied up the game at 1. Isaac De Souza scored the equalizer, ripping a shot past the diving keeper. Neither team scored again in regulation, sending the game to extra time. The Rams had their best scoring opportunity of the overtime period in the 94th minute. Akeem Bucknor sent a cross into the box that Ken Stahovish was able to get his foot on, but he sent it wide of the net to keep things knotted at 1. In the 98th minute, the Owls also had a very good look at net to take the lead. Jason Haji sent the ball into the box to Sinha Kunphel. Kunphel ripped a shot on net, but Corey Davidge made a diving save for the Rams to keep the score tied at 1. The rest of the overtime period was scoreless, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Davidge made five saves in net for Framingham, and De Souza led the Rams with five shots. Framingham outshot the Owls 23-21, but had a significant advantage in shots on net at 14-6. With the tie, Framingham moves to 3-2-1 on the season.
FRAMINGHAM STATE WESTFIELD STATE
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On Monday, Sept. 17, the Rams hosted Fisher College in a nonconference match. Framingham got off to a quick start, scoring in the 12th minute of the match to make it 1-0. Jared Nardizzi scored the goal for the Rams, blasting one into the net off a feed from De Souza. In the 30th minute, Fisher was awarded a penalty kick. Davidge made the save on the penalty kick, but gave up a rebound. Fisher secured the rebound and fired a shot on net, but Davidge made another save to keep the score at 1-0. The rest of the half was scoreless, sending the game into the break at 1-0. In the 68th minute, the Rams extended their lead to 2-0. This time, it was Bryce Nardizzi with the goal. He received a pass from Stahovish and sent it to the back of the net. Fisher would get a few more scoring chances, but nothing came of them. Framingham closed out the game and earned a 2-0 victory. Davidge made five saves for the Rams. Stahovish led the Rams in shots with six. Framingham outshot Fisher 23-7 in the game. The win improved the Rams to 4-2-1 on the season.
FRAMINGHAM STATE 2 FISHER COLLEGE 0 Framingham traveled to Curry College on Wednesday, Sept. 19, to take on the Colonels in a nonconference match. Both teams had few scoring chances in the first half and neither team capitalized. The game reached halftime with the score tied at 0. After the eventless first half, Curry finally broke through in the 55th minute. Brandon Rinaldi sent a pass to Nico Sabbatini, who ripped a shot past Davidge to give Curry a 1-0 lead. Framingham was unable to get a goal the rest of the way, sealing a 1-0 victory for Curry. Despite being beat, the Rams outshot Curry 25-14. The Rams also won the corner kick battle 8-2. Bryce Nardizzi led the Rams in shots with eight. Davidge finished with four saves for Framingham. With the loss, the Rams drop to 4-3-1 on the season.
CURRY COLLEGE 1 FRAMINGHAM STATE 0
Upcoming Schedule 9/22 vs Bridgewater State 9/26 at Pine Manor 9/29 vs Salem State
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FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
Players of the week
SPORTS | 15
THE GATEPOST
Football gets back on track against Bridgewater State
fsurams.com
Brandey Rodriguez had 11 kills with a .625 kill percentage in a 3-0 win against Fitchburg State for volleyball. Corey McFeeley / THE GATEPOST Adam Wojenski looks to make a pass downfield in the Rams 34-13 victory over Bridgewater State.
By Patrick Peterson Staff Writer
fsurams.com
Shaquille Joseph caught four passes for 137 yards and had one touchdown in football’s win against Bridgewater State.
The Rams opened conference play on Saturday with a convincing 34-13 win over the Bridgewater State Bears at home. After going scoreless in the first, the Bears got on the board but missed the extra point, giving them a 6-0 lead. The Rams answered on their next possession with a three-yard scramble for a touchdown by junior quarterback Adam Wojenski, but a blocked extra point left the game tied at 6. Bridgewater State looked to be on the comeback with their next possession until the fiveplay, 44-yard drive ended with an interception in the end zone by Rams’ defensive back Nasir Thomas. The Rams scored again with an explosive 67yard touchdown pass from Wojenski to receiver Shaquille Joseph, and went into the half with a 13-6 lead.
A slow start to the third gave way to another Wojenski touchdown pass, this time from 17 yards out to sophomore receiver Mikael Brown. The Bears’ second touchdown came after Wojenski’s only interception on the day, knocking the Framingham lead down to 7. Any ideas of a comeback were put to rest after the Rams scored on the ensuing possession with a 1-yard touchdown run by fullback Rufus Rushins. Another Rushins’ touchdown in the fourth was the icing on the cake, as the Rams improved to 2-1 on the season.
FRAMINGHAM STATE BRIDGEWATER STATE
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CONNECT WITH PATRICK PETERSON ppeterson1@student.framingham.edu
Field Hockey drops to 1-3 on the season By Matt Ferris Sports Editor
fsurams.com
Corey Davidge made six saves including a penalty kick save in men’s soccer’s 2-0 win against Fisher College.
On Wednesday, Sept. 19, the Rams hosted UMass Dartmouth in a MASCAC game. UMass Dartmouth got on the board first, scoring in the 18th minute. Brittany Perry gathered a rebound and slid it into the net to give the Corsairs a 1-0 lead. Both teams had a couple of scoring chances to close out the first half, but neither could convert on any of them, sending the game into the half at 1-0. In the 44th minute of play, the Corsairs added to their lead, extending it to 2-0. Bridget Harrington received a pass from Ciara Anderson and sent it into the net. The Corsairs added another goal to their lead in the 48th minute. This time, it was Grace Sylvia who netted the goal for UMD to push the lead to 3-0.
The Rams cut into their deficit in the 68th minute, when Meaghann Ackerman fired a shot into the net to make it 3-1. Neither team scored again, making the final score 3-1. Framingham was dominated in shots. The Corsairs had 26 shots compared to the Rams’ five. Ackerman led the Rams in shots with three. Grace Pushor played in net for the Rams and made 11 saves. The loss drops the Rams to 1-3 on the season.
UMASS DARTMOUTH FRAMINGHAM STATE
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CONNECT WITH MATT FERRIS mferris2@student.framingham.edu
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Black Student Union, Brother 2 Brother, & M.I.S.S. presents... Back to School
16 | PHOTOS
THE GATEPOST
BASH
Corey McFeeley/THE GATEPOST
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
BSU, B2B, and M.I.S.S. hosted the Back to School bash behind North Hall on Sept. 20. Activites included limbo, tug of war, and a basketball contest. There was food, games, and merchandise for for everyone to enjoy.
Margaret Richardson/THE GATEPOST Corey McFeeley/THE GATEPOST
Corey McFeeley/THE GATEPOST
Margaret Richardson/THE GATEPOST
Corey McFeeley/THE GATEPOST
Corey McFeeley/THE GATEPOST
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