March 3, 2017

THE GATEPOST VOLUME 85 • ISSUE 18

FSUGATEPOST.COM

MARCH 3, 2017

SGA cuts thousands from student organization budgets

By Kayllan Olicio Assistant News Editor SGA allocated $299,566 to six organizations, including itself, at its annual budget meeting on Friday, Feb. 24.

The meeting began at 5:45 p.m. and ran until 2:28 a.m. The meeting was expected to run until 11:30 p.m. SGA considered 11 funding requests with six being their own.

Due to an increase in the number of clubs and decrease in students attending the University, budgets needed to be cut. Club members were asked where they were willing to make cuts in their budgets in advance.

All clubs suggested funds be cut from promotional items.

SGA recommended a uniform cut of promotional item funding

See BIG BUDGET page 3

Allie Gath/THE GATEPOST Senior and featured poet of the night Colin MacEacheron sings a cover of a George Harrison song during an Onyx Open Mic Night.

FSU to improve retention strategies

By Nick Murphy Staff Writer FSU aims to improve its retention rate by strengthening existing outreach initiatives, implementing the Reimagining First Year (RFY) project and targeted recruiting of prospective students.

According to U.S. News and World Report, FSU’s retention rate is at 75 percent, which is just above the national average of 71 percent.

Two of FSU’s sister universities, Bridgewater and Fitchburg state universities, boast a retention rate of 81 and 77 percent respectively.

Students are only counted toward the retention rate if they return to the same institution for their sophomore year.

Lorretta Holloway, vice presi-

dent for enrollment and student development emphasized the importance of faculty and staff involvement in students lives to improve the retention rate.

She said, “We as an institution need to and can do a better job selling ourselves. This means reaching out to prospective students through a process of targeted recruiting.”

Holloway believes it is crucial that the University highlights its strong areas to give students a better idea of what it offers and stands for. “As long as you put in the time and hard work, you can get a good education no matter where you go.

However, it is important to pick a college that best fits your personality.

See RETENTION page 6

Self-discovery halfway around the world

Jennifer Hyde’s experience working abroad in Thailand

By Anthony Sheheen Staff Writer Two months into her time teaching English in Thailand, Jennifer Hyde received devastating news her father was diagnosed with cancer.

After flying home to visit her ailing father for a few weeks, she decided she wanted to try to finish out the semester in Thailand. Once she arrived, she received the news that her father had died.

“My dad was a teacher for forty

years, so for him teaching was everything, and he would have been so disappointed if I hadn’t gone back to Thailand to teach,” said Hyde.

The Buddhist culture of Thailand helped Hyde to grieve, she said.

“Being here [in the U.S.] would have been much different,” she added.

Hyde, assistant director of international education, made the decision to pack her bags and venture off to Southeast Asia to teach English in October 2014.

See TEACHING IN THAILAND page 12 INSIDE: OP/ED 7 • ARTS & FEATURES 9 • SPORTS 15

2 | NEWS

THE GATEPOST

Gatepost Interview

Editorial Board

Folashadé Solomon

Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Gomes Associate Editors Cesareo Contreras Brittany Cormier Julia Sarcinelli News Editors Bailey Morrison Asst. News Editors Kayllan Olicio Jillian Poland Arts & Features Editors Andrew Willoughby Asst. Arts & Features Editors Tessa Jillson Allison Wharton Sports Editors Matt Ferris Mike Ferris Asst. Sports Editors Jose Carrasquillo Opinions Editor Phil McMullin Photos Editors Allie Gath Amanda Martin Darian O’Donnell Asst. Photos Editors Erin Fitzmaurice Design Editor Shayna Yacyshyn Asst. Design Editor Emily Robinson Copy Editor William Mills-Curran Staff Writers Cass Doherty Amelia Foley Jen Fortin Liam Gambon Nick Murphy Linday Nixon Jesse Sannicandro Sarah Sousa Richard Tranfaglia Staff Photographer Nick Cunningham Joe Rydzefski Athena Venetsanakos Advisor Dr. Desmond McCarthy Assistant Advisor Elizabeth Banks Administrative Assistant Debra Fowler Clare 100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu fsugatepost.com @TheGatepost

MARCH 3, 2017

Professor of Education

By Jesse Sannicandro Staff Writer

that kids say, and try to understand how what the students say is related to the content that they’re teaching.

That helps teachers identify, through a more strength-based approach, what kids are actually saying instead of always relying on their assumptions about what kids are saying in the moment. That’s one practical way - looking in a disciplined way at the words that students use through the analysis of transcripts.

What is your educational background?

I have a doctorate in education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, where I studied administration, planning and social policy in education. … I have a post-doctorate fellowship, that was research-based from TERC, which stands for Technology Education Research. They are a STEM think-tank - science, technology, engineering and math. I did that postdoc for a couple of years after graduating from Harvard. … I have an M.Ed. from Wheelock College, and I graduated from UMass Boston with my B.A. and my teacher certification.

How did you become interested in education?

My great-grandmother was - they called her a club woman. She was someone who was interested in activism. She was the first woman to hold an office for the NAACP in Boston my family has this history of thinking about education as a tool of advancement - and the office that she held was about education. I come from a family of educators. My mom was a principal and teacher, my dad, same thing. … I grew up in the context of seeing a teacher as someone who could make a difference in the world for students - particularly from my mom’s example. I think she really opened the door to seeing that a teacher can make an impact. And so, I wrestled with that throughout my life, thinking about, “Is a teacher the way to go?”

What research have you conducted about educational methods?

I taught for nine years, and after that I was an educational researcher at TERC for 12 years. So, within that, I focused my research on learning and teacher development. I have researched on several National Science Foundation grants, mostly focused on understanding how teachers learn science and learn about the students that they have in front of them. … Over that 12-

Amanda Martin/THE GATEPOST

year time, there were specific research grants … multi-million dollar grants that focus on teaching to the intellectual strengths of students of color specifically. ... Currently, my work is focused on integrating arts as a tool for learning in STEM. I’m waiting to hear back about a grant from the National Science Foundation focused on how students … can learn physics through the medium of dance.

What are some ways that you focused on teacher professional development connecting race, culture and language, among other issues?

One way I do that is through teacher research … helping teachers understand and look at their students differently - being able to help teachers look specifically at what students say in their classrooms. So, taking video of their lessons and transcribing their lessons and then doing text-based reviews of the transcripts to really start to understand what students are saying. Because sometimes, in the moment, you don’t recognize what a student is saying because there are so many things going on in a classroom discussion. But the transcripts really allow teachers to stop time and think specifically and go back to the words

What is one book, regardless of major, that you think every student should read?

I’m not sure if I have a specific book, but it would probably be something that would be a biography. … I feel like you can really learn a lot from thinking about how other people’s stories fill out some of the structural ways that we look at things. For instance, I’m interested in underrepresented groups in STEM. For one, women in science is a big interest of mine. One of the books right now that I’m interested in now is called “Lab Girl” [by Hope Jahren]. It’s a memoir by a woman scientist and what she goes through in her life. I think that that kind of brings a real-life story to a subject that I’m interested in. … I think it’s really illuminating to see how real-life people come in contact with these bigger structures and themes.

What advice would you give to FSU students?

I think it’s important to take advantage of the opportunities that they have and to take risks. I find that, sometimes, we need to follow our passions and everything, but we also need to push ourselves in directions that we may not be comfortable with. College is a place - specifically - to do that. I would advise students to, if they can, take classes that are different from what they usually would be drawn to, or to attend conferences or drop into a meeting that you wouldn’t usually drop into, like a club - to just pursue things that may not be necessarily the thing you’re always drawn to, but expand your horizons a little bit.

Police Logs Thursday, February 23

Friday, February 24

Sunday, February 26

Property Damage McCarthy Lot 17:58 Summary: Report Taken

Motor Vehicle Accident Bement Lot 15:10 Summary: Report Taken

Fight 170 State Street 01:30 Summary: Report Taken

Medical West Hall 21:20 Summary: Medical Transport

Suspicious Activity West Hall 17:40 Summary: Advised

Noise Complaint Mayhew Street 00:29 Summary: Report Taken

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MARCH 3, 2017

THE GATEPOST

NEWS | 3

Big Budget Hilltop asked for $22,460 received $20,500

WDJM asked for $15,316 received $13,910

SUAB asked for $187,619 received $128,641

Dance Team asked for $16,500 received $9,600 Amanda Martin/THE GATEPOST Hilltop presented their budget request for FY ’18. The club requested $22,460 and received $20,500.

Continued from page 1 across all organizations to $1,500, while cutting in other areas as well.

Treasurer Sarah Horwitz said, “As of now, these six budget funding proposals make up 70 percent of the entire [Student Activity Trust Funds] account, leaving less than 30 percent of the entire SATF account for 51 clubs and the class accounts.” The six organizations are Hilltop, WDJM, Student Union Activities Board (SUAB), Dance Team, The Gatepost and SGA. SGA allocated $20,500 for the Hilltop budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, a budget cut of $1,960 from its original request of $22,460. The Hilltop budget will go towards its fall minor show, Upright Citizen Brigade and spring headliner show, among other productions.

SGA denied a funding of $1,860 for T-shirts for their spring headline show. In previous years, SGA had approved the organization’s request.

Student trustee Karl Bryan said, “I personally oppose T-shirts as advertising. So, I’d like to see them come back before the show starts for a new promotional item.”

Hilltop President Zachary Lambert said he is certain the organization will be coming back to SGA with a budget request for T-shirts for its spring headliner show.

Club Treasure Rachel Burgess said, “It’s been asked for in the past and we have received it in the past.” The organization argued that T-shirts for the spring headliner show is a consistency they are trying to create for their club.

SGA allocated $128,641 for the SUAB budget for FY ’18.

The SUAB budget will go toward events such as Bingo, Casino Night, entertainment, Homecoming and others.

The organization requested $54,428 for its “large performer.”

SGA denied this funding request.

Senator Kyle Rosa stated, “My argument here is that … 4 percent of our campus is using over $50,000. …This is a ton of money.”

SUAB president Allison Carroll said, “I understand your concerns completely, but the large performer is really a tradition on this campus - building and fostering traditions are part of our mission statement.”

The organization originally requested $21,150 for its Sandbox event. SGA approved a budget of $26,150, an increase of $5,000 from their initial request, for this event.

Rosa said, “I don’t think we are getting a large performer and I think every state school has a huge event that happens and this is our big event.” He added Sandbox includes the entire student body and it’s a good use of money that benefits all students.

SGA allocated $13,910 for the WDJM budget for FY ’18, cutting $1,406 from its initial request of $15,316. The cuts came from the organization’s Fram Jam line item - a request of $6,729.

SGA allocated WDJM $5,529 for their Fram Jam event, cutting $1,000 for food and $200 for tables.

Senator Hailey Small suggested students swipe into the dining hall before attending the event to grab

food.

Senator Carroll said, “I think if we are trying to be frugal and cut funding requests, I think food for this event would be a great place to cut, as the dining hall is open.”

Senator Steven Demeo said, “Getting food for this specific event will bring a lot more publicity to their club. … I think food goes a long way with getting people to come to your event.”

WDJM’s budget will go toward Fram Jam, Fall Festival, promotional items and more.

SGA allocated The Gatepost $45,412.50 for the organization’s budget for FY ’18. The organization asked for $46,772.50 - a budget cut of $1,360.

The Gatepost suggested SGA cut from its movie tickets and bottled water expenses, along with promotional items.

SGA denied The Gatepost $1,200 for postage, which in previous years had been allocated.

Alexandra Gomes, editor-in-chief, said The Gatepost sends the newspaper to alumni and the Board of Trustees every week.

She added, “Alumni have a lot of influence on this University not just through their donations, but they are CEOs of their own companies, they own their own businesses. … With the Board of Trustees, with us sending them our newspaper they might see something in it and say, ‘I want to fix this. I want to make a donation.’ … So, it really does benefit this University.”

Molly Fennessey said, “I’m not

Gatepost asked for $46,772.50 received $45,412.50

SGA General Budget asked for $49,321.50 received $43,821.50

SGA Training asked for $6,200 received $4,000

SGA Diversity asked for $4,750 received $4,375

SGA Banquet Asked for $12,100 Received $11,300

SGA Benevolence asked for $1,500 received $1,500

SGA Travel and Conference asked for $16,506 received $16,506

See BIG BUDGET page 4

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4 | NEWS

THE GATEPOST

MARCH 3, 2017

Big Budget

Amanda Martin/THE GATEPOST Senators voting on funding requests during their budget meeting on Feb. 24.

Continued from page 4 sure that I personally feel comfortable giving them to alumni.”

Katrina Ferguson said, “I think that the point of sending out the newspaper is to showcase student works, so it does benefit the students of Framingham State more than it benefits people who are not students. It’s not for them to receive, it’s for us to get our word out.”

Brittany Cormier, associate editor, said, “We would rather the water be taken away than anything else. We honestly didn’t plan for

this in our budget. We were told we weren’t going to have it anyway, then they delivered a brand-new water machine.”

Gomes said, “We would like the water but if you are thinking of cutting something, please cut this instead of anything else.”

Cormier said, “We would rather funds go to something that benefits us and our community then a water fountain that we could step out to the hallway and use.”

Rosa said he wanted to allocate the full amount for the water.

He said, “I hate that you guys are

just giving up and I feel like you lost your spark there.”

SGA cut $160 from The Gatepost’s water line item.

The Gatepost budget will go toward office supplies, memberships fees and printing, among other expenses.

The Dance Team was allocated $9,600 for its FY ’18 budget.

The club requested $16,500. SGA cut the organization’s request by $8,250. The budget cut came from the Dance Team’s request of $8,200 for promotional items. SGA allocating $1,500 for this purpose. Cuts were made to the group’s fall and spring semester shows, as well.

The Dance Team’s budget will go toward the organization’s Fusion costumes, the Celtics games and promotional items, among others.

SGA allocated $43,821.50 for its general budget for FY ’18. The club originally requested $49,321.50, but cut $5,500.

The cut came from the following line items - promotional items, Week of Kindness and administrator’s forum catering by half. Promotional items decreased to $1,500, Week of Kindness decreased to $3,000 and the administrator’s forum catering decreased to $500.

SGA’s general budget will go to-

ward the organizations Thomas Ames scholarship, SGA elections and operating expenses.

SGA allocated $4,000 for its training. Originally, the organization requested $6,200 and was cut by $2,200.

The cut came from their leadership weekend and other training programs and leadership activities.

SGA allocated $4,375 for its diversity budget. SGA had asked for $4,750. The organization cut $375 from its request of $500 for ASR, Family Fun Day and Involvement Fair.

SGA allocated $11,300 for its All University Banquet. The club had requested $12,100, but cut $800 by rescinding funding for centerpieces.

SGA requested and received $1,500 for its benevolence budget.

This funding request will go toward six stipends of $250 for its 2017 Benevolence awards.

SGA approved $16,500 for their travel and conference budget. The funding will go towards ASGA and SUAB’s NACA conference, among other trips.

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THE GATEPOST

NEWS | 5

State Sen. Spilka honored with RAM award

By Bailey Morrison News Editor State Sen. Karen Spilka, 2nd Middlesex, received the RAM (recognition of achievement and merit) award for her assisting the University in acquiring the Warren Conference Center, said University President F. Javier Cevallos.

Cevallos presented the award to Spilka at the bi-annual legislative breakfast on Feb. 10.

According to Dale Hamel, executive vice president, the award is typically given to faculty or staff members at FSU. The executive staff made an exception and decided to honor Spilka for her help in acquiring the Warren Conference Center.

Cevallos said, “We thought we would make her an honorary community member by giving her the award. Yes, it is typically given to somebody on campus, but in this case, we decided to make an exception because of the amazing work that Senator Spilka does.”

Hamel added she was “instrumental” in obtaining the funds from the state to purchase the Center and negotiating a deal with the town of Ashland, where she lives.

Hamel said the award is given

Courtesy of Framingham State President F. Javier Cevallos and Peter Chisholm, director of community relations, present the RAM award to State Sen. Karen Spilka.

to “really focus on … recognizing staff achievements for essentially going above and beyond their staff duties.”

He said, “I was very pleased for her to get this award, and it really took someone like Karen to get [the center purchased].”

Director of Community Relations Peter Chisholm recommended Spilka for the award. He present-

ed the RAM award to her alongside Cevallos.

He said, “I know the University is very important to her, and she’s done what she can to help us out, which is why I was so pleased that we gave her the award, and that the president and Dale Hamel went along with my suggestion that we give her some kind of recognition.”

Chisholm helped select the

award - a bronze statue of a ram.

He added, “I think the RAM award is a good thing that we’ve started. It’s an attention getter. it’s not just some plaque that goes on the wall.”

Spilka said, “Throughout my career in the legislature, I have worked to secure state funding and support for the Hemenway Labs science center, facility improvements at the McAuliffe Center and planetarium, programming at the MetroWest College and Career Planning Center, the Warren Conference Center and Inn and many other University projects and initiatives.

“I am proud to be recognized by Framingham State for my service to the University, and I look forward to continuing our work together to advance high-quality public education for MetroWest students,” Spilka added.

“It is my honor to represent FSU at the State House - a jewel in the state university system and a major partner for the MetroWest community and economy,” she said.

CONNECT WITH BAILEY MORRISON bmorrison1@student.framingham.edu

Dean of education finalist speaks at open forum

By Jillian Poland Assistant News Editor FSU hosted an open forum question-and-answer session with Ted Purinton, a finalist for the position of dean of education, on Tuesday, Feb. 28 in the Ecumenical Center.

A similar session was held last week with finalist David Harycki, dean of the School of Education and Counseling at Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska.

Susan Dargan is the interim dean of education while the University finds a candidate for the position.

The entire FSU community was invited to attend the forum at which Purinton was given the chance to introduce himself and field questions from the audience.

Purinton is currently dean of the Graduate School of Education at the American University in Cairo in Egypt. He went there with his family in 2011 to create an American-style college of education within the university, he said.

Purinton said he initially went to Cairo intending to stay there for a long time, but the complicated situation that arose in the years following the Arab Spring drove him to begin looking for opportunities

elsewhere.

He said, “I didn’t see any severe danger at all in the next couple of years, but I did start asking myself,

ni relations, fundraising, teachers’ unions, graduate preparedness and the future of the education field.

While explaining the importance

Allie Gath/THE GATEPOST Ted Purinton, a finalist for the dean of education position, addressed the importance of alumni relations and diversity at the open forum event.

‘Could I find a school of education with faculty as passionate and entrepreneurial and dedicated as the staff I had worked with?’”

The audience asked Purinton questions about diversity, alum-

of alumni, Purinton described his efforts to create a distinct academic identity for his graduates while chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at National Louis University in Chicago.

“My department set out on a very strategic campaign to make sure that there was a very distinct identity of our students, so that school districts felt that they knew what they were getting when they got one of our students. … And the best way to do that, of course, and to keep that message alive, is to bring the alumni back in any way possible,” Purinton said.

He suggested holding open lectures and events that allowed alumni to return to the University and continue to expand their knowledge after graduation.

He hopes to create an identity for education graduates at FSU so employers will “be able to trust that when a Framingham graduate is in the application pile, if they’re looking for a teacher who has certain characteristics, they go to the top.”

He said, “I really feel strongly … that this is a school that is moving forward with a lot of excitement and passion and progress, and it’s a place where I know I can fit well.”

CONNECT WITH JILLIAN POLAND jpoland@student.framingham.edu

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6 | NEWS

THE GATEPOST

MARCH 3, 2017

Retention Continued from page 1 “Don’t pick a school because your grandmother went there, or because the welcome center staff was friendly. Of course they will be friendly - it’s a welcome center. Instead, take time to look into potential schools and the unique benefits they may offer,” she said.

Holloway noted, “Schools with high retention rates understand who they are, and they market that to prospective students, so when those students come in, they already feel like they belong.”

Sean Huddleston, chief officer of diversity, inclusion, and community engagement, said, “We are currently in a strategic planning process. We as an institution are looking into how we can better differentiate ourselves from other institutions.”

“I think we really need to push our student/faculty interaction especially to incoming students,” he added.

Huddleston said, “I don’t think you can put enough value on reaching out to students in their first year. I think the earlier we reach out to students, the faster we can help instill a sense of belonging in them.”

Holloway said for many, the battle starts long before students enter the classroom. “Some students have never shared a room. Others have never lived away from home, and some don’t know they even have access to financial aid. All of these factors can turn into issues before the students even account for class work.”

Glenn Cochran, associate dean of students and director of residence life said he aims to help incoming students with the anxieties associated with arriving on a new campus.

“Move-in day can be stressful.

It’s stressful on parents as well as new students. You’re in a completely new area and it can often feel intimidating when you first arrive,” Cochran said.

In order to ease the stress of moving in, FSU offers the services of a Movin’ Crew. The Movin’ Crew is made up of volunteer students who carry new student’s items into their dorm rooms.

After students are moved in, they still have access to support systems. Each floor in the residence halls has resident assistants who conduct outreach initiatives.

“These initiatives make sure that no student gets left behind. We ask them how they are doing and if

they need help with anything. We just want them to know we are always there for them,” said Cochran.

Huddleston said, “If you are in an environment that you feel welcomed and connected, not only will you tend to do better, but you will tend to want to participate.”

In February 2016, according to the Framingham State news and events page, FSU was selected to “participate in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU) three-year RFY project, a major initiative with the unique mission of broadly transforming the first year of college to increase student success and retention.”

President Javier F. Cevallos said, “We know dropout rates are the highest during the first year of college. We need to find new approaches to support these students through this critical period in order

and CASA, that provide student outreach and attempt to foster a sense of belonging and community.

Huddleston said students must learn to “self-advocate,” yet they must also be supported by the University. “It’s really a 50/50 commitment.

“We have an obligation to communicate with students and make sure they are aware of all the resources they have at their disposal,” Huddleston added.

In addition to the centers on campus, FSU offers several programs specifically aimed at aiding students. Among these programs are the freshman Foundations course, the Peer Mentor Program and the supplemental instruction (SI) program.

Foundations is a program which aims to assist first-years students in their college transition. The program offers classes of no more than

for classes.”

Sophomore Brianna Schneider said, “I enjoyed my Foundations class, the instructor. The peer mentor made it really engaging.”

Freshman Charlie Arenna said, “Foundations was helpful, but having an extra class each week was annoying at times.”

Holloway said, “The institution needs to get students past the stigma associated with asking for help.

We believe the implementation of both the peer mentor system and the supplemental instruction program will help with that.”

The SI program focuses on aiding students in a class that is generally considered to be difficult. An SI is then selected to sit in on the course and is a student who has previously done well in the course and offers additional tutoring hours for students.

Freshman Brittany Rose said,

“We know dropout rates are the highest during the first year of college. We need to find new approaches to support these students through this critical period in order to set them on a path toward graduation.”

- President F. Javier Cevallos to set them on a path toward graduation.”

The project targets four main areas to improve the freshman experience. According to the RFY website, these areas include “institutional intentionality, curriculum redesign, changes in faculty and staff roles and changes in student roles.”

Ben Trapanick, director of firstyear programs, said, “It’s really important that we make students feel like they belong. The RFY project is just one of the many ways we can help to achieve this goal.

“You came to Framingham State.

You don’t want to be just a number. [At FSU] you can have a faceto-face a conversation with your faculty. That direct communication gives you access to a wealth of information and guidance if you choose to seek it out,” said Trapanick.

According to Trapanick, FSU offers several programs, including the Center for Inclusive Excellence

20 students and encourages them to participate in thought-provoking conversations. The class also hopes to build a connection between students, faculty and the peer mentor assisting the course.

According to the Framingham State website, peer mentors are students who help facilitate the Foundations course. These students have already taken the Foundations course and displayed both an ability and desire to help incoming students with their college transition.

Huddleston said the Foundations program offers students access to advice and guidance from a variety of perspectives. “I love the three-prong mentoring approach the Foundations class takes. First off, you have the Foundations facilitator, then the teacher of the content portion of the course and finally, the peer mentor.

Freshman Chris Mayor said, “Foundations was a big help, especially when it came to registering

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“The SI sessions were actually really helpful. They really go the extra mile to make sure you know the material.”

Junior Dan Turksy said, “SI sessions are a nice alternative to solely relying on class notes or office hours.”

Sophomore Inessa Burnell said, “The SI sessions are great, especially in courses that cover a lot of information quickly.”

While Holloway hopes these programs will encourage students to stay, she believes as long as students are successful and happy, FSU has done its job.

She said, “We want students to be successful and we’d like them to stay here, but ultimately, we just want to see students graduate, get a job and live happy, successful lives.”

CONNECT WITH NICK MURPHY nmurphy5@student.framingham.edu

MARCH 3, 2017

THE GATEPOST

NEWS | 7

FSU responds to federal rollback of protection for transgender students

By Bailey Morrison News Editor On Feb. 23, President F. Javier Cevallos sent an email to the FSU community in response to the Trump administration’s repeal of federal guidelines protecting transgender students.

In the email, Cevallos said, “I am writing to reassure you that the rescinding of this guidance does not affect our campus. Framingham State University remains committed to providing equal access and an inclusive discrimination-free environment for all.”

In an interview, he said, “One of my mottos since I got here was that we respect every single person on this campus, and I think that’s what we will continue to convey. … I know there is a high level of anxiety about everything that is happening in Washington, and I thought it would be a good idea to reassure the campus that we will continue to be all-inclusive.

“We have to continue to remind everyone that, in our system, there are checks and balances that control what anyone can do, including the President of the United States, and that we will continue to support our students,” he added.

Cevallos emphasized the importance of the student body and said,

“You are the reason we exist. So, we have to make sure every student, every faculty and staff member feels supported. … We are a community.”

Kim Dexter, director of equal opportunity, Title IX and ADA Compliance, said because the Trump administration had been pretty “consistent” in its message about challenging the Obama administration’s decisions to change several Title IX guidelines, the rollback was “anticipated.”

She added, “While I don’t agree with that, it did kind of put us on guard.”

Dexter said she fully supports Cevallos’ message and said, “Some students were already concerned about the impact and it created a lot of confusion in the community and nationally.”

She said, “We’re in a place in the country where protections are embedded in the law and embedded in policy - not all locales are that lucky.”

Dexter added, “On our campus, we are committed to being a safe and inclusive environment. Massachusetts policy and Massachusetts law prohibits discrimination and mistreatment based on your gender identity. This does not change the protections for our students.”

Dexter said while bathroom ac-

cess is the “hot-button issue,” the Obama administration also addressed usage of proper pronouns as well as misgendering.

“They focus on the bathroom piece because it’s the most controversial. … It really meant more than that and it’s sometimes hard to keep that focus when that’s not where the discourse is,” she said.

FSU has several gender-neutral designated bathrooms around campus.

Freshman Matty Bennet, who identifies as genderqueer, said, “I think that Trump’s decision has real implications on the lives of many transgender children in schools across America. … Trans students face more social isolation, higher rates of depression and higher rates of suicide. Instead of further isolating this community, Trump should have taken steps to further protect these vulnerable kids.”

He added, “The trans community needs everyone’s support now more than ever. Trans people are people, too, and deserve the same rights as everyone else. Trans people deserve to exist in public spaces. Trans people deserve to pee in peace. I would also like to say that if anyone has any questions, they should find the right resources to educate themselves.”

Rylan O’Day, a transgender

Amanda Martin/THE GATEPOST FSU has several bathrooms designated as gender neautral around campus.

male and senior, said, “I feel safe here knowing that Cevallos wants to support and protect us here on campus.”

He added it is important for the LGBT+ community to stick together and said, “Keep fighting and don’t stop loving and supporting each other, whether we are LGBT+ or from other communities. We need to stand together.”

CONNECT WITH BAILEY MORRISON bmorrison1@student.framingham.edu

SGA vice president and secretary resign

By Julia Sarcinelli Associate Editor Juniors Erin Dempsey and Bridget Green were recently sworn in as SGA vice president and secretary, respectively, following the resignations of Pat O’Connor and Dayna Marchant.

According to SGA President Ezequiel De Leon, Marchant resigned from her secretary position when the semester began and O’Connor resigned from his position as vice president about two weeks later.

Both Dempsey and Green were nominated for their positions by De Leon. The SGA senators and e-Board members then voted them in.

Marchant said she resigned because she became busy playing softball and as an intern for MetroWest Economic Research Center (MERC). She joined as a senator first semester her freshman year, and was elected as secretary her sophomore year.

“I got everything settled right after break for SGA and then I resigned because I didn’t want to

leave them out to dry or anything like that,” she said. “I didn’t want to have to drop it because I love SGA, but I was so busy.”

Green was selected as Marchant’s replacement. She said she has been a senator for SGA for the past three years.

“I have always been a senator because I am also involved in various things around campus,” she said.

However, Green said she is “very grateful” to be the new SGA secretary. “It is not the easiest position, but I was happy to step up and take on the challenge after being involved in SGA as only a senator in the past.”

She added she joined SGA with Marchant their freshman year and Marchant pushed her to be an active member. “Dayna is a full-time student like most of us on SGA, so she made the best decision for herself and her academics by relieving herself of the position.”

Dempsey, who replaced O’Connor, said she joined SGA in September 2016 as a senator and she is “very excited” about her new posi-

tion as vice president.

She said she wants “to help the clubs and organizations on campus run as effectively as possible so they may fulfill their respective missions.”

The SGA budget meeting was held one week after Dempsey assumed her new role.

She said, “It was difficult going into the meeting having just been sworn in that previous Tuesday.

I was nervous, but I knew I had the support of my fellow e-Board members and senators.”

She said O’Connor left due to academic commitments.

“Although we on SGA are all leaders on campus, we are students first, and I believe he made the best decision because he prioritized his academics. I support his choice and appreciate the time that he was able to serve as a great VP for SGA,” Dempsey said.

When contacted, O’Connor declined to comment.

De Leon said the vice president acts as a liaison with the clubs and organizations.

He said O’Connor had to leave

because of “time commitments. We were sad to see him leave, but we definitely understood.”

De Leon said Dempsey already has a connection with SILD and clubs as an intern in the office.

“She already has a lot of face time and a lot of exposure with the club officers. … It was really wonderful that she was able to step up.”

De Leon said the secretary organizes minutes, meetings and agendas along and holds senators accountable for their office hours.

Additionally, the administrative part of the job gives the person “a lot of flexibility” to support SGA and lead initiatives.

“Dayna did wonderful in this job,” he said, adding she took the lead on various projects and events, and they were sad to see her leave.

He said Green “has already gone above and beyond her expectations of just those administrative roles and into that supportive role.”

CONNECT WITH JULIA SARCINELLI jsarcinelli@student.framingham.edu

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

MARCH 3, 2017

THE GATEPOST

NEWS | 8

Anime club receives over $4,000 for Anime Boston

By Lindsay Nixon Staff Writer SGA senators discussed overnight student parking and Wi-Fi in dorms at the meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Senator Mike O’Brien suggested allowing resident students to park at the Salem End and Maynard parking lots after the RamTram stops running at 2 a.m.

“I feel like as long as they can move their cars back by 7 a.m., they should be able to leave their cars there for safety concerns,” O’Brien said.

Senator Adam Scanlon brought up the ongoing Wi-Fi issue throughout the campus dorms.

He suggested conducting a survey concerning which buildings on campus have the strongest WiFi and times with most available bandwidth.

Senator Fallon Soye said she received an email from the IT Department explaining that recent improvements have been made to West Hall’s Wi-Fi. In other news, the Anime Club

Darian O’Donnell/THE GATEPOST Senators discussed Wi-Fi improvements and parking issues at its meeting.

received $4,381.25 for an upcoming Anime Boston event on Friday, March 31. The money will cover the ticket prices and transportation.

Club president Kelsey Garavanian said, “We want this to be an open event to everyone.”

M.I.S.S. was granted $2,943 for prizes and food for their upcoming M.I.S.S. Carnival. The money will be used for key chains, T-shirts, crewneck shirts and food.

This event will be held on Friday, March 24.

Student activities trust fund

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

treasurer Sarah Horwitz, led the review of the new Model United Nations Club’s Constitution, which was approved.

Senator Hailey Small announced FSU is looking to open a food pantry. “We are currently looking at space for it,” she said.

Scanlon also announced that his task force team within the Strategic Planning Committee is looking to reform the current class registration process.

President Ezequiel De Leon also expressed his feelings about the SGA’s performance at the Big Budget meeting held last Friday.

“You guys were amazing during Big Budget. It was such a good feeling at 3 a.m. to think about how great of a show it was and to see you guys advocate for the campus,” he said.

Senator Martin Conley passed the U-Rock to Horwitz for her work at the Big Budget meeting.

CONNECT WITH LINDSAY NIXON lnixon@student.framingham.edu

THE GATEPOST

MARCH 3, 2017 THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL

FSU must expand gender-inclusive options Last week, President Donald Trump revoked federal guidelines that gave transgender students the right to use sex-segregated facilities that aligned with their gender identity.

University President F. Javier Cevallos responded to this with a campus-wide email informing students that this development would have zero effect on Framingham State transgender students.

Framingham State offers gender-neutral bathrooms and housing, and allows transgender students the right to use the facilities with which they identify.

While these policies are certainly progressive and accommodating, there are still a few changes administrators could implement to ensure FSU transgender and non-binary students are safe and comfortable.

Turning most dorms and bathrooms in residence halls into co-ed facilities would completely eliminate the headache of applying for gender-inclusive housing.

Many transgender and non-binary students may feel uncomfortable applying for housing to begin with, whether it be because of fear of outing themselves or being ridiculed by those who have access to their records.

With co-ed facilities, these students simply don’t have to deal with the process of applying for gender-inclusive housing. Additionally, their peers would never question why they are using a particular bathroom, or why they are rooming with a certain sex.

Many universities and colleges across the country have done this, ridding themselves of these old-fashioned gender-segregation policies.

College students are adults and should be able to coexist in peace in a dorm room or bathroom with the opposite sex.

We at The Gatepost are not suggesting that everyone has to live in co-ed housing and use co-ed facilities.

Retaining gender-segregated floors in some residence halls for students who would prefer to room with their gender is still essential.

However, more access to co-ed facilities would ensure that all students - cis, transgender and non-binary - would be able to live comfortably on campus.

In 2015, FSU instituted a preferred name policy which allowed faculty members and students to use their preferred names in systems such as class rosters and email addresses.

While this is a great option, not every transgender or non-binary student may feel comfortable using their preferred name in systems that family members may have access to for various reasons.

Framingham State should require all University professors to ask their students what their preferred pronouns are at the start of a new semester, and use those pronouns accordingly.

The ability to feel comfortable and respected in the classroom can make all the difference not only mentally, but academically as well.

Last year, The Gatepost implemented a policy that requires every reporter and photographer to ask for the interviewee’s preferred pronoun, along with their name and year.

If we can do it, professors can, too.

Under the First Amendment, all U.S. citizens have the right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression, meaning any citizen can express themself as any gender with which they identify.

In our opinion, it would be unconstitutional of administrators not to accommodate these students to the best of their abilities. We at The Gatepost hope administrators will continue creating progressive new policies to aid our transgender and non-binary community members.

OP/ED | 9

OP/ED Ugly to the bone Since President Trump has been elected, I’ve been hearing people insult his appearance.

Constantly.

The insult I hear most frequently is in regards to his complexion. The other two big ones that I hear are about his hairstyle and the size of his hands. Sure, he lays on the spray tan a little thick, maybe he could use a hairstylist and frankly, I don’t know how big a person’s hands should be.

But as far as I’m concerned, these types of insults amount to little more than ad-hominem attacks.

I feel that if someone is going to criticize Trump, they should focus, instead, on the content of his character.

Trump has done plenty of terrible things. His introduction to the political sphere was latching onto the “birther” movement, a racist idea that questioned the legitimacy of Barack Obama’s presidency. Trump kickstarted his campaign by declaring in his presidential announcement that Mexicans are bringing crime and drugs into the country, adding, in this xenophobic speech, that they are rapists.

During his campaign, he said, in a thinly veiled sexist remark, that Hillary Clinton doesn’t “have a presidential look.”

Ever since Trump has taken office, things have just gotten worse. The president went back on his promise to “drain the swamp” by stacking his cabinet with millionaires who have private interests.

His immigration ban on Muslim-majority countries is a further example of his xenophobic and Islamophobic views. He seems to be unable to control his nega-

tive impulses and regularly resorts to personally attacking people, such as Meryl Streep, on Twitter.

An extremely troubling development in this administration is the attacks on the press. Trump dismisses many media outlets that disagree with him as fake news, a term that I’m not sure he entirely understands. He seems to be attempting to build his own reality into which he will lead his followers.

Trump isn’t the only member of his administration who has been mocked for outward appearances. Kellyanne Conway, the current counselor to the president and Trump’s former campaign manager, has been made fun of for her hair, makeup and outfits. She also defended Sean Spicer’s blatant lies as “alternative facts.”

Steve Bannon, White House chief strategist in Trump’s administration, has been insulted for his skin. He also seems to have been one of the key architects behind the Islamophobic immigration ban.

President Cheeto. Tiny Hands. Human Corncob. These names are nothing more than cheap shots at President Donald Trump’s physical appearance. In terms of adding to an argument, these statements do not have any positive effects.

Indeed, they weaken it.

There is plenty that is vile about Trump.

As Dorothy Parker once said, beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone.

Jesse Sannicandro Staff Writer

Campus Conversations

What do you think about gender neutral bathrooms?

By: Molly Dubrowski and Amanda Martin

1

“It doesn’t affect me. I saw they took the gender signs off in the gym.”

-Matt Malone, junior

1

3

2

2

“I don’t have a problem with it.”

3

“I support them.”

4

“I think they should feel free to use the bathrooms they want to use.”

-Meghan Convis, freshman

-Andrew Pinden, sophomore

-Sharinna Mendez, senior

4

5

“We are fighting for equality for gender free bathrooms.”

-Steven Lamisere, junior

6 5

6

“I agree with it. They should go to the bathrooms they feel comfortable in.”

-Allison Krikorian, junior

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

THE GATEPOST

OP/ED | 10

MARCH 3, 2017

Utter hypocrisy On social media feeds from The Hill, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan was cited as blaming the Democrats for the very recent debacle involving Jeff Sessions, the current attorney general in the menagerie of fools with whom Trump has sequestered himself.

Republicans denying evidence of Russian interference and stating that Democrats were lighting their “hair on fire” over Jeff Sessions, I wonder if some - or all - of the Republican leadership live in some delusional void where things just don’t work like they are expecting to.

The issue we have right here is really a simple matter of Sessions basically lying on the Senate floor while under oath. He was asked by one of his fellow senators, Al Franken of Minnesota, during his committee hearing about what he would should it be found that anyone of Trump team had communication with the Russian government during the 2016 election race.

Sessions didn’t flat out answer, saying that he wasn’t aware of it, but pointed out he had been called a surrogate of the campaign and hadn’t

had communications with the Russians. Following the latest breakthrough Thursday morning, we’ve found out that’s not true and that he had spoken with the Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak. So, there’s a strike right there - right on Session’s forehead in fluorescent neon.

No matter in what capacity Sessions spoke to the Russian ambassador, he has lied under oath and essentially committed the same crime he condemned Bill Clinton for years ago. Of course, there are Democrats calling for his resignation, as well as many Republicans calling for his recusing himself from cases (which he did), but the calls for his resignation from the right are non-existent right now.

We have the Speaker of the House pointing fingers at the other side like a petulant brat, trying to play it off as semantics, when we had a United States senator meet with a Russian diplomat during a political campaign that we know they meddled in.

This is maddening and silly as had this been Hillary Clinton or any other Democrat in office,

Have an opinion about something happening on campus? Send it in 500 words or less to gatepostopinions@gmail.com.

Anyone can submit!

it can be assured that the republicans in Congress would largely be chomping at the bit for a resignation.

There should be no issue with condemning the acts of people in government that border on treason, but it’s not clear cut in our country anymore whereas before this would have received bipartisan condemnation. Instead, we have a group of those in charge essentially unwilling to police themselves accordingly and cut off members who have erred and put our country at a potential risk - not to mention breaking the bloody law that is supposedly sacrosanct!

Hypocrisy exists on both sides, but right now, it is bubbling up in the “swamp” that was supposedly drained, like the red maggots feeding on a slowly dying animal.

Thom Duda Staff Writer

Interested in illustrating a comic about campus life, politics, or other issues?

Contact Design Editor Shayna Yacyshyn at syacyshyn@student.framingham.edu!

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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MARCH 3, 2017

THE GATEPOST

ARTS & FEATURES | 11

ARTS & FEATURES The myth of world hunger Frances Moore Lappé empowers FSU students

Alexandra Gomes/GATEPOST Frances Moor Lappé spoke about the importance of understanding democracy.

By Tessa Jillson Asst. Arts & Features Editor Author and educator Frances Moore Lappé discussed American distrust in democracy and how it affects the country’s agricultural practices on Feb. 23 in the McCarthy Forum.

Lappé is the author of 19 books, including “World Hunger: 10 Myths in 2015” and the 1971 bestselling book, “Diet for a Small Planet.” Her newest book, “Daring Democracy: Igniting Power, Meaning, and Connection for the America We Want” is to be released on Sept. 26, 2017.

Her mission - to change the way people think about democracy and assuage their fears.

Institutions and experts tell the public that food scarcity is still a huge problem, even though there is more than enough food produced in the world for everyone, said Lappé.

Through her years of analyzing world hunger, Lappé found that scarcity is not actually the problem.

“Scarcity is the overarching way that we see the world,” she said.

People believe in the myth of food scarcity because they assume the system can’t be changed, said Lappé. Humans separate themselves from one another since they believe each other to be selfish and competitive - therefore, they feel powerless.

In correlation to world hunger, Lappé said people are creating conditions that bring out the worst in us. Conditions such as concentrated power, economic meltdowns and government secrecy cause people to distrust the democratic state.

Consequently, people think there’s not enough goods or “goodness” in the world.

Lappé argues that a scarcity

mindset leads to a downward spiral that “makes us feel we can’t do anything to get out of the hole we’re in.

“We end up creating this quickening spiral of powerlessness that generates an almost incomprehensible level of wealth concentration worldwide,” said Lappé.

The world produces 40 percent more food than is consumed, Lappé said. Half of the world’s grain goes to feed livestock and three-quarters of all agricultural land is used for livestock, but only 17 percent of all calories human’s consume are from livestock.

“What we believe about how things work is important because it determines what we can see and what we cannot see,” said Lappé.

A mind that shifts from fear of scarcity to alignment creates a spiral of empowerment called an “EcoMind.” Lappé said an EcoMind is a term she uses to describe the connection between life and the laws of nature. If someone is thinking with an EcoMind, they are accepting that continuous change in action, or even inaction, can affect the life around them.

Lappé said with an EcoMind, one can look at themselves as a whole

“What we believe about how things work is important because it determines what we can see and what we cannot see.”

-Frances Moore Lappé, Author Dominant industrial and agricultural systems have their downsides such as water pollution and soil erosion, Lappé said.

These systems are treated “like a miracle drug. You just take the side effects in stride because the cure is what you need,” she said.

That is completely the wrong metaphor, said Lappé. Agricultural systems have enormous consequences on climate impact and water waste.

Lappé said if people continue to turn over fate to dominant systems and power concentrated markets, then fear will continue to narrow our vision and democratic disconnect will increase.

bundle of characteristics. “We look at ourselves in a different light. Yes, we can be competitive and selfish and materialistic and even brutal, but what else do we have to work with?” she asked.

By creating a more positive mindset and building confidence, people will begin to create conditions that bring out the best in all of us, said Lappé. Eventually, if people continue to work on themselves, then the government will have to answer to them.

About 20 years ago, Lappé visited a group of women in Andhra Pradesh, Southern India. There, she found women living in hunger, fear and sickness, using pesticides

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

because they were told to and surviving off of white rice.

Since Lappé’s visit, the women have come together and pledged to stop using GMOs and chemicals.

Now 15 percent of the farmland in their state is non-pesticidal managed. The women even convinced the state government to acquire millets instead of white rice for school lunches, since they are a healthier alternative.

In West Africa, Lappé said the people of Niger were forced to cut down most of the trees under colonialism to create more farmland.

Since then, small farmers have enforced the regrowth of trees and incorporated the practice of agroforestry, which has tripled their crop yields.

Lappé also met Wangari Maathai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. Her story started out in 1977 with seven trees on Earth day, Lappé said. She developed a movement of women villagers who planted trees all over Kenya to reclaim the desert. By the time Lappé got there, Maathai and her team had grown over 20 million trees.

Maathai went on to team up with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) to create Plantfor-the-Planet, said Lappé. Now Maathai and UNEP have planted more than 13 billion trees.

“This theme of ‘it’s not possible to know what’s possible’ is really the lesson of developing an EcoMind,” said Lappé. “This idea that we are all connected, change is continuous, we’re all co-creators the meaning in life is just finding where our place is.”

CONNECT WITH TESSA JILLSON tjillson@student.framingham.edu

12 | ARTS & FEATURES

THE GATEPOST

MARCH 3, 2017

Teaching in Thailand Continued from page 1

“I started working in this office with Jane [Decatur], and she told me ‘In order to move on in this field, you should have more than just your study abroad experience as your international experience.’”

Hyde believes college is the perfect time for someone to discover who they really are.

“I think whether it is studying abroad or if you are going post-graduation to work abroad, to step out of your comfort zone, to live in a foreign country, to try to learn a foreign language, to just immerse yourself with tons of different people, can help you just self-identify and know a little bit more about yourself,” said Hyde.

Reality set in two weeks after her arrival, when she was sent to her apartment in the rural town of Doem Bang Nang Buat in Suphanburi.

“When we first got into the town, I thought to myself, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’ I walked into my apartment and there were geckos climbing on the walls and there was no hot water, only cold showers,” said Hyde.

“I always had to remind myself that it could be much worse, but it was hard - it really was. It was isolating,” said Hyde.

Early in the morning, Hyde would wake up to the warm Thai sun and go for a strenuous run. She called it her “incentive to want to take a cold shower,” as that was her only option.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Hyde Hyde taught English to children in Thailand in 2014.

She would then bike to the school she worked at, arriving at 7:30 a.m.

After being greeted by her students out on the school’s soccer field, the whole school would partake in a mass prayer to Buddha and salute to the king, only spoken in Thai.

Hyde would eagerly watch.

Throughout the day, Hyde would teach two 50-minute English classes with a few free blocks, allowing her to grade and catch up on any tasks she had.

“The upper-level classes would have about thirty kids in them, similar to here. I’d be able to talk with

“Students would track me down to give me a present or a card to say thank you” -Jennifer Hyde, Assistant director of international education

them, which was nice. They knew would take off her shoes, following basic English,” she said. “The low- Thai tradition. She would open the er-level classes would have closer door to a small hallway where she to fifty students in them, where I would pass her mini fridge and rice would see them twice a week, and cooker, and journal another stellar the upper level only once a week.” day in Thailand.

Then, it was off to lunch.

“At the end, it was tough. StuHyde would leave campus to get dents would track me down to give either a papaya salad or a veggie me a present or a card to say thank dish and her routine bubble tea. you. It was really hard to leave be“I’d always get a bubble tea. cause they were just so grateful They’re so good. They have these to have an American there,” said little tapioca balls,” she said.

Hyde.

After her indulgence, Hyde She recommends teaching would come back and teach two abroad to everyone - even those more English courses. In the eve- who are not education majors. ning, she would do special one-on“I think anyone who is comfortone tutoring sessions with a few of able being in front of a classroom the local kids. and who is willing to step out of Then, to end the day, Hyde their comfort zone should do it,” would journey back to her tiny, one said Hyde. bedroom apartment, taking in the beauty of this unique Southeast CONNECT WITH ANTHONY SHEEHAN Asian town. asheehan3@student.framingham.edu Arriving at her doorway, she

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Hyde

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Hyde

THE GATEPOST

MARCH 3, 2017

Thundercat brings the funk with “Drunk”

ARTS & FEATURES | 13

The Pawgress Report

Andrew Willoughby Arts & Features Editor

Good things come in pairs

Flying Lotus created his label, Brainfeeder, in 2008 with the goal of giving the oddballs and weirdos of hip-hop and R&B a home.

No artist fits that description quite like bassist/vocalist Thundercat.

Thundercat’s unique brand of bass lines combine funk and hip-hop, and have generated a lot of attention over the years. Not only his two previous solo albums, but the records that Thundercat has had a major part in - such as Flying Lotus’ “You’re Dead!” and Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly” - have garnered major acclaim from critics and consumers alike.

At 23 tracks and nearly an hour long, “Drunk” is a wild ride of humor, social commentary and emotional anecdotes. Often, all three at the same time in a mishmash of funk/R&B fusion.

The album kicks off with “Rabbot Ho,” a short, somber intro which shares its vocal melody with the record’s closing track, “DUI.” Though the opener is absent of Thundercat’s signature funk-slathered basslines, they’re abundant in the hilarious second track “Captain Stupido,” as well as the rest of the album.

While Thundercat’s debut LP “The Golden Age of Apocalypse” was largely instrumental, his most recent releases have incorporated more of his falsetto vocals - and they’re all over “Drunk.”

Thundercat manages to make these songs feel more complete. While some of his earlier output felt more like instrumental tracks with vocals thrown on top, “Drunk” combines the two seamlessly.

At times, one of the best aspects of this album is also its worst - its featured artists.

“Show You The Way” features Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald. Both of their voices pair beautifully with Thundercat’s soulful production and contribute to one of the best tracks on the record.

On the other hand, there’s “Drink Dat” featuring Wiz Khalifa, which is so boring and uninventive that it basically boils down to “Hey, man, I have lots of money, isn’t that cool? Let’s use that money to buy weed and get high.” Even the chorus and beat by Thundercat can’t do enough to save this track. It’s one of the worst on the album.

Thundercat’s sense of humor meets his knack for social commentary on the track “Bus In These Streets,” which sounds like

By Nick Murphy Staff Writer

Brainfeeder

it could be the theme song to a cheesy ’80s cartoon, and I mean that in the best way possible.

He comments on modern society’s attachment to social media: “From the minute I wake up I’m staring at the screen / watching the world go insane. … Thank god for technology / ‘cause where would we be if we couldn’t tweet our thoughts?” Toward the end of the track he assures listeners “It’s okay to disconnect sometimes.”

While Thundercat’s social observations complement his humor perfectly, there are a few tracks on “Drunk” that are just silly and fun - songs such as “Tokyo,” “Friend Zone” and “A Fan’s Mail (Tron Song Suite II).”

The latter is a soulful ditty - named after Thundercat’s real-life pet, Tron - about how “cool” it would be to be a cat, complete with background “meow” harmonies.

On the other side of the lyrical spectrum is Pharrell William’s verse on “The Turn Down,” which comments on America’s current race-relations climate as he asks, “If all lives matter, when we mention black, why do you gasp?”

While the title may suggest the glorification of alcohol, lyrically “Drunk” is more of a cautionary tale of the downward spiral to which drinking may lead and that when one is drunk, they may just “miss it all.”

What makes “Drunk” shine is its ability to juxtapose humor with social and political issues - sometimes all within one song. Not too many artists have the finesse to pull this off, but Thundercat does it wonderfully.

The masterful bass work and hint of cheese don’t hurt, either.

CONNECT WITH ANDREW WILLOUGHBY awilloughby@student.framingham.edu

Top 5 tracks 1. Captain Stupido 2. Friend Zone 3. Lava Lamp 4. Them Changes 5. Show You The Way

Meet Cosmo and Reggie, sophomore Brianna Schneider’s cuddle-craving, pasta-hating, allaround quizzical pooches.

While the two pups ended up in the Schneiders’ home, their journeys to get there were quite different.

The Schneiders were initially looking to adopt a small dog, but when Cosmo, the half-border collie half-German shepherd mix jumped up and starting kissing everyone, they quickly had a change of heart.

Then came Reggie, the Schneiders’ schnoodle - a schnauzer-poodle. “My parents had no idea about Reggie … until we brought him home. My siblings and I just decided to get another dog. Our parents were mad, but my dad thought it was funny. Besides, they fell in love with him about two days later,” said Schneider.

“We picked out Reggie because he was so relaxed and super quiet,” she said. Yet little did the Schneiders know the spazzy schnoodle wouldn’t keep quiet for long.

“Now, he barks all the time … sometimes even at 2 in the morning,” she added.

Unlike her younger brother, Cosmo stays relatively quiet unless someone she doesn’t know enters the house. “She’s 13 now, but she’s still an alert watch dog,” Schneider said.

According to Schneider, Cosmo wasn’t always so calm. “When she was a puppy, she ended up chewing through two of our couches.”

Cosmo has since given up her couch-consuming ways, but she sure loves sleeping on them.

While Cosmo prefers to be a total couch potato, Reggie is up and about hopping and hoping to land a spot on “Dancing with the Stars.” “Reggie will actually start dancing to music, and if you hold a treat, you can make him do all sorts of twists and spins.

It’s really funny to watch,” said Schneider.

Despite their different personalities, the two pups still find some common ground when it comes to food. “They both love to eat. They will eat anything ... well almost anything. I don’t know why, but they both hate pasta,” said Schneider.

If there’s one thing Cosmo and Reggie hate more than pasta, it’s bath time. “They both despise the tub. Reggie will calm down after a little bit, but Cosmo has a tendency to jump out of the tub and run around, soaking the entire house in the process,” said Schneider.

Cosmo’s mischief doesn’t stop there. “This one time, we had friends over for a party. We left the garage door open so people could get in. Little did we know, Cosmo had got out and killed an opossum, only to bring it inside. I saw her drop something on the ground and walk away. I thought it was one her toys. I went to kick it out of the way and then I realized it wasn’t a toy. … I must have Lysoled my foot for 10 minutes,” Schneider said.

Between Reggie’s dancing and Cosmo’s shenanigans, these two canines are undeniably the life of the party.

Editor’s note: “The Pawgress Report” is a bi-weekly column featuring FSU students and their dogs.

CONNECT WITH NICK MURPHY nmurphy5@student.framingham.edu

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

14 | ARTS & FEATURES

THE GATEPOST

MARCH 3, 2017

Across the Ocean Adventure is out there

The entire city of Edinburgh, Scotland is visible from Edinburgh Castle.

By Allison Wharton Asst. Arts & Featires Editor Traveling within the United States is very expensive, so I have never really explored many states.

In Ireland, traveling within the country, as well as all of Europe, is astonishingly inexpensive.

I have been incredibly fortunate to be able to do a lot of traveling in the past month. Recently, I explored Edinburgh, Scotland.

The architecture and the stone walkways allowed me to travel back in time.

Most of the buildings have kept

their original designs - aside from the plumping addition - and the walkways are marked with gold plates, indicating the locations of executions.

The city is also full of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen.

Pictures do not capture the beauty of it all.

Upon entering Edinburgh Castle, I enjoyed an overview the entire city and I stood at that spot for 10 minutes, without my phone, marveling at the beauty.

It was then that I was struck with immense gratitude that I am able to go on these trips and experience the world.

My quiet morning turned into a busy afternoon. After meeting up with some friends, I went shopping for gifts for my family and myself.

The two-day excursion was definitely too short, but the memories I created will stay forever.

Another trip was to Howth on the coast of Ireland.

Howth features a famous cliff walk where you can walk along the island while climbing a slow incline.

The hike was relaxing yet long taking roughly two hours to complete. There was even a longer option that would take possibly six hours, but that seemed excessive.

Allison Wharton/GATEPOST The walk was wonderful and everywhere I looked, I was intrigued I managed to get away from the by Howth’s simplistic nature. Like view to explore the castle and soak a lot of residential Ireland, Howth in all the history the city contains. was blanketed in green grass and The next day I explored the east- surrounded by endless sea. ern part of the city on my own.

The town consisted of famiI went to The Elephant House, ly-owned shops and small marketthe café in which J.K. Rowling wrote places. The people of Ireland love her first books. As a big Harry Pot- handmade goods. I suppose it is beter fan, going to this place alone cause every item is unique and crewas definitely a moment I will never ated with care. forget.

The past month has been lifeAfter my emotional latte, I changing, and while I miss home, roamed an old cemetery. Some buri- studying abroad was the best decials even date back to the 14th cen- sion I have ever made. tury.

I imagined those people walking the same streets I walked and how CONNECT WITH ALLISON WHARTON awharton@student.framingham.edu different our ways of living are.

Submit your

Creative writing, short stories, poems, sculptures, ceramics, paintings, drawings, photography, and physical art to

The Onyx

Art and literary magazine email onyx@framingham.edu

March 10th deadline FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

THE GATEPOST

MARCH 3, 2017

ARTS & FEATURES | 15

Follow Us on Twitter! @TheGatepost Arts & Features Section

@Gatepost_Arts News

@GatepostNews Sports

@GatepostSports Photos

Come join us to celebrate and learn about Sustainability!

There will be Games, Activities, and Free (Healthy) Food!

@GatepostPhotography

Edited by Timothy Parker March 3, 2017 SQUEAK OUT FOR JUSTICE By Timothy E. Parker ACROSS 1 Hindu title of respect 6 Added liquor to fruit punch, e.g.

11 “___ in vanilla” (grade-school lesson) 14 Accused one’s need 15 Bring chuckles to 16 Rural lodging for the night 17 Wet blankets, figuratively 19 Letters from your parents?

20 They can hold their wine 21 Rockin’Winter 23 Make peace with 27 Fruit blemish 28 Some seafood selections 29 Free of five o’clock stubble 31 They stay green all winter 32 Mushroom “seed” 33 Repair rips, in a way 36 Arcing, lofty tennis shots 37 Works and then some 38 Any large reference book 39 Goof up 40 Clunky and ungraceful 41 Figure in a dressing room?

42 Useless and impractical

44 Dirtied from garden work, e.g.

45 They don’t mind being on a slippery slope 47 Goes up against 48 Type of lily 49 Where to find a designer’s name 51 Gun of Israel 52 Villain’s melodramatic “curses” 58 Howard who narrated “Arrested Development” 59 Place where business is growing 60 Vintage 61 It’s heavier than a mist 62 Backspace through 63 Reason to beef?

DOWN 1 Some degrees 2 High point of a wintry landscape 3 Personal data, briefly 4 Relative of a karate belt 5 Things found around auto repair shops 6 Run out, as a subscription 7 Frantic way to run 8 Mangy dogs 9 ‘80s self-help program 10 Earn 11 Lands that have never been cultivated 12 Paquin and Nicole Smith 13 Part of Neil Peart’s gear 18 Brat’s talk

22 Expected to arrive 23 Common fruit 24 Preceding in time 25 One way to cook meat 26 Lamb mamas 27 They prevent prison escapes 29 Sudden variation in voltage 30 Sacred 32 Plants 34 Variety show VIP 35 Gets rid of unwanted plants 37 Colony of northern New Mexico 38 Small jazz group 40 Tall quadruped 41 Trees that many people like?

43 Certain util.

44 Tried to outrace the police 45 Shed skin flakes 46 It can provide a nice buzz 47 Severely overweight 49 Turkish currency 50 Donations to those in need 53 Paddle relative 54 Acquire 55 Consumed 56 Fury or anger 57 Negative linking word

Last issue’s solutions

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16 | SPORTS

THE GATEPOST

MARCH 3, 2017

SPORTS WBB

Rams beat MCLA on Mulherin’s last-second heroics, stumble in MASCAC championship for second straight year

Allie Gath/ THE GATEPOST Sarah Palace looks to get a shot as an MCLA defender closes out on her. The Rams beat MCLA in the MASCAC semifinals after Raegan Mulherin’s 3-pointer put them up one point with just a few seconds remaining.

By Liam Gambon Staff Writer The Framingham State Rams took on MCLA in the MASCAC semifinals in a last-second thriller.

MCLA held the lead after the first, up 18-17.

Framingham then took the lead into the half, up 27-26.

The third quarter ended in a deadlock, with the game tied at 44, which led to a thrilling back-andforth final quarter with the stakes at their highest.

Framingham started the fourth quarter sluggish, as MCLA went on a 6-0 run to open the final period, but the Rams punched back. After tying the game at 50, Framingham went up by five with just over two and a half minutes left to play.

A couple of missed layups and a missed three left the door cracked for MCLA and it cut the lead to 57-56 with 1:26 left to play.

At that point, MCLA employed the “hack-aShaq” strategy, intentionally fouling Monta Connolly and sending her to the line for two. She missed both.

With 34 seconds left, Courtney Pingelski looked like she’d be the hero, burying a 3-pointer and giving the underdog Trailblazers a two-point lead.

Framingham’s chance to answer ended with another pair of missed free throws, this time by Tiphani Harris, but the ensuing inbound would prove to be costly for MCLA. A great trap on Ashley Clawson led to a Connolly steal and set the stage for Raegan Mulherin to play hero.

Out of the timeout, Mulherin was inbounded the ball on what looked like a broken play from

the start. She took her dribble towards the corner, rose awkwardly over the defender and drilled a go-ahead 3-pointer with two seconds left on the game clock, sending the Framingham crowd into a frenzy.

MCLA’s full court heave came up short and the Rams secured their trip to the MASCAC championship for a second straight year.

The Rams production was headed by the consistently efficient Alycia Rackliffe, who posted 17 points and 11 rebounds for another double double. Rackliffe also contributed on the defensive end with two blocks and three steals. Sarah Palace was just behind Rackliffe in scoring with 12 points. She also contributed four rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Mulherin dumped in 10 points on the night.

Connolly also contributed with seven points, five rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block. Quinn O’Connell led the bench with six points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block.

The Rams benefited from their points off turnovers as they racked up 23 to MCLA’s 11.

The Framingham State Rams faced off against Westfield State for the third time this season but this time it was for the MASCAC championship.

The Rams and Westfield were tied in the season series at one win a piece heading into this matchup.

The stage was set for a MASCAC championship rematch after the Rams squeaked by MCLA two nights before and Westfield knocked off Bridgewater State. The Rams looked to avenge their

championship loss from last year, when they fell 92-86 at the hands of the Owls.

Westfield controlled the game early, leading 22-21 at the end of the first. That lead grew to 4236 by halftime.

Framingham mounted a comeback, cutting the lead to 63-62 at the end of the third. Westfield and Framingham would trade leads in the fourth, with Westfield gaining the lead with 29 seconds left and holding on to it, claiming its second straight MASCAC championship by a score of 83-74.

Framingham was hurt by foul trouble all afternoon and could never impose its will the way it wanted to as a result.

The Rams were led in scoring by Rackliffe who posted 20 points while also pulling down 11 rebounds. She came up big defensively with a steal and six blocks, but was one of the Rams plagued by foul trouble.

Mulherin put up 10 points, pulled in six boards and had two steals. Palace contributed 10 points on the afternoon. Connolly came away with eight points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal. Lauren Donahue recorded seven points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals.

The Rams finished the season 21-5, set the school record for wins in a season and will look to redeem their lost championship next season.

CONNECT WITH LIAM GAMBON on Twitter using the handle @GatepostSports

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

18 | SPORTS

THE GATEPOST

MARCH 3, 2017

Tweet of the Week

TWITTER

Trivia

?

?

?

Name the ten players who have the most homeruns in their MLB career. (Team in parentheses is one of the teams each played for)

?

?

1. 762 (San Francisco) 2. 755 (Atlanta) 3. 714 (New York Yankees) 4. 696 (Seattle) 5. 660 (San Francisco) 6. 630 (Cincinnati) 7. 612 (Cleveland) 8. 609 (Chicago Cubs) 9. 591 (St. Louis) 10. 586 (Cincinnati) check back next week for answers

Last Week’s Answers: 1. Ezekiel Elliott 2. Adrian Peterson 3. DeMarco Murray

4. LeSean McCoy 5. Adrian Peterson 6. Maurice Jones-Drew

7. Arian Foster 8. Chris Johnson 9. Adrian Peterson

10. LaDainian Tomlinson

Agree to Disagree Mike Matt NO

ADRIAN PETERSON WILL BE A NEW YORK GIANT NEXT SEASON...

YES

NO

THE CAVALIERS ARE FAVORITES FOLLOWING THE TRADE DEADLINE...

YES

YES

DO YOU QUESTION THE KINGS (NHL) TRADE FOR BEN BISHOP...

NO

NO

COLIN KAEPERNICK WILL BE A STARTING QUARTERBACK NEXT SEASON...

NO

NO

DO YOU SEE ANY REAL STARS IN THIS YEAR’S NBA DRAFT CLASS...

YES

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

MARCH 3, 2017

THE GATEPOST

SPORTS | 19

FERR OR FOUL?

How the NCAA’s top teams fare in March Madness

By Mike Ferris Sports Editor

their inside presence Daniel Ochefu who was a huge part of last year’s run. It’s just going to take a team that can slow down Hart and Brunson to knock off the defending champs.

1. Kansas

3. UCLA

Contender Frank Mason is arguably the best point guard in the country. The team has scorers all over the floor, the program knows how to win and oh yeah, Bill Self serves as their head coach. Self has been dominant in his tenure at Kansas going 412-85 and winning seven Big 12 championships. The Jayhawks have a great mix of young and experience poising them for a deep tournament run. The Jayhawks have suffered a couple of tough losses this year, but continue to learn and improve from their mistakes. A bounce-back team like Kansas is one that often finds success in March.

2. Villanova Pretender

Pretender The Bruins are flashy, high-powered and fun to watch but I find it ironic that the team ranked No. 3 in the nation is also the third-best team in the Pac-12. Both Oregon and Arizona are better than the Bruins and both sit in the bottom half of the top 10. UCLA scores like nobody else in the league, but at the end of the day, the Bruins struggle mightily on defense. A team that scores at a high-clip and can slow down the Bruins a bit like Arizona, Oregon, or even UNC will beat them. UCLA’s best player is also Lonzo Ball, who I personally feel could wind up being a liability at some point.

4. Gonzaga

The Wildcats aren’t the same team that they were last year. Josh Hart is without a doubt one of the best players and scorers in the country and he’s paired with Jalen Brunson who is also a great scorer. Outside of that, however, Villanova struggles to score. The Wildcats are also without

Pretender Gonzaga is always at this point. It always ends its seasons with under five losses, its always ranked in the top 10 and its always highly regarded come tournament time, yet Gonzaga always

comes up so short. Gonzaga has to be the “best team” with no Final Four appearances in the history of the NCAA. I’m not saying the Bulldogs are bad or that they won’t find themselves in the Sweet 16 or Elite 8, but their run will stop there.

Their resume is always inflated because they play inferior teams. One loss in conference play is great, but Kentucky, Carolina, Duke and the other blue bloods would go undefeated out in the WCC. 5. North Carolina Contender Roy Williams’ Tar Heels are my early favorite to win the title. Whether Carolina wins the ACC Tournament or not, I think they’re poised to win the National Championship. Come back and talk to me if they’re one-and-done in the ACC tourney, but so long as they win a game, this team is good enough to win six in a row in the tournament. The Heels have experience, they have scorers everywhere, they play great defense, and they have an all-time great coach. Combine all of that with the fact that they can do all of that at any pace of play makes them almost unbeatable.

CONNECT WITH MIKE FERRIS on Twitter using the handle @GatepostSports

Spring Sports Calendar Baseball:

March 3 - vs. Nichols March 7 - vs. Plymouth State March 11 - at Western New England March 12 - vs. Colby-Sawyer March 12 - at Colby Sawyer

Softball:

March 8 - vs. Brandeis March 12 - vs. FDU-Florham March 12 - @ Fredonia March 13 - @ Minn.- Morris March 13 - @ SUNY Geneseo

Lacrosse:

March 2 - @ Rivier March 9 - @ Nichols March 12 - @ Oglethorpe March 14 - @ Reinhardt March 15 - @ Huntington *Games in italics to be played in Florida

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MARCH 3, 2017 CREATIVE COMMONS

THE GATEPOST

PHOTOS| 17

Women’s Basketball

Allie Gath/THE GATEPOST

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM