The
G atepost
FSU hosts eighth annual Family Fun Day Page 5
Framingham State University’s independent student newspaper since 1932 volume
83 • number 17
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Smoking Ban said to reduce tobacco use on campus
By Alexandra Gomes News Editor
While the FSU campus is still not 100 percent tobacco free, there is a “dramatic difference” in the number of people smoking and cigarette butts on campus said Dean of Students Melinda Stoops. The smoking policy, put into effect during the fall of 2013, states FSU “seeks to provide a healthy, comfortable, and productive environment for its students, employees and visitors.”
Stoops said before the ban, the McCarthy Center patio had cigarette butts stuck between all the cracks in the tiles. “It was amazing how much trash would build up from it.” Before the smoking policy was implemented, there were several designated smoking areas, according to the smoking policy. Erin Nechipurenko, assistant vice president of Human Resources, was in charge of creating a task force to implement the smoking policy.
From her perspective, the ban has helped to reduce tobacco use, especially around the McCarthy Center, the Whittemore Library and Hemenway Hall. The Task Force will be sending out a survey in the spring to “access the efficiency of the policy,” according to Nechipurenko. Because enforcement of the smoking ban is up to the entire campus community, it can be difficult to en-
- Continued on page 4
Students voice suggestions, concerns to Bias Incident Assessment and Response team
By Phil McMullin Staff Writer
Students said they want more transparency from the administration at the Open Forum on Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents on Feb. 24. The forum, held in the Multicultural Center, was hosted by the Bias Incident Assessment and Response team in order to listen to student suggestions for the new protocol the team is designing. Director for Inclusive Excellence Kathy Martinez said, “I really want our community to just engage in constructive, forward thinking conversation. So, acknowledging things that have happened, but how can we take that energy to move us forward and build new systems and new things to help?” During the forum, students divided into three groups to voice their concerns and suggestions. Two members of the BIAR team facilitated each of these discussions. In each group, students said they wanted the administration to be more transparent about its response to bias incidents and hate crimes. Senior Jacqueline Boateng spoke on behalf of her group. “We were thinking about just getting notified when it happens, even though it’s going to be on the Melinda Stoops level of emails.” Other students said less frequent emails would be preferable. - Continued on page 3
Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost
Students discuss a need for further transparency at open forum for bias incidents and hate crimes.
fsugatepost.tumblr.com issuu.com/fsugatepost
Footbridge stairwell deemed unsafe
By James M. Sheridan Jr. Associate Editor
Earlier this semester, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation closed a stairway leading to the Route 9 footbridge after one of the concrete steps broke off. According to an email from MassDOT spokesperson Amanda Richard, MassDOT - which is responsible for the maintenance of the pedestrian crossing - closed the stairway after “inspection confirmed reports of the poor condition of concrete stairs, raising concerns with safety.” Junior Morgan Asta has started a petition that urging the DOT to replace the entire bridge. Asta said she has collected 200 signatures from both students and faculty. Asta said she believes that the bridge needs to be repaired because it does not seem safe. “You can feel the whole thing move when a car drives underneath,” she said. Asta added that she believes the bridge does not meet safety requirements for a structure of its type. In her email, Richard said, “MassDOT will recommend initiating a project for replacing the bridge” after replacing the stairs this summer. However, the proposal to replace the stairs is not the only plan the DOT is looking at to improve route 9 pedestrian traffic. Another proposal attempting to solve the problem suggests the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk further
‘Prevention is key’
- Continued on page 6
FSU alumna empowers students through self-defense workshop
By Sara Silvestro Editorial Staff
Inhale. My “attacker” approaches me. She wraps her fingers around my wrist firmly and pulls me toward her. My stance changes - shoulders square and immediately, my free hand shoots up and pushes forward, palm out, past her face as I twist my other wrist free. Three steps back, and both hands are up again in a defensive stance. Exhale. In theory, my palm would not have shot past my attacker’s face. The heel of my palm would have struck my attacker’s nose,
hopefully hurting him or her enough to prevent the assault from being carried out. My “attacker” is my partner in a selfdefense workshop of 10 students, including myself, and two faculty members at Framingham State University on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Instructors Jeanne Donnelly, a fourthdan black belt in Tai Kwon Do, and Erica Daloia, Donnelly’s daughter, taught the workshop. Donnelly started practicing martial arts in 1989, when Daloia was six months old. Prior to teaching martial arts, Donnelly said she was a rape crisis counselor, and that is when she first started teaching self-defense classes.
Daloia learned self-defense from her mother starting when she was five years old, later earning a second-dan black belt in Tai Kwon Do. Donnelly, an FSU alumna, and Daloia co-founded Makoto-Do, which, according to their website, offers classes in martial arts, healing and personal development. “Even if we can help one person not be a victim, it is worth it,” said Donnelly. “Anybody could be a victim,” she added. The self-defense workshop is coordinated by Campus Police’s Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.), a physical defense course designed specifically for women. - Continued on page 12
Inside Domestic abuse, an issue to be resolved and talked about 10
End of the Road: FSU women’s basketball loses semifinals 16
DPAC Divas 10
It’s time to recognize underrated figures in Black History 11
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Editorial Board 2014-2015 Editor-in-Chief Kaila Braley
Gatepost Interview
February 27, 2015
Dr. Paul Bruno
Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Honors Program
Associate Editors Joe Kourieh
Michael B. Murphy
James M. Sheridan Jr. News Editor
Alexandra Gomes Assistant Editors Julia Sarcinelli Mark Strom
Arts & Features Editors Avarie Cook
Sara Silvestro Assistant Editors Scott Calzolaio
By Julia Sarcinelli Assistant News Editor
Can you briefly tell me about your educational background and resume? I received my bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. from Boston College. When I first finished my Ph.D, I worked in high tech market research as a market analyst. I have now taught for 15 years. I’ve been at Assumption College, Providence College and here at Framingham State.
Kristen Pinto
Interim Assistant Editor
What courses do you teach at Framingham State?
Sports Editor
I teach Logic, Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy and Invitation to Philosophy. As well as an honors seminar that is titled, “On Justice.”
Cesareo Contreras
Mike Ferris
Opinions Editor Mark Wadland
Photos Editors Melina Bourdeau
Danielle Vecchione Assistant Editors Brad Leuchte Jeff Poole
Web Editor Jill Chenevert
Design Editor
What was your best undergraduate experience?
Can you tell me a little about your role in the honors program?
At Boston College, I completed the IV Perspectives classes which were interdisciplinary courses that combine philosophy and theology. One course combined philosophy and theology. The second course combined philosophy and the arts. The third course combined philosophy and the social sciences. And the fourth combined philosophy and the natural sciences. I loved the historical interdisciplinary approach to all four of the classes.
So, I took over as the director of the honors program from Dr. Carolyn Maibor. Previous to this year, I was the assistant director of the program. So, I coordinate the course that we offer in the honor’s program and act as an advisor to honors students.
I’d like to know that too! I no longer know how my students would describe me. Perhaps as an old man with a sense of humor. What would be a word of advice to your students? Read, read, read. And that means read anything that is written in complete sentences and complete paragraphs. I think the importance of reading is fundamental to making your way in the world.
Can you tell me about your seminar? The honors seminars are intended as interdisciplinary courses. Consequently, I use plays, television shows, philosophy, biblical narratives, all that center around the question of justice and how we understand justice.
What are some of your favorite books?
Brittany Cormier
Staff Writers Danielle Butler Corin Cook
Amelia Foley
Cameron Grieves Robert Jones
Phil McMullin
Jennifer Ostojski
Morgan Zabinski Tanya Ström
Staff Photographers Jennifer Wang Advisor
Dr. Desmond McCarthy
What do you think are some of your biggest accomplishments? I’m proud of earning a Ph.D. I was also awarded a Fulbright Hays Summer Grant, as well as a National Endowment for the humanities, NEH, Summer Seminar Grant on law in the humanities.
How do you think your students would describe you?
Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost
Are you working on any projects right now? This is my first year as the director of the honors program. So I have been dedicating most of my time to my administrative tasks. However, I was just asked to contribute to a Festschrift. There is a European tradition of having books published that are dedicated to a particular scholar. Jacques Taminiaux was my dissertation director and this Festschrift is going to be dedicated to him, so I was kind of honored to be asked to contribute.
“Plato’s Republic”, Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations”, Kant’s “Critique of Judgment”, “Anna Karenina” and “Madame Bovary”. What are some of your favorite hobbies? I like to play guitar. I like to exercise and I like to play basketball, or throw the baseball or softball with my kids.
Assistant Advisor Elizabeth Banks Kelly Wolfe
Police Logs Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015 12:36 - McCarthy Center - Disturbance. fsugatepost.tumblr.com 100 State Street, McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu
Monday, Feb. 23, 2015 14:05 – Foster Hall – Medical. Transport to MWMC. 22:00 – Union Avenue Parking Lot – Trespass tow. 1 illegally parked vehicle towed. Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015 16:47 – North Hall – Narcotics Investigation. Report of a smell of Marijuana. Unfounded.
@TheGatepost
17:02 - FSU Police Department - Follow-up Investigation.
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015 19:21 - Dwight Hall and the Athletic Center Attempt to Locate. 15:44 - 830 Worcester Rd. Framingham, MA Mutual Aid FPD. 00:00 - Towers Hall - Noise Complaint. Report taken. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015 9:42 - North Hall -Alarm (Fire/Smoke). Checks ok.
February 27, 2015
News
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Library announces improvements, new movie database
By Tanya Ström Staff Writer
In an effort to get more students involved, administrators will renovate, alter databases and introduce new technology to make the library more accessible. Bonnie Mitchell, director of Library Services, said she is focused on the future of the library. Moving forward, the administration is “looking at renovations in the long range,” she said. The entire building needs to be updated, however, there are smaller projects that are being addressed, she said. “Upgrading study furniture for the lower mezzanine area, making changes to the main entrance and adding additional group study space,” are projects currently underway, Mitchell said. “We already know we need more electricity in this building,” she added. “We hope those upgrades happen as the university upgrades the infrastructure.” Although the library receives funding from various sources the Library Trust Fund, managed by Bonnie Mitchell, includes “funding for renovations, materials, supplies and contractors,” she said. According to Executive Vice President Dale Hamel, “The FSU Capital Spending Plan identifies approximately 50K per year for annual renovations.” Administrators will seek state funding for upgrades to the library’s infrastructure as part of a larger renovation plan, he added. In addition to the support from state funding, $675,000 is provided annually by the Library Trust Fund, said Hamel. Mitchell was unable to disclose how much of the budget will be spent on upgrades. “The exact figures are not solidified yet,” she said. The focus now is to create “zones in the library” that will act to serve
and improve student productivity, said Mitchell. She hopes to run a focus group this semester to involve students in the zoning process. “We want student feedback so we can plan accordingly,” she said. Lauren Peterson, a junior, thinks that zoning is a good idea. “A quiet zone will be good. I need to be on my own to concentrate.” Thanh Hoang, a senior, also likes the idea of zoning. “Isolated areas, like the small group rooms near IT, are good for both individuals and groups.” In addition to the upgrades to the infrastructure of the library, officials are always updating the online databases and books available to students. Weeding through collections and replacing old editions with newer ones is part of what keeps a library current, said Mitchell. If and when a certain text is no longer used in a professor’s curriculum, then the text will be removed and the book will be donated to another library around the world, she said. English Professor Claudia Springer said, “The library should take advantage of all opportunities. Any way people can access info is good.” “I would not want to see books replaced by electronic databases, but I think they can exist together side by side and open up all kinds of doors for students,” she added. “I think they complement each other well.” “Every year, we are adding to the collection,” Mitchell added. There are currently 150 items on the A-Z list of databases available to students and faculty. “Databases are like subscriptions. The only way we would not offer it anymore is if the faculty decides that it is no longer relevant to the material they are teaching,” said Mitchell. Brenna Hinson, a junior, said, “Databases are important. All students
should be able to use them. They are really helpful in all areas of study.” The newest database that has been added to the collection is the World Cinema Streaming Video Collection, which is similar to Netflix, but free to students and faculty. The database, which was purchased from Films Media Group, has more than 380 classic and contemporary films from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and the United States. Before purchasing any database, there is a trial period where students and professors can access the content. Springer has used the database for her Studies in Film class. She said students were able to supplement the material in class with the free films on the database. The exposure to these films allowed students to gain a better perspective that they would not have been able to see otherwise, she said. Mitchell said, “The cost of this database for 2015 is $1,732. “We’ve had such positive feedback on streaming videos that we hope to expand the collection next year,” she added. FSU will be saving money on the World Cinema Streaming Video Collection by purchasing it in collaboration with the other institutions of public higher ed throughout Massachusetts. The database that FSU has purchased is geared primarily toward the English, history and modern language departments. “So far the feedback has been great,” said Mitchell. The next step will be to see what other products are out there that provide a video selection with a broader range of disciplines, Mitchell added. Senior Colleen Sullivan called the new database “a wonderful addition to the library. “It’s a really valuable resource for film students, and having access to it
has definitely made my research easier,” Sullivan said. “In this day and age when streaming is the norm, having instant access to so many titles definitely has its benefits. … I’d encourage anyone to check it out whether you’re a film student or not.” The library is not only offering new software, but new hardware as well. There are 10 regular-sized iPads and three iPad minis available for loan at the circulation desk. Students can check the iPads out for two weeks. “So far there has been a lot of interest,” said Mitchell. “It is a great way for students to experiment to see if they like them.” Jalen Green, a sophomore business major said, “I’ve never rented a iPad from the library, but in my opinion it is a good thing because a lot of people don’t like laptops and it’s easier to carry a iPad around.” Mitchell said, the new upgrades to the infrastructure, the adding of the new database and new technology will increase student interest and involvement. Mitchell said, “I am really excited about the science building and the construction in front of it, because once all the renovation is complete and the landscape is complete the library will be seen as more of the center of campus. “We want students to feel comfortable coming into the building. We try to create an inviting atmosphere,” she added. Alex Anagnostaras a junior, is always in the library for classes. He said, “The library needs to advertise events more. I never see anything before I walk through the sliding doors.” In addition to these changes, she looks forward to engaging students in National Library Week. “Staff members are gathering sometime next week to finalize plans for National Library Week, which begins on April 13,” she said.
Bias Incident Assessment and Response Team
- Continued from page 1
Sophomore Paola Florencio said, “As it happens might be too much, but monthly might be too little.” She added a weekly summary would work well, since it would allow students to learn about events while they were still relevant, without flooding student inboxes with an excessive amount of emails. Despite disagreement about how frequent updates should be, the students agreed that the administration has not been transparent enough in investigations. Junior Fernando Rodriguez said, “The fact that no action seemed to be taken, but there was action taken, makes it seem like the campus doesn’t care. So, how do we make it so that people know something was done?” Director of Residence Life/Student Conduct Glen Cochran asked his group whether they were concerned about the emails violating students’ confidentiality. Sophomore Naomi Garcia said students would not need to know the specific details of each case. “Just knowing that the incident happened, I think,
is good enough, because we live here,” she said. “This is our second home, so we want to know that we are choosing to live in a safe place.” Some students were concerned about the implementation of the protocol taking too long. Sophomore Atiya Massenburg asked, “What if something happened today? What protocols do we have? We can’t just use a draft.” Rita Colucci, chief of staff and general counsel, said, “There’s stuff that happens behind the scenes that you don’t necessarily see.” Other students said the administration puts more emphasis on alcohol than bias incidents and hate crimes. Speaking for his group, Rodriguez said, “We’re a dry campus, and you can be 21 and you’re caught with a beer, and it’ll be like ‘You’re horrible!’ And, the response is immediate. It’s swift. It’s strong. But, if a hate crime happens, or some sort of incident, it doesn’t seem to get that same immediacy.” Junior Gabriela Betances asked, “Should more programs be going on to
make people more mindful that these things shouldn’t be happening, and when it does happen, it’s not tolerated?” One group also said they would like to see more support for the victims of bias incidents and hate crimes. After listening to the groups, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Sean Huddleston said, “This was truly powerful. “As we’re developing this and implementing this,” said Huddleston, “it may not be perfect coming out of the gate. So, we’re going to be looking to continue to perfect it, if you will, along the way and so we’re going to ask for you to - encourage you to - participate in that process.” According to Martinez, the team cannot construct an effective protocol without the help of students. “We don’t live here,” she said. “We don’t know what it’s like to be them.” To further incorporate students into the process, the team has included two student representatives, Benni Arias Gonzalez and Calvin Ridley. “Our student voice inside this pro-
tocol is going to be very crucial,” said Gonzalez. When asked what points the team will take away from the event, Huddleston said, “Number one is going to be transparency and communication. We need to ensure that our students know about what’s going on, know what’s being done about it, reportedly, and that it’s communicated really instantaneously.” He added, “I think the second thing that I’d take away is that students and administration need to work together on this particular issue, and so having a forum like this is very helpful in being able to make those connections occur.” The protocol will include a Web site where students can report on incidents of bias and hate crimes. Huddleston is hopeful that students will hear back from the team before Spring Break. “Before we go live,” he said, “we’re going to check back in with the campus one more time to let them know that this is what we’ve arrived at.”
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By Spencer Harry Staff Writer
February 27, 2015
FSU penalized for WDJM filing error
Framingham State University will pay $1,200 to the Federal Communications Commission due to insufficient documentation of WDJM broadcasting records dating back to 2006. WDJM General Manager and President Nick Quaglia stressed that keeping the Public File in order has not been an issue as of late. Located on the fourth floor of the McCarthy Center, WDJM-FM 91.3 can be heard around the Framingham area as well as on the Internet. The station has been operating since 1970. During WDJM’s license renewal process in November 2013, the FCC found that the station had not been in full compliance with the Public File Rule, according to an FCC report released Jan. 9, 2015. The Public File that WDJM members are expected to keep includes what shows are broadcast, the time each show is broadcast, guests on each show, what is discussed on air and what music is played. Fees for violations from noncommercial educational stations can be as high as $10,000, according to SILD Director Rachel Lucking. To be assessed for a smaller fine, Framingham State entered into what the FCC calls a Consent Decree. Lucking said as part of the Consent Decree, WDJM managers “have parameters like training and maintaining the files that also have to be abided by.” Payment is currently processing and will be completed by the end of February. Money for the fine will come from a general “college operation” fund. According to Lucking, WDJM will be subject to more frequent inspections of files. Instead of the usual seven-year renewal cycle, Framingham State will be reviewed after four years. All members of WDJM took part in a
“mass training” after learning about the infractions, according to Quaglia. “We retrained the station on the Public File and stressed that it must be done,” he said. Station engineers will film one training session to demonstrate reforms are taking place. The filming won’t cost Framingham State any extra money. “We won club of the year last year,” said Quaglia. “We [WDJM] were the only executive board that actually paid attention, kept everything, and made sure everything was done right. The year before, I wasn’t on the e-board. They didn’t really keep anything.” According to former General Manager Jess Thomas, ‘14, the previous e-board did not keep the Public File in order. “Rules for the public file were not followed for the first three years I was in the station,” said Thomas. “Nobody on the e-board was aware of what the public file was, and information was not being logged as it should have been. When I became GM, I was made aware that the Public File was required to be filled out, so I diligently made sure that enough entries were being completed each month.” Former WDJM staff member Michael Miller was part of the station before and during Thomas’ time as general manager. He agreed with Thomas that the previous eboard was “loose” and did not enforce logkeeping procedures. Miller said, “It wasn’t until Jess Thomas took over that the procedure of log keeping to meet FCC standards became more enforced.” Current advisor and communication arts professor Niall Stephens was unaware of the fine until notified by The Gatepost. “I was aware there was something going on with the FCC, but I didn’t know that these fines were coming. I was a little bit surprised,” Stephens said. Advisors of WDJM have wanted to maintain the club’s student autonomy, according to Stephens.
Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost
WDJM General Manager Nick Quaglia said, “We retrained the station on the Public File and stressed that it must be done.”
Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost
During WDJM’s license renewal process in November 2013, the FCC found that the station had not been in full compliance with the Public File Rule, according to an FCC report released Jan. 9, 2015.
“When I signed on, Nick Quaglia told me quite directly that students in the club would prefer me to stay out of the way and let them run things,” said Stephens. Quaglia said, “It’s not that we don’t want him involved at all. We just don’t really feel the need to. We’ll go to him if need be. Our station’s always been self-dependent.” Stephens described both himself and previous advisor Christopher Bowen as “hands-off” in their approach to advising WDJM. “I offered my assistance to each iteration of the e-board along the years, but only once was I called upon for help - to donate a computer monitor for the station computer,” Bowen said. Despite not being actively involved with the club, Stephens said, “I am glad that students want to take on the responsibility of running the station without seeking a lot of input from me or other faculty.” Bowen said, “I felt fortunate that during my tenure as club advisor the executive board of WDJM was a dedicated and knowledgeable bunch. They knew more about the station and the processes associated with it than I ever could.” Bowen believes more could be done to support the club in order to give a more authentic radio station experience to students. “I have never had any experiences working with music, news or production in radio in any way, shape or form,” Bowen said. “In my opinion, it will be significantly more beneficial to the club and the campus to have an advisor who has those experiences and can help manage the club through the numerous layers of campus, local, state and federal concerns that confront such an organization.” Stephens said, “This has made me want to be more involved than I have been in the club. I would like to encourage students to
build the station into a more important presence on campus, and for that matter, in the MetroWest area. It is worth asking what the $1,200 that went to pay the FCC could have done if it had been invested in some constructive way, instead of being used to pay a fine resulting from a failure to follow some very simple procedures.” Some students who don’t listen to WDJM think they shouldn’t have to pay for the station’s errors. Junior Ashley Fairweather said, “$1,200 isn’t a lot of money, but I don’t think we should have to pay for their mistakes. I never listen to the radio station here. I don’t know anyone who really does.” Senior Thomas Barry said, “Since it is primarily a student-run club, the students have a professional responsibility to the University.” He added, “I think it’s cool what they do, but I don’t want to have to pay for a club that I’m not a part of.” Senior Matthew Davish said, “There’s so many other things this school could spend that money on. The club should have to raise its own money for the fine.” Some students were more understanding about the club’s mistakes. Senior Michael Neilan said, “I don’t listen to the radio, but I know people who do. … Mistakes happen. Students aren’t perfect.” Junior Dylan Piehl said, “I don’t listen to the station.” He added, “We pay to go here. The money should be allocated for whatever the school needs.” Senior Jamie Chaves said, “I listen occasionally. Being a communication arts major, I’ve thought of joining based on classmates’ suggestions. Regardless of how many people listen, it’s definitely good experience for anyone who wants to go into the broadcasting field.”
traffic, he would try to remain out of the way. “I would get funny looks, because of the smoking ban, and people would be like, ‘This is a non-smoking campus’ to each other,” said Sannicandro. Melanie Amaral, a freshman, said the smoking ban “helps because of the deterrence factor.” Clancy McNally, a senior, said, “I don’t think [the smoking ban] was that successful.” Kelly Barker, a junior, said the smoking ban helped “get it away
from entrances, not so much completely off campus.” Nechipurenko said, “I think people at FSU really care about making this a safe and healthy learning and working environment, which is at the core of this policy.” If a student wishes to seek help to quit smoking, the Wellness Center offers smoking cessation resources. If an FSU employee needs help quitting, resources are available through the Employee Assistance Program.
Smoking Ban - Continued from page 1
force. Deputy Chief of Campus Police John Santoro said since the act of smoking is not a criminal act, it is not up to campus police to enforce the smoking ban. Campus police will respond to a smoking complaint, and advise the offender of the tobacco policy. Kamren Smith, a junior, still smokes on campus. “One time, [Campus Police] asked me to put my e-cig away,” said Smith.
Another time, he was told to put his cigarette away before someone saw it. Jesse Sannicandro, a junior, said he never got any trouble for smoking on campus. “There were, sometimes, teachers who would say ‘this is a non-smoking campus, can you put that out?’ but usually teachers would just ignore it.” Sannicandro believes the ban has helped to limit tobacco use on campus. Instead of smoking right outside buildings, and in the middle of foot
February 27, 2015
By Kaila Braley Editor-In-Chief
News
New Orleans flair brought to FSU during Family Fun Day
FSU’s eighth annual Family Fun Day ran activities, including a travelling animal show, tables hosted by clubs and a photo booth, for families of the Framingham community on Sunday, Feb. 22. The event was Mardi Gras themed, with tables lined with beaded necklaces and jazz music playing over the speakers. Jill Hayward, SILD’s administrative assistant, said the event had a budget of about $1,000, which was funded by the College Center Trust Fund. Hayward said the limited budget is the biggest challenge for the student interns to figure out how to not spend more than the budget allowed. The Forum was adorned with decorations that had been recently used for the Mardi Gras-themed dinner in the Dining Commons. Family Fun Day attracted an attendance of about 125 people, according to Hayward. “I saw a mix of people,” including faculty, staff, students, children from the Child Development Lab and alumni, Hayward said. “We hit everybody that we had hoped to.” Hayward said three SILD interns, junior Colleen Schroth, senior Molly Buckley and senior Michelle McGonagle, began planning the event last semester, chose the theme and helped to run the activities, with help from other SILD interns. Schroth said they decided on the Mardi Gras theme, and then “it seemed obvious to have beads and the cake.” They knew the Creature Teachers, the traveling animal show, could bring animals from New Orleans, like alligators. The representative from Creature Teachers, Richard Roth, brought a variety of animals, such as Mango the Scarlet Macaw, and told the crowd about their characteristics. He showed the audience an alligator, chameleon, kinkajou and sugar glider, among other animals. While holding a kookaburra, Roth asked the crowd to make a cawing sound, which encouraged the bird to let out its signature laughing call. Parker Gelfand, a student from the Child Development Lab, said he enjoyed the lollipops and his favorite animal to see was the kookaburra. His mother, Susan Glueck, said she also had a fun time and enjoyed seeing the animals. Elsewhere, children enjoyed face painting, a freeze dance game and activities provided by the clubs which hosted booths. Hayward said nine clubs signed up for tables, but only six were able to make it because of “scheduling conflicts.” She added that it was wonderful for the community to see how hardworking the students who run FSU clubs are. “They don’t always get the opportunity to see that.” WDJM, the college’s radio station, provided theme music and a freeze dance game, as well as a table at which students could decorate paper crowns. Pride Alliance also held a table at which people can color and eat candy. “Coloring is therapeutic,” said junior Steph Scanlon, treasurer of the group, who added that this activity coincides with their month-long campaign of encouraging self-care. Liv Reardon, a member of the Education Club, said, “It’s [Family Fun Day] really cute. It’s fun to get involved with the kids.” Anime Club hosted a table at which participants could color or get a caricature drawn of them by an artist in the group, freshman Kayla Brindisi. She said, “I think I did about five. It didn’t take me long at all. Maybe three or four minutes.”
Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost
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Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost
Kids and parents alike enjoyed the animal exhibition, games and face painting hosted by SILD last Saturday.
Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost
Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost
Kim McKaughan, the mother of a student from the Child Development Lab, said she got a picture drawn from the anime club table, which was “awesome.” She said, “I have two young boys” who enjoyed the activities. Her son, Kaleb McKaughan, said his favorite event was the “freeze dance. It was so cool.” His mother added, “It’s a lot of fun. It’s free and family-oriented.” Jae Valente, whose cousin goes to FSU, brought her son, Sam, to the event. “We just came to have fun, and let my son get some energy out. It’s cold, so he hasn’t been able to go outside.” McGonagle, one of the SILD interns
who planned the event, said she was concerned the weather would make it difficult for people to make it to campus to participate in Family Fun Day, but it turned out to be a clear day. She considered the event a success. She said, “I think many families were tired of being stuck in the house, and they saw Family Fun Day as a great way for their children to get out of the house, play and have fun.” McGonagle added, “There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into planning any event, but this event had a lot of planning to make it successful.” Roman Berman, the husband of an alumna, was waiting in line to get his pic-
ture taken at the photo booth. He said he wife graduated from FSU about 20 years prior, and their child, who now attends the Child Development Lab, liked “seeing friends from the day care.” Deborah McMakin, a philosophy and psychology professor, said, “It’s my first time coming to this event. There’s a very welcoming and kid-friendly atmosphere.” Dining Services Unit Controller Sheila Lindsey said her granddaughter really enjoyed the event. “She’s having a ball. She’s having so much fun.” Her granddaughter, Lindsey Walsh, said she liked the event. “I’m running with my friends!”
News
6
By Tanya Ström Staff Writer
February 27, 2015
SGA allocates $2,050 to Christian Fellowship
The Student Government Association passed a motion to allocate $2,050 to the Christian Fellowship on Tuesday, Feb 24 for its Praise Night event. The free event will be hosted on March 26, to inform students about modern day slavery in the sex trafficking industry. The event will include live Christian music, videos and speakers from different organizations as well as snacks. Donations will be accepted and given to Amirah Boston, a non-profit organization that provides refuge for those seeking to get out of sex trafficking. Meghan McGillvray, the Christian Fellowship treasurer, said she is looking forward to the event and hopes that it will provide students with awareness about the issue of sex trafficking. “It doesn’t get enough recognition,” she
Footbridge
said. Nathan Stowes, Parliamentarian, announced the launch of The Minute of the Week, a broadcast that brings news from The Gatepost to the student population using the audio systems in the school. The live broadcast will occur at the start of every hour. There have been four prototypes thus far but, Stowes said, this will be the final product of a “rather quiet process.” Nationally, The White Ribbon Campaign encouraging men to end violence toward women, will be held on March 5. However, FSU will be hosting the event on March 6. There will be a table with a pledge for men to sign. There will be a semi-annual blood drive hosted in the forum from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 24. Sarah Cowdell, social event coordinator, hopes that people will “come out of the woodwork” and donate. The event is sponsored by MetroWest Medical, whom
SGA selected, according to Cowdell, to support a local organization. Tickets for the All University Banquet hosted on May 1 will be sold to the public on CollegiateLink. All University Award Packets recognize individuals and clubs, while the Benevolence Award Packets are four scholarships in art, community service, athletics and a general category that students can apply and self-nominate for. Cowdell said that she is “excited to see the students, clubs, organizations and administrators that get recognized for all the hard work they have done to make campus more inclusive, welcoming and fun.” In other news: • Constitution for the Visual Media Club was reviewed and approved. • SGA Vice President Dan Costello will be unable to attend the budget meeting this Friday
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due to a previous engagement. “I actually lost sleep over it,” he added. SGA Vice President Dan Costello emphasized the need for SGA members to digitize all past constitutions so that clubs have easier access to them. The Framingham Night Live event, co-sponsored with the Hilltop Players, will be held on Wednesday March 11 at 8 p.m. in DPAC hosted by David Baldwin. Every Tuesday there will be an open forum for all students in the Alumni room at 7 p.m. to express their concerns and complaints that will be directly followed up by Brandon Martinez, Student Trustee. The “You Rock” was awarded to Samantha Petracca.
- Continued from page 1
down route 9 at Maynard road. MassDOT spokesperson Michael Verseckes said that although each project may be planned and funded separately, there is a possibility that one might take precedence over the other, though it isn’t clear which would be the priority. As of right now, the footbridge itself is still accessible via a handicapped ramp located near the stairs. However, some students believe that the decision to close the stairs came too late. Graduate student Nick Magliozzi said he has not used the stairs in “a couple of years, but even back then, they didn’t feel safe.” He added that he believes the entire structure “was not very good,” and that he was not surprised that an entire stair crumbled off the stairway. “I always took the handicapped ramp anyway.” Nicole Gonzalves, a senior, said, “The stairs have been pretty messed up,” and even before they were closed, she almost fell off of them “a few times.” Sophomore Sam Stratton said, “You know, if a stair fell off, they probably should have done it earlier.” Senior Don Freedman said he does not believe the bridge complies with regulations. Freedman stated he believed that the steepness and height of the stairs are “wacky” and added, “I don’t know if they are regulation - I just don’t know if
Crosswalk proposed on Route 9
Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost
Some students feel the Route 9 footbridge crossing is unsafe. they comply.” Some students said they were concerned is the bridge was falling apart in one place, other parts of the bridge might potentially fall apart as well - a worry Verseckes said is a “logical concern for students to have.” Senior Vice President Dale Hamel said in the past, FSU has contacted the DOT with any safety concerns the University has had with the bridge and the DOT “has been responsible about coming out and repairing the bridge over the years.” He added that this time, when the DOT was called to repair the stairs,
it was decided that the repairs could not be made and the stairs were closed to the public. Hamel added that he believes “any efforts by students to highlight these safety issues will be beneficial.” Senior Diana McDonald said she believes that “shutting down those stairs and deciding to repair them was long overdue.” She added when she uses the footbridge, “I don’t feel safe. There is no real sidewalk, and the stairs were always really steep. … That footbridge is kind of a pain in the ass.”
Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost
Proposal to replace pedestrian footbridge will follow stairwell replacement this summer.
The proposed crosswalk across route 9 was chosen as the “preferred solution” to increasing pedestrian safety near Maynard Road on Route 9 during a meeting between local officials and the Department of Transportation. The crossing, which is known as a HAWK, or High Intensity Activated CrossWalk, is similar to a standard crosswalk. It will include new traffic lights in the area that will allow adequate warning for vehicles to stop and allow pedestrians to cross Route 9. The traffic lights will be red when pedestrians are given a walk signal. However, when the crossing time is nearly over, the traffic lights will only blink red so traffic will treat the area as if there were a stop sign in the crossing and cautiously begin to drive across the crosswalk if it is not in use. According to DOT Spokesperson Michael Verseckes, the design phase for the crosswalk will be 25 percent completed this spring. However, he added that with the heavy volume of traffic on Route 9, many obstacles need to be considered. Senior Vice President Dale Hamel said because both the footbridge and the HAWK proposals have to do with pedestrian safety, they may both be expedited. However, there is a possibility that the DOT may not be able to fund both projects immediately, and the campus community may have even fewer options to cross route 9 during the construction of either project.
February 27, 2015
8
The Gatepost Editorial
Options to cross Route 9 disgraceful It hasn’t escaped many students’ attention that the stairs to the Route 9 footbridge, which always seemed precarious, are blocked off because the concrete has begun to disintegrate. A whole step has fallen off. Even the support beams appear not to be secure. The safety of the footbridge is undeniably a concern for students, because it seems to be crumbling under their feet. What’s worse, there are no alternatives that provide any safer means of crossing Route 9. There are places where students might cross, but they are extremely dangerous. In fact, an FSU student, Colleen Kelly, tragically died two years ago crossing in the very spot at which many students still cross the street. Two years ago. And yet, our options to cross Route 9 are more dangerous than ever. A solution should have been found and put into place immediately. It absolutely should have been done by now. Route 9 is a highway students need to cross, sometimes daily, for any number of reasons, including to go to their cars, where parking is sometimes assigned by the school. Despite the desire of many students to blame FSU for the disrepair of the bridge and the lack of alternative crossing options, it is not within the jurisdiction of campus administration to make these changes. We cannot simply push our administrators to take action to fix the footbridge or create an alternate way to cross the street safely and expect results. However, we can, beyond our respective roles as students, faculty, staff or administrators, but together as citizens of our state, demand the Massachusetts Department of Transportation takes responsibility for these dangerous conditions and create safe solutions. A spokesperson for the Department of Transportation said the department considered different plans for creating a safe crossing on this part of the roadway. The representative said the department decided on a crosswalk system which would include stop lights for the traffic, and that 25 percent of the new system will be planned by the spring. Two years after a young woman’s death on this road, and one fourth of the planning for a better solution hasn’t even fully been planned yet. That is deplorable. FSU students routinely receive emails from Dean of Students Melinda Stoops encouraging them to use the footbridge rather than other options, because it is the safer choice. But when the supposedly safer option is crumbling away, we are justified in being outraged and for demanding something better, immediately. It may not technically be the administration’s responsibility to solve this problem, but it is their duty to put student safety first. It is the duty of all of us to be engaged citizens of the state that is our home, active in advocating for our right for safe and convenient means of simply walking our streets. Because it seems, right now, nothing is getting done any time soon.
Op/Ed
Raising tobacco age is a potentially unsuccessful undertaking As a non-smoker, I was still upset to hear some towns in Massachusetts, Framingham included, recently raised the minimum age required to purchase tobacco to 21, according to a Nov. 25 article in The MetroWest Daily News. As intelligent as this move may seem, it restricts the personal freedom of 18-20-year old Framingham residents who wish to smoke the natural plant cultivated and smoked by numerous groups of people for thousands of years. But, if one requires a practical reason as to why this bill should never have passed, just look at the money. Framingham will likely lose a lot of money by raising the tobacco age. People, ages 18-20, who use tobacco, will either have their freedom taken away, or be forced to break the law to use tobacco. Though the new law will take effect on July 1, according to the MetroWest article, I believe it will be about as successful as prohibition in the 1920s. Citizens who regularly use tobacco will not be too thrilled about this law, and will probably attempt to circumvent it through older friends. Keeping tobacco in stores, but raising the minimum purchasing age will, at best, encourage teens to use older friends to buy tobacco for them. At worst, numerous robberies could ensue (both successful and unsuccessful), which will not be the least bit beneficial to the town. Regardless, Framingham appears to have
joined a statewide movement to ban another personal freedom from the hard-working residents of this state. As unhealthy as smoking tobacco may be, it is unacceptable for any town not to allow its residents - who keep that particular place thriving - to indulge in some tobacco use from time to time. No one, other than the individual contemplating whether to use tobacco, should determine this type of decision. I do not see the residents of Framingham, or students at FSU, reacting to this law positively. I admire Framingham for taking the health of its residents into consideration, but this is not the way to go about it.
Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost
Mark Wadland Opinions Editor
WDJM needs more effective advertising
FSU’s radio station, WDJM, has been fined $1,200 by the Federal Communications Commission because it did not fully comply with the Public File Rule. According to the FCC, “The public file contains a variety of information about each station’s operations and service to its community of license.” The Gatepost found that WDJM’s current advisor, Niall Stephens, an assistant professor in the communication arts department, was unaware of the fine. This lack of communication and the recent fine is an indicator that something is wrong at the radio station. Former advisor to WDJM, Christopher Bowen, also an assistant professor in the communication arts department, said “I have never had any experiences working with music, news or production in radio in any way, shape or form.” Bowen added that he thinks the club would benefit from having a more experienced advisor. Having an advisor can be beneficial, but only if that person is knowledgeable about what he or she are advising. A knowledgeable advisor can remain to train and inform WDJM members as the senior members graduate. An advisor can be a perpetual source of information, while still allowing management decisions to remain in the hands
of the students. The fine is not entirely the fault of the WDJM radio members. Nor is it entirely the fault of the advisors. The fine resulted from the systemic mistake of not having effective advising for students who have little to no training in managing a radio station. In order to prevent these fines from occurring in the future, the selection of advisors needs to be taken more seriously. Without effective advising, of course these mistakes will happen.
Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost
Phil McMullin Staff Writer
The Gatepost welcomes submissions from students, faculty and staff for the Op/Ed page. Please send submissions under 300 words to gatepost@framingham.edu. The Gatepost editors reserve the right accept or reject submissions, and to edit spelling and grammar as is deemed necessary.
Op/Ed submissions reflect the opinions of their authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of The Gatepost or its staff.
Op/Ed
February 27, 2015
9
Net neutrality prevents Internet brutality At around 1 p.m. yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted in favor of enforcing net neutrality by reclassifying the Internet as a Title II utility service, and thus reclassifying Internet Service Providers (ISPs) as common carriers whose treatment of network traffic are regulated by the FCC. Since this is a fairly complicated issue, I’ll use an analogy to explain. Imagine the Internet is a series of roads, the access restrictions are snow, the drivers are Internet users and the snowplows are ISPs. For the sake of this analogy, let’s pretend that for whatever reason, the FCC is in charge of snow removal. Without FCC regulation, the snowplows are free to clear the snow however they want. The snow on roads, for which owners can pay large amounts of money will be removed thoroughly, and thus traffic will flow smoothly. The smaller roads, for which owners cannot pay as large a fee, will still have snow removed, but not nearly as efficiently. This will result in clogged roads and traffic jams. The roads, for which owners can pay no money, will simply be inaccessible. With FCC regulation, however, the snowplows will treat all the roads with equal priority. Regardless of the
size of the road, the snow will be removed sufficiently, and traffic will simply depend on the amount of drivers trying to access the road. While some may argue that this is not an efficient business model, it helps to step away from the analogy, now that you (hopefully) understand the issue. The ISPs will still receive money from users who are paying for their services, but will not be able to receive additional money from the actual Web site owners to allow preferential treatment. This, in turn, allows Internet innovation. Companies such as Facebook were not always massive, profitable corporations - they started off as small, privately run Web sites. Thanks to net neutrality, they were able to become the “next big thing.” Were it not for net neutrality, we might still be using MySpace, or even Friendster. You may be wondering what this has to do with you, especially if you do not own a Web site. The fact of the matter is we have no say in how fast we can access Web sites - it is ultimately up to the ISPs. Some companies, such as Comcast, at least in 2007, have taken advantage of this power and enacted the types of restrictions that the aforementioned reclassification prohibits.
This can no longer happen, thanks to the Internet’s reclassification, and I’m glad. Can you imagine what it would be like living in a world where accessing Facebook is easier than accessing a healthcare Web site, just because Facebook is a large corporation? Sure, it sounds too ridiculous to be true. Yet, it was nonetheless possible prior to the Internet’s reclassification. But now, thanks to the FCC’s vote, it’s no longer a possibility.
Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost
Mark Strom Editorial Staff
Where did the time go? Recently, I have noticed that, in some of the two-hour classes that I have been taking, the little ten minute break has been taken away. For the three years that I have been here, a majority of the professors that I have had gave the class one. This semester, two of my classes do not have breaks and one can tell that it annoys some of the students. This ten-minute break for a two-hour class allows students to catch their breath. During this break, students can use the bathroom, check their phones or even discuss private questions with the professor. Without the break, we cannot do that without disrupting the whole class.
It is understandable that because we have had so many snow days, teachers want to get the most out of their class period. Still, there should be some sort of compromise with the students that would allow them to be able to have a little break in the middle of their classes. As a solution to this problem, professors could ask the students if they need a break or not. I’m sure if it was desired, then the students would say so. Communication is important here, people, and so is our time. Courtesy Facebook.com
Shelby Wood Editorial Staff
Let students utilize Normal Lot Monday through Friday, many Framingham State students - who pay a steep price of $500 per year park their cars half a mile away from the campus at the Union Parking lot. They are also coming across Rt. 9 from the Trolley Square parking lot and Pleasant Street parking lot, as well as Athletic lot 1, on Maple Street. Friday, starting at 4 p.m through 11 p.m Sunday, students are only allowed to park at Maynard Lot. During this same time period, Normal Hill parking lot, located behind Corrine Hall Towers and Larned Hall, remains vacant while students are still forced to park at the bottom of campus. Aside from being inconvenienced, students who park at the Maynard and off-campus lots are at a higher risk for danger. Many students work later shifts on the weekends and come back from their late night at the mall or nearby restaurants, only to go park their
cars alone in the back of the already-f illed parking lots and wait alone for the next shuttle to arrive. There is no shuttle service offered to the students who find parking in Maynard lot on the weekends. The safer alternative would be to allow students to park their cars in the vacant Normal lot parking garage, which is located in a heavily-populated area of campus. The lot is also more conveniently located closer to all the dorms than any other lot currently being offered to the students. By allowing students access to the garage, the University would create a safer environment for students who are coming back to campus alone at night.
Brad Leuchte/The Gatepost
Amelia Foley Staff Writer
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February 27, 2015
ARTS & FEATURES
FSU learns a lesson from “the Yellow Dress” By Avarie Cook Arts & Features Editor
The room fell silent as Emma Goodman walked on stage, ready to perform the one-woman play “The Yellow Dress,” sponsored by SGA, in the Forum last Thursday. In “The Yellow Dress,” the character Anna spoke to the audience about her experiences with her boyfriend Rick. Anna began the play by telling the audience about a dance that she plans to attend, and how she doesn’t have a date but has to go to tell Rick’s new girlfriend what kind of person he is. She asked the audience if this goal seems pathetic before she decides to tell the full story of her and Rick, revealing him to be an abuser. They met in college and fell in love. Anna told how Rick showed signs of his obsessive behavior towards the beginning of their relationship - how he “romantically” told her what to eat and what not to eat by ordering for her at restaurants, when he gave her a new phone, but looked through her texts and emails and when he began to refer to her as “bitch” when she did something that upset him. Anna casually expressed to the audience the ways Rick would emotionally abuse her before he ever put his hands on her. She openly told about how he would call her fat and ugly, but she would brush it off because she knew she wasn’t. Rick would tell Anna that no other guys would be attracted to her, so she had to stay with him. Anna confessed that she began to believe him. Anna’s tone did not become solemn until she told about the first time Rick hurt her physically. He punched her in the face for talking to another guy. The pattern of abuse is clear in Anna and Rick’s relationship when she talks about how her friends tried to help her, but she became “too afraid to tell the truth.” Finally, Anna left the stage and re-
By Cameron Grieves Staff Writer
turned in a short yellow dress that had been blood-stained down the left side. The source of the blood seemed to be coming from Anna’s head. It wasn’t clear that Rick had eventually beaten Anna to death until she decided to show the audience this yellow dress, which “would be perfect for the dance.” She hesitantly told the audience about how she had broken up with Rick successfully when he choked her until she blacked out - another guy had his arm around her at a party. After this caused a scene, he brought her back to her dorm and had sex with her against her will. She woke up the next morning without clothes on, and ended it with him immediately. Anna’s friends became sympathetic when she talked about how Rick would harass her after their break-up. He would sit in his car outside of her dorm, call her and hang up, then call her again and say that he was going to kill himself. She then talked about how she felt weak because she still wanted to talk to him, and was jealous when she found out that he was going to the dance with another girl. The day before the dance, Rick asked Anna to go for a drive with him. She matter-of-factly told the audience, “Well … I fell for it,” and continued to talk about how Rick asked to get back together and she refused. He responded by hitting her head on the inside of the car door, repeatedly, until her body went limp. Anna cried out about how he dragged her body out of the car and dumped it into a ditch by the river. She said nobody knew where her body was, and that she is one of many women who had been killed by an abusive partner. Anna wanted to tell her story to let the others speak up as well. After the play, Emma Goodman and Tim Hoover, actors from Deana’s Educational Theater (a theatre group based in Wakefield, MA dedicated to prevent-
Jeff Poole/The Gatepost
Emma Goodman, an actress from Deana’s Educational Theater, plays “Anna,” a victim of an abusive relationship. ing violence) led a discussion about domestic abuse. They asked the audience what they thought of Anna’s situation, whether or not anything was her fault and what they would do if they were a friend of Anna’s or Rick’s. “I thought it was very eye opening,” said junior Caitlin Murray. “I feel like many people only think of domestic abuse as physical, and forget about the emotional part of it. I wish all of campus saw the play - I think it’s a topic we need to be better educated on.” Students were encouraged to talk about the subject openly in order to get
victims of domestic abuse to feel like they are in a safe enough environment to tell others about their situations. “I feel like I learned more about how to help a friend in this situation, or how to personally get help if in the situation,” senior and SGA President Kendall Valente said. “I like how she made the audience make it personal and think about their own friends.” At the end of the event, students were encouraged to visit the Health Center for support if they knew anyone in this situation, or were in one themselves.
“D” is for diva
One of the more unique events of the year, the annual Drag Show, was held in DPAC on Wednesday night. With the sheer amount of raunchiness, along with one scandalous musical number after another, people were kept on the edge of their seats throughout the performance. Some were in stitches with laughter while others sat, fidgeting in their seats, anxious about being targeted by the drag queens. There were five drag queens in total. Their stage names ranged from the more subdued “Destiny” to “Lili Whiteass.” Combining singing performances with dance routines, each drag queen went up on stage solo and worked their way through the crowd, often engaging with students. While
some seemed thrilled by the experience, others seemed apprehensive. The music ranged from contemporary hits like Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” and Nick Jonas’ “Jealous,” to parody versions of “Let it Go” from Disney’s Frozen, and completely debauched, hyper-sexual songs that could be matched only by the hyper-sexualized dance moves of the queens. Judging by the excitement and volume of the crowd, students in the audience absolutely loved the show. “I wasn’t really sure what to expect at first,” said Valerie Paradise, a freshman. “Originally, I didn’t know that the fashion club was bringing in drag queens from outside of the university, and once I heard that, I was pretty excited. Although she found the content fun-
ny, Paradise said, she “also thought some of the drag queens went a little too far, like when they took off people’s shirts. Overall, I would go again next year, but next time I would sit way in the back and just enjoy the show from afar.” Sophomore Jeree’ Stutts, who has seen these drag queens perform on campus before, said, “I honestly thought it was more lewd than last time. The part that I remember the most was my friend Kathryn being ‘molested’ by one of the drag queens, and the two guys who got their shirts ripped off. It was the same as last time, but also different because the drag queens performed different songs, and they were a lot touchier.” Because of the upfront nature of the show, views on gender and sex were presented in a visceral way that aimed
to break down some of the barriers between what is considered “normal” culture, and the culture of the drag queens, which rejects heteronormativity. At the end of the show, students began to flood onto the stage and dance alongside the drag queens. Freshman Jackson Stevens, was one of the students that danced on stage. “I was singing along the whole time,” he said. “Destiny absolutely slayed when she was performing. She had so much sass and was killing it with the dance moves. “Going up on stage was an awesome opportunity to throw myself into a culture I was unfamiliar with,” he added. “Whenever I get the opportunity to experience something different, the best way to experience it is by throwing myself in headfirst. And that’s what I did.”
February 27, 2015
Arts & Features
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‘A v a r i e ’ L i t t l e T h i n g : The Month of the Unsung By Avarie Cook Arts & Features Editor
During the recent riots in Ferguson, due to the shooting of Michael Brown, many people were bringing up the name Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., saying he would’ve been unhappy to see continued violence over race. What many people do not recognize is that there are various other important black figures in history who could weigh in on today’s issues other than Dr. King. It is now Black History Month, and the American education system still isn’t sure how to approach educating today’s children on African American historical figures. We all know Dr. King, Malcolm X, Jackie Robinson, Harriet Tubman and others. But do we know about the names that aren’t taught in third grade? My personal favorite figure was Madam C.J. Walker, who was known as one of the most successful women of the early 20th century. She was the first woman in America to become a millionaire by creating her own line of hair and beauty products for black women. Unfortunately, I was not exposed to such lesser-known figures in school. But I believe they should receive the same recognition. People are always surprised to hear that the author of “The Three Musketeers” and “The Count of Monte Cristo,” Alexander Dumas, was a black man. It wasn’t until it was said in Quentin Tarantino’s film “Django Unchained” that this fact became well known.
African American history is often written off by educators as an excuse to have a “special class” or “project,” before continuing on with the history that only represents African Americans as victims of slavery and racism. The struggles of slavery, racism, segregation and the civil right’s movement should be taught alongside the successes. White students in America should not grow up thinking that Dr. King was the only leader in the civil rights movement. Black students should not be discouraged from believing they can achieve success, thinking that there are no other figures to look up to. After learning about Madam Walker in fourth grade, I was proud to see that a black woman could be successful. Black women are raised to believe they are going to be unsuccessful from being exposed to stereotypes of black women who get pregnant young, becoming single mothers and work multiple jobs to take care of their five children from five different fathers. If young black girls were exposed to figures like Mary Church Terrell, one of the first African American women to receive a college degree, a charter member of the NAACP and an activist for the civil rights movement, perhaps they wouldn’t be so discouraged and end up becoming what’s expected of them. This hole in the American educational system is leading this generation of young black people to believe that they can’t be something and make a difference. It makes little sense for the curriculum to not include the figures
in history who worked hard to make it possible for young black people have the option of pursuing higher education. The first African American man to graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was architect Robert Robinson Taylor – who is, unfortunately, not well known, despite his contributions to his field. He designed many of the buildings on Tuskegee University’s campus after being offered the project multiple times before graduating from MIT. His close relationship with Booker T. Washington is what inspired him to accept the opportunity and pursue his desired career. I believe that these people from the past are a community which supports and encourages me. African Americans today need this if they are to believe that they can make a difference through their own success. Young black people need to stop being told that they cannot amount to anything. It should not be a big deal to my extended family that I will soon be graduating from college. I should not have been told “Congratulations for not getting pregnant yet” on my 16th birthday because I’m a black woman. It is comforting to know that I am living in a time when changes are actively being made. As an aspiring filmmaker, I am proud to have director, screenwriter, film marketer and distributor Ava DuVernay exist in my world. She is the first African American woman to win best director at the Sundance Film Festival, to be nominated for a Golden Globe as best director and have a film
win an Academy Award. I was told that I would never be a famous filmmaker because women - let alone black women - were not going to make it in the male-driven film industry. Every day this February, in honor of Black History Month, a friend of mine, Ashley Greaves has been posting a picture of an underrated African American figure with a description about their success on Instagram. “I realized how shallow the education of black history is, not only in American school systems, but also in our media,” said Greaves, a student at Wentworth Institute of Technology. “Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King over and over and over again. Our history is rich and deep and beautiful. I just thought I could make a small change in my own way, while [also] teaching those people who follow me a little bit just how large and underrated black history is.” It is now the time for students of all races to educate themselves about the large and impactful history of African Americans. Due to the rumors of African Americans contributing more to this country than they are given credit for, adults should take a second look as well. With the onset of new protests based on the treatment of blacks in America, it is becoming clear that Americans of all races are trying to make a change. Educating those who are uninformed about the subject is one of the first steps toward making an impact on people’s minds.
photo courtesy of campusinfro.umich.edu
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Arts & Features
February 27, 2015
‘Prevention is key’ FSU alumna empowers students through self-defense workshop -Continued from page 1
FSU students and faculty learned physical preparations, such as stance and distance, how to block attacks from multiple angles, grab releases and vital areas to strike. R.A.D. is taught by certified instructors and encourages women to depend on themselves, and to “ to develop and enhance options of self defense so they may become viable considerations for the woman who is attacked,” according to FSU’s website. According to Sergeant Karen Nicholas, FSU’s R.A.D. coordinator, there were six campus sex offenses, which occurred in the residence halls and six domestic assault and battery incidents in the residence halls in 2013, which was documented in the 2013 Clery Act handbook. The 2014 statistics will be released soon, she said. Based on the results of a Bureau of Justice national crime victimization survey distributed to 18-24 year old women, “The rate of rape and sexual assault was 1.2 times higher for nonstudents (7.6 per 1,000) than for students (6.1 per 1,000). For both college students and nonstudents, the offender was known to the victim in about 80 percent of rape and sexual assault victimizations. “Most (51 percent) student rape and sexual assault victimizations occurred while the victim was pursuing leisure activities away from home, compared to nonstudents, who were engaged in other activities at home (50 percent) when the victimization occurred. Rape and sexual assault victimizations of students (80 percent) were more likely than nonstudent victimizations (67percent) to go unreported to police,” according to the 2014 survey. “The importance of self-defense at FSU gives individuals techniques they can deploy in order to escape,” said Nicholas. “Just because someone has been given the tools does not mean that it will be the right thing in the moment.” For future self-defense classes, the department is working on incorporating safety presentations and Run, Hide, Fight into the workshops. Currently, the department is working on engaging the community to propose ideas to make the campus a safer environment, said Nicholas. By taking a self-defense class, a person has a higher chance of getting out of the situation, said Donnelly. “Prevention is the key.” Donnelly called to mind the time she and Daloia attended a workshop with activist Elizabeth Smart in Foxboro. Smart gained national attention in 2003 when she was rescued nine months after being kidnapped at the age of 14. “One of the things she said that I really remember was when that guy came into her room - she didn’t know what to do,” said Donnelly. “She had no skills and had never taken self defense. Had she had some self-defense, she could have gotten out of
that situation. “Hopefully, that little bit of awareness keeps people safe,” Donnelly added. Vandana Singh, professor of physics at FSU, attended the class. Previously, she learned martial arts in college. Singh said she would like to have a series of self-defense classes or martial arts offerings “where the philosophy behind the art was taught as well as the techniques. “Of course, we also need to work on culture change to decrease the number of attacks and assaults - we shouldn’t lose sight of that,” Singh said. Singh added, “In some times and places, the world is not safe. We should know how to defend ourselves, both in terms of preventing difficult or dangerous situations, and in terms of knowing how to physically ward off an attacker. For women in particular, the statistics on rape and assault are absolutely horrific.” Reuel Pereira, a freshman at FSU and a R.A.D. attendee, said Donnelly and Daloia really emphasized the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings. For Pereira, that is what stuck out. “Growing up in Brazil, you are on the street all the time,” he said. “You come home from school, do your homework and you get out and play outside.” Pereira said he learned that walking with a certain stance shows awareness and confidence. Potential attackers are less likely to target someone and “think twice about it after they see you being watchful and aware of your surroundings.” Donnelly said students are more likely to attend classes in a familiar environment rather than a location that is unfamiliar. “To an extent, different people come here and have different levels of comfort with it,” said Daloia. “From my experience, by the end, they are usually able to feel comfortable.” She added, “We do encourage people to come to as many as they can so that it is engrained. … It can be tough for the first time.” Carlos Felipe, a sophomore, said having the workshop frequently would benefit students and suggested meeting every other week. The advantages to meeting more often are muscle memory and learning new techniques, he said. Felipe had taken classes before with Donnelly in her Tai Chi workshops. He enjoyed the classes so much that he took his father to one of them. He said this self-defense class was not what he expected. “I was a little skeptical as a guy,” he said, “because when I first saw the class, I was like, ‘OK, it’s a bunch of girls.’” -Continued on page 13
Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost
Attendees of the self-defense class partner up and practice grab releases and blocking techniques. In this photo, Reuel Pereira (left) blocks his partner’s strike and pushes away putting distance between them.
There were six campus sexual offenses and six domestic assault and battery incidents in the residence halls according to the 2013 Clery Act handbook.
Self-defense saftey tips * Remember, prevention is key * Walk confidently - head up, and be aware of your surroundings * Keep your distance from any potential threat * If an attacker approaches, immediately put your hands up in a defensive stance - elbows protecting sternum and hands up, ready to block * If attacked, target: nose, eyes, throat, groin, knees and shin
February 27, 2015
Arts & Features
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Self-defense -Continued from page 12
Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost
Instructor Jeanne Donnelly (center) teaches grab releases. Professor Vandanna Singh (right) is instructed to turn and push her wrist against her partner’s thumb for her to release.
Once he began, he had fun and was comfortable, he said. Rob Alvarez, a senior, said he does feel safe on campus and that there has never been a day or night he feared walking through campus. “Well the obvious points are that I’ve never been someplace where cameras are literally everywhere, and Campus Police certainly make their presence known driving around. “I’ve never had to use the call boxes, but they are readily available just about anywhere,” he said. However, he said he does recognize that others may feel differently. Christina Hatzopoulos, a junior, is a security desk attendant on campus and frequently works late nightshifts. “Sometimes, I have to walk around campus at like three in the morning, and I get a little apprehensive, but I do feel safe,” she said. However, she does not feel comfortable walking by the library or Dwight Hall. She called for more lighting in that area, and during the night for Campus Police to walk around on foot occasionally. Meghan Hill, a sophomore, said she feels safe because “it’s a small campus.
“I notice how quickly campus police responds to an incident.” Olivia DiFranco, a sophomore, said standing alone in the parking lots while waiting for the RamTrams makes her nervous because she is petite. At times, DiFranco has made the decision to walk from Union due to the RamTram not coming for half an hour “because they are changing shifts. I walk and Campus police isn’t there, so it’s scary.” Khelsea Stewart, a freshman, said that the self-defense class eased her nerves about walking late at night on campus, and that it is important to have a class that can help ensure the safety of students, particularly women. “You hear on the news more and more about girls getting attacked or raped on college campuses,” she said. “By the end of the class,” she said, “I felt like a confident, self defensecertified ninja.” Donnelly said, “The more you do it, it becomes more natural. You become more comfortable with it. And it’s a process of getting out of a difficult situation and becoming empowered and feeling strong and feeling more confident. It takes time and it takes practice. “It could save your life.”
Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost
In one of the final lessons, students learn to grab release, block and strike. Carlos Felipe, an FSU student, frees his wrist by turning against his partner’s and strikes past her face, while she blocks, readying to put distance between them.
Arts & Features
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February 27, 2015
Campus Conversations W h a t wa s t h e b e s t m o v i e o f 2 014 ? “‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ because dragons.” - Brooke O’Connell, senior
By Laura Loranger & Danielle Vecchinoe
“‘The Lego Movie’ because everything is awesome.” - Olivia Milliken, senior
“‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ because ‘we are Groot.’”
“‘American Sniper,’ because it’s a true story of an American Sniper.”
- Tess Irving, sophomore
- Steve Beahn, freshman
“‘Voltage Vengerz: Blue Ball Beyond’ because it is actionpacked and full of adventure.” - Nick Horvath, freshman
Edited by Timothy E. Parker February 27, 2015 OOKY By Tim Burr ACROSS 1 12-point type size 5 Dressed 9 Arise from sleeping 14 Things to cure 15 Current fashion 16 Film director Sergio 17 Makes light of 19 Lack of societal moral standards 20 Apprentice 21 Word with “Band” or “visual” 23 One-many separator 24 Ending of the Bible? 26 Zees on their sides 28 Do a movie scene over 30 Achieves perfectly 32 Fuel cartel, briefly 34 Time long past 35 “Jurassic Park” revival 37 Man with a law 39 Easy on the eyes 42 ___-Cat (winter vehicle) 43 Father of Icarus 46 Eyelid problem 49 Medical symptom 51 Like an eagle in flight
“‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ because it brought life back into the fantasy, sci-fi movies for me.” - Tyler Menzdorf, senior
52 How some burgers are made 54 Homepage info 56 Asian sauce ingredient 57 Blood classification system 58 “The Star-Spangled Banner” opener 60 Dairy aisle section 62 “Absolutely not!” 64 Sobbing 68 “Love Me Two Times” group (with “The”) 69 “May ___ you as a reference?” 70 Steady guy 71 Outlet, e.g. 72 Calla lily family 73 Fails to be DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Orange seed Agcy. of the U.N. Duds With fireplace residue Emulate “Old Blue Eyes” Doctor in a 1964 movie Middle Eastern muck-a-muck (Var.) More than want Highball container When dark comes o’er the land Over the top
Last issue’s solutions:
12 Cast off from the harbor 13 Hallucinogenic cactus 18 Kind of nails? 22 Remove carbon from 24 Finish 25 Mai ___ (tropical drink) 27 Type of mate or music 29 Sunday music book 31 Less confining 33 Cattle zappers 36 Has a crush on 38 Horse film of 2004 40 Hawaiian island 41 Actors’photos, often 44 Abduction ship, in tabloids 45 Messy pen 46 Places to sit, paradoxically 47 Additionally 48 “Anyone home?” 50 Middle East peninsula 53 Search for water, in a way 55 Tailor again, as a skirt 59 “Watch ___ step!” 61 Asian desert 63 Hockey legend Bobby 65 The Buckeyes, for short 66 Bert Bobbsey’s twin 67 Have a ___ feeling
February 27, 2015
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Sports
February 27, 2015
Big moves, high hopes By Mike Ferris Sports Editor
Boston fans were thrilled when the Red Sox announced the signing of former Dodgers’ shortstop Hanley Ramirez and former Giants’ third basemen Pablo Sandoval. The team that finished last in the American League East in 2014 needed to make some changes and it did. Aside from adding the two position players, the Red Sox also acquired pitchers, Rick Porcello, Wade Miley and Alexi Ogando, an area they needed to improve in greatly. Just when people thought general manager, Ben Cherington, was done and headed for spring training, the BoSox were linked to another massive signing, that of Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada. The move proves a couple of things. First, the Sox aren’t afraid to spend money. Moncada’s deal is reportedly worth $31.5 million. Yankees’ GM, Brian Cashman, who was out-bid by the Red Sox for the phenom, said in an ESPN article, “He’s got a lot of ability and projects to be a quality player.” Second, it proves Boston has a plan. Moncada is the second Cuban player the Red Sox have signed in as many years. Last year, the team agreed to terms with an outfielder from the Caribbean island - Rusney Castillo. When asked about the signing, Cherington wouldn’t confirm it because it is pending a physical, but the GM said Moncada “can play all over the field,” according to a Boston Herald article. Yahoo Sports reported that former Red Sox pitcher and three-time All-Star Luis Tiant was significantly important in the landing of Moncada. Tiant, now 74 years old, was born in Marianao, Cuba. Moncada is just one of many players from the hot spot, Cuba, which Major League teams have been tapping into as of late. Some notable Cuban-born players currently in the MLB include Cincinnati Reds’ closer Aroldis Chapman, Los Angeles Dodgers’ outfielder Yasiel Puig and Chicago White Sox outfielder Jose Abreu. The talent among the three aforementioned players is astonishing. Chapman is regarded as a lights-out closer when he has control. In a Sept. 11 USA Today article, published in 2014, Chapman had thrown 358 pitches that touched at least 100-MPH to that point in the season. That number was 310 more than the next pitcher, Kelvin Herrera, and more than doubled the rest of the league combined. Puig is known for his flamboyant style, and the cocky right-handed hitter was named an All-Star and finished 19 in NL-MVP Award voting. As for Abreu, the rookie finished fourth in the American League in homeruns last year, finished fourth in ALMVP Award voting, claimed Rookie of the Year honors and claimed his first career Silver Slugger Award. It’s unknown just where Moncada will fit into the lineup, but with Opening Day just around the corner, despite how much snow is on the ground now, the Red Sox are in position to have arguably the best offense in the game this year. Ramirez will have to adjust to the Green Monster in left, which he is reportedly doing just fine, Castillo and Moncada will have to live up to the hype, which isn’t an egregious request and the starting pitchers will have to do a much better job than last year. But if these assumptions hold true, the Red Sox could easily be considered the favorites to represent the American League in the World Series this year and quite reasonably be thought of as the team to beat in both the AL and NL. Hard to believe for a team that finished 71-91 a year ago, but as the “Boston Strong” team proved the year before, going from worst to first isn’t impossible.
Women’s basketball falls short in MASCAC semis
Jeff Poole/The Gatepost
By Robert Jones Staff Writer
In the final game of the regular season, the Lady Rams fell 74-50 at the hands of MASCAC foe Worcester State. The Rams were paced by an Alycia Rackliffe double-double, including a game-high 13 points and 10 rebounds. She was 7-8 from the line. Framingham led by one at the half thanks in large part to forward Sarah Palace’s 10 first half points. Cassie Thurber joined Rackliffe and Palace in double figures registering 10 points of her own, to go along with 10 rebounds. The Rams were held in check in the second half, managing only 22 points on 20 percent shooting from the floor and 0-4 from behind the three-point line. Worcester State capitalized on fast break points and bench points down the stretch in order to jump out to their largest lead of 24 with only 28 seconds remaining in the contest. The fourth-seeded Framingham State Lady Rams took down the visiting Fitchburg State Falcons, which was seeded fifth, 60-47, in a quarterfinal matchup of the MASCAC Tournament. The Rams started off extremely hot, jump-
ing out to an early 11-1 advantage. The Falcons would charge their way back, however, closing the gap to only three points before a Nicole Bostic three-pointer ended the run. Bostic and freshman Casie Thurber spearheaded the Ram offense throughout the first half, accounting for 18 of Framingham’s 33 points. Rackliffe recorded three first half blocks, en route to a game-high seven, and was the anchor for a Ram defense that allowed a mere 28 percent shooting during the first 20 minutes. Framingham’s 33-27 half time lead was later erased when the Falcons tied the game on a Kristen Enright bucket with 13 minutes remaining on the clock. The two teams would trade baskets for the better part of the second half, until timely shooting and stingy defense ballooned the lead for the Rams. A Johanna Annunziata three-pointer with less than three minutes remaining would spark a 10-0 run for Framingham. Clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch by Annunziata, Bostic, and freshman Lauren Donahue sealed the win and ensured a semifinal berth for the Lady Rams. Bostic and Thurber each reached double -Continued to page 19
Mayweather-Pacquiao mega fight set for May 2
By Mike Ferris Sports Editor
Finally. The fight, that for many boxing fans is well overdue, has once and for all been set. On Feb. 20, it was announced that Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao have agreed to a May 2 title bout. Mayweather, often referred to by his in-ring nickname, “Money,” leaked the information on Shots, a social media site, Friday. In his post, Mayweather said, “What the world has been waiting for has arrived. Mayweather vs. Pacquiao on May 2, 2015, is a done deal. I promised the fans we would get this done, and we did. We will make history on May 2nd. Don’t miss it! This is the signed contract from both fighters. www.themoneyteam.com.” This post was attached to a photo of the contract stating the terms of the fight, signed by both Mayweather and Pacquiao.
Talks between the two intensified greatly when both fighters sat courtside at a Miami Heat game earlier this year and met at halftime and then again post game. As for the terms and conditions that have been announced thus far, Mayweather will receive the higher end of a 60-40 money split. The fight has been projected to gross close to $400 million in revenues according to an ESPN article, which would be far and away the highest revenue generator in boxing history. When “The Goldenboy,” Oscar de la Hoya, fought Mayweather in 2007, a fight “Money” won by split decision, the two earned 2.5 million pay-per-view (PPV) buys which set the record at the time but should easily be set by Mayweather and Pacquiao. Although the de la Hoya-Mayweather fight
-Continued to page 18
February 27, 2015
Sports
Men’s basketball ends season on high note, rout Worcester State 56-39
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By Tanya Ström Staff Writer
The Rams’ losing streak stretched to four games when they suffered a 7350 loss at the talons of the Fisher College Falcons. Reaching double figures, Joseph McCabe, Bertholyn Alexandre and Ronnie DeBarros each scored ten points. Tim McCarthy led the Rams with seven rebounds. Framingham shot 35 percent from the floor and was unable to keep up with the Falcons in all aspects of the game. The Falcons outscored the Rams in bench points, 38-20, points off turnovers, 19-8, and points in the paint, 32-24. The Falcons shot 50 percent from three and held the Rams to 20 percent. The Falcons waited until four minutes remained in the second half to capture their largest lead of 25 points. The Rams wrapped up the 201415 season with a win and an overall record of 7-18 and 2-10 in the MASCAC. McCabe netted a game-high 23 points off the bench as the Framingham State Rams basketball team earned its seventh and final win of
the season with 56-39 final over Worcester State. McCabe shot eight of 11 from the field. He was perfect 3-3 from the line in the win. DeBarros ended just shy of double figures with nine points, however, earning style points with his dunk that took the Rams to a 45-22 lead over the Lancers. Alexandre added eight points and five rebounds and Jacek Louisville chipped in another eight points. The Rams led by six at the half and held the Lancers to one point in the first nine minutes of the second half. In a game that saw four lead changes and one tie, Framingham jumped out to its largest lead, 25, with 3:59 left in the second half. The Rams outscored the Lancers 19-7 in bench points but were outscored in the paint, 30-26. Both teams had 12 points off turnovers. However, the Rams shot 50 percent from three and held the Lancers to 30 percent. Collectively, the Rams shot 43 percent overall from the floor and 43 percent from behind the arc.
Gatepost Player of the Week 2/19-2/26
Jeff Poole/The Gatepost
Alessio Muggli 37 saves vs. Fitchburg State, 41 saves vs. Plymouth State and 26 saves at Worcester State
Melina BourdeauThe Gatepost
Sophomore guard Patrick Gould defends the ball at the top of the key
Ice hockey finishes 6-16-2
By Mark Wadland Editorial Staff
The Rams’ ice hockey team squared off against MASCAC opponent Fitchburg State on Thursday, Feb. 19, picking up their sixth win of the season. The Rams netted four goals in total, with forwards Keith Barnaby, Tyler Colacchio, Brendan McCarron and Richard O’Connor each supplying one goal. Forward Ryan McDonald led the Rams with three assists. Goalie Alessio Muggli made 37 stops, giving up only one goal. After a scoreless first period, Barnaby put the Rams on the board with a power play goal in the second period, though Fitchburg outshot the Rams 28-12 through two. In the third, the Rams scored twice more, before Fitchburg responded with one of their own. That would be their only one of the game, however, as O’Connor secured the win with an empty-net goal late in the third. The Rams went 1-for -4 on the power play, and Fitchburg could not find the back of the net on any of their man-advantages. Before the puck dropped, they honored their seven seniors, who played in their final home game of their college careers. The Rams took on the first place MASCAC opponent, Plymouth State, at home, two days after their win over Fitchburg. They came up just short, falling 2-1. In the first period, the Rams struck first, as Colacchio netted the only goal the Rams would get. In the second,
Plymouth responded with a pair of goals, one on a power play and the other short-handed. Plymouth outshot the Rams, 43-23 while going 1-for-4 on the man advantage. The Rams were unable to put the puck in the net on any of their four power plays. Plymouth’s power play goal late in the second proved to be the game-winner, as the Rams fell to 5-11-1 in MASCAC play. They sit at 6-15-2 overall. The Rams battled MASCAC rival Worcester State in their final game of the season, falling 6-2. Worcester struck barely a minute into the first, but that was as exciting as the period would get. In the second, Worcester put one past Muggli for its second goal of the game, this time on a power play. The Rams and Lancers traded goals in the second period, as forwards Brendan McCarron and Mark Essery supplied a pair of goals for the Rams, but FSU entered the third period down by one. Worcester tacked on three more in the third, securing a win and ending the Rams’ season. The Rams did not record many shots on goal, as they were outshot 32-13. They also could not capitalize on their three power play opportunities, while the Lancers capitalized on one of their four power plays. Muggli made 26 saves, but could not stop Worcester.
Sports
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February 27, 2015
Mayweather-Pacquiao fight -Continued from page 16
earned the most views, another fight recorded the highest PPV revenue. That was Canelo Alvarez and Mayweather in 2013, in which Mayweather won by majority decision. Speculation thus far has been that the historic fight on May 2, will cost upwards of $100 if bought in high-definition which would nearly doubly the typical PPV price. The fight is expected to be unbelievably expensive for a reason, as Mayweather and Pacquiao are touted as two of the best in recent memory if not of all-time. Mayweather, to this point, has posted a career record of 47-0 with 26 knockouts. The 38-year-old stands at 5-foot-8, has a reach of 72 inches and is trained by his uncle, Roger Mayweather. Pacquiao, referred to as “Pac Man,” is 57-5-2 in his career with 38 knockouts. The Filipino southpaw stands 5-foot-6, has a reach of 67 inches and is trained by Freddie Roach, spokesman for Parkinson’s disease with which he was diagnosed with in 1990. The fighters have released statements of their own regarding the bout. According to ESPN, Pacquiao said, “I am very happy that Floyd Mayweather and I can give the fans the fight they have wanted for so many years, they have waited long enough and they deserve it. It is an honor to be part of this historic event. I dedicate this fight to all the fans who willed this fight to happen and, as always, to bring glory to the
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Philippines and my fellow Filipinos around the world.” In the same article, Mayweather said, “Boxing fans and sports fans around the world will witness greatness on May 2, I am the best ever, TBE, and this fight will be another opportunity to showcase my skills and do what I do best, which is win. Manny is going to try to do what 47 before him failed to do, but he won’t be suc-
Manny is going to try to do what 47 before him failed to do, but he won’t be successful. He will be number 48. -Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
cessful. He will be number 48.” With regards as to who would have priority to show the fight, HBO, who has a deal with Pacquiao, and Showtime, who is aligned with Mayweather, had a heated dispute. Eventually the two came together and ESPN reported that they will “produce and distribute a joint pay-per-view telecast.” The two broadcasters have only come together once before in 2002, when Lennox Lewis, of HBO, fought Mike Tyson, of Showtime.
Mayweather and Pacquiao had discussed fighting multiple times in the past and were unable to agree to terms. Mayweather offered Pacquiao a fight in 2012, but the southpaw declined because “Money” wanted too much of the take. Mayweather has also declined offers from Pacquiao but the reason wasn’t as clear. Many boxing fans felt the reason Mayweather was reluctant to agree to a fight was because Pacquiao wouldn’t take a drug test revealing whether or not he was on steroids. Opposition to this, such as ESPN First Take’s Skip Bayless, felt Mayweather was a “chicken,” and hence was why he wouldn’t accept a fight from Pacquiao. Bayless has tweeted since news of the fight broke where he has said, “Hey, Floyd, how does 47-1 sound?” Despite all the past rejections, the fight is set and the trash talking has begun. In an ESPN article, Roach said, “Floyd should enjoy being the A-Side while he can because on May 2 Manny is going to put him on his backside.” As for Mayweather, who hasn’t been shy in the media in the past, he continues this trend as seen in the earlier quote where he stated Pacquiao represented his 48 win. Either way, this trash talk will continue, until the two take to the ring in Las Vegas’ MGM Grand.
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NHL Standings
NBA Standings Eastern Conference GB 1. Atlanta 45-12 -2. Toronto 37-20 8 3. Cleveland 37-22 9 4. Chicago 36-22 9.5 5. Washington 33-25 12.5 6. Milwaukee 32-25 13 7. Miami 25-31 19.5 8. Brooklyn 23-32 21 9. Charlotte 23-32 21 10. Detroit 23-34 22 11. Indiana 23-34 22 12. Boston 22-33 22 13. Orlando 19-40 27 14. Philadelphia 12-45 33 15. New York 10-46 34.5 Western Conference GB 1. Golden State 44-11 -2. Memphis 41-15 3.5 3. Houston 39-18 6 4. Portland 37-19 7.5 5. Dallas 39-21 7.5 6. LA Clippers 37-21 8.5 7. San Antonio 34-23 11 8. Oklahoma City 32-25 13 9. New Orleans 30-27 15 10. Phoenix 30-28 15.5 11. Utah 21-35 23.5 12. Sacramento 20-35 24 13. Denver 20-37 25 14. LA Lakers 15-41 29.5 15. Minnesota 13-43 31.5
NCAA Women’s AP Top 25 1. Connecticut (34) 2. South Carolina 3. Baylor 4. Notre Dame 5. Maryland 6. Tennessee 7. Oregon State 8. Louisville 9. Florida State 10. Arizona State 11. Mississippi State 12. Texas A&M 13. Kentucky 14. Princeton 15. North Carolina 16. Duke 17. Iowa 18. Chattanooga 19. Stanford 20. Rutgers 21. FGCU 22. GWU 23. Syracuse 24. California 25. Northwestern
26-1 25-1 26-1 25-2 24-2 23-3 25-2 23-3 25-3 24-4 25-4 22-6 19-7 25-0 22-6 19-8 21-6 24-3 20-8 20-7 25-2 24-3 20-8 20-7 21-6
NCAA Men’s AP Top 25 1. Kentucky (65) 2. Virginia 3. Gonzaga 4. Duke 5. Wisconsin 6. Villanova 7. Arizona 8. Kansas 9. Notre Dame 10. Northern Iowa 11. Wichita State 12. Iowa State 13. Utah 14. Maryland 15. North Carolina 16. Oklahoma 17. Louisville 18. Arkansas 19. Baylor 20. West Virginia 21. SMU 22. VCU 23. Butler 24. San Diego State 25. Providence
27-0 25-1 28-1 24-3 25-2 25-2 24-3 22-5 24-4 26-2 25-3 20-6 21-5 22-5 19-8 19-8 21-6 22-5 20-7 21-6 22-5 21-6 19-8 22-6 19-8
East-Atlantic Montreal 40-16-5 Tampa Bay 37-29-6 Detroit 33-15-11 Boston 29-22-9 Florida 26-22-13 Ottawa 25-23-10 Toronto 25-31-5 Buffalo 19-38-5 East-Metropolitan NY Rangers 38-16-6 NY Islanders 40-20-2 Pittsburgh 35-17-9 Washington 33-19-10 Philadelphia 26-25-11 New Jersey 25-27-9 Columbus 26-30-4 Carolina 22-30-7 West-Central Nashville 41-13-7 St. Louis 39-18-4 Chicago 37-20-5 Winnipeg 31-20-12 Minnesota 31-22-7 Dallas 27-25-9 Colorado 26-24-11 West-Pacific Anaheim 38-17-7 Vancouver 35-23-3 Los Angeles 29-18-12 Calgary 33-24-4 San Jose 30-23-8 Arizona 20-35-7 Edmonton 18-34-10
Pts. 85 80 77 67 65 60 55 43 82 82 79 76 63 59 56 51 89 82 79 74 69 63 63 83 73 70 70 68 47 46
Sports
February 27, 2015
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PawSox plan to relocate to Providence By Mike Ferris Sports Editor
McCoy Stadium, home of the Pawtucket Red Sox, Boston’s AAA affiliate, may see its days in Pawtucket limited. The PawSox, as they are commonly referred to, have new owners who have expressed their desire to move the team out of Pawtucket. Larry Lucchino and James Skeffington, the new co-owners, have indicated interest in building a new 10,000-seat stadium in downtown Providence, the state’s capital. This new stadium would spell an end for McCoy, which was built in 1942. According to wpri.com, Skeffington is looking into some recent projects in Durham, N.C., Charlotte, N.C., El Paso, TX and Toledo, OH, for guidance. With the prospective move, the new owners have also expressed an interest in changing the team’s name to the Rhode Island Red Sox. With interviews regarding the situation being held in Providence, it is almost imminent at this point that a move will occur. The speculated Providence project would reportedly cost somewhere between $60-$70 million. Regarding the two locations, Pawtucket and Providence couldn’t be any more different. Pawtucket has a population of 71,172 while Providence, the most populated city in Rhode Island, is more than double that at 177,994.
The 20 square-mile capital, which is also more than doubles that of Pawtucket, houses two major schools, Brown University and Providence College, and offers a much more diverse audience. Speculation is that the stadium will sit on the bank of the Providence River so that homeruns may have a splash landing, similar to that of AT&T Park in San Francisco. The owners would like the move to be complete by the spring of 2017. The completion of this move will not only upset residents of Pawtucket, but will be detrimental to the city’s economy. The city’s mayor said in a wbur.org article that, “The hard thing is, as a Pawtucket person, I went to the stadium with my grandparents and parents, and now I enjoy it with my kids.” In the same article, Adrienne Marchetti, who runs a soup kitchen said, “We would hate to lose them. They’re a vital part of the community.” McCoy Stadium not only means a lot to the city, but like its major-league equivalent, Fenway Park, is the subject of history. The stadium is home to the longest game in professional baseball history. The game between the PawSox and the Rochester Red Wings went 33 innings and took more than eight hours to reach completion. Although McCoy is historic, and Pawtucket has been the AAA Sox home since the 1940’s, baseball is business and Skeffington and Lucchino are only doing what’s in their own best interest.
Women’s Basketball -Continued from page 16
figures in points, with 18 and 10 respectively, while Rackliffe and Annunziata controlled the boards, recording 11 and 10. Framingham won nearly every statistical category in the win, but particularly dominated from the free-throw line, where they outshot the Falcons by 40 percent, and in the paint, where they outscored their opponent by 10. Framingham State’s post-season run ended with a loss in the MASCAC Semifinals to the first-seeded Westfield State Owls, 79-65. Four Rams registered double figures in the contest including 12 off the bench from senior Margo McCarthy. Rackliffe recorded 12 points and nine rebounds, while Bostic added 13 points of her own. A Rackliffe lay-up with only two seconds remaining in the half brought the Rams with one, 37-36. Palace notched 10 of her teamhigh 17 points in the first. The Owls would control most of the second half, shooting 50 percent from the three and 87 percent from the free-throw line. Westfield also exploited mismatches inside, resulting in 34 points in the paint and 16 second chance points. Framingham resorted to constant threepoint attempts down the stretch and shot only 9-30 overall from long range.
Ice Hockey
Thank you,
JAY NICHOLLS
SENIORS 2015
RYAN MCDONALD
Men’s Basketball JAMIE HENDERSON
Melina BourdeauThe Gatepost
PATRICK CUFF Melina BourdeauThe Gatepost
Melina BourdeauThe Gatepost
RONNIE DEBARROS
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BRENDAN MCCARRON ROY MONSON
MARGO MCCARTHY
NICOLE BOSTIC
DYLAN COSFORD
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Women’s Basketball
JOHANNA ANNUNZIATA
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MATT CRESCIONE
Courtesy of fsurams.com
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DEAN CAVICCHI
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February 27, 2015
20 Jeff Poole/The Gatepost
DRAG SHOW
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Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost
FSU Fashion Club hosted a drag show on Wednesday February 25 in DPAC. Drag Queens Fena Barbitall, Destiny Boston, Lili Whiteass, Kris Knievil and Rainbow Frite lip-synched to current pop hits and parodies while taking the audience on a raunchy ride through their outrageous dance routines.
Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost
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Melina Bourdeau/The Gatepost