The Florida Tech Crimson Issue 4 by The Florida Tech Crimson

@FTCrimson @FTCrimson crimson@fit.edu Issue 4

RIMSON The Florida Tech

The Official Student-Run Newspaper•since

1967

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020

Free Speech Week

INDEX Campus Life.......................................2-3 Local News.............................................4 Free Speech Gallery...............................9 Sports.................................11

SPRING

Student gives up his First Ammendment rights at the event "eat free, live free" that was held on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Photo// Zen Campbell

Taken for granted

Olivia mckelvey \\ editor-in-chief

Monday, Feb. 17, students gathered outside the SUB to sign the free speech walls where their speech was not censored. Photo// Zen Campbell

To have the ability to speak our minds, state our opinions — whether people want to hear them or not — and to exhibit a right that has been granted to us for more than two centuries is a right many of us take for granted. As stated in the United States Constitution, under the First Amendment, “we the people” are guaranteed freedom of expression by prohibiting Congress from restricting the press or the rights of individuals to speak freely.

Without free speech, we lose more than just our voices. We lose the ability to challenge the government, take political stances or prevent the ability to simply begin a discussion. When the founding fathers wrote the Bill of Rights, the First Amendment was prided on the fact that the American people shall operate under a system that is “for the people.” Decades and decades later, we see historical landmarks that have sparked change within our country

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New mural at Southgate painted by local artist

johnny o'brien \\ Staff writer

Christopher Maslow completed his mural on Southgate building M earlier this month. The Panther represents the theme of "relentless." Photo//Francesco Isaza

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Relentless — a word defined as showing no abatement of severity, intensity, strength or pace. For artist Christopher Maslow, the term relentless means an unfaltering pursuit to achieve one’s goals and to be the most dedicated. Maslow painted a mural of the Florida Tech panther on the southernmost wall of the Southgate apartment complex building M. The mural is titled ‘relentless’ for Florida Tech’s continued pursuit to provide knowledge, education, and resources that will help young minds to go forward and change the world. Living in the area for many years, Maslow grew up seeing the mural downtown and dreamed about recreating it. When the opportunity presented itself, Maslow was “ecstatic.” According to Maslow, the mural is inspired by the quote “Ad Astra Per Scientiam” which means to reach the stars through science. The Panther is traveling through all different environments; land, sea, sky, and space — all different aspects of Florida Tech’s curriculum. “As the icon of Florida Tech, the Panther should unite the students

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through their common purpose at FIT,” Maslow said. The new Southgate mural is the second Florida Tech mural in Melbourne. The other mural is located downtown near numerous bars and helps bridge the connection of campus and downtown Melbourne. “I’m inspired by the positive impact Florida Tech has made on the Space Coast,” Maslow said. “While I’m not a student of Florida Tech, I do consider myself a representative of FIT artistically.” For sophomore Gabija Karosas who is majoring in ocean engineering, the mural represents the diversity, kindness and overall acceptance of every student on campus. To Karosas, the image of fearlessness from the Panther, along with the title, symbolizes the community of the student body at Florida Tech. “Each student is like a Panther, facing every challenge head-on with courage and bravery to find a solution whether it’s in or outside the classroom,” Karosas said. “Students come here to be relentless, learn and experience as much as they can to

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Our Mission: Live, discover and report the truth

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Eating Disorders awareness week Erika Pobee-Mensah, M.S.\\ Outreach Coordinator Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) Division of Student Life

This year, National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is from February 24th through March 4th. Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, have received much attention in the media. They often are affiliated with images of underweight women obsessing over a number on a scale. The truth is, eating disorders take on many different forms. Maybe you know someone who suffers from an eating disorder, maybe you have one yourself, or maybe you are simply interested in learning more. Regardless of your reason for reading this article, we are here to spread knowledge and awareness about this problematic group of conditions and how to recognize the problem and seek help. What is an eating disorder? There can be much stigma affiliated with the term “eating disorder.” Sometimes it can be less stigmatizing and easier to understand if you flip the words and instead think of “disordered eating.” This would indicate chronic and persistent patterns of eating too little (restricting), eating too much (bingeing), engaging in behavior that seeks to overcompensate for eating (i.e. self-induced vomiting, over-exercising, using medications to induce diarrhea or vomiting, skipping insulin doses for a person with diabetes) or eating things that are not meant to be consumed (aka pica). Some eating disorders affect individuals with disabilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, and can be related to sensitivity to texture, rather than body image. However, frequently eating disorders are affiliated with body image, including a distorted view of

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (#NEDAwareness) is February 24 - March 1, 2020. We’re changing the conversation around food, body image, and eating disorders! Join the movement and #ComeAsYouAre, not as you think you should be. www.nedawareness.org oneself as being “too fat” or wanting to achieve a certain weight. Who has an eating disorder? Some people have disordered eating patterns but do not have body image issues. Others may have excessive eating, without restricting or purging behaviors. As you might guess, this results in disordered eating being far from what the media might show us. Normal weight and overweight individuals might be struggling with eating disorders. And while many people have the misconception that eating disorders affect only young women, according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), approximately 20 million women and 10 million men in America are estimated to have an eating disorder at some point in their lives. It is important to know that eating disorders affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. Why do eating disorders occur? There are many contributing factors to eating

disorders, but mostly there tends to be an overlap between biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to its development. Some biological factors include having a family history of eating disorders or a mental health condition, having a personal history of dieting, burning off more calories than you take in (such as purposeful efforts to restrict, intense athletic training, growth spurts, or illness), or having Type 1 diabetes. Additionally, individuals who participate in sports or athletic training that requires them to achieve a certain weight may be at heightened risk for eating disorders. Psychological factors such as perfectionistic tendencies, body image dissatisfaction, history of anxiety disorders, and behavioral inflexibility can be risk factors for eating disorders. Lastly, societal messages about weight (the “thin ideal”), teasing/bullying (especially about weight), rapid acculturation to Western society, and limited social network, may all contribute to risk factors for eating disorders. How do I know if it’s serious?

While occasional disruptions in eating, such as overeating on Thanksgiving or fasting for medical or religious purposes, are unlikely to cause major problems, habitual disordered eating that occurs regularly and for extended periods of time can be quite harmful to the body. Food provides important nutrients to help our bodies function in day to day living. Improper nutrition can lead to difficulty concentrating, poor physical health, low energy, decreased athletic performance, negative mood/affect, and disrupted sleep. In more extreme cases, improper nutrition can lead to dangerous weight fluctuations and changes in body chemicals that could lead to organ damage or even death. Be honest with yourself and consider how much your eating habits are affected by your body image. While it’s okay to want to be healthy or lose some weight if you are overweight, it’s not okay to engage in unhealthy practices in attempts to achieve being “healthy.” Be mindful of warning signs, such as being overly concerned about food intake/ meals, constantly worrying about weight, being secretive about eating, bingeing, and/

or purging. Also, be mindful of constantly trying new fad diets or cutting out several food groups in attempts to lose weight. It is important to recognize problems as early as possible so that you or a friend can seek help and start making improvements. Seeking help might seem scary at first, but primary care and mental health services are a major step in healing and overcoming an eating disorder. If you, or a loved one, are concerned about the possibility of an eating disorder, consider taking the free on-line screening at; https://www.fit. edu/counseling-andpsychological-services/ on the right side of the page under “Mental Health Screening Tools.” Further information, resources, and services can also be found at: Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) – 321-674-8050 Holzer Health Center – 321-674-8078

Find yourself twiddling your thumbs during the week? WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU TO DO. Join the weekly Crimson meetings on Wednesday nights at 6:00 p.m. in the newsroom (the back entrance of Grissom Hall) to snag a story and a slice of pizza.

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CAMPUS LIFE

Florida Tech athletic director Bill Jurgens has changed positions after 44 years elena ciulli \\ Staff writer

Bill Jurgens was also a Florida Tech alumni as he got a Master of Science Education at Florida Tech in 1979. Photo//Dominic Agostini /Florida Tech sports

44 years later — Bill Jurgens, long time Florida Tech athletic director, has been promoted to vice

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Maslow spray paints finishing touches on the Southgate mural. Photo // @ christophermaslow

grow into the best person they can be.” For Southgate resident assistant Marcello Mattei, having the mural being the first thing he sees when he gets back to the apartments makes his day. Resident Director of Southgate Apartments Maria Sagastume was also excited about the new mural.

president of international relations. Jurgens became Florida Tech’s athletic director in 1976, helping Florida Tech build 18 different sports and recruiting over 500 studentathletes. In his time as athletic director, Florida Tech won five NCAA titles: two in men's soccer, two in women's golf and one in swimming, as well as 35 conference team championships. In May, Jurgens will begin his position as Vice President for University Relations. “It is something that I really want to do because I want to have a greater impact on the University,” Jurgens said. After 44 years as an athletic director, Jurgens will assist President T. Dwayne McCay with community responsibilities and developing awareness for Florida Tech. Jurgen’s experience in the athletic “My favorite part is that it brings life and color to our residence halls, especially the apartment-style buildings,” Sagastume said. Sagastume said she believes that we all have to be relentless at some point in our lives, especially when we face challenges and adversity. The RD sees the mural as a reminder that we should not stop fighting for our dreams and work hard to accomplish them. “We constantly pursue greatness as well since we are in a very challenging tech school that constantly encourages us to be the best version of ourselves,” Sagastume said. “We are also preparing for a competitive world and we have seen how our alumni have done great things in their fields of study and always pursue great things after college.” Many Southgate residents believe the mural brings a better sense of community to campus.

This is the second Panther Mural in Melbourne. The other is located downtown. Photo// Francesco Isaza

department will allow him to promote the university through different areas such as sustaining optimum performances and what it takes to be a team player. Student-athletes seem to be sad that Jurgens is leaving the athletic department, but wish him the best of luck in his new position. Tania Kottke, a volleyball player majoring in business, is one particular athlete that will miss Jurgens as an athletic director. “It’s sad that Bill will not be in the athletic department anymore,” Kottke said. “But the legacy and the connections he built during his time will help him succeed in his new position.” According to Jurgens, getting more exposure and showing excitement for the university will be crucial. “I love Florida Tech for a variety of reasons,” Jurgens said. “FIT is a great academic institution and the people who

work here are great.” During his career, Jurgens had the chance to build strong relationships, which allowed him to meet numerous people, who became colleagues and eventually friends. One of those relationships started over 30 years ago, with the man that will act as interim athletic director until the position is filled, Pete Mazzone. Arriving at Florida Tech in 1985, Mazzone has been involved with the university in a variety of roles: assistant athletic director, intramural director, game manager, teacher and head coach of the cross country team. Years of experience brought Mazzone to be the candidate for the athletic director role, after being Florida Tech’s associate athletic director for years prior. “ It's a new challenge and I am excited to implement my plans,” Mazzone said.

Students like Pauline Cosson and Malte Stockhausen, both part of the cross country team, have welcomed the news regarding Mazzone’s upcoming position. The two seniors have full trust in their coach, relying on his organization and leadership skills. “ I am sure coach Mazzone will do a fantastic job,” said Stockhausen, a senior majoring in marine biology. “He has always been very organized and fair to everyone, being a great example to all the studentathletes.” Jurgens and Mazzone will work together in a transition period until Jurgens assumes his new role on May 1. As for now, any relevant changes have been communicated to all the Florida Tech athletic teams. “Coach Mazzone deserved the role, and I am happy that all his hard work has paid off. I know he will be successful, ” Cosson said.

NEWS NASA’s next mars rover arrives in Florida ISSUE 4

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alex polimeni \\ Staff writer

Following in the footsteps of NASA’s past rovers —Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity — NASA’s fifth Mars rover has been delivered to its seaside launch site in Cape Canaveral, Florida. On Feb. 12, the Mars 2020 rover and associated hardware arrived at the Kennedy Space Center. The Mars 2020 rover is a $2.4 billion astrobiology laboratory on wheels, whose stated goal is to discover the building blocks of life and search for signs of prehistoric life on the Red Planet. The mission hardware was largely built at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in Pasadena, California, inside the Spacecraft Assembly Facility. The SAF has housed the construction of every previous Mars rover and a multitude of groundbreaking planetary exploration missions, like Voyager 1 and 2, the first two spacecraft to leave the Solar System. "Our rover has left the only home it has ever known,” said John McNamee, project manager of Mars 2020 ina press release. “The 2020 family here at JPL is a little sad to see it go, but we're even more proud knowing that the next time our rover takes to the skies, it will be headed to Mars." The currently unnamed Mars rover will continue a legacy that began with NASA’s first Mars rover - Sojourner – turning to school-children from the United States to name the rover. An essay competition, open to all

students from K through 12, is underway, with an announcement expected in the next few months. The rover is also the host to the first powered aircraft to fly on another planet. The Mars Helicopter Scout is a twin-blade miniature technology demonstrator, to validate flying an aircraft on another planet. The MHS is mounted below the rear of the rover. As Bob Balaram, chief engineer of the MHS stated in a JPL video, “the system is designed to fly for 2 to 3 minutes every day.” He added that the short duration flights can reach an altitude of around 15 feet and will support a 13-megapixel highresolution camera. Additionally, the first of its kind sample-return payload will be included within the rover. The rover will use its drill to collect samples of interest and store the contents inside various tubes. The sample “package” will be deposited at a location on the surface, determined by the JPL team. Eventually, a joint NASA and European Space Agency mission will retrieve the samples and return them to Earth, allowing thorough analysis according to JPL. These will be the first samples ever retrieved from Mars, using laboratories on Earth for dissection. The Mars 2020 mission has a method of Entry, Descent, and Landing, known to JPL officials as “seven minutes of terror.” Once the Mars 2020 payload is within the atmosphere of Mars, a rocket-propelled sky crane will be deployed. The sky crane will act as a hovering platform,

as the rover descends on a cable to the surface of Mars. Due to the distance from Mars, there is about a 14-minute delay for signals to reach Earth. “From the top of the atmosphere, down to the surface, it takes us 7 minutes,” said Adam Steltzner, EDL Engineer, in a JPL video. “So when we first get word we touched the top of the atmosphere, the vehicle is either alive or dead on the surface, for at least 7 minutes.” However, before this mission can begin its journey to Mars, it must first leave Earth’s atmosphere. NASA has selected United Launch Alliance to lift this flagship science mission, utilizing the Atlas V rocket. The Atlas V is the workhorse for NASA’s most costly missions, having successfully delivered many spacecraft to Mars in the past.

At liftoff, the Atlas V for Mars 2020 will generate 2,254,000 lbs. of thrust; all this power required to lift the car-sized, 2,300 lb rover and associated hardware to Mars. The launch is currently scheduled for July 17 from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Complex 41 has supported a multitude of Mars explorers, including the Curiosity rover, in 2012. The rover is expected to land on the surface of Mars on Feb. 18, 2021, in Jezero Crater, the site of a suspected ancient river delta. Jezero Crater is a prime location to search for signs of ancient life, as it is believed liquid water once flowed to the crater through small rivers, according to a NASA press release. “The landing site in Jezero Crater offers geologically rich terrain, with landforms

reaching as far back as 3.6 billion years old, that could potentially answer important questions in planetary evolution and astrobiology,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, in a NASA press release. The NASA team will continue to integrate and build up the Mars 2020 spacecraft inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center. The ULA team will secure the spacecraft inside the Atlas V payload fairing, and attach it to the top of the Atlas V rocket. Once Mars 2020 has separated from the Atlas V rocket, it will be the beginning of a long journey to the Red Planet, followed by a thorough scientific campaign on the surface.

two advisories, which advise travelers to practice enhanced precautions, for Japan and South Korea. The U.S. Department of State has issued its highest travel advisory for China, level four. This advisory instructs travelers not to travel to China and advises U.S. citizens in China to evacuate. The Los Angeles Times reported that preventative measures in China include classes and workdays being held remotely, as well as continued limits on travel in and out of residential communities. 14 total U.S. cases have been confirmed by the CDC, 12 being travel-related and two as a result of person-toperson spread. These figures exclude the passengers of the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was placed under quarantine on Feb. 5. The Johns Hopkins CSSE

map lists a total of 35 U.S. cases, including cruise ship passengers. Affected areas include Boston, Chicago, and the states of California and Washington. Five U.S patients have already recovered from the illness. South Korea has seen a sharp rise in cases, with Reuters reporting over 600 cases and six deaths as of Feb. 22. South Korea’s government has raised its disease alert to the highest level, to allow for preventative measures like temporary school closings and reduced operation of public transportation. Many of the cases in South Korea have been linked to the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Daegu. The city has been designated a “special care zone” by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Italy has also seen a significant rise in cases.

Reuters reports that many public events have been canceled in Italy’s northern region, with some travel routes closed. In order to control person-to-person spread, a 14-day quarantine period is recommended by the CDC for people who have been exposed to the disease but have not developed an illness. The CDC recommends that those who develop illness are treated in isolation, and not released until they stop displaying symptoms and test negative for the virus. The CDC states that in their COVID-19 “FAQ” that coronaviruses are most often spread through respiratory droplets, and that no evidence supports transmission of the virus through imported goods or other surfaces. Everyday precautions are still recommended to prevent the spread of respiratory

diseases, such as frequent hand-washing, avoiding close contact with sick people, and covering coughs and sneezes. Bino Campanini, senior vice president of student life and alumni affairs at Florida Tech, sent out an email Thursday. Feb. 20, stating that the university would continue to monitor travel advisories and other restrictions that may affect students. The email states that Florida Tech will work with current and prospective students to work around delays of academic records and other documentation. Florida Tech’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety continues to update its public health web page with information on the virus. Up-to-date information on the outbreak can be found on the CDC’s COVID-19 webpage.

Mars 2020 rover at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Photo//Alex Polimeni

Coronavirus cases spike in South Korea, Italy, with U.S. cases under 40 sonja michaels \\ Staff writer

The number of cases in the recent outbreak of illness caused by the novel coronavirus now totals 78,914 confirmed worldwide, according to the Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering disease map. Over 76,000 cases are in mainland China, with less than 40 total U.S. cases. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes “COVID19,” or coronavirus disease 2019, by the World Health Organization. The Centers for Disease Control have issued a level three travel advisory for China, recommending that all nonessential travel is avoided due to widespread community transmission. The advisory does not include Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan. The CDC has issued level

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SPeech continued thanks to free speech. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States. By the 1920s, women across the nation rioted for the foundation of their voices, the right to vote. More recently, we have seen environmental activists such as Greta Thunberg using her voice to raise awareness of the detrimental effects that climate change is creating on our planet. Without freedom of speech, these people wouldn’t have been able to

create a platform for change. Without their voices, where would we be? We are lucky. There are other nations that don’t allow the same luxury that we have under the First Amendment in the United States. According to Freedom House, an independent watchdog organization dedicated to the expansion of freedom and democracy around the world, 45 percent of the world's population lives in countries where the media environment is not free. In 2017, the world’s 10 worst-rated countries and territories for free speech were Azerbaijan, Crimea,

Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. We are blessed compared to citizens of these nations where opinions are often suppressed. This is the ninth year The Crimson has been celebrating free speech week. We have a very diverse population of students on campus as many of them come from all different parts of the world. Some of them may not know what free speech is, or what the First Amendment even guarantees. This is why we educate. We inform those who don’t know what free speech is and we remind those that have

forgotten. Often overlooked is the fact that we live in a country where we can speak freely without fear. Despite what America’s political arena at the moment says, the press is not your enemy. In recent years under the current administration, freedom of speech — and particularly the press — has been attacked. The label “fake news” has become sensationalized and its meaning has been misinterpreted on some occasions. There are left and right-wing news organizations and those that strive to be centrists, but all become united when the president of

the United States of America comes for not just your industry, but your career. To go after what reporters often view as a civic duty to the public is far from promoting First Amendment rights. This is why journalism matters now more than ever before, and this is why voices matter. Voices allow you to speak your mind, and speaking your mind might just provoke change for the better.

social and political issues, Bible verses, tributes to Kobe Bryant and personal music preferences. The free speech walls also became a way for students to have anonymous hand-written debates next to comments they agreed or disagreed with. Students wrote on differing opinions on climate change, the Clery Act and presidential candidates. “People shouldn’t be censored on what they say by an official authority,” Ella Filippelli, a junior majoring in STEM education and biomathematics said. “That doesn’t mean you say whatever, but you shouldn’t live in fear that you’ll be in danger for your opinion.” Filippelli said that students have the right to speak out and express their opinions, even in cases when it may be morally ambiguous.

After the Monday event of “free speech, free cookies,” the walls were placed in Evans library, allowing more students to continue to exercise their first amendment right throughout the remainder of the week. Camila Alvarado, a junior majoring in chemical engineering and nanotechnology, has a positive outlook on the more controversial discussions written on the boards. “It’s free speech, there will be no judgment,” Alvarado said. “It may be better for people to show their emotions and opinions in this way, then getting the emotions out in a bad or violent way.” Free speech is a right that is guaranteed in the United States every day under the Constitution. As part of the first amendment, “we the people” have the right to own our voices.

points of view,” Laakman said. “Then if you feel informed enough, then you can actually go out and make a change.” Being informed of the Epstein case for the first time was Pei-An Hsia, a Florida Tech masters student in global strategic communication. She came to the event because she wanted to learn more about free speech week. “I’m impressed with how they got the investigation reopened,” Hsia said. “If it weren’t for the press, then no one would’ve heard of this.”

She found it interesting how willing the reporters were when it came to investigating Epstein, a man who had such powerful connections with royalty and presidents. “I appreciate their efforts,” Hsia said. The story is not yet over. Frank pointed out about Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s financer, that “she’s still out there.” He said that the story will continue as Maxwell is under investigation.

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom — and no such thing as public liberty without freedom of speech.”

Florida Tech celebrates first amendment rights tessa dury \\ Staff writer

Florida Tech students were enticed by one particular thing this week to exercise their first amendment right of free speech; cookies. The first of many events for the week began with censorship-free writing upon the blank canvas walls outside the Student Union Building on Monday, Feb. 17. Students were encouraged to write whatever they wanted on the free speech walls. In exchange for exercising their First Amendment right, they were granted a cookie. “I came for the free cookies,” said Brian Dixon, a junior majoring in meteorology. “But seeing some of the things on here, it brings awareness to certain problems,” Dixon said. “You see what people are upset about and it drives you to do more in community

The Free Speech Walls were later moved to Evans library where more students could exercise their First Ammendment right. Photo//Tessa Dury outreach.” Many students wrote on the walls and a variety of topics were covered. Some students wrote inspirational quotes such as ‘it’s okay to not

be okay,’ and ‘Veni, Vidi, Vici,’ which is Latin and translates to ‘I came, I saw, I conquered.’ Other students wrote jokes on the walls while some commented on current

Miami Herald investigative editor highlights importance of local journalism

christian martinez \\ Staff writer

The senior investigative editor of the Miami Herald who was involved with the Jeffrey Epstein story visited Florida Tech last Wednesday, Feb. 19 to talk about how local journalism can make a difference. C a s e y F r a n k presented to Florida Tech students, staff and faculty on his work regarding numerous investigations over his 40 years at the Herald, particularly the Epstein case. “Perversion of Justice” is the Herald’s collection of articles from last November through December that highlights the history, charges, reinvestigation and more on Epstein and his long-time involvement with sexually assaulting minors in his Miami residence. Frank explained how the story was buried 10 years ago, and how it is unlikely for

news organizations to want to “rehash” a story from that far back. However, he emphasized how Herald reporters, Julie Brown and Emily Michot, saw the value within the story that needed to be told. “We wanted to speak truth to power,” Frank said. By finding the names of lawyers, schools and victims, the Herald reached out to find the truth on the many injustices by Epstein. Reporters brought attention to Epstein’s victims in Nov. of 2018, which subsequently led to Epstein’s arrest for sex trafficking in July of 2019. Now, the Herald is still providing coverage on the story even after Epstein’s death in August. Frank mentioned that he had considered retiring soon, but the Epstein story broke and re-invigorated his love and drive for local reporting. He then once again stressed how local journalism is important, as local news sources can dig deeper into a story than national media. Amy Laakman, a communications instructor

who attended the keynote, agreed with Frank and voiced her own opinions on the situation. “I was interested in how you cover something so controversial,” Laakman said, “We’re in a situation where rich and powerful men can buy themselves out of these situations.” Laakman also stressed how local journalism makes a difference and gets people involved and informed. “ Y o u owe it to yourself to be an informed citizen on different

Casey Frank presents in the Hartley Room discussing how the Miami Herald was the first to re-open the Epstein case. Photo// Christian Martinez

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Free speech week gallery

This is the ninth year The Crimson has been celebrating free speech week. The "free speech, free cookies" event enticed students to put their First Amendment rights to use in exchange for a cookie. This event was the first to spark activities throughout free speech week. Originally blank white canvas, the free speech walls are now covered with opinions, inspirational quotes, arguments and more in the Evans library. Photo// Zen Campbell

Students particpated in the "live free or eat free" event on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The point of "live free or eat free" is to remind students that they are fortunate to have freedom of speech unlike other countries in the world. Photo// Zen Campbell

After being jailed for "contesting authorities" at the "live free or eat free" event, a student returned for food. Crimson staff served as authority figures for the fake country that had no First Ammendment rights. Photo// Zen Campbell

Slang terms such as "yeet" and "lowkey" scattered the free speech walls. Other students and faculty wrote about Kobe Bryant's passing, the importance of traveling and the Clery Act. Photo// Zen Campbell

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International festival gallery Florida Tech's 2020 International Festival was held Sunday, Feb. 16. Many student organizations from a variety of different countries participated and shared their cultures with people in attendance. Photo// Matthew Lanoue

Mutiple vendors from Brevard county showcased their artistry and talents via jewelry displays, food trucks, informational tents, music and live performances. Photo// Quang Dinh

Florida Tech's 2020 International Festival was held Sunday, Feb. 16. Many student organizations from a variety of different countries participated and shared their cultures with people in attendance. Photo// Quang Dinh

Florida Tech's street dance club, winners of this years homecoming talent show, performed at Florida Tech's 2020 International festival hosted by the International Student Services office. Photo// Matthew Lanoue

Melbourne Capoeira Cultural Arts Center performs their act consisting of Brazilian martial arts that incorporates music. Photo// Matthew Lanoue

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Sports Recap thomas handel \\ staff writer

Men’s Basketball: Overall Record: 11-16

feb 12. 78-90-Loss at eckerd Feb 15. 77-70-win vs embry-riddle Feb 19. 51-59-Loss at tampa Feb.22. 81-95-loss vs nova southeastern

Valur Valsson tallied 10 assists against Embry-Riddle, breaking the school record for most assists of all-time with Photo//Matthew Lanoue 429 total. Despite personal success, the Panthers have won just one of their last four games. Their playoffs hopes dwindle as they remain at 9th place in the Sunshine State Conference with only one game left in their regular season.

Women’s Basketball: Overall Record: 13-14 feb 12. 59-76 loss at eckerd Feb 15.80-74 win at embry-riddle Feb 19. 55-83-Loss vs tampa Feb 22. 62-59-Win at nova southeastern

Photo//Florida Tech Athletics

After splitting the last four games 2-2, the women’s basketball team has dropped to 5th in the SSC standings, with an opportunity to gain back their momentum in their final regular game this Wednesday vs Rollins.

Baseball: Overall Record: 4-8

feb 11.4-7-Loss vs flagler Feb 15.8-0-Win vs spring hill Feb 15.2-3-Loss vs spring hill Feb 16. 14-0-win vs spring hill Feb 21. 8-1-win vs rollins Feb 22. 2-3-Loss at rollins

Photo//Florida Tech Athletics

Hitting their stride amongst a brutal schedule, the Panthers scored 38 runs since February 11th, improving their record as they hope to continue the pace in the upcoming games to follow.

Softball: Overall Record: 5-8 Feb 14. 7-4 win vs florida southern college Feb 15. 11-3 win vs florida southern college Feb 15. 2-1 win vs florida southern college Feb 21. 3-4-Loss vs eckerd college Feb 22. 9-3 win vs eckerd college

Photo//Florida Tech Athletics

Dominating their last 5 games with a record of 4-1, the Panthers have jumped up to third in the SSC rankings after a slow start to the season with no signs of slowing down as they play their next game Tuesday at home.

Men's Lacrosse: Overall Record: 1-4

Feb 1. 6-18 loss vs mercer Feb 8. 12-13 loss vs lindenwood Feb 10. 11-8 win vs maryville Feb 22. 7-16-Loss vs limestone

Opening their season to a shaky start in a series of high scoring games away from home, the Panthers hope to get their first win as they Photo//Florida Tech Athletics continue on the road on Monday at Newberry.

Women's Lacrosse: Overall Record: 2-0 Feb 15. 16-8 win vs post Feb 16. 8-7 win vs palm beach atLANTIC Kicking their season off to a fantastic start at 2-0, the Panthers cruise their way along a road trip that takes them to Young Harris this Friday in hopes of another win.

Photo//Florida Tech Athletics

FEBRUARY 25

SPORTS

ISSUE 4

FEBRUARY 25