T H E HOFS T R A
HEMPSTEAD, NY VOLUME 86 ISSUE 1
CHRONICLE
TUESDAY
September 15, 2020
KEEPING THE HOFSTRA COMMUNITY INFORMED SINCE 1935. NEWS
Hofstra disables data tracking on temperature kiosks
By Sarah Emily Baum EDITOR - AT- L A R G E
Hofstra University has disabled facial recognition and recording software that was “erroneously” used on students during screenings for COVID-19 symptoms. Prior to reopening, 21 temperature-reading kiosks were installed in dormitories, the Student Center and the Student Health and Counseling Center, according to Newsday. These measures sought to detect fevers – one possible symptom of the coronavirus. The devices, however, were linked to a university database that automatically recorded students’ names, private ID numbers and on-file profile pictures during facial scans. “The temperature kiosks were installed immediately prior to reopening and temperature trend collection had been turned on erroneously by the staff that installed the kiosks,” said Karla Schuster, assistant vice president of University Relations. “As soon as the Task Force [on Reopening] learned that this function had been turned on, the IT staff corrected the devices and removed any collected in-
formation, which was completed as of the morning of Aug. 28. No data had been reviewed or used at any point, and anything collected has been destroyed.” Temperature scanners have been installed in schools across the country to screen for symptoms of COVID-19. The technology, however, has been under scrutiny in recent years for its dubious ethical implications, especially pertaining its uses by police to surveil protestors. Some students were caught by surprise when they discovered the kiosks had been logging their personal data. “When my friends and I learned about it, we were shocked and uncomfortable,” said Isabella Burckhardt, a junior entrepreneurship major. “We were surprised it immediately linked us to our IDs, and we didn’t know what that information would be used for, if anything.” Other students were more concerned with the fact that such means could be deployed accidentally. “It doesn’t bother me that they can recognize our faces,” said Zach Faretra, a junior video and television major, “but I don’t like hearing there’s a security mistake like that.”
To function, the software requires access to a pre-existing database of student information, which would have been granted upon installation. Dr. Xiang Fu, a computer scientist and Hofstra professor who has spent years researching information security, said facial recognition software works by measuring the biometrics of the user, such as the arch of the cranial ridge or the distance between one’s eyes and nose. Therefore, it can identify users even if they are wearing a mask. The Paramont Model temperature scanners Hofstra purchased will even reprimand students who do not wear masks via an automated voice message. Facial recognition has also been historically faulty when used on people of color, especially Black individuals. “It has recently been shown that algorithms trained with biased data have resulted in algorithmic discrimination,” said researcher Joy Buolamwini in a joint paper by Microsoft and the MIT Media Labs. She found that the software, like ones used by law enforcement, is “systematically lower [in accuracy] for people labeled female, Black, or be-
tween the ages of 18 to 30 than nosed with for other demographic cohorts.” COVID-19 through the temperaShalita Brown, a senior ture checks, but four people who political science major, saw this did have the virus were found to disparity firsthand when she have cleared the checkpoints. used the system. She said three “The temperature kiosks are separate devices had repeatedly one of many tools available for identified her as multiple other members of the campus commuBlack students. “It’s never iden- nity to help them monitor and tified me even once,” she said. protect their general health,” Even with the facial recogSchuster said. “It provides infornition features now disabled, mation, not diagnoses.” controversy about the temperature kiosks remains. The Center for EvidenceBased Medicine at Oxford University called the technology “more marketing than medical evidence.” “Skin temperature, rather than core temperature, is measured,” said the Center’s website. It also highlighted the possible ineffectiveness of fever tests in screening for the virus, as the Center reported almost half of all cases were asymptomatic. A CNN investigation from January also explored temperature checks in American airports, Adam Flash / The Hofstra Chronicle which screened a total of 30,000 people. Not a Newly installed temperature checks can single person was diagbe found around campus.
A&E
By Raj Sujanani
New Disney remake sparks controversy
STAFF W R I T E R
Live-action adaptations have been Disney’s new secret formula for making a profit at the box office. Recent successes such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin” and “The Lion King” were not only brought to life, but also generated a sense of nostalgia through their basic storylines, characters and music. Now, another movie has been revived – a live-action remake based on the 1998 animated classic “Mulan.” It was released
on Disney+, with Premium Access for an additional fee of $29.99, on Friday, Sept. 4. Although the team behind “Mulan” initially aimed for a March 2020 theatrical release, they had no choice but to release it on the streaming platform due to COVID-19. The film faced a few boycotts, namely when Liu Yifei, who plays the titular role of Mulan, expressed her support for the Hong Kong police, who have responded to pro-democracy protests in the region with brutality against civilians. It
faced additional backlash when Disney acknowledged the film was shot in Xinjiang, a region in which the Chinese government has perpetrated severe human rights violations against China’s Uighur Muslim population. According to CBS News, “Boycott Mulan” was trending on Twitter after the film’s release, with many users drawing attention to the fact that the end credits of the movie thanked the Chinese Communist Party Xinjiang Uyghur [sic] Autonomous Region Committee.
Photo Courtesy of Disney The live action remake of “Mulan” has been creating controversy since its release on Friday, Sept. 4.
CONTINUED ON B2
NEWS
A2 •September 15, 2020
203 Student Center hofstrachronicle@gmail.com
Editors-in-Chief Melanie Haid Drashti Mehta
Managing Editor Gab Varano
Business Manager Robert Kinnaird
News Editor
Annemarie LePard
Assistant News Editors Ahjané Forbes Marjorie Rogers Samantha Sivert
A&E Editors
Victoria Bell Eleni Kothesakis
A&E Assistant Editors Jacob Huller Kat Salmon
Sports Editors
David Lazar Anthony Roberts
Assistant Sports Editor Mike Senatore
Features Editors Betty Araya Audra Nemirow
Assistant Features Editor Micaela Erickson
Op-Ed Editors
Visvajit Sriramrajan Jessica Zhang Daniel Cody
Copy Chiefs
Elizabeth Turley Odessa Stork
Assistant Copy Chiefs Antonia Moffa Julia Razzante
Multimedia Editors Robert Kinnaird Adam Flash Talha Siddiqui
Social Media Team Elizabeth Turley Tori Licata Tino Pattigno Jack Brown Anthony Roberts
Editor-at-Large
Sarah Emily Baum The Chronicle is published on Tuesdays during the academic year by the students of Hofstra University. The Chronicle is located in Room 203 Student Center, 200 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, 11549. Advertising and subscription rates may be obtained by calling (516) 463-6921. The Chronicle reserves the right to reject any submission, in accordance with our written policies. All advertising which may be considered fraudulent, misleading, libelous or offensive to the University community, The Chronicle or its advertisers may be refused. The products and opinions expressed within advertisements are not endorsed by The Chronicle or its staff.
THE CHRONICLE
Professors define the phrase “defund the police” in panel discussion
By Hannah Merwin S TAF F WRI T E R
Defunding the police is a controversial topic currently being debated around the nation since the killing of George Floyd, whose death reignited the Black Lives Matter movement. Despite the conversations being had, “defund” is a term that still needs to be defined. Hofstra University’s Center for “Race,” Culture and Social Justice, in conjunction with the Center for Civic Engagement, hosted a panel on Wednesday, Sept. 2, about what it means to defund the police and possible solutions to this problem. Speakers at the panel included Alex Vitale, author and professor of sociology at Brooklyn College; George CiccarielloMaher, author and associate professor of political science at Vassar College; and the Rev. Dr. Sedgwick Easley. “The problems of racial disparities and police violence are the result of unconscious bias,” Vitale said. “Racism is not accidental; it is embedded in the very idea that certain communities can only have police when they have a problem.” Guns, handcuffs, ticket books, tasers and tear gas are just a few of the weapons police officers use to detain people. “[N]ot [all of those] tools [are] needed to solve community problems,” Vitale said. “The solution is to remove that police function and replace it with something that actually empowers communities.”
A common question the panel addressed was what should be done in these communities instead of increasing police presence. The recurring answer involved either removing funds from or completely replacing the police system in the United States. The funds could be used to support helpful public resources such as homeless shelters, schools, mental health institutions and other public establishments.
without police entirely.” Easley, a Black man, was able to bring an important perspective to the panel. Easley discussed the Black Lives Matter protests and how many people may feel that defunding the police is a drastic solution to the problem. “When the history of your people has been murdered for 400 years, it isn’t drastic,” he said. “Even if you are guilty, you ought not be murdered and slaughtered.”
Photo courtesy of Altamar
As the fight for racial equality continues around the country, protestors are taking a stand against police brutality.
“There is absolutely no evidence that policing makes us safer,” Ciccariello-Maher said. “Defunding the police will allow us to dedicate resources to the real causes of violence in communities by building a safety net and investing in public goods, schools, health care and recreation activities.” By committing to contribute to public resources, CiccarielloMaher said, “We will begin to see that the police are far less necessary than we believe, and we can begin to imagine a world
Easley continued by discussing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a bill proposed in 2020 which will increase the accountability of law enforcement officers in cases of misconduct. The bill will also create a national registry which will compile data on complaints and records of police misconduct. “The tragedy surrounding the killing of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake have made it clear that racism still exists in this nation and that something needs to be done to fix
that. I sympathize with those of color who have felt mistreated by the American society, as racism is something no one should endure,” said freshman journalism major Michael Richardson. When it comes to reforming the police in terms of extensions of the criminal justice system, such as the courts, jails and prisons, the ideal plan is for those institutions to be “dismantled” and replaced with something different, according to Ciccariello-Maher. “I think this is a really good idea and certain parts of the country where the police have, frankly, grown militarized and have not ... [been] upholding their oath to the American people. Urban areas like New York City are a good example of that. However, when we look at areas of the country that aren’t necessarily [as] well off financially as the cities, it gets really tricky,” said Matthew McDermott, a sophomore communications major. Even the suggestion that police officers receive better training was called into question. “It’s not an issue of the training, a lot of it is rooted in racism,” Easley said. “When you begin to look at other incidents across the nation where Black folks have had their hands up, that’s not an issue of training, a lot of that is an issue of racism, of white supremacy.” Regardless of their training and if the police do their job properly, their work is still harmful at this point in time, said Vitale.
Zoom classes cause strain for students with ADHD By Marjorie Rogers AS S I S TANT NE WS ED ITO R
The Zoom teleconference room has become the new classroom for students across the United States due to the coronavirus pandemic. Zoom comes with a new set of challenges for students, teachers and employees who use it. Zoom video calls can leave people more exhausted than the traditional classroom
because video conference calls require more energy and focus to effectively communicate than face-to-face meetings, according to an article from the BBC. For people with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Zoom calls can be even more draining. “It’s been hell and I’ve felt like I learned nothing,” said Theo Scheiner, a sophomore biology major with ADHD.
Scheiner expressed that now that his classes do not meet in person, he has no motivation. “It’s really hard to stay focused when you’re not faceto-face,” said Amanda Larsen, a sophomore music major with ADD. “For me, knowing that I can pretty much do whatever as long as my camera is off is a big problem when it comes to staying focused.” Rather than looking at just a whiteboard and a teacher, as
they would in a traditional classroom, students in Zoom classes must watch their classmates and themselves on camera as well. This extra visual and audio input over Zoom serves as a greater distraction for some. “Even with the camera on, I can’t even pay attention to the class content because everyone is doing something else on their camera,” said Vanessa DeRosso,
CONTINUED ON A5
THE CHRONICLE
NEWS
Hofstra establishes a new program to ensure campus safety during a pandemic By Max Sacco SPEC IA L TO T H E C H R O N I CL E
Outside of Hofstra Hall is a large white tent with a “Hofstra Health Ambassadors” banner. The Hofstra Health Ambassadors (HHA) is a new program designed to ensure the Hofstra community is staying safe while on campus. Vice President of University Relations Melissa Connelly is the originator of HHA, which came to fruition as “a peerto-peer way of keeping the community safe,” according to Sharon Phillips, associate professor of Health Professions and the head of HHA. Phillips was looped in by Connelly to oversee the program due to Phillips’ extensive knowledge of public health. Beyond the initial setup, Phillips said getting the program up and running was a “fast paced” process, since she only had about four weeks to hire two graduate assistants and students to become members of HHA. “All of our employees are based out of the white tent,
which we use as our home base,” said HHA graduate assistant Andrew Adrian, a health administration major. “We have over 60 health ambassadors working with us, and [we] are placed around high traction areas [on] campus.” The HHA tents have “PPE available, but it is in limited supply, so we suggest you bring your own,” according to Sophia Sola, a senior bioengineering major. As for students who need PPE, or commuters getting their complimentary PPE pack, Sola said they can pick it up from the HHA tent. More tents and HHA members will be available around campus soon. “We’re planning to be stationed all around campus to remind people of [the] social distancing protocols,” Sola said. All members of HHA were trained on the Safe Start for Hofstra, COVID-19, conflict resolution and the actual parameters of the position to make sure everyone was prepared for the role, according to Phillips. Within the first week of sending out the job announcement to the
public, Phillips received over 60 applications from students of diverse majors and backgrounds. Bukky Nwanko, a junior natural science major, found out about HHA through both social media posts and flyers around campus. The HHA program only has enough funding for about one semester, but Phillips said that she hopes Hofstra will keep funding HHA so that the University “can continue the program into subsequent semesters with a bigger focus on a broad public health focus.” HHA also has a new mental health initiative designed by Mabel Origho, a public health major and HHA graduate assistant. “We’re working on looking at a mental health initiative with the Honors College, where we set up a bi-monthly meeting for students to speak about their concerns, such as how [their] first week went,” she said. HHA hopes to stay on Hofstra’s campus beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, but for now, they are here to help keep the Hofstra community safe.
Jacob Lewis / The Hofstra Chronicle The Hofstra Health Ambassadors Headquarters is located in front of Hofstra Hall, but student ambassadors are stationed around the ‘hot spots’ of campus.
September 15, 2020 • A3
Governor Cuomo releases new guidelines on closing New York colleges By Madeline Armstrong STA FF WRITER
New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo released a new set of guidelines on closing New York colleges and universities during the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, Aug. 27. Cuomo lowered the threshold for the number of confirmed cases it takes for a college to shut down from 9% to 5% of the student body or 100 cases – whichever is lower. If a school reaches this number of positive COVID-19 tests, the school must shift to remote learning for two weeks and reassess the situation to determine how to move forward. In the meantime, all athletic activities and clubs will be suspended during the quarantine period and all dining hall options will need to be converted to take-out only, according to the parameters of Cuomo’s new guidelines. Hofstra is working with Northwell Health to keep infection rates low enough to remain open for the entirety of the fall semester. “We have instituted a battery of facilities improvements and implemented a wide range of health and safety protocols,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Herman Berliner. “Together, [these] make us hopeful that Hofstra will be able to continue in-person instruction and remain open.” Despite the University’s efforts to remain open and fully functioning, some students expressed concerns regardingcampus life if Hofstra reaches 100 cases. “How will we be able to get [access to] our normal amenities?” questioned sophomore drama major Elizabeth Tauro. She worries how restrooms, dining facilities and other campus resources will run if the University were to undergo a two-week quarantine. Other students question how a two-week quarantine would affect their daily lives. “There
was zero human contact,” said sophomore dance major Jacob Kurihara, who quarantined for two weeks prior to moving in to his dorm. “I had not talked to, or even seen the face of another person ... [I] would not by any means be the first in line to do it again.” During the mandatory quarantine, Kurihara said, students were not allowed to leave their rooms at all. If Hofstra has to move fully online for a period of time, Berliner said the University “would make decisions on issues related to campus and residence life after reviewing circumstances at the time.” The possibility of a mandatory two-week shutdown has students whose classes are not suited for Zoom apprehensive about the future of their education. “I [am] worried as to how capable I would be to participate in my dance classes with limited available space,” Kurihara said. Limited space, however, is not the only concern students have when it comes to online classes. “My biggest concern is money,” said Gavin Petersen, a sophomore drama major. “Why are we paying so much money to take online classes? It doesn’t make sense to me.” Petersen also questioned the quality of remote education. Even though some students are worried about the prospect of Hofstra meeting Cuomo’s shutdown threshold, many others understand the importance of staying safe during this unprecedented time. “[Cuomo’s plan is] a good idea because it’s keeping us safe, which is the most important thing,” Tauro said. “It won’t be the college experience we’re all looking for, but it is what it is.” Although these guidelines may seem daunting, Berliner is hopeful the University’s protocols will keep the rate of infection low. “Be vigilant, be smart and be safe,” Berliner said. “It really is up to each of us to do the right thing so we can have a safe and successful semester.”
NEWS
THE CHRONICLE
“[The University] didn’t and administrators equally acstudents with their own housing, talk about Black students, they countable for any form of hate a Living Learning Center for didn’t reach out to Black stuspeech, which BLAC defines students of color, more diversity dents,” Ajasa said. “Yeah, they as, “Speech that is intended to within Hofstra faculty and staff, had a day of discussion and cop- cause harm, offends/insults or the inclusion of Black history in ing, but it’s not a day for Black encourages violence toward American history courses and a people – it’s a lifetime.” an individual or group on the mandatory “Racism in the U.S.” The list of demands went basis of race, sex, gender idendistribution course. from concept to completion over tity, gender expression, sexual Housing and curriculum the course of two months, with orientation, religion, national demands are ones that Black Ajasa initially meeting with cur- origin, social or economic class, students have been fighting for rent and old members of BSU’s disability or other protected since at least 1969. According executive board to draft a pretraits.” Any student who violates to the Hofstra Special Collecliminary version on Thursday, the policy will be reprimanded tions Library, the Organization June 25. The intention was to accordingly in the form of a of Black Collegians demanded have the list signed by the BSU fine, academic probation, susthat Black students be housed E-Board before inviting other pension from clubs and sports together, an African American Black student organizations on or expulsion, whereas faculty Studies Center be created and campus to get involved. and administrative staff will be run by Black faculty, more The leaders of BSU, Hofssubject to an investigation in Black faculty and staff be hired tra’s chapter and Black of the National literature be Association available in the for the Adbookstore, in a vancement of letter to former Colored People President Clif(NAACP), the ford Lee Lord Hofstra Gospel on Feb. 21, Ensemble, the 1969. Hofstra SociWhile the ety of Black University ofEngineers, fers a Bachelor Strictly Stepof Arts in Afpin’, Alpha Phi rican Studies, Alpha, Alpha the classes Kappa Alpha, required to Delta Sigma complete the Theta and degree are not Photo courtesy of @hofstra_bsu on Instagram Sigma Gamma Hofstra’s Black Student Union collaborated with eight other predomiconsistently nately Black student organization to demand racial equality on campus. offered durRho then created a student ing the fall and advocacy group called Black accordance with Title IX. spring semesters. Students pursLeaders Advocating for Change The document also calls for ing a degree in African Studies (BLAC). Public Safety to be held acare required to take 30 credits “I had a conference call with countable for the racist encounthroughout various departments. the dance department, and we ters that students have been Out of the 34 classes students actually were discussing somerecounting in light of recent can choose from, only three will thing similar to this, they wantevents. Many students have used be available this fall semesed to know how they can help platforms like the Instagram ter, none of which are courses Black students,” said Normani page @blackathofstra to anonywithin the African Studies Thomas, a senior dance educamously share their experiences department. tion major and the president of with Public Safety. “Hofstra has so many other Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. “I “At my first BSU meeting cultural classes, like Asian Studrealized that it didn’t necessarily [as a freshman], I was told by ies or European Studies, and have to do with the department people sharing their experiences there’s nothing wrong with that, – responsibility shouldn’t fall on that Public Safety was not for but if the University can have just your department – it should us, that they did not support us, other studies for other cultures – fall on the University as a [and] a lot of the students in that which is very important because whole. That’s what really made meeting expressed instances of we need to learn about other me want to take the initiative being profiled, targeted or hacultures – then we should also and make sure that we are heard rassed by Public Safety,” Ajasa have studies dedicated to Black and that we are included.” said. “Being on campus, the sto- culture as well,” said Athena The document begins with a ries that I’ve heard by students, Dawson, the public relations demand to establish a written I just feel like the complaints chair for the NAACP and a zero-tolerance policy toward have not been taken seriously.” junior journalism major. hate speech. This proposal Also included in the list are The document further states would hold students, faculty demands to provide Black a need for better mental health
resources for Black students. In the past, Black therapists on campus have been graduate students, making them a temporary resource, according to Brittany Johnson, a senior double major in psychology and Spanish and the president of Hofstra’s dance team Strictly Steppin’. She explained that it can often feel like a burden for Black students to explain themselves to therapists who can’t empathize with their feelings and experiences. “Sitting there and having to explain the school to prison pipeline, and why my sibling is going through this and how it hurts me – having to take the extra step to explain that is hard, especially when we could have a Black person who already knows what’s going on and can relate to us,” Johnson said. Additionally, one of the demands serves as a statement of solidarity with the Jefferson Has Gotta Go! campaign and calls for the complete removal of the Thomas Jefferson statue, which was recently relocated from outside of the David S. Mack Student Center to the back of Emily Lowe Hall on South Campus. The students are also demanding amnesty should they want to have future protests on campus of a similar nature to the protests for and against the Jefferson statue in 2018. “If we wanted to hold a demonstration, sit-in or marches on campus, we just want to know we won’t be punished for [exercising] our right to defend ourselves and stand up for what we believe in,” said Vincent Robinson, a junior biology major and the vice president of BSU. The list of demands has garnered support from SGA, which invited the collaborators to attend a senate meeting, according to Equity and Inclusion Chairwoman Maria Mobley. “One way that SGA helps to amplify the student voice is that we write legislation based on the opinion of the student body,” Mobley said in an email interview. “Once it passes, it gets sent directly to the President and his cabinet.” Mobley also stated that the
A4 •September 15, 2020
Black student organizations collaborate to create a list of demands By Drashti Mehta EDITOR - I N - C H I E F
As the fight for racial equity continues across the nation, Black students are at the forefront of student activism on Hofstra’s campus. Nine predominately Black student organizations created a list of 13 demands that was sent to multiple university administrators on Sunday, Aug. 2. The eight-page document discusses a variety of demands that include changes to Hofstra’s curricula and campus facilities, a concrete approach to dealing with hate speech on campus and the diversification of faculty and courses. “Seeing what’s happening around the world and the reaction to it, while it was heartwarming, also kind of left me feeling powerless and exhausted,” said Amudalat Ajasa, a junior journalism major and president of the Black Student Union (BSU) who spearheaded the list of demands. “I wanted to make an impact, [and] there wasn’t enough outrage for me, people weren’t emotionally affected by what was happening to Black people in the world, because it’s not [always] on their radar as white students at Hofstra.” The demands were sent to President Stuart Rabinowitz, Provost Herman Berliner, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Cornell Craig, Dean of Students Gabrielle St. Léger, Vice President for Student Affairs W. Houston Dougharty, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Jean Peden Christodoulou, Assistant Director for Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Lorraine Massiah, Director of Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion Gillian Atkinson and the Student Government Association (SGA). Although the University sent out a statement of solidarity and a list of projected initiatives that would be put in place to combat racism on campus on Thursday, June 11, the students in these organizations felt that the response was performative. They wanted a more immediate response that guaranteed meaningful action.
CONTINUED ON A5
THE CHRONICLE
NEWS
September 15, 2020 • A5
Senior send-off: The role that gave me everything and more
By Taylor Rose Clarke
EDITOR - I N - C H I E F, H O F ST RA ‘ 20
The only time I ever went to the principal’s office in elementary school was in the sixth grade after my two friends and I requested a meeting with our school’s leader. As overly confident 11-year-olds, we marched into the office, took a seat and began our business pitch for a school newspaper because “our voices weren’t being heard.” Looking back on it I see that now, as a soon-to-be college graduate, I have so much in common with my young self. A passion for telling the truth and telling stories that would otherwise go unnoticed has always driven me. During my time with this newspaper I have written dozens of articles across all sections on an array of topics. I interviewed a student working to combat food insecurity on campus. As news editor, I sat down with newly appointed faculty and asked about their plans for bettering the Hofstra community. I met with Public Safety weekly and took down the briefs for an entire year. I recently talked with the head coach of men’s basketball and discussed everything from recruitment to his family. I covered countless events that taught me more than I could have imagined. I hate that the expression “the real world” is used to describe life post-grad. Student journal-
ism is the “real world.” We are to and break your heart to write, sweet, I feel fulfilled and ready challenged daily. We produce but just when you think you to pass it on and watch from afar content amid our course loads, can’t do it, something clicks. as the rest of you take the paper internships, part-time jobs, You realize what a gift it is that to new and exciting heights. social lives and our commitsources are trusting you and To our advisers Denise Boneta ments to various other organiza- your abilities. It then becomes and Professor Peter Goodman; tions. We do it without pay. We your coveted duty to make their Dean Mark Lukasiewicz, Dean do it without earning credit. We voices heard. Adria Marlowe, David Henne report on the communities we Leading this paper for the and everyone at the Herbert are living in. We sit in class next past year gave me a front row School; the Student Government to the students we have quiseat to the incredible work that Association; Karla Schuster and etly and carefully the team at Unibeen investigating versity Relations; for months. It’s Colin Sullivan tough and thankand everyone less work but it’s in Student Afmore rewarding fairs; the staff at than I can ever Hofstra Athletics explain. and the rest of Aside from the University: the lighthearted Thank you for pieces written your continuous under my byline, and unending I also saw how support. Your challenging and attention to our difficult this job emails, meetings can be. I wrote and last-minute obituaries for questions mean Robert Kinnaird/ The Hofstra Chronicle classmates and more to me and Since The Chronicle was unable to finish printing last semester, we are honoring our seniors who graduated in this edition. faculty members this paper than I taken too soon. I interviewed goes on within the walls of our can express. students who felt their voices quaint and disorganized office. To this year’s Managing were being suffocated on camEach member has taught me Editors Jill Leavey and Rachel pus as they trusted me with something over the course of my Bowman, I can never thank you their deepest secrets. And most tenure and I’ve constantly been enough for your patience, talent recently, I talked to victims of in awe of the work that gets and dedication to my crazihazing as they recalled the most produced, edited and published ness and to this paper. Working horrible moments of their lives. each week. Those who came alongside the both of you over These experiences are “real before me and those who will the course of this year was an world” experiences. These follow my lead had a hand in experience I’ll cherish forever. stories challenged me more as making me the journalist, leader And to Felipe Fontes and Raa person and a journalist than and person I am today. I know chel, my fellow seniors, this is any exam or assignment. These I’m leaving this paper in the definitely not how we expected stories break your heart to listen best hands and while it is bitterto close out this important and
Black students fight for change CONTINUED FROM A4
SGA Equity and Inclusion Committee has been working with the office of the Dean of Students to create a more inclusive environment but could not disclose further details regarding the ongoing project. “We don’t want it to be like a ‘white versus Black’ or ‘[white versus] people of color’ thing because, ultimately, the goal is for complete inclusivity,” said Rayden Edwards, a senior mechanical engineering major and the vice president of Sigma
Gamma Rho. “We’re just trying to make it better for us and being pro-Black doesn’t mean anti-white. Hopefully, people will try to learn and educate themselves because of this list.” Dean of Students and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Gabrielle St. Léger temporarily declined a request for comment. She stated in an email that a portion of administrators who received the list of demands have arranged for a meeting with its collaborators.
fulfilling chapter. I’m grateful for your support and devotion to this paper, for your natural leadership and most importantly, for your friendship. I wish more than anything that we were together in the office, ending it like we planned and taking it all in one more time. I’m terrible at goodbyes. I’ve always hated them, but it’s especially hard for me to say goodbye from a distance due to our current circumstances. It feels odd to be saying such a formal farewell to people I can’t forget and to something that will be part of me forever. So instead of goodbye, I’m leaving behind some advice that I’ve gathered within the brick walls of Student Center 203. Continue the uphill battle for the truth, no matter how hard it is and no matter how many people knock you down, deny you or criticize your talents. Continue to be confident in the quest to hold people and organizations accountable. Continue to understand the massive weight this paper carries on campus and never take our independence for granted. May you always try and embody my awkward 11-year-old self in that meeting with my principal, advocating for the voiceless. Lastly, never forget the power this paper has and its ability to change lives. It sure changed mine.
The impact of remote learning
CONTINUED FROM A2
a sophomore music major with ADHD. Larsen said other students’ noises, movements and customizable backgrounds are all distractions. “It’s helpful for me to keep the Zoom [call] in speaker mode so I can only see the professor talking instead of everyone else’s camera,” she said. Gabriel Abrams, a psychiatric nursing student at East Tennessee State University, completely understands these struggles. “Those with ADHD may have more trouble focusing for long
periods of time on the computer because they may get exhausted quicker or be easily distracted by their environment,” Abrams said. Abrams also said all college professors should offer extra time for students with ADD and ADHD. “I believe professors could grant more time on assignments [and] finals for students with ADHD or learning disabilities in general,” DeRosso said. Larsen would like to see professors do away with timed tests altogether for students with ADD and ADHD over Zoom. “It’s so much harder to effec-
tively budget my time when I am not physically in a classroom,” she said. In lieu of timed tests, Larsen suggested professors assign alternative assignments, such as essays that can be written without a time limit. For those who have registered their disability with the school, Student Access Services is still offering the same resources to students over Zoom that are available for in-person students. These accommodations, depending on the individual, can include extra time during synchronous final exams and permission to record lectures.
A6 •September 15, 2020
FEATURES
THE CHRONICLE
Black education matters – oppression in academia revealed through Instagram
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Special Collections A student attending Hofstra University in the 1950’s.
By Betty Araya FEATURES EDITOR
The current human rights movement has shed light on institutions and fields that lack minority representation and equality, and academia is now at the forefront. Recently, activists have begun to create Instagram pages that allow students of color all over the country to share their experiences. @blackathofstra, a page dedicated to amplifying Black voices at Hofstra University, went live several weeks ago and has since received over 40 submissions from students, tracing back to the class of 1972. The page gives current and former students the opportunity to anonymously share stories of the discrimination they have experienced on Hofstra’s campus. While each post is uniquely disheartening, there are jarring similarities between all the posts as well. So far, students have recounted the discrimination they faced from suitemates and professors. They have also discussed the prejudice they experienced when interacting with members of Hofstra’s administration, including the department designed to
protect students: Public Safety. For many Black students at Hofstra, their physical appearance is all it takes to raise suspicion from Public Safety. From a young age, Black kids are criminalized for behavior that would be considered unthreatening or a learning curve for white kids. As a result, the Black community has come to fear authority and law enforcement, as many of these figures continue to perpetuate the belief that minorities are a threat. “I wanted [people to realize] that certain interactions are not just isolated incidents, but rather part of a pattern and that other students who are Black have those very similar experiences,” said the creator of @blackathofstra. “I also wanted students who are not Black to see that when a Black friend or a Black student or classmate talks about these experiences, that they’re not exaggerating and that they’re not just making a big deal out of nothing, because microaggressions add up.” The incidents detailed on the page are opening up a much deeper discussion on the inherent biases at predominantly white
institutions (PWIs). Disproportionate allocations of funds, unjust grading and racial slurs said by faculty and staff are just a few of the recurring issues that Hofstra students face, and many of the students who have submitted stories say they are still waiting to receive the help they were promised. The organizer of @blackathofstra has seen the initiatives that the Center for Civic Engagement, faculty of color and students alike have taken to implement systematic change, but they say the differences these initiatives have made are slim. “I haven’t seen much change,” they said. “It kind of shows us how Hofstra has changed, but it really hasn’t as far as racial equity goes, because we have the Center for Civic Engagement, we have the [Center for “Race,” Culture and Social Justice], we have [the New Opportunities at Hofstra Program] NOAH, but anti-Blackness on campus now [seems to be] more rampant than it was during the civil rights movement. And that’s really troubling to me.” Education allows kids to explore different interests and build confidence within themselves. Yet, the U.S. education system is systematically biased against minorities, from public primary schools to private universities. And when it comes to reform, the burden of creating change often falls on people of color. According to @black_education_matters, majority white schools at the primary and secondary levels receive up to $23 billion more in funding than schools serving predominantly BIPOC communities. This lack of funding, and therefore attention, widens the racial disparities in education. Minority students are less likely than their white peers to attend an institution of higher education. For many, the covert and overt racism they experience forces them to leave, and at times, their departure is encouraged by the very people meant to invest in their success: teachers. This is a large factor in why Historically Black Colleges and
Universities have become a safe want action. They no longer want haven for Black students. sympathy, but a documented and Much like healthcare profesexecuted plan. sionals, law enforcement officers A team member of @blackand public servants, it should be collegestories, another Instagram the duty of a professor to withpage that shares the stories of hold personal biases. However, BIPOC students at universities studies have shown that teachers nationally, said, “I think the first possess the same biases toward thing that [academic institutions] minorities as non-teachers. A stu- need to do is truly be there to dent’s academic and professional listen, because I know that a lot success is heavily influenced by of institutions have been saying, their educators’ perception of ‘We’re here to listen, we’re here them, and white educators have and we’ll try. We’ll launch an been found to have lower expecinvestigation and try to mitigate tations for Black students. For a what’s going on,’ and often, PWI like Hofstra University, this students never hear back.” is a problem. “And I actually think what’s Academia is historically really important about this is that oppressive toward all minorities, the institution does the work, not just BIPOC. The material and not the Black students,” they used to teach history, including continued. “We want to be treatBlack history, is often taught ed fairly and that is your research through a white male perspecto do, not ours.” tive. Instagram pages like The experiences that have been @blackgirlatpwi and shared through these pages are @teachingwhileblackpwi reveal an indicator that academia needs the turbulence Black women and to hold its professors to a higher academics face in these spaces. standard regardless of whether Breaking the glass ceiling is they have tenure. Minority stualready difficult for women, and dents want college administrators the intersectionality of being a to take their feelings seriously, Black woman creates a greater understand the implications of obstacle. Yet when there is a microaggressions and recognize chance for the narrative to be the message they may be sending told from the perspective of the to their staff that it’s okay to hold oppressed, that responsibility prejudices. BIPOC students want again falls on BIPOC. their comfort and success, for “Asking Black students to once, to be valued more than the speak on behalf of Black people status quo. They want academia [in discussions of] racism or to act like their lives matter; and slavery, [or] calling on the Black not just when those lives are student and asking their opinion being taken. is definitely [a] microaggression,” said the creator of @blackathofstra. “And [I am not obligated] to be subjected to hostility in a learning environment that I’m paying for.” The term performative allyship has been used often to criticize superficial displays of solidarity from people and institutions alike. Many students have said that they do not Photo courtesy of @blackathofstra on Instagram want a deliberative dialogue or to sim- A post on the @blackathofstra page from a current ply be heard; they student.
THE CHRONICLE
Overheard On Z oo m “We’re at the tail end of this pandemic.”
“I don’t really care about the pandemic, I haven’t changed my lifestyle at all.”
Person 1: “[I represent] white conservative heterosexual males who are conservative.” Person 2: “Oh, so the status quo.”
Person 1: *mumbled* “Sounds like communism to me.” Person 2: “Excuse me, are you badmouthing communism?”
Person 1: “What’s your sign?” Person 2: “Multimedia.”
Person 1: “Oh, sorry, I keep getting that message that says, ‘Your internet connection is unstable.’” Person 2: “I feel unstable hearing you say that.”
FEATURES
September 15, 2020 • A7
Senior send-off: Be fearless in the pursuit of your dreams
By Rachel Bowman
to New York City and came to the realization that this is where I want to be. I told myself one day I would live and work here, and I wouldn’t stop until that happened. The moment I took the subway to my office on the first day of my internship, a part of that dream came true. I don’t know what is next for me, and honestly I don’t have a plan. That’s hard for me because my whole life I’ve been planning ahead, and now the options
interest meeting of the semester. I looked around and saw people MANAGING EDITOR, HOFSTRA ‘20 who I thought were the most From the moment I got my put-together college students I first byline in my high school had ever seen. In retrospect, I newspaper, I knew I wanted to know that’s not really the case. be a journalist. Now, here I am Over the last four years, I have seven years, three internships learned that The Chronicle is and one bachelor’s degree later, more like organized chaos, and I qualified enough to call myself couldn’t imagine my life without one. Yet, I can’t help but ask being a part of this hectic and myself, “How did I get here?” incredible organization. It taught For most of my college experime more about journalism than ence, I’ve found myself suffering any class could. Journalism is from an extreme important and essencase of impostor tial to democracy; it syndrome. It feels doesn’t matter if it like I blinked my comes from a college eyes and went from newspaper or a major my high school network. I’m so proud journalism class to to be a part of a staff sitting at a desk in that holds people CNN’s newsroom. accountable while also If I could offer lifting up our commumy freshman year nity. I only hope now, self some advice, I that when our writers would tell her that next walk into our ofeverything will fice, they feel the same work out in time, inspiration and drive it and you deserve it gave me. all because you’ve I am so thankful worked for it. My for the opportunity college experience to serve as managing was filled with ineditor during my final credible opportunisemester, and I am ties and I’m so glad forever grateful for the I didn’t waste them. staff that elected me I made amazing to this position. I want friends who accept to take a moment to me for who I am, thank Taylor Clarke Photo courtesy of Rachel Bowman and I couldn’t have for being our fearless Rachel Bowman, former managing editor of The Chronicle, done this without leader. It’s an honor to graduated in May 2020. them. be your friend and act I pursued my dreams and trav- are endless. It’s exciting and as your second hand. eled the world on my own. The terrifying at the same time. The To my fellow editors, I’m so four months I spent in Amsterone thing I do know is that if I proud of each and every one of dam will always hold a special am fearless in the pursuit of my you for pulling through during place in my heart. I became a dreams, I will be alright. this trying time and continuing to version of myself I didn’t even All of my life has been spent make our paper great. I have no know existed, and I am better for working toward these last few doubt you all will continue to do it. When I find myself doubting weeks, and I feel robbed of the great things. my capabilities, I remind myself final moments I should have There is no doubt in my mind that I moved to a foreign country enjoyed. I didn’t get to say that we are leaving this paper in alone and lived, so I will get goodbye to my friends and the the most capable hands. You are through this. For anyone looking campus that has shaped me into some of the most hardworking to do the same, just go for it. You the person I am now, but I know and driven people I have ever can make it happen, it might not that Hofstra will always be a part met. Don’t let anything change be easy, but I promise you there of me. that and always believe in yourare resources out there to help I’ll always remember the rush selves. you along the way. I felt when I first walked into Thank you all for the help and My internship experiencStudent Center Room 203, The support along the way. I can’t es have also shaped my life. Chronicle’s office. It was Sepwait to see where life takes me I remember the moment in tember 2016 and the room was next. eighth grade when I took a trip packed with students for the first
A8 •September 15, 2020
FEATURES
THE CHRONICLE
JGG! campaign: Jefferson has gotta go a little farther than that
Photo courtesy of Ethan Duran Rosario Navalta (right), currently the head organizer of the JGG! Campaign.
By Drashti Mehta & Odessa Stork EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & COPY CHIEF
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” With just one sentence, Thomas Jefferson implied that the United States was committed to the equality of all people. Yet he would go on to enslave over 600 humans in his lifetime. Jefferson had tunnels constructed beneath Monticello, the plantation he inherited from his father, for the enslaved to work tirelessly and unseen. He raped countless enslaved women, most notably Sally Hemings, who was about 15 when she left her life in Paris after Jefferson promised her immense privilege and luxury at Monticello if she returned to slavery. Still a young teenager, Hemings lost the right to decline Jefferson’s sexual advances and was forced to carry six of his children. Jefferson also supported the eugenics movement, hoping that racial inferiority could be scientifically proven and used to justify slavery. In immortalizing Jefferson through buildings and statues, the Black community is reminded of his racist, oppressive and abusive tendencies. For Black students at Hofstra University, this reminder comes daily. For years, they’ve been met with a bronze statue of
Thomas Jefferson on their way into the Student Center. Student-led initiative Jefferson Has Gotta Go! (JGG!) has been calling on Hofstra to remove the statue since 2018, and in June, amid nationwide civil unrest and protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, the University decided to relocate the statue to a new on-campus location. But the relocation of the statue doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of JGG!’s concerns and demands – the group of student activists has reignited the fight for racial justice on campus, and their campaign to remove the statue over the past three years is representative of a much larger, pervasive problem of racism at Hofstra. After a petition started on Change.org in March 2018 gained traction among Hofstra students, the JGG! campaign went on to organize a protest in front of the statue, as well as a silent protest at one of the University’s annual town halls. They also created a list of demands for the University. President Stuart Rabinowitz had initially stated in May 2018 that the statue would remain in its current location, but on Tuesday, June 23, he announced plans to relocate the statue from the Student Center entrance to the west side of the Emily Lowe Museum. The statue’s new location is across Shapiro Family Hall and visible to passersby entering campus from the west side – a
move that Rabinowitz said was in alignment with the demands expressed by JGG! in past years. “It’s not really a victory, because they didn’t actually do anything in accordance with our demands,” said Rosario Navalta, a history and religion double major and the current head organizer of the JGG! campaign at Hofstra. While JGG! has always called for the statue’s removal, their only compromise was the relocation of the statue to an indoor location, like a museum or an archive, where Black students wouldn’t have to interact with it on a daily basis. “The least you could do is get it out of our sight,” Navalta said. “Nobody wants to see it. It’s caused enough grief. We’re done.” Hofstra’s decision to relocate the statue comes during a pivotal moment in history. Since the death of George Floyd on Monday, May 25, the U.S. has seen large-scale public outcry against racism and an overall heightened awareness of white privilege. Monuments of Confederate soldiers, colonizers and slave owners are being removed or toppled, and institutions like Hofstra are being called on to rethink their ethics, policies and choices – something that students have been asking the University to do for many years. “The protests for getting rid of the statue have been around since 2004. That’s why I kind of keep it in the back of my mind that [it] has taken the University almost two decades to even consider moving the statue,” Navalta said. “The fact that they could easily relocate it means to me [that] they could also just as easily remove it.” Navalta also said that Hofstra University did not contact them or their fellow organizers during the process of moving the statue. “I think it’s wild that they would take this opportunity to take advantage of a movement that’s about Black people [to just] be like, ‘Look at how good we are,’” they said. “It’s one thing to be told the people who have power will not use their power to help you. It’s another thing to then find out that they were just going to do it really
shadily. The only reason they really released that statement was genuinely because students are finding out, taking pictures [and] telling each other.” JGG!’s previous attempts at starting a dialogue with university officials have not run smoothly either. Navalta recalled an incident that happened after the initial campaign in 2018, where JGG! agreed to meet with Rabinowitz only to find out that they would only have three minutes to voice their concerns, and that the counter-protestors would be invited to the meeting as well. “We basically abstained,” Navalta said. “We were just like, ‘We’re not going’ ... If you are going to make time in your day to listen to students, you had better make the time. [Three minutes] to explain the grievances that students have against you as an administration [is] not enough time.” In contrast to the three-minute time cap put on student voices, Navalta also recalled a town hall where Rabinowitz addressed a room of student activists with marginalized identities. “We had a silent protest at a town hall,” they said. “That was the same town hall where I got to listen to President Rabinowitz explain [the] Black Lives Matter [movement] to a bunch of people of color, specifically Black trans youth organizers, which was super fun to listen to.” Despite the challenges, JGG! has already made a mark on campus culture. In the 2018-19 school year, their #BigotryAtHofstra campaign sought to keep the conversation alive and get more of the student body involved with the JGG! campaign, despite administrators holding that they were unable to do anything about the statue. Members carried signs inviting students to ask them about bigotry, racism and transphobia at Hofstra, among other issues. Navalta also believes that JGG! helped expedite the creation of a new administrative position at Hofstra, as well as an online reporting system. “We wanted an online reporting system that provides students with a complaint receipt, as well as the instatement of a Chief Di-
versity Inclusion officer, which is [now] Cornell Craig,” they said. “Jefferson Has Gotta Go! made both more urgent.” Looking ahead to the future, JGG! is in the process of writing a list of demands and hopes that recent events will create even more enthusiasm among students. Navalta stressed that representation isn’t the same thing as true equity and safety for marginalized groups on campus, urging people to be critical of buzzwords and phrases like “diversity and inclusion.” “You can talk about diversity all you want,” they said. “That doesn’t mean that your school is safe for these people. It just means you want them there.” “It’s been made abundantly clear to my Black friends that Hofstra has never been a place [that fights] for Black students, for marginalized students, for gay students, trans students ... Because students have been saying this for a very long time, and now Hofstra is kind of reaping the benefits,” Navalta said. “Like, ‘Look at all of this activism that’s brewing here on campus!’ And I was like, ‘I don’t know how to tell you this, but activism on campus against the University is not a good look. It’s not cute. It’s bad.’” As head organizer, Navalta has begun preparing for the start of the semester. In addition to crafting a new list of demands, they are actively working on a plan to keep the momentum going. Navalta’s unwavering drive to fight injustice on campus has allowed the JGG! campaign to gain the support of the drama and history departments as well as many Hofstra alumni. In addition, an alumnus has started a new petition condemning the move to Emily Lowe Hall. “We don’t learn anything from idolizing history, even the cool people or the people who are awesome,” Navalta said. “You cannot historicize – that’s the number one lesson you learn as a history student. You cannot idolize or leave people to the annals of history. You were bad for your time and you will stay bad for your time.”
THE CHRONICLE
September 15, 2020 • A9
FEATURES
@SammyDEats: All-star chef
ByAdam Flash MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
For Sam Diamond, a junior marketing major, food is more than simply something she eats three times a day: It’s a passion. Diamond, who is known on Instagram as @SammyDEats, focuses on “healthy eats and treats,” posting food she makes in hopes of inspiring others to live healthier lives. The account was started in July 2019 and has over 2,800 followers. “Some people like to listen to music. Some people like to work out. For me, [cooking is] a stress reliever and it’s just something fun I enjoy doing,” Diamond said. Her passion for cooking and baking came when she moved to college and stumbled upon a community of food bloggers on Instagram. “I thought it was so cool and I [said to myself], ‘I would like to do that one day.’” With barely any experience in the kitchen, she started small and worked her way up to cooking
every meal for herself, taking photos of the ones she was proud of. “I would send [the photos] to my parents and they were like, ‘You need to make an Instagram account. Other people should see the food,’” she said. The rest is history. Inspired by accounts focusing on topics like mental health, body image and healthy lifestyles, Diamond hopes to have a positive impact on her own followers with everything she shares. “I just hope that it inspires people. My favorite thing is when people remake my stuff and post it. That makes me so excited,” she said. While eating healthier can be daunting to many, Diamond’s best piece of advice is to start small just like she did. “You don’t have to go zero to 100 right away. Just start with small changes,” she explained. “[It’s
just about] choosing good quality foods. Real whole ingredients like vegetables, whole grains and good quality proteins.” “You have to start somewhere,” Diamond added. And while making elaborate meals often takes planning, as a busy college student, Diamond works with what she has. “Sometimes I’ll [get inspiration] from seeing what other people are making, but I feel like a
There’s not a night that I don’t have dessert,” Diamond laughed. As a member of the Hofstra women’s soccer team, Diamond’s new focus on healthy eating has paired nicely with her athletic lifestyle. “Since I changed my diet and focused on choosing good quality food, it has helped me become stronger, faster and ready to play,” she said. The New York native has been surprised by the success she’s had with her Instagram account, growing her audience to over 2,800 followers in 14 months. “There’s been some pictures I’ve gotten 1,000 likes on, and that’s crazy to me because I don’t usually get that many,” she said. “[I’ve also been surprised] by how many people will save my pictures ... I’m like, ‘Wow, that’s just crazy. 300 people are saving something I made.’” The success of the account and
“I just hope that it inspires people.” lot of times [it’s] just what I’m in the mood for, working with what I have in my fridge,” she said. Eating healthier is regularly portrayed as needing to cut out certain foods entirely. For Diamond, that’s not the case. She still enjoys healthier alternatives to all her favorite meals, from breakfast items, pastas and salads to desserts. “I love ice cream and dessert.
her newfound passion for food blogging, along with her pursuit of a marketing degree, have inspired Diamond to grow the brand and hopefully turn it into a career. She’s even working on a website. “I really do want to do it full time. I just think it’s such a cool thing,” she said. “You get to be in the kitchen all day cooking and making different recipes.” “I’m really brand loyal [to] a lot of certain products, so I’d be interested in working for a health food company to start out with if I couldn’t blog right away,” she added. For someone whose parents once joked about how awful she was at cooking in high school, Diamond has turned food into her passion in a short amount of time, making and sharing healthy meals and inspiring others to do the same. For healthy eats and treats, check out @sammydeats on Instagram.
Chron Cooks ft. Micaela Erickson: Blueberry Lemon Galette By Micaela Erickson ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR
Ingredients:
Instructions:
1 pack refrigerated pie crust
1. Heat the oven to 350 F.
4 cups blueberries
2. Roll out your pre-made pie crust onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and set aside.
1/4 cup white sugar
3. Put the blueberries into a large bowl.
1 tablespoon flour Pinch of salt Zest and juice of a whole lemon 1 large egg, beaten Micaela Erickson / The Hofstra Chronicle
Want to impress your friends with a dish that looks fancier than it is? Look no further! This blueberry lemon galette tastes like summer and is literally so easy to make. A galette is a hybrid of a pie and a tart and can easily be made to be sweet or savory.
Pinch of brown sugar
4. Toss the berries with the white sugar, flour, salt, lemon juice and lemon zest. Make sure the blueberries are evenly coated! 5. Adjust the sweetness or tartness of the fruit mixture to your liking. I personally like a tart flavor. 6. Add the fruit mixture to the center of your pie crust and spread, but leave a decent amount of room around the edges. 7. Fold the excess dough in toward the blueberry mixture and make pleats as you go. This is where the galette’s structural integrity comes from. 8. Brush an egg wash over the pleated dough. This will give it a gorgeous golden crust! (I added a bit of brown sugar to my egg wash when I made this). 9. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Follow Micaela Erickson on Instagram @monchwmicaela
Hofstra keeps its distance Hofstra University adjusts to COVID-19 regulations with social distancing and mask policies, as well as outdoor learning locations. As students adjust to hybrid classes and new manners of working, the school continues to operate.
Students wait for their Starbucks in the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center. Seating has been removed to encourage students not to congregate.
Without seating, the Student Center is often emptier than it normally would be at midday.
Students make use of outdoor study and eating spaces, attending classes and socializing from a distance. Hofstra University is encouraging individuals to spend more time outside in an effort to avoid contracting COVID-19.
Students wait to pick up their food. Masks must be worn in the Student Center, and all buildings, until students are seated to eat.
Students and faculty eat and attend online classes in one of the many tents set up around campus.
Three students maintain more than enough social distance on the South side of campus.
Photos by Robert Kinnaird
Spread by Robert Kinnaird, Adam Flash and Talha Saddiqui
Arts and Entertainment
VOL. 86 ISSUE 1
‘Mulan’ – Stunning film faces controversy B2 Courtesy of Disney Australia
B2• SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
A&E
THE CHRONICLE
‘Mulan’ – Stunning film faces controversy
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
songs played a significant role in the background score, which can be heard at pivotal points throughout the movie. The film’s producer, Jason Reed, even explained why Li Shang, a significant character from the animated movie, was removed from the live-action version. According to Reed, the filmmakers were not comfortable with having a commanding officer who also portrays the role of the love interest. As a result, the role of Li Shang was split into two characters, Commander Tung (Donnie Yen) and Chen Honghui (Yoson An). The story of “Mulan” revolves around Mulan taking her father’s (Tzi Ma) place in the Chinese Imperial Army. She disguises herself as a male soldier and ul-
timately becomes a heroine after battling against Rouran invaders, led by Bori Khan (Jason Scott Lee) and accompanied by shapeshifter Xianniang (Gong Li). Aside from the creation of new characters, several of the other changes altered the essence of the original. One such change was when Mulan ultimately reveals herself as a woman, as opposed to being caught after being wounded in battle. Another major difference occurred at the beginning of the film, where Mulan shows an interest in martial arts from an early age. In the original film, she works her way through – ultimately proving her worth in the army. Some plot points remained the same, especially the avalanche scene and the ultimate showdown between Mulan and Bori Khan.
It is clear that this movie was made in a darker and more serious tone than its animated counterpart, making it the only liveaction Disney movie to receive a PG-13 rating. Even though the majority of the film did have elements from its predecessor, it did seem like a bit of a letdown as this movie had the potential to become critically acclaimed. Overall, the live-action adaptation of “Mulan” is a hitor-miss in many areas. At times the movie excelled through its performances, cinematography, costumes and action sequences. It looked like the movie was made into an epic war drama, making it visually spectacular. However, the changes made from the original were sometimes not fan-favorites, and the film’s serious controversy is difficult to overlook.
of production and subsequently within the entertainment industry itself. The groups intended to be uplifted in the industry, and explicitly mentioned in the new representation standards, include Courtesy of Brightest Young Things women, members The Academy Awards date back over 90 years, of the LGBTQ+ with the first ceremony taking place in 1929. community, By Lauren Ballinger people with SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE disabilities and people with a race or ethnicity that is As part of their initiative to underrepresented. In order to promote diversity, the academy be considered eligible for the released their newest standards Oscars, films must meet two out for representation and inclusion of the four major standards. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. With these These new standards will new requirements come four not go into effect until the 96th standards that films must meet in Oscars, which are set to be held order to be considered eligible in 2024. In 2020, the Oscars were for the Best Picture category at canceled due to the COVIDthe 96th Academy Awards. 19 pandemic. The awards The standards are applicable ceremony for next year’s Oscars to the entire production process, is currently scheduled for April from the actors and directors to 25, 2021, and there have not the crew, interns and advertising been any statements regarding teams. The four new elements representative guidelines on the standards list are for eligible movies in 2021. on-screen representation and However, while the previously narrative, creative leadership mentioned standards will not and project team, industry access apply to the Oscars in 2022 nor and opportunities and finally, 2023, both ceremonies during audience development. Each these years will require films to condition is meant to promote submit an “academy inclusion diversity within all of the sectors standard” form.
There have already been multiple criticisms made against the new representation initiative, both from those who claim it is a mistake and those who say it is not enough to combat underrepresentation in the entertainment industry. Fox News commentator Todd Starnes tweeted, “According to the Academy Awards the most important consideration in making an award-winning film is not to be white.” However, the reality is that these new regulations are fairly minuscule in their impact. According to MovieMaker magazine, “A close reading of the rules shows that they would have had almost no impact on the last decade of Best Picture races – and wouldn’t even necessarily impact stories populated almost entirely with white men.” The new representation and inclusion standards are part of the academy’s Aperture 2025, which is aimed to “further the dialogue ... to create a more equitable and inclusive community” all-around in the film industry. Other aspects of Aperture 2025 include goals to improve workplace culture, mandate bias training for academy governors, host panels and foster dialogue centered around diversity in film and adjust the viewing schedule
in order to ensure that academy voters get the opportunity to see all eligible films. This is not the first time the academy has taken steps toward diversifying the cast and crew of its nominated films. In 2016, the academy announced its A2020 initiative, with the goal being to double the number of women and underrepresented ethnic and racial communities within the academy. The academy released statistical data and information about the accomplishments made by A2020. In fact, the raw numbers of women and members of underrepresented communities did indeed double. However, the percentage of active women members has only increased by 8%, and the number of active members from underrepresented communities only increased by 9%. It seems as though the academy’s past initiatives to uplift and support voices in underrepresented communities have succeeded to do so, whether or not they reached their initial goal. One can only hope that these new guidelines do help encourage more representation in film and allow a space for previously underrepresented actors, artists and crew members to grow and create in the film industry.
CONTINUED FROM A1
Prior to the release of the film, there was also controversy and speculation regarding several changes in the live-action remake, such as the lack of musical numbers, the elimination of some of the original characters and the addition of new characters in the live-action version. According to Niki Caro, the director, the reason behind the lack of musical numbers was that she wanted to make a realistic adaptation of the film, ultimately focusing on the main storyline and action sequences. However, in order to make up for the missing musical numbers, lyrics from the songs were placed in several different scenes as dialogues throughout the movie. Additionally, the
Academy Awards announce newest inclusion requirements
Quick Hits
Courtesy of Cosmopolitan
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, it was announced that the hit reality series “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” will be ending after 20 seasons in early 2021.
Courtesy of Rolling Stone
Halsey is set to star in the television adaptation of the young adult novel “They Wish They Were Us.”
Courtesy of Wikipedia
Amazon is set to produce a drama about Joe Exotic of “Tiger King” with Nicolas Cage as the lead.
Courtesy of The Verge
TikTok star Addison Rae is set to star in a gender-swapped remake of the movie “She’s All That.”
Courtesy of E! Online
Harry Styles joins cast of Olivia Wilde’s “Don’t Worry, Darling” alongside Florence Pugh and Chris Pine.
THE CHRONICLE
A&E
SEPTMEBER 15, 2020 • B3
‘A.P. Bio’ – Class is back in session
Courtesy of Reddit A.P. Bio was created by Mike O’Brien and executive produced by television icons Lorne Michaels and Seth Meyers.
By Eleni Kothesakis ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
After over a year in TV limbo, NBC’s “A.P. Bio” has found its home on Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform, where the third season premiered on Thursday, Sept. 3. The first two seasons and the first episode of the third season of the previously canceled show are free to watch, while a subscription is required to view the remaining seven episodes. With only eight 22-minute episodes, the third
season of the comedy is an easy and enjoyable binge. “A.P. Bio” follows former Harvard philosophy professor Jack Griffin, who returns to his hometown in Toledo, Ohio, where he moves into his deceased mother’s house and accepts a job teaching a high school Advanced Placement biology class. Having no desire to be there, Griffin vows that he will do no teaching, nor will he learn anything from his students during the course of the year. Taking advantage of his situation,
Griffin uses his students to come up with and execute elaborate schemes to seek revenge and hopefully get him out of Toledo. In the first season of “A.P. Bio,” Griffin was determined to restore his life to the way it was before he was fired, but by season three he shows major growth as a character. Despite how adamant he was about not teaching or learning from his students, he ends up doing just that. He has yet to teach them anything about biology, but the life lessons he taught his students, and the ones he ended up learning from them, were much more impactful than a normal curriculum could have ever been. This perfectly executed character growth could not have been made possible without the actor behind Jack Griffin: Glenn Howerton. Known for his role as Dennis Reynolds in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” Howerton has perfected playing a cynical and egotistical character. However, he takes that role one step further in “A.P. Bio,” giving
more complexity and depth to a character that is not always easy to root for. As talented as Howerton is in his lead role, “A.P. Bio” would be nothing without its supporting actors including Patton Oswalt, Paula Pell, Mary Sohn, Aparna Brielle, Eddie Leavy and Jacob Houston, to name a few. It is these actors who make “A.P. Bio” stand out among other shows about high school. “A.P. Bio” is the AP biology class you wish you took in high school. Each classmate is odd in their own sense, and pairing that with a lessthan-enthusiastic teacher is a catalyst for chaos. Similar to the series “Community” about a friend group at a community college, “A.P. Bio” is filled with characters viewers can relate to, no matter how strange. Another successful element of the series is its humor. Many shows have to force jokes, but “A.P. Bio” delivers them in such a way that can only be described as snort-inducing. It is the tiny nuances, like finding out Principal Durbin (Patton Oswalt)
proposed to his now ex-wife over email, or that one of his secretary Helen’s (Paula Pell) eyes is from her dead father and now she doesn’t look at herself naked out of respect, that make this show so special. Humor is so perfectly interwoven within the show, and it brings a lighter element to a show that otherwise has a more depressing feel. The comedy may seem very cynical at times, but deep down it is a heartfelt show that pays special attention to the importance of friendship, self-confidence and being able to accept change in stride, all while using elements of humor to further these messages. While we may be living in a time that is very different from what we see on TV, watching Griffin break down mentally from his time living and working in his hometown throughout the course of three seasons easily mirrors the situation many of us face today. With its humorous twists, outlandish situations, visually pleasing cinematography and stellar cast, “A.P. Bio” is an easy watch that can bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Spectular city silhouettes at the Skyline Drive-In NYC By Victoria Bell ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Packed crowds line the Brooklyn streets, creating a bustling nightlife atmosphere. Signs pointing toward the entrance of the parking lot create a long, single-file line of people anxiously waiting to get in. After scanning each customer’s ticket, several employees help direct drivers to their spot in the chaotic yet organized system. Thrilled groups of families and friends grab buckets of popcorn from concessions, but not before snapping a picture or two of the breathtaking city views. As the sun sets, moviegoers hop into their cars and the film begins. This is Skyline Drive-In NYC. Stationed at 1 Oak St. in Brooklyn, Skyline Drive-In NYC is the perfect socially distanced spot for all ages. Every day, rain or shine, Skyline features at least one select film. From horror to rom-coms, whether it’s a classic
or current film, there is a movie for everyone to enjoy at Skyline. Although this is a drive-in theater, to accommodate the city’s many non-car owners, Skyline’s new seating area allows those without a car, including motorcyclists and bikers, to join in on the fun. Even those with cars can opt to bring folding chairs and blankets to set up outside their vehicle. Masks and social distancing, however, are required anywhere outside of the cars. It’s understandable why customers are not only allowed but also advised to come one to two hours early so they can enjoy the stunning city sights. Aside from a retro drive-in experience, what sets Skyline apart from the rest is its one-of-a-kind view. Located on the East River, the sight of the Manhattan skyline sunset is reason alone to come here. The gorgeous views are not just cherished by customers at
Skyline: It’s also been a popular hotspot for photography and filming. Just recently, Colombian music artist Maluma performed on stage at Skyline during this year’s MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). Another perk to getting there early is that the theater allows customers to select their viewing spot on a first-come, firstserved basis. However, any spot at Skyline a great one thanks to the drive-in’s two huge projector screens. Sound is transmitted through not only an outdoor sound system but also via car radio through Skyline’s select station. For those who are hard of hearing, Skyline also provides English subtitles for every movie. Essential to any movie theater, concessions help make the movie-going experience a thousand times better. Popcorn, pretzels, ice cream and soda are just a few staples that are available for purchase. However, for
a heartier meal, Skyline offers Grubhub delivery from local restaurants. The concessions open two hours before each show and remain open to satisfy any midmovie cravings. Skyline is also an affordable venue for families, as the cost is calculated per car up to seven passengers – not per person. Totaling around $56, Skyline
makes for a great night out with friends for just about $8 per person. And no need to fear, pets are allowed. Skyline Drive-In NYC is certainly worth stopping by. Grab some loved ones, watch a spectacular movie alongside a beautiful view, create some amazing memories and enjoy a night to remember.
Courtesy of Untapped New York Tickets for the Skyline Drive-In NYC can be purchased online only, either in advance or on the day of each showing.
A&E
B4• SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
THE CHRONICLE
What ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ is actually about
Courtesy of IndieWire “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” received a 54% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead CW: Suicide
By Madeline Armstrong STAFF WRITER
“I’m Thinking of Ending Things” premiered in select theaters on Friday, Aug. 28, and came to Netflix on Friday, Sept. 4. It is an enticing film adaptation of the book written by Iain Reid, published June 14, 2016. For anyone who did not read the book, this movie was confusing to say the least. Here is a breakdown of what everything meant and what this movie was about. On the surface, this film seems to just be about a road
By Kat Salmon
trip between a woman and her boyfriend, Jake. The only issue is that the woman, “Lucy,” is thinking of ending things with Jake. A lot of the movie is narrated by “Lucy,” and she keeps repeating the phrase, “I’m thinking of ending things.” Aside from this, nothing seems too strange until they arrive at Jake’s parents’ farmhouse. There are also random scene changes to an elderly janitor working at a high school. One confusing, weird thing happens after another for the rest of the movie, leaving viewers lost and confused.
The biggest plot point to grasp is that the janitor is Jake, but older. The moment that this is made relevant is when “Lucy” goes into the basement and opens the washing machine to find multiple janitor uniforms. The overarching theme of this movie is that everything is happening inside janitor Jake’s head. The concepts of aging, death and the passage of time are shown multiple times throughout the movie. First of all, “Lucy” can’t seem to remember when exactly she and Jake met and she talks about how she knows it’s only been a matter of weeks, but she feels like she’s known him for a really long time. When at his parents’ farmhouse, Jake tells her about the pigs that were eaten by maggots and had to be put down. There is also the obvious aging and reversal of aging of Jake’s parents. This could be interpreted as representing Jake’s own misconception of aging and where he, himself, is in time. He obviously imagines himself as much younger than he is, because during most of the movie he looks to be in his thirties. However, he is much older when shown as the janitor. In the very end of the movie, he is
accepting some type of award and sings to an audience. Jake and the audience all have very disturbing makeup on to make them look older. It’s obvious that it is makeup and that everyone is much younger than they are meant to appear. This again, could represent Jake’s misconstrued view of age. Another important point to grasp is that “Lucy” is a figment of Jake’s imagination. This is why her name keeps changing: In the beginning it is “Lucy,” then it changes to “Louisa” and finally “Amy.” Her outfit and hairdo also shift slightly from scene to scene. Her occupation shifts between a student physicist, a poet and a painter. The story of how she and Jake met also changes a few times. The biggest clue to the fact that she is essentially a part of Jake’s mind are that she thinks the picture of him as a child is a picture of her as a child. Also, when she asks Jake to take her home, he thinks she means his parents’ farmhouse. As the movie progresses, she becomes more and more agitated, as she does not understand what is happening and a lot of things are not making sense to her.
The ending of the movie shows elderly Jake taking all his clothes off inside his truck in the middle of a blizzard. A pig, partially eaten by maggots, appears and leads him back into the high school. Since the pig is obviously dead, it can be determined that he is also dead. This essentially symbolizes him killing himself, but it seems to have been done partially unknowingly and in a state of insanity. The woman (Lucy/Louisa/Amy) is the part of his brain saying, “I’m thinking of ending things,” as well as the part of his brain that is contemplating suicide. This film is a brilliant, mindtwisting pot of symbolism, although the concept is incredibly hard to grasp. The entire film has an air of discomfort which is never resolved. While most people can get the general idea of what this movie is about, it is almost impossible to grasp the subtleties that make this film brilliant. However, that might just be the point; that the human brain is too complex to fully understand and grasp. “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” is an incredible film that everybody needs to watch and at least attempt to understand.
The resurgence of historical romance novels
ASSISTANT ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
This year on the popular book section of YouTube, known to many loyal viewers as BookTube, there has been a resurgence of historical romance novels – the very same romance novels with the covers people would make fun of because of their dramatic stepbacks and titles. Who would have thought that in 2020, historical romance novels, whose covers used to be ridiculed by many, would make a comeback? The historical romance genre is in no way or form dead, but it has been looked down on for many years, not just for the books’ covers, but because of the fact that they are romance novels. People have been quick to label historical romance novels as “mom-rom” because they are most likely to be read by someone’s mother, not anyone younger. For example, when Diana Gabaldon’s
“Outlander” series was adapted for She has multiple videos on her Flash forward to a few months television, many younger readers channel dedicated to the genre. into quarantine, when Jess bought began reading the series to pass For example, she has a guide for a mystery historical romance box time in between seasons. The fact popular author Lisa Kleypas. from eBay for a video she planned that historical romance was to film. This unboxdrawing in younger readers ing contained 20 books disproved the “mom-rom” for just under $30. She stereotype, but the genre requested pirate romances, still wasn’t very popular. highlander romances, A popular romance beautiful stepbacks and BookTuber, Jess from some specific authors, PeaceLoveBooksxo, startlike Jennifer Ashley and ed featuring more of the Lynsay Sands. Her video older historical romance inspired a couple of other titles earlier this year on BookTubers to do an eBay her channel. During a readunboxing of their own. ing vlog she posted back in These unboxings not only April, she did an unboxing highlighted older historiCourtesy of Goodreads of old historical romances cal titles, but also helped Judith McNaught’s “A Kingdom of Dreams” is a she bought through a to support independent common stepback shown in #stepbacksaturday secondhand site. She had bookstores in the middle of posts on Instagram. purchased some books by a global pandemic. Judith McNaught, an author who Together, Lacey and Jess hosted Besides showcasing historical published in a time where many a Historical Romance read-aromance on their YouTube chanproblematic plot elements were a thon this past March with another nels, Jess and Lacey participate in norm in the genre. BookTuber. After the read-a-thon, #StepbackSaturday on Instagram. Another BookTuber, Lacey these BookTubers started showing This hashtag is where romance from LaceyBookLovers, is a and reading more historical novels readers and reviewers are able huge fan of historical romance. on their channels. to share their favorite stepback
covers from their favorite historical romances with their followers. As a fun little challenge, they have their followers guess the title of the book based on the stepback. The year 2020 saw an increase in the number of BookTubers participating in the hashtag. Some of the most common stepbacks displayed are Judith McNaught’s “A Kingdom of Dreams” and Kat Martin’s “Midnight Rider.” Before reading an older title, readers should keep in mind some of the problematic plot elements by looking up the content warnings for the specific book. BookTubers Jess and Lacey are really good at referencing any content that might require a warning. Another easy way to look up content warnings is by checking out reviews on Goodreads. While there are still newer historical romances to choose from, readers should give an older title a try! You may find your next favorite book.
A12 • SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
OP-ED
THE CHRONICLE
The The views and opinions expressed in the Op-Ed section are those of the authors of the articles. They are not an endorsement of the views of The Chronicle or its staff. The Chronicle does not discriminate based on the opinions of the authors.
Living through the pandemic immunosuppressed
By Drashti Mehta
refused to believe there was anything wrong. They told me that I was just anxious about starting high school and that often, nervousness can manifest in a way that would suggest an underlying condition or illness. Eventually – despite knowing that I wasn’t nervous about school – I too began to doubt whether all of this was anything more than anxiety and panic attacks. After all, I looked perfectly healthy on the outside. The problem with invisible illnesses is just that – you can’t see them from the outside and so we assume that no problem exists. I was diagnosed with four autoimmune disorders between the ages of 15 and 17: ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, uveitis and I began getting migraines my senior year of high school. With time, I’ve learned how
A lot of the people I’ve interacted with that have a medical condition found out in an alarming manner – a suspicious lump, a traumatic experience that turned out to be a blessing in disguise, an unexpected call from the doctor – but for me, it was months of confusion, overlapping symptoms, normal test results and a lot of self-doubt. Growing up I barely caught the common cold, let alone anything more severe like the flu. But that all changed in high school; I was in and out of the hospital, followed up with five specialists and spent more time in a doctor’s office than at school. All of this started because I dismissed the first sign that anything was wrong to begin with: fatigue. I was suddenly perpetually tired, and my body ached. For eight months, most doctors
to manage my symptoms. I created a routine and familiarized myself with the foods and habits that trigger my disorders. Unfortunately, the pandemic has brought the most normalcy I’ve felt in eight years to a crashing halt. The pandemic instilled this notion that we should keep a firm grasp of the things that are still in our control. For many, that’s purchasing and hoarding anything and everything they can get their hands on at the grocery store. While I understand the appeal of controlling what you can, panic buying has made it increasingly difficult for me to stick to the meal plan I know works best for my body. Lately, I’ve found myself resorting to a diet I know isn’t good for me because it’s all that’s available to me. Software developer Ben Albahari created solenya.org/ coronavirus, a calculator that
allows people to estimate their risk and rate of survival should they contract the virus. It is calculated under the assumption that 10% of the population will get infected, 1% will die from it, that you have not been tested for the virus and you are not showing symptoms. For a female between 20-29 years of age with no pre-existing conditions, no social contact, good hygiene and average accessibility to health services, the chance of not surviving is 1 in 33,069. For me, it’s 1 in 3,890. While that’s still a high probability of survival, it’s also daunting to see how drastic the difference is between me and my best friend. I am thankful that despite this, I am able to receive my medication, have the comfort of knowing my dad is out of harm’s way by working from home and have a home in which I am safe. I still have access to all of my doctors through online platforms
porations or other entities were not making reasonable efforts to comply with applicable standards and guidance at the time, that they also were engaged in gross negligence or willful misconduct to cause the exposure – a higher bar to prove – and that the specific exposure was what made them sick. Should the Act pass, all this will be quite difficult to prove. Further yet, businesses would benefit from the automatic presumption that they are making reasonable efforts as long as they put mitigation policies in writing. A lawsuit would then have to prove that this presumption is wrong by showing the business did not in fact comply with the policy at the specific time. Didn’t write or publish a policy? No problem, the Act also says this won’t amount to an assumption that a business didn’t make reasonable efforts. Additionally, anyone bringing a lawsuit will also be forced to file an affidavit from an outside medical expert to explain the basis for a physician’s opinion, increasing the cost of an already
inhibitory obstacle course. Universities like Hofstra are represented by powerful industry groups lobbying Congress for this legal safe haven, contradicting the notion that student and worker safety is the “top priority.” Because corporate immunity would give universities and other corporations fewer incentives to adhere to even basic safety precautions, it will be nearly impossible for these organizations to lose lawsuits to individuals harmed by their negligence – something that should be accessible in our justice system. This begs the question: Why do these entities think that they should be above the law and beyond reproach? In response, students at various universities nationwide, including Hofstra, have started petitions asking schools to openly oppose corporate immunity being pushed in their names and to oppose the use of liability waivers to reopen campuses, which endangers not only students, but the Black, brown and immigrant workers as well. These communities,
The HEALS act is anything but healing
By Vanessa Giunta As the pandemic rages on, movements for civil and human rights persist and death counts from the fallout tick ever upward, corporations and universities are waiting to find out if Congress might throw them a sought-after pass amid the crisis. The gift in question? Corporate immunity in the proposed Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection, and Schools (HEALS) Act – big business’s dream for a sweeping shield from COVID-19 lawsuits and accountability at a time when corporations’ “social conscience” is most visible and critiqued. With its legislative language masquerading as worthy protection from the thinly veiled illusion of bloodthirsty mosquito “trial lawyers,” the HEALS Act brazenly advertises liability protection right in the name. Here, companies’ economic fears are exploited and quelled with the use of tropes that appear to safeguard productive freedom in the time of coro-
navirus. In a pay-no-attentionto-the-man-behind-the-curtain fashion, the legislation paints a baseless caricature of plaintiff lawyers ready to pounce, all while feeding huge corporations unprecedented refuge for negligence and harm under the table. The HEALS Act claims that Congress must safeguard taxpayer money loaned to businesses under the CARES Act from ending up in virus exposure lawsuits. The reality is that “liability protection” allows this aforementioned taxpayer money to be given to businesses, which can then flout basic guidelines and safety measures. These companies are harming the very people paying to keep them afloat, all while capitalizing on their corporate immunity to save a buck by cutting corners. With this logic, taxpayers essentially could be funding their own hazardous conditions, the creators of which get to keep the money afterward. The Act would require lawsuits over coronavirus exposure to convincingly prove that cor-
and phone calls, a luxury many people have lost in this time. Yet, I urge everyone who goes out to purchase essential items to please be mindful of what they purchase and the shoppers around them, as looks can be deceiving. I am incredibly privileged to have a mom who is willing to go out on my behalf so I do not have to put myself at risk by leaving the house. But there are many people with autoimmune disorders or other pre-existing conditions that do not have someone who they can rely on, and those people fear for their lives every time they step outside. Drashti Mehta is a senior journalism major with minors in political science and public relations. She currently serves as an Editor in Chief for The Hofstra Chronicle. She can be found on Twitter @drashmehta.
which are often overrepresented and undercompensated in front-line, essential positions on university campuses, continue to be disproportionately harmed in this pandemic. The Act’s liability protection gives businesses, universities and health care facilities a free pass to ignore and flout basic safety guidelines without fully committing to or being held accountable for the health of those they employ and serve. It raises an already high bar for students, workers, teachers and patients facing impossible choices: to seek justice in a system hellbent on extorting them. Against the backdrop of movements calling for civil and human rights to overcome systemic imbalances of power, support for corporate immunity is antithetical to these cries for justice, equality and accountability. Vanessa Giunta is a JD Candidate for the class of 2022.
Have an opinion? We want to hear it. Email us at huchronicle.op.ed@gmail.com!
OP-ED
THE CHRONICLE
By Ja’Loni Owens
SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 • A13
Moving the Jefferson statue is not enough
A few weeks ago, my mother read me another headline about another university, or another high school, or another government building or another public park that either changed its name or removed an art piece as an acknowledgement of how that name or that art piece honored white supremacy. While I can’t remember how she set it up, the punchline was “everybody but Hofstra.” And naturally, I laughed. Yeah, everybody but Hofstra. Last week, the image of a partially dug out Thomas Jefferson sculpture arrived in my inbox and flooded my social media feeds. For a minute there, I was worried the punchline that never got old would no longer be evergreen, but then another image arrived in my inbox: a hole near Emily Lowe. Thank God. I don’t know what I’d do, or frankly, who I would be, if the only dinner party entertainment I could provide was the story of how my student organizing
By Daniel Cody Russia’s recent national referendum approved a change to the country’s constitution that would allow Vladimir Putin, the current president of Russia, to run for another two six-year terms after his current term ends in 2024. If Putin wins, he will be able to hold the position of Russian president until 2036. To put it simply, Putin, who is 67, will presumably be in power until his death. Russian plebiscites, or referendums, are a mechanism of direct democracy. Citizens vote directly on policy questions and amendments, unlike in a representative democracy, where elected officials make decisions on citizens’ behalf. This particular plebiscite lasted from Thursday, June 25, to Wednesday, July 1. The vote was originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, but was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Preliminary results counting 50% of voters showed that more
collective galvanized our entire undergraduate campus and how, as a direct result of the dialogue we commanded, our university unanimously decided to remove a sculpture of a slave-holder and rapist from our campus. I mean, could you imagine my embarrassment? Thankfully, I don’t have to wonder what I’d do or who I would be. My bit about my parents cutting years off of their lives to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to send me to Hofstra University – only to be rewarded with matching Hofstra Dad and Hofstra Mom crewnecks and sleepless nights worrying that their eldest daughter would be lynched by white supremacist groups validated by Hofstra’s decision not to remove the sculpture – will live to see another day. When the editorial board from The Hofstra Chronicle asked if I would pen an editorial offering what has been going through my mind since the University announced its intention to relocate the Thomas Jefferson sculpture, I was
caught off guard. I didn’t think my opinion on the matter held any weight within the Hofstra community any longer, hence why the sculpture is only being relocated in the first place and why there’s been little movement on Jefferson Has Gotta Go’s demand for mandatory anti-racist training for staff, faculty and administrators and an online bias reporting system.
But my mother quickly reminded me that it does matter what I have to say. When I shared the news with her, she offered a congratulations to me as well as my friends, because the sculpture is now that much closer to the curb. With the talented student organizers on that campus that succeed me, I’m sure students will easily
find a way to finally put that sculpture in the dumpster where it deserves to be after all these years. The work is not done, and I ache for that reason, but the work is further along, and for that reason, congratulations to myself and my friends are definitely in order. But, when I am asked what I think about the relocation of the sculpture of Thomas Jefferson, particularly in light of the concerns raised by the students whose chosen discipline will require them to continue interacting with it every single day, I think it’s sad. I think it’s a failure to read this political moment correctly, and frankly, empathetically. I think it’s a conscious effort to tell the Hofstra community that the administration is changing everything by changing absolutely nothing – by declining the invitation to rise to the occasion. I think it’s a reminder that educational justice will ultimately require that we stop appealing to the moral sense
of those depriving us of it. I think it means that unless we radically alter how we engage universities, we will continue to run into the problem of our demands being co-opted and made politically expedient, just as the demand that the sculpture of Thomas Jefferson be removed has been. I think it means that rather than being one of the last, I am now nowhere near the last student who is going to have to take it upon themselves to use what we’re told are the most transformative years of our lives to cope with the abuse and isolation that comes with demanding justice – even though our demands will fall on stubborn ears and we will be brought to tears when we’re driven mad by the voyeurs who watch it all happen. And so, I’ve found it very difficult to accept even my mother’s congratulations.
than 70% of Russian citizens voted in favor of the amendments, which secure and expand Putin’s presence in Russian law. These amendments, along with their religious undertones, allow executive overreach onto the judicial and legislative bodies, permitting Putin to vicariously redirect proposed legislation to the constitutional court, which is completely under his thumb. Other amendments also confirmed that Russia’s parliamentary rule is above international law and that “inter-state actors,” presumably corporations, will not face legal consequences for actions legal inside Russia but illegal internationally. Another amendment targeted ethnic minorities in the oblasts, or provinces, of eastern Russia, by establishing that the Russian language was that of “nation building” and pushing an agenda of prescriptivism to eradicate local cultures. It is clear that Putin seeks to create a more conservative Russia, based upon a facade of Christianity and his own
personal taste in leadership. Ratifying anti-LGBTQ+ legislation because of “tradition” is certainly not palatable, but insulating future dictatorships is a much higher degree of totalitarian rule. With these amendments, Putin orchestrates the illusion of judicial review. Under the guise of constitutional legitimacy, Putin now has the ability to “supplement” the legislative process by appealing legislation to the constitutional court. If the legislation is determined to be constitutional, then Putin will sign it into law. However, if the legislation is not constitutional, it will be sent back to the Duma, the lower house of parliament. The twist in this situation is that members of the constitutional court are confirmed by the federation council, a body appointed and controlled by – you guessed it – the federation president, Vladimir Putin. By shelling out judicial systems and simultaneously intensely surveilling any legislation put through parliament, Putin has an even more definite grasp on
what is and what is not allowed in Russia. For Americans, this should be a warning sign. The resemblance between Putin’s executive overreach and our judiciary is sobering: While justices on the Supreme Court are confirmed by the Senate, they act outside of democracy once in power. Legislation in Congressional gridlock is sent to the Supreme Court and interpreted by justices who are not obligated to a constituency or concerned about public approval. The cause of this is the failure of the American Congress. By failing to reach consensuses and enact legislation, Congress has allowed the U.S. Supreme Court to assume the role of a legislature, making decisions on our country’s behalf without the restrictions of public approval or any formal public election. Putin’s courts act as an appendage, consistently ruling in favor of his personal agenda. While one can distinguish between the ideology of Vladimir Putin and the record of the Supreme Court,
judicial elitism can be utilized for an autocracy. The theater of the Russian system and the realness of our own should be fuel for change. What I wish is for people to look not through the lens of overblown “Russiagate” narratives, but to instead analyze politics for themselves. Russia is a nation of educated and hopeful youths yearning for a better future, much like us. Rumors of future protests in Moscow show resilience and hope. The Putin dictatorship may seem ridiculous and far from likely to young Americans, but ultra-corporatism, broken legislative bodies and a skyrocketing wealth gap do not seem too outlandish for both the American and Russian futures.
“When I am asked what I think about the relocation ... I think it’s a failure to read this political moment correctly, and frankly, empathetically.”
Putin is in power forever
Ja’Loni Owens is the former lead organizer of Jefferson Has Got to Go!
Daniel Cody is a sophomore studying journalism, Spanish and political science. He serves as an Op-Ed Editor for The Chronicle. You can find him on Twitter @danielhcody.
OP-ED
A14 • SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
THE CHRONICLE
Pay student workers what they’re worth
By Jacob Lewis
Even before coming to campus or starting classes, large, almost incomprehensible numbers began to show up on my tuition bills. To me, this meant one thing – I would need to get an on-campus job to help offset some of the cost. After working for nearly four months at a lodging establishment while coronavirus quarantine restrictions were enacted, I expected that there would be procedures in place to ensure students’ safety at Hofstra. I also expected that I would be fairly compensated for the risks I would assume by working during the pandemic. Coming into college, I was relatively willing to
have my views and ideas about student life challenged – I know this happens to every person who pursues higher education. However, though I came in with this open mindset, I was not prepared for the reality of what being a student worker at Hofstra entails. After being on campus for a little over three weeks now, I’m not so sure I want an oncampus job. Opportunities for student employment are scarce at Hofstra. Because of the pandemic, many of the positions typically available are no longer offered. The only job I was able to find was as a Resident Safety Representative (RSR). I’ve heard horror stories from friends in the Resident Safety Program
about how the only training they received was over the phone, or how RSRs are continuously assigned to Colonial Square, where students who have tested positive for coronavirus are quarantined. I don’t feel comfortable taking on this potentially dangerous role with little to no training, especially considering the pay rate. Student workers at Hofstra work the security vestibules, operate equipment rental stations and phone bank. These are all vital tasks that need to be done to keep campus running smoothly, but student workers at Hofstra are paid less than Long Island minimum wage. RSRs make $10 per hour during the day and $11 per hour at night,
despite minimum wage being $13 per hour. To ask the obvious question – why? The labor that Hofstra students perform isn’t any less valuable than labor performed by non-Hofstra students, so why are student workers getting paid less than their nonstudent counterparts? I think any college student would say that between classes, homework and other miscellaneous tasks like laundry, time is incredibly valuable. However, the pay student workers are receiving doesn’t reflect this. This issue has rightly been a point of contention among Hofstra students for a while now, but the pandemic makes it more important to address than ever.
standing of suicidality implies that you’re either doing great, or on the precipice of death. There is no spectrum, no room for the in-between. In our pandemic reality and in the year 2020, however, more and more people are finding themselves residing in that in-between. According to a recent survey by the CDC, Black people, Latinx people, essential workers, unpaid caregivers for adults and people ages 18 to 24 were among the groups that had considered suicide the most in July and August. And if we think about things intersectionally, the numbers are compounded for people who fall into several of those categories at once. Sadly, the numbers aren’t all that surprising: We’re in a pandemic with no real end in sight. As the movement for Black lives finally begins getting the respect and attention it deserves, an emboldened white supremacist movement grows alongside it. Transgender lives are under attack, and so are those of nearly all marginalized groups and identities. Capitalism is working middleand low-income people to the bone. Climate change is altering the life plans of young people,
forcing us to wonder whether the cities we’d like to one day call home will even be habitable by the time we pay off our student loan debt and make enough money to maybe own a house. How do we continue to exist in this? How do we find joy in this?
to roll in on social media at the start of September for suicide awareness and prevention month, it felt like an awfully simple, tone-deaf solution to such a deep-rooted problem. Speaking openly about mental health and checking in on your friends can and does save lives, but at the same time, we’ve got to resist the idea that suicide prevention rests solely on our shoulders as individuals. Suicide prevention is kindness and conversation, but it is also improving mental health services in schools, implementing universal health care and redistributing money from sectors that enjoy ridiculous amounts of funding, like law enforcement and defense. As we continue pouring exorbitant amounts of money into the police and the military, people are falling through the cracks. Reducing the problem to the phrase, “Check on your friends,” absolves politicians, government officials and the wealthy few of all accountability on the matter. Please don’t place the task of prevention on yourself alone. Continue to hold people in power accountable for the part that they play in upholding the oppressive systems that got us to this point.
Many students are working on campus even if they don’t feel comfortable or safe. They need money to put toward their tuition and don’t have any other opportunities or family to fall back on. Coronavirus is changing almost everything we took for granted, but college students being broke is not one of those things. Health risks have gone up, but bills haven’t gone down. If Hofstra is going to ask student workers to expose themselves to potentially dangerous situations, they should be paid accordingly. Jacob Lewis is a freshman film studies and production major from Scarborough, Maine. His social media handle is @jacoblewismedia.
True suicide prevention requires radical change
By Odessa Stork
“I wish there was a nicer way to say this, but I don’t always want to be alive,” writes Anna Borges in a 2019 personal essay for The Outline. The essay, called “I am not always very attached to being alive,” details Borges’ experiences with suicidal ideation, a more passive form of suicidality. “What makes it harder is being unable to talk about it freely: the weightiness of the confession, the impossibility of explaining that it both is and isn’t as serious as it sounds. I don’t always want to be alive. Yes, I mean it. No, you shouldn’t be afraid of me. No, I’m not in danger of killing myself right now. Yes, I really mean it,” she continues. I came across Borges’ essay at some point last year before the pandemic, before all of this. The writing immediately resonated with me – I’ve witnessed firsthand the aftermath of suicide in my personal life, and I’ve turned over thoughts like Borges’ in my own head. Suicidality is still highly stigmatized, and the way we talk about it often makes things difficult for people who share the experience that Borges describes. Our societal under-
“We’ve got to resist the idea that suicide prevention rests solely on our shoulders as individuals.” A lot of the strategies for coping with the current state of the world – as well as coping with thoughts of suicide – are future-oriented: We’re told to hold out hope for a better future, to hold onto dreams of a friendlier, more sympathetic reality. We motivate ourselves with the prospect of change, because there’s no way this is as good as it gets. We work toward something better, finding pockets of joy along the way or inventing them if we have to. It’s all we can do at this point. The situation feels pretty grim a lot of the time. And so when all the cutesy “check on your friends” graphics started
Have an opinion? We want to hear it. Email us at huchronicle.op.ed@gmail.com
That being said, absolutely continue reaching out to your friends. On its own, this can’t fix the system that has failed so many of us, but helping to normalize discussions about mental health and removing the taboo around suicidality are steps we can all take to make things better, especially now as more of us find ourselves existing somewhere in the in-between. There is no shame in being in the in-between, especially at a time when the world around us is simply not conducive to mental stability and health, even for those who haven’t struggled as much in the past. Check out Borges’ essay about ideation or maybe talk about it with a friend; it may bring some solace. It’s often far more costly and difficult to experience intrusive thoughts alone. You and your fight and your hopes are valuable – so here’s to fighting and hoping that one day a better world might be ours. Odessa Stork is a senior with majors in philosophy and journalism. She serves as one of the copy chiefs for The Chronicle, and you can find her on twitter @_odesssa.
THE CHRONICLE
SPORTS
SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 • A15
Hofstra Athletics announces suspension of fall sporting competitions By Adam Flash M ULTIME D I A E D I TO R
The Hofstra University Department of Athletics suspended all fall sport competitions on Friday, July 17, due to COVID-19 safety concerns. The decision affects the field hockey, volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, cross country, tennis and golf programs. “It’s never an easy decision,” said Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. According to the announcement, fall sports will be played in the spring semester, with winter and spring athletics currently scheduled to start on time. The decision to postpone was made with a major emphasis on the welfare and safety of student-athletes, coaches and athletic staff, as well as fans. “We all love the enterprise of intercollegiate athletics and what it brings to higher education, what it brings to our students and what it brings to our community. We just realized
we needed more time,” Cole said. With no competition set for the Pride this fall, that time will now serve as an opportunity to ease back into high-intensity play. “These athletes haven’t been in organized athletics since March,” Cole said. “[This] will provide us with a vehicle to have the fall be a
“Coaches know how to coach and we know how to run athletic departments, but we [will] work collaboratively with the [health] experts to ensure we’re putting in a plan that’s going to be the very best plan that our studentathletes deserve,” Cole said. Many plans to play the season in a safer manner were brainstormed before the outright suspension.
This would have helped lessen travel and hotel stays, as well as the expenses and health risks involved with away competitions. However, as time passed, other leagues around the nation announced conference-only schedules or entire-season postponements or cancellations. “We made the right decision for student-athlete welfare,
“We’re all in this together. This isn’t just a Hofstra Athletics thing. This isn’t just a Hofstra thing. This is a national, worldwide challenge.” – Rick Cole Jr. re-socialization to sport. And we can do it the right way without any form of limitations and urgency of competition.” Practices on the teams’ respective fields and in the weight room will be allowed as long as national, state and university health guidelines are followed.
According to Cole, the Colonial Athletic Association adopted a “flexibility schedule model,” splitting the conference into two “pods” – a northern and southern pod – in which teams would have the choice of playing whoever they choose before all meeting in the conference tournament.
but even if we wanted to play, the challenges of getting a full schedule were going to be incredibly difficult,” Cole said, using the women’s soccer program as an example. While the news disappointed many, Cole says he recognizes that and is appreciative of the feedback he has received.
“I’ve had my time. It’s their time, and we want to make sure that we’re maximizing that time,” Cole said. He continued, “I’m really proud of our student-athletes and coaches who’ve responded to it with a championship mentality of going, ‘Okay, this is the best decision at the time. We’re going to pivot, recalibrate and we’ll come back stronger than ever.’” COVID-19 has proven to be bigger than one athlete, team or even an entire season of sports. “We’re all in this together. This isn’t just a Hofstra Athletics thing. This isn’t just a Hofstra thing. This is a national, worldwide challenge,” Cole said. “I know [the disappointment of suspending sports] as a dad. I know it as an athletic director, a vice president, whatever you want to call me. We’re all witnessing the challenges and the disruption [of this pandemic together],” Cole said. “How we’re going to be judged [is] how we pivot, respond and how we position our student-athletes for success.”
Joe Mihalich to take temporary medical leave of absence By Anthony Roberts SPORTS E D I TO R
Hofstra men’s basketball head coach Joe Mihalich will be taking a temporary medical leave from his head coaching responsibilities, Hofstra Athletics announced in a press release on Wednesday, Aug. 26. No reason was given in the release for Mihalich’s decision. “We wish Coach Mihalich well during this time and look forward to his return soon,” said Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. Mihalich finished his seventh season with the Pride
capturing the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament title over Northeastern University. This was Hofstra’s first tournament championship and NCAA Tournament berth since 2001. Associate head coach Mike Farrelly will serve as acting head coach in Mihalich’s absence. Farrelly also completed his seventh season at Hofstra serving as an assistant coach before being promoted last season to associate head coach. Farrelly was named one of 50 Impactful Mid Major Assistants by Silver Waves Media and was also ranked as one of the top CAA assistant coaches.
Check out our website: www.thehofstrachronicle.com/category/sports
In seven seasons, Mihalich amassed 141 wins with Hofstra and over 400 wins in his career. In the past five years, the Pride has averaged over 22 wins a season. In the 2018-19 season, Hofstra set a school record with 27 wins. The Pride has captured three CAA regular-season titles, four 20-win seasons, four postseason appearances and one CAA Tournament championship in Mihalich’s tenure. Compared to the rest of the CAA, Hofstra has the most wins (141), most conference wins (77) and the most regular season titles (3) in Mihalich’s seven years as head coach. Hofstra also has the most CAA Player of the Year awards, with three during Mihalich’s tenure. Mihalich’s CAA Tournament championship was one of many accomplishments the Pride had last season. The season
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Joe Mihalich during the CAA Championship Game aginst Northeastern.
saw another milestone for the Hofstra basketball program when the Pride defeated UCLA 88-78 on Nov. 21, 2019, at Pauley Pavilion. The win was Hofstra’s first win over a PAC-12 conference school and the first win over a Power-5
conference school since the 2015-2016 season, when Mihalich’s Pride defeated Florida State University.
A16 •SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
SPORTS
THE CHRONICLE
Masai prepares for one more season at Hofstra with eyes on nationals By Adam Flash M ULTIME D I A E D I TO R
At the Boston University Last Chance Meet on Friday, Feb. 28, Alex Masai of the Hofstra Pride track team raced against both collegiate and professional runners, achieving a programbest 5,000-meter indoor time of 13:28.55. Masai placed third in his heat, 13th overall at the meet and first among college athletes. Masai also claimed the thirdfastest NCAA Division I time for the 2019-2020 indoor track season. He was going to nationals. “Qualifying for nationals indoors and then [getting] the fastest time of the program, it meant a lot to me and for the program,” Masai said, speaking over the phone. “I felt like I prepared the way for other students, [such as] freshmen [or] people who are looking to come to Hofstra. People [will now] see that Hofstra is not only a cross-country [team] but a track and field team.” However, qualifying did not come as a shock: Masai knew early on what he had accomplished.
“Like halfway, [at] about 3,000 meters of the race, I already knew I was going to qualify. I could see the times were improving. [I was about] a second faster every 400 meters than the plan was,” Masai said. “Going into the last kilometer, I already knew I [had] qualified.” But after arriving in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field National Championship, he was greeted with devastating news: The NCAA announced on Thursday, March 12, that both the meet and the entire outdoor track season were canceled due to COVID-19. “I was disappointed. I believe I was in the best shape of my life,” Masai said. “[It was an] ultimate blow to someone like me who was in their final season and preparing to end in the best way possible. After the announcement ... I asked myself, ‘What am I going to do?’ I thought this was my best season and now it’s canceled.” When the news broke, Masai was sitting in his hotel room alone. He had just returned from a run, taken a shower and
then eaten lunch. Masai heard a knock on the door and opened it to find his head coach, Vince Giambanco, with the news. “At that moment I just went quiet for like ten minutes. Nobody talked ... All of us were just quiet,” Masai said. “Everything that went [through] my head was just about the preparation and all about [what it had] taken me to be there.” “Is this the last time I’m racing?” Masai asked himself, sitting alone in his room that night. He did not know if he would be ending his collegiate career standing on a podium or sitting on a hotel bed. But when asked if he would be taking advantage of the NCAA’s new rule allowing spring sport athletes another year of eligibility, he casually said four words. “Yeah, I’m coming back.” After speaking to various people, including his brother and sister – both accomplished professional runners and two of his biggest role models – the back-to-back Colonial Athletic Association cross-country champion decided to return to the Pride for another year, where
he will be pursuing his master’s degree and setting his sights on being victorious on the track. “Definitely my goal [for next season] is to pick up from where I left [off],” Masai said. “I want to come back in the best shape of my life and win titles again.” After returning from Albuquerque, Masai remained on Hofstra’s campus, despite most students leaving when the University switched to remote learning. He kept himself busy with video games, movies, and of course, running. However, his normal training regimen changed greatly. With the closure of the team’s regular
training ground, the Mitchell Athletic Complex, Masai shifted focus solely to road runs and the treadmill, unable to do speed workouts on the track. “I can’t access [transportation] to go off campus and go somewhere,” Masai said. “I don’t drive. I just use things that are available within my distance and nearby me.” Despite these hurdles, Masai still runs every day. It is what he loves and what he strives to be the best at. And it is what will be on his mind every day until he completes his final track season in a Hofstra uniform.
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Alex Masai during the NCAA Northeast Regional Championships.
Smith looks to build off success in last ride with Hofstra By Tino Pattigno AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EDITOR
This was supposed to be Darcie Smith’s final season wearing the blue and gold uniform for the Hofstra Pride women’s lacrosse team. However, when the coronavirus pandemic canceled the remainder of the season with the team on a two-game losing streak, Smith knew that this was not how she wanted to be remembered. “We never got the opportunity to make up for those two games. We would have had our Colonial Athletic Association weekend by now,” Smith said. On March 30, the NCAA Division I Council voted to allow schools to provide spring-sport student-athletes an additional season of competition and an extension of their period of eligibility. Smith and her senior teammates Alexa
Mattera and Alyssa Parrella decided to take advantage of this opportunity for one final ride in the spring of 2021. “I wanted to get to finish my career on my own terms. It is really exciting to get to play with the people who I started my collegiate career with, like Alexa [Mattera] and Alyssa [Parrella], for one more time,” Smith said. “Not only that, but we can definitely build off of the success we have had thus far, while helping the underclassmen continue to grow and get better each and every day.” Smith may be one of the best people to help the younger classes of women’s lacrosse players grow and develop during their time with the Pride. She is considered the best draw control specialist in program history, ranking first all-time at Hofstra in the category. Before the season was cut short, Smith
had 46 draw controls, 11 ground balls, 10 caused turnovers and a goal. In her four-year career, she has totaled 207 draw controls, 109 ground balls, 59 caused turnovers and 10 points. “Last season is really when I started focusing on the draw more. Our assistant coach Amanda Johansen has helped me tremendously with that as well, ever since she joined our program last season,” Smith said. “Whether it has been different techniques I work on every day at practice or getting stronger in the weight room, it has all helped me to improve my game. It has not been easy, but the support of my teammates and coaches has really helped me throughout this process.” While Smith may miss draw controls, she says that what she misses most of all is her teammates. “I miss being on the road with
all the girls. It may be a long bus trip, but you don’t even think about it when everyone is together. It is such a great environment to be around,” Smith said. “I definitely do not take any of that for granted. It’s a great feeling just being around your teammates and getting to see them every day.” Smith says she would not change a thing about her time with the Pride, but looking back on her four years, she does have some advice for her past self. “No matter what happens, no matter what you go through, it is going to be okay in the end. You face tough times and you might just want to give up, but at the end of the day everyone has your back no matter what,” Smith said. To Smith, her legacy as a great leader on and off the field is what’s important. “I want to be remembered for making the people around
me better,” she said. “It is a team sport. I want to go down as someone who was always there for the team, willing to do anything I could to help others, being the person that anyone can go to – not just for lacrosse, but for help in school or just advice with their everyday life,” she said. Although Smith’s senior season did not go as planned, she is excited to finish what she, Mattera and Parrella started on their own terms. From her outstanding work ethic to her leadership qualities, Smith will continue to have an amazing impact on the Hofstra Pride women’s lacrosse program and everyone involved. “We are going to come out swinging next year,” she promised. “And we want to be better than ever.”
THE CHRONICLE
SPORTS
SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 • A17
Mattera is ready for one last dance with women’s lacrosse Adam Flash M ULTIME D I A E D I TO R
As spring sports came to an unexpected end due to the coronavirus outbreak and the NCAA announced an extra year of eligibility for studentathletes, no one knew whether the trio of program-leading seniors on Hofstra’s women’s lacrosse team – Alexa Mattera, Alyssa Parrella and Darcie Smith – would return. However, in a statement issued on Friday, April 17, the community got an answer: “We’re back.” For Long Island native Mattera, the decision to return came after a “roller coaster of emotion.” “It was really a devastating blow [for the season to be cut short] because we had such a special group of kids and we really wanted to make something special happen,” Mattera said. “It was a mixture of disappointment, frustration and agony. [We] really just wanted to play and continue our season and do something special.” The Pride had their eyes locked on winning the Colonial Athletic Association championship game this season after falling to James Madison University in last year’s final. Mattera had to consider more than just her desire for a
championship when deciding whether to return. She also had to consider where her schooling would take her. After much discussion with family, teammates, coaches and academic advisors, her pursuit of a master’s degree brought her right back to Hempstead. “I found a program ... and it ended up being perfect for me to go back to Hofstra and play lacrosse,” Mattera said. “When I found out Darcie [Smith] and Alyssa [Parrella] also would be coming back it really pushed me to want to find a program.” After graduating this spring with a degree in linguistics, the student-athlete enrolled in Hofstra’s Teaching English as a Second Language master’s program, where she will also study special education. When she is not in class or the library, Mattera can be found on the field working tirelessly towards her goals, despite the sacrifices she may have to make. “At the end of the day, if you want to win a championship and you want to be one of the best teams in the country, you have to be willing to put in that effort,” Mattera said. “Sometimes you have to sacrifice things like sleep ... or go outside and do that extra shooting or study for that exam until 2 a.m. instead of finishing in the morning. You just have to sacrifice a lot of things to be
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Alexa Mattera posted 16 goals in seven games during the 2020 season.
able to do the best.” That mentality has paid off for Mattera, as she’s established herself as one of the best players in Hofstra women’s lacrosse history. In her first four years with the Pride, she has 122 points to her name and ranks No. 2 in program history in draw controls with 182 and 10th all-time in scoring with 104
loved it so much,” she said. “It was something I always was doing. If you saw me, I was probably in the gym shooting hoops, not playing lacrosse.” As she made the transition from focusing on basketball to lacrosse, some of the athletic skills necessary for both sports eased the way. “I think I was able to develop
“I go [into games] knowing that I’m playing for God’s glory, not just for myself,” Mattera said. “It’s bigger than just myself. It’s for God that I do what I do.” Every game, Mattera wears a hair tie that reads, “My Game His Glory.” That mentality of being a part of something bigger carries over
“We’ve set a standard, and I think as the years go on, this program is just going to grow into something way bigger.” – Alexa Mattera goals. But while Mattera says she enjoys the personal accolades, the midfielder is always thinking big-picture and is most interested in creating a winning culture on the team for generations to come. “It’s awesome to be able to create this culture and set the standard for what this program has,” she said. “We’ve set a standard, and I think as the years go on, this program is just going to grow into something way bigger.” For Mattera, establishing that winning culture and having all eyes on her as a captain took some getting used to. “You have to be doing your best at all times and that’s something that I had to grow into. You have to know that during practice, if you’re going to go 50%, then so are your teammates because they’re all looking to you,” she said. “You have to be willing to go 100% at all times; you can’t really take your foot off that gas pedal.” But as successful as Mattera has been at Hofstra, she almost did not play lacrosse in college at all. Growing up, basketball was her true love. She was even an All-State player in high school. “[It] was kind of unique for me to be able to go play [Division I] lacrosse when everyone thought I was going to go play basketball because I
such skills in lacrosse because they’re kind of similar in a way with dodging abilities and dribbling a basketball,” Mattera said. “Playing basketball helped create and pave a path for my lacrosse career.” Even with the decision to trade the court for the field full time, basketball has always stuck with Mattera. Her favorite athlete of all time is Michael Jordan. She watches motivational videos of Jordan before games and wears the number 23 on her jersey to give her confidence while playing. Another consistent pregame ritual for Mattera is prayer. “My faith is super important to me,” she said. “It plays such a big role in who I am.” Early on in her collegiate career, she joined the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), a weekly gathering of Hofstra’s Christian athletes where they discuss religion, sports and the connection between the two. FCA has provided her an opportunity to not only express her faith, but to meet fellow athletes as well, including ones she might never have gotten the opportunity to know otherwise. “It’s all athletes of every different sport ... and this group helps bring us together as one. It’s pretty awesome,” Mattera said. In both lacrosse and life, she believes she is a part of something much bigger than herself.
onto the field, into the locker room and around campus as she plays for not just herself and God, but for her teammates and best friends as well. While scoring goals and winning games is exciting, Mattera’s favorite part of lacrosse is the family she’s gained from it. “Everyone – your teammates, your coaches – they just become that second family for you. You always have a place where you fit in and you can call home,” she said. “And I think that is just so powerful for [the] future ... [knowing] that these people will always be your best friends.” As she returns to the Pride for a fifth year, Mattera’s postHofstra future is unclear. She may use her master’s degree to pursue teaching or may continue to coach: She already coaches a ninth-grade team at Long Island Top Guns, a premier girl’s lacrosse club. Maybe she will do both. But one thing is for certain for the captain who had her senior season stripped away so quickly: She will make the most of this next year. “It’s really just not taking anything for granted,” Mattera said. “Play every game as if it is your last.”
A18 •SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
SPORTS
THE CHRONICLE
Parrella looking to lead Hofstra to new heights in final year Tino Pattigno AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EDITOR
Hofstra women’s lacrosse senior and captain Alyssa Parrella ranks first all-time in goals and points. She also ranks fourth all-time in assists, seventh in draw controls and second all-time in Colonial Athletic Association history in goals and points. The midfielder, who wears #7 for the Pride, is considered the best women’s lacrosse player in program history – and she is not done yet. Parrella has announced she will be returning to play another season in 2021. The announcement came during the COVID-19 pandemic that canceled all spring sports activities across the U.S. this year. “I remember finding out that our season would be canceled at the Boston College game this year,” Parrella said. “I immediately got emotional looking around at the seniors like Darcie Smith and Alexa Mattera.” “We could not believe it. It was already sad enough to lose a close game, but to then find out that your last season as a member of the Hofstra Pride is over, was heartbreaking.” The decision to come back and play for the Pride once again was not an easy one for
Parrella. She was the last of the seniors to announce her choice. “I saw that [Smith] and [Mattera] had their decisions quickly made,” Parrella said. “For me, I knew I wanted to come back and play lacrosse but the reality of the decision is to make sure that my choice will truly benefit me and my future outside of college lacrosse.” “After talking it over with my parents and coaches, I determined that it would be [in] my best interest to continue playing but to also continue my schooling at Hofstra University as well. A positive for me to take out of this whole situation is it gives me a whole year to narrow down what it is that I want to do after I graduate college and pursue a career.” She returns to Hofstra to play alongside Smith, her teammate and best friend. When the 2021 spring sports season kicks off, these two will have a chance to create more memories once again. “[Smith] and I actually had the same exact class schedule our freshman year of college,” Parrella said. “We really did not leave each other’s side ... I couldn’t ask for a better friend or person to be with and to share memories with during our time at Hofstra.” “We really balance each other out so well, on and off the field. We rarely fight, but we are
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Parrella has 216 goals and 292 points in her career at Hofstra.
always honest with the other and I think that helps to make us better almost every single day. Without her I don’t even know what I would be doing right now, and to now have an opportunity to play another year alongside my best friend is truly special to me and I couldn’t ask for anything more.” As for Parrella individually, her statistics over the last four years playing for the Pride are some of the best the program has ever seen. She will go down as arguably the best player to ever play for the Hofstra Pride woman’s lacrosse team, but it is her preparation and commitment to making a name for herself that has gotten her to this point. “I have always tried to be the best player I could be,” Parrella said. “Growing up the youngest of a family of three, all throughout high school I heard, ‘Oh, you’re her little sister.’ Although I appreciated being recognized as that because I love my siblings so much, I wanted to come to Hofstra University and be able to make a name for myself.” “Looking back on it now, in my final years, all of the work that I have put in has paid off for me. I also know that I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for our incredible head coach Shannon Smith. She has guided me and brought me under her wing from the start. It is amazing how she is able to turn players like myself into unbelievable athletes. She has pushed me so much and I am really thankful for her.” Playing at the top of her game as much as she can, Parrella puts a lot of pressure on herself to succeed. Whether that means scoring the goal, winning the game or trying to have a successful season overall, she is faced with an internal battle of meeting the high standards she sets for herself throughout the season. “I am someone who has put the pressure on myself, even before getting to college. I have transformed so much from who I was my freshman year,” Parrella said. “I used to be nervous to step on the field. I still get nervous now, but I am confident in myself and my
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Alyssa Parrella scored 27 goals in seven games during the 2020 season.
abilities to succeed. The last four years have molded me into a better player and a captain for this team.” One of the biggest things that has changed for Parrella throughout her time at Hofstra has been her confidence. She knows that the pressure to be the best she can is there, but her support system allows her to stay focused and achieve her goals. “[Shannon Smith] has always been there for me to give me support, and all my teammates have been there for me, believing in me, and they are the ones that really help me to believe in myself,” Parrella said. “Also, I think that the preparation that gets put into a practice, or even for a test in school, [is] what makes the difference. The more work you put in, the more confidence you will have to go out and do what you want to.” A new group of freshmen will be joining the team next spring, and they have the unique opportunity to learn from Parrella, Smith and Mattera. “I am really excited for it,” Parrella said. “I know some of the girls coming up and they are such incredible athletes already. It will be weird for me to think about how some of them will be 18 years old and I’m 22 playing with them, but at the same time I remember being a freshman
and learning so much from my older teammates. That is how I want to provide to the younger class coming up before I leave as well.” After she hangs up her cleats one final time for the Pride next season, she does not want to be remembered for all of the accolades she earned. For Parrella, the legacy she values most is about being the best leader and teammate she could be. “When it is all over, I just want my teammates to remember me as the person who gave it 110% no matter what,” Parrella said. “I cared about this team so much and I hope they know that.” “Although the awards and accolades are rewarding and nice to have, at the end of the day what matters most to me is giving my all to my teammates, coaches and to the game of lacrosse. That is the legacy I want to leave at Hofstra.”
THE CHRONICLE
SPORTS
SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 • A19
Senior send-off: A lasting impact
By Felipe Fontes SPORTS EDITOR, HOFSTRA ‘20
Photo Courtesy of Felipe Fontes
Coming into college, when I looked four years ahead and visualized my eventual graduation, I definitely didn’t picture this. Quarantining thousands of miles away from Hofstra and taking online classes, far from friends that I’ve built exceptionally close bonds with, it’s obviously not at all the way I ever would’ve wanted my last few months as a college student to transpire. Yet, the three-and-a-half-year process until this point wasn’t all that accurate with what I imagined it would be either. It was much better. As a former athlete who couldn’t care less about anything other than football throughout my life, much less academics, I knew college would be an endeavor that would force me to push myself beyond limits I hadn’t really tried outside of the athletic world. As a student who cruised through high school with B’s
and C’s, I didn’t exactly know how I would benefit from giving my all academically, but I did know that if I gave even 75% of the determination and work ethic that I dedicated to football, I would be successful in this area as well. It turns out, as an honors college graduate, graduating magna cum laude with a 3.82 GPA to pair with internships at NBC, SiriusXM and CBS, I was right. What I didn’t know, however, was that what I would gain by applying myself as a college student would be way more than just academic and extracurricular success. It would allow me to discover exactly who I am and build relationships that I’ll carry with me far beyond college. As a wide-eyed freshman knowing I had to leave my mark, I strove to get involved with everything I could as a journalism major with the eventual goal of being a sports analyst. I joined and contributed to WRHU Radio Hofstra University, the Hofstra Entertainment Access Television (HEAT) Network and The Hofstra Chronicle. As professional experiences with major corporations began to pile on to each other and stray my attention further away from most on-campus organizations, the one organization that never wavered in my priorities was The Hofstra Chronicle. From the jump, beginning as a staff writer in September of 2016, I leaped at every
opportunity to write, knowing that getting started was the hardest part and that I would constantly improve with every one of my bylines that showed up in the paper. Some articles I was prouder of than others, but I knew that the more I wrote and the better I became, the greater the opportunity was to grow my role within the paper. When I was asked to apply for assistant sports editor, I didn’t hesitate, knowing that I would join a team consisting of seniors who I had been trying to gain the respect of since day one. The sports editors at the time, Kevin Carroll and PJ Potter, were two people I looked up to greatly. When I was given the role to be their assistant, I was ecstatic, knowing how much value I had just gained solely by being on the editorial board for The Hofstra Chronicle and having the opportunity to work with some of the most capable journalists any college has to offer. From spending that semester learning the tools of the trade, to spending the next two years serving as sports editor, one thing was for sure: I never stopped learning, and that’s the thing I am most grateful for today. I didn’t just improve my writing and learn how to edit, lay out and publish our section of the paper, I also learned how to become a leader, both vocally and by example, with every meeting of every week being another chance to lead a team
of writers to publish the highest quality content in the paper. The fruits of my growth were displayed within the development of the writers and assistant editors themselves, each week producing better content, learning and taking the guidance that my co-editors and I provided. I’m extremely appreciative of being able to go through my progression within The Chronicle beside Alex Licata, who was brought on as an assistant at the same time that I was, giving me an incredibly talented partner to develop alongside. From there, to seeing the development of our own assistant editors we brought on through the years – Chris Detwiler, Anthony Roberts, David Lazar and most recently Mike Senatore – has been a wholesome experience. Each has exponentially developed in their own way, with individual skillsets that, when brought together, create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. I absolutely love the dynamic relationships I’ve built with other members of the editorial board, that although professional, have been just as spiritually rewarding as any relationship I’ve built outside of The Chronicle. Editor-inChief Taylor Clarke is one co-worker who exemplifies The Chronicle’s ethos. Week after week, I see the tremendous amount of work and the outstanding quality of content
she puts forth, knowing the perfect balance between being a leader and a co-worker, and applying this awareness in the most effective way possible. The effect has very visibly trickled down into every section of the paper, resulting in the best overall paper that The Chronicle has seen, a statement I’ve heard from many people in various settings. Most importantly, however, Taylor is someone I know I can count on in a multitude of personal, and professional, situations. I don’t know how many people can say that regarding peers within their workplace. Looking back on it, as someone whose main intent as a young freshman was to get involved in any activity that would build my resume as a journalist, the combination of all these assets has given me much more – something I could only have experienced in one place, and that’s The Hofstra Chronicle. I hate that this is the way that we seniors are forced to walk out. It’s not what any of us deserved. But now more than ever, I can appreciate the entirety of what my college experience has brought me over the span of four years, and I know that the impact it has had on me will last forever.
INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR TEAM? EMAIL US AT CHRONICLESPORTS@GMAIL.COM
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER @HUCHRONSPORTS
CHRONICLE SPORTS
THE HOFSTRA CHRONICLE
S ports
September 15, 2020
Unprecedented Times Hofstra Athletics suspends fall sporting competitions due to COVID-19
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics