Indiana Daily Student - Thursday, March 29, 2024

Students rally against Islamophobia

By Christy Avery and Marissa Meador news@idsnews.com

When a handful of counter protesters approached the rally against Islamophobia in Dunn Meadow on March 26, no harsh words were exchanged. Instead, Esteban Hernandez, standing with the pro-Palestinian demonstrators, began to play the violin.

A brief feeling of tension swept across the crowd, but Hernandez continued playing, cutting through the silence with “Leve Palestina” by Kofia — a 1970s Swedish song that translates to “Long Live Palestine” in English — and “Mawtini,” an Arabic poem set to music that serves as an unofficial Palestinian anthem. The proPalestinian demonstrators chanted “free Palestine” for a moment before the tension cleared and the protesters began marching toward Kirkwood Avenue, away from the counter protesters.

The protesters had gathered in the meadow after months of violence in Gaza and a series of decisions by IU that left Muslim and Arab students feeling unsupported.

But the inciting event for the protest was a now postponed IU Hillel event featuring Hamas member-turnedIsraeli-spy Mosab Hassan Yousef, whose derogatory comments about Muslims sparked criticism from the Palestine Solidarity Committee and the Middle Eastern Student Association.

“We’re here to show them and show ourselves that hate does not triumph.

Love remains,” PSC graduate advisor Bryce Greene said.

IU asked Hillel to cancel the event a few days prior due to credible security concerns. According to a post from Yousef on X, IU told Yousef’s agent the security concerns involved “the Muslim community and several white supremacist groups.” Hillel officially postponed the event in an email March 25 night, saying it will be rescheduled to the fall, but no

exact date has been set.

In the email, Hillel rejected criticism calling Yousef Islamophobic and reiterated the false narrative that the event was supported by the IU Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The office’s logo was on Hillel’s original event flyer posted to Instagram, which has since been deleted.

However, the office was never an official sponsor according to Mark Bode, executive director of media relations at IU. Bode did not provide a comment by publication.

The Anti-Defamation League Midwest repeated Hillel’s claim that the event was supported by the office in a statement released on X on March 25, where they also condemned IU’s decision to ask Hillel to postpone the event.

“We are dismayed by the forced postponement of Tuesday’s IU Hillel event featuring Mosab Hassan Yousef. The event was sup-

ported by the IU Department of Diversity and Inclusion and was cancelled at IU’s request based on the threat of protests by individuals who harass and intimidate to spread their extreme, hateful, and antisemitic views. We are disappointed IU leadership gave in,” the statement read. “The postponement of tomorrow’s event at IU is another disappointing example of a double standard that allows hate and antisemitism to manifest while silencing opposing voices.”

Malkah Bird, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace Indiana who traveled from Indianapolis to attend the rally, said she was relieved to hear the office was not sponsoring the event but is still extremely concerned Hillel would attempt to platform Yousef.

“This speaker that the Hillel group was trying to bring is a notorious Islamophobe, and the idea that he was being brought here in the name of Jewish people,

we are strongly opposed to that,” Bird said. “It’s not something we would ever want to be associated with.”

Bird said IU computer science professor Amr Sabry sent a letter, which JVP co-signed, to OVPDEI about their supposed sponsorship of the event. Also copied on the email were Maliha Zafar, executive director of the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, JVP representative Daniel Segal, IU professor Beverly Stoeltje and IU Academics for Justice in Palestine. A copy of the emailed letter, sent March 20, showed it was also sent to Whitten and IU Bloomington Provost and Executive Vice President Rahul Shrivastav. The letter requested that IU withdraw its alleged support for Yousef’s talk, publicly condemn his “message of hate” and request that Hillel hold the talk off campus. Additionally, Sabry detailed grievances about IU’s response to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict and sub-

sequent actions taken by the university, including collaboration with pro-Israel organizations, the cancellation of artist Samia Halaby’s exhibit, professor Abdulkader Sinno’s suspension, the lack of a Middle Eastern culture center and the cancellation of a panel on discrimination against pro-Palestinian voices.

The email also mentioned the lack of supportive statements and alleged disregard for communication by faculty informing OVPDEI of threats against Muslim students. Wimbush emailed a response the same day confirming OVPDEI was not a sponsor of the event and was listed erroneously in Hillel marketing materials. Wimbush said the safety of students will always be top priority and that IU encourages the free and civil exchange of ideas, but he did not directly address any of Sabry’s specific comments.

SEE RALLY PAGE 3

IU Hillel hosts Hollywood producer Betsy Borns

IU

Jewish Studies program advisory board, spoke on Yousef’s cancellation and Jewish presence in Hollywood.

Borns’ talk was originally planned for 12:30 p.m. March 26 but was rescheduled following the Yousef event’s cancellation. Yousef was scheduled to speak at 7:30 p.m. in Wilkinson Hall about Hamas and Israel, but IU asked Hillel to postpone due to credible security concerns. The controversy surrounding Yousef revolves around his stance on the war in Gaza. A Palestinian defector to Israel and the

son of one of the founders of Hamas, he has campaigned against a ceasefire in Gaza and made derogatory comments about Islam and its followers.

On Dec. 14, 2023, Yousef posted a video to X in which he said “If I have to choose between 1.6 billion Muslims and a cow, I will choose the cow.”

Yousef’s invitation to speak brought criticism from student groups such as the Palestine Solidarity Committee and the Middle Eastern Student Association, which advertised a community-led rally against Islamophobia as a counterprotest measure March 26.

IU asked the PSC and MESA to postpone the rally so it could go through IU’s official registration process, saying the organizers would be in violation of polices regarding sponsored student organization events if it occurred as planned. The organizations posted state-

ments March 26 saying they were not affiliated with the rally. A crowd of around 40 students and local members of the Jewish community attended Borns’ talk. They expressed frustration with

the way Yousef’s event was handled.

Before Borns spoke, IU’s Vice President of Public Safety Benjamin Hunter and Vice President of Events Doug Booher offered initial comments on the cancella-

did not rise to the level of a hate crime.

The reporting student sustained non-life-threatening facial injuries.

The IU Office of Student Conduct is working closely with the IUPD investigations unit.

tion of Yousef’s talk. Booher expressed disappointment in the pushback against organizing events meant to “challenge and stretch our minds.”

SEE BORNS PAGE 4

MICHELLE REZSONYA | IDS

Protesters hold signs in support of Palestine during a rally March 26, 2024, at Dunn Meadow in Bloomington. The inciting event for the protest was a now postponed IU Hillel event featuring Hamas member-turned-Israeli-spy Mosab Hassan Yousef.

William Shatner talks eclipse before visit to Bloomington

By Tyler Spence spencejt@iu.edu | @tspencenews

William Shatner wasn’t around just yet to see the last total solar eclipse in Bloomington in 1869, but he has lived long and prospered enough to see it on April 8 from IU’s Memorial Stadium.

“The next one in Indiana will be like 100 years from now. We’ll all be dead. I might not be, but you guys are going to be dead the next time,” Shatner joked in a question-and-answer forum March 25.

Shatner, 93, gained national recognition when he captained the USS Enterprise as Captain James Kirk during Star Trek’s original run on NBC in the 1960s. His time in space was exclusive to the silver screen until 2022 when he visited the expanse for about 10 minutes on a Blue Origin flight. Shatner was accompanied by Jeff Bezos, former Amazon founder and CEO and founder of Blue Origin, Audrey Powers, Blue Origin’s vice president, Chris Boshuizen, a former NASA engineer, and Glen de Vries.

Shatner had thought about going to space for almost 60 years, but nothing could have prepared him for the real thing.

After his arrival back on Earth, he told NPR that his brief experience in the cosmos filled him with “the strongest feelings of grief” he’s ever felt. Shatner described what many feel when seeing the Earth from that high up, dubbed the “overview effect” — astronauts often describe a feeling of an overwhelming state of awe after seeing a visually

striking stimulus. Put simply, seeing the Earth from space leaves viewers filled with wonder and reverence, and is enough to transform an individual.

He hopes the eclipse will inspire a similar sense of awe and wonder in those looking up for those rare three-anda-half minutes when the moon passes over the sun and darkens the bright afternoon sky.

“To me, the magic of the eclipse, the extraordinary events it all took in the heavenly bodies to cause this eclipse, should make us ponder the mystery of existence,” Shatner said.

The probability of the eclipse itself is astonishing. The moon is 400 times smaller than the sun, but also 400 times closer to the Earth than the sun is. This makes the sun and moon seem roughly the same size to the human eye when viewed on Earth.

Shatner will join Janelle Monáe, a Grammy Awardnominated singer/songwriter/actress and Mae Jemison — the first American woman of color to travel to space — on stage during the Hoosier Cosmic Celebration at Memorial Stadium on April 8. Shatner said he intends to present a 15-minute spoken word performance before the eclipse occurs.

Born in 1931, Shatner’s career in science fiction was at the climax of the international space race. Apollo 11 landed the first men on the moon during the original show’s final season in 1969. Shatner believes humanity is already on the verge of space exploration becoming another cultural phenomenon again.

The U.S., India, Russia and China have all continued to launch missions to the moon in recent years. The first-ever private company landed on the moon earlier this year, and became the first American vehicle to do so in nearly 50 years. Officials from NASA, Russia and China have predicted that the first humans will live on the moon within a decade, but official timelines have yet to be given.

“One of the curses, and one of the benefits of humanity is our curiosity, and we will never overcome that

curiosity,” Shatner said. Although simple in comparison to humans living on the moon, the eclipse is an opportunity for millions of people to look up — physically and metaphorically — at something bigger. Shatner believes there is beauty in simply looking and asking questions.

“The mystery, the beauty of our existence — to examine that is a voyage we all have to take,” Shatner said.

After his return to Earth, Shatner said he is more appreciative and protective of the planet than ever. He has

Bloomington to host Safety Week events

By Jonathan Frey jonafrey@iu.edu

Free food and trivia will be some of the highlights of the community outreach and participation events during Bloomington’s Safety Week, running from April 1-5. The City of Bloomington is sponsoring Safety Week as a part of the larger Safe Streets and Roads for All initiative according to a March 30 press release.

There will be three main events:

» Taco ’Bout Safety: At 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, Waldron Hill Buskirk Park will feature free tacos for participants.

» Scoops & Spokes: At 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, the Chocolate Moose will feature free ice cream for participants.

» Snacks & Trivia: At 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, April 4th, Friendly Beasts Cider Company will feature free snacks for participants.

Staff and design consultants working with the city will host a variety of events across Bloomington, including school presentations and pop-up booths. Additionally, the city will conduct surveys where the community can comment on city safety.

“We really want to learn from the public which locations feel comfortable or uncomfortable while walking, biking, driving and using any other mode of transportation on city roadways,” Planning Services Manager Ryan Robling said in the release. “Safety Week underscores

the city’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of all roadway users.” Safe Streets and Roads for All is a national grant program from the U.S. Federal Highway Association. It offers financial grants to governmental subdivisions, such as cities, towns or counties, to help develop action plans to eliminate roadway deaths.

The Safe Streets and Roads for All initiative was created as a response to a

growing rate of roadway deaths nationwide. The most recent data from 2021 indicates upward of 40,000 deaths on roads and streets across the country. Indiana saw 1,000 of these deaths in 2021. Data trends indicate no significant change in the years since.

Over $5 billion was initially allocated to this program, with $1.7 billion having been granted to various government bodies since its inception in 2022.

Bloomington began

JACOB SPUDICH | IDS

working on its Safe Streets and Roads for All plan in fall of 2023 and plans to officially adopt an action plan in mid-2024, according to its website. The action plan will include infrastructural developments, community safety engagement and actionable goal setting at all levels of government.

On March 11, the city installed new barriers between the bike lane and motor lane on Third Street between Eagleson Avenue and Indiana Avenue

become an international advocate for drastic action on addressing climate change and hasn’t held back in his summary of humanity’s treatment of its own home. Shatner believes humanity is at a tipping point, where damage due to climate change could become irreparable, and action must begin now.

“I played my part in popularizing the idea that space was the final frontier,” Shatner wrote in a column for The Guardian in 2022. “But I had to get to space to understand that Earth is, and will

remain, our only home. And that we have been ravaging it, relentlessly, making it uninhabitable.”

Shatner said he’s acutely aware of life’s preciousness and temporary nature. He asks himself every day whether this will be the day he dies, yet every day so far, it hasn’t been. So far, he continues to be alive, and if the streak continues, he will try to accomplish the most he can, whether that’s spending time with loved ones or simply thinking about life and the environment — as long as he’s enjoying himself. TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Holcomb limits state public access counselor in House Bill 1338

By Haley Ryan haryan@iu.edu @haley__ryan

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, on March 18, signed House Bill 1338, which will limit how the state’s access counselor interprets public records and open meetings laws.

The bill, written by Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City), largely focuses on disruptive conduct at public meetings, according to an IndyStar article. This would allow certain local government agencies to adopt rules or policies allowing the presiding member of the governing body of the local agency to issue warnings to disruptive attendees and direct them to leave on the third warning. But an amendment from Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis) requires the public access counselor to only interpret the exact text of state laws or applicable court cases when issuing advisory opinions.

Currently, the state’s public access counselor Luke Britt’s job involves educating citizens and government officials about state public records and open meeting laws according to the IndyStar. His job also involves sharing advisory opinions if a complaint is submitted to his office with questions about how a public agency handled state laws.

Another amendment makes appointed committees of government agencies, like the Indiana Arts Commission, Indiana Parole Board or the Charter School Board, not required

to adhere to the state’s OpenDoor law, mandating government agencies hold official meetings of most of their governing bodies, publicly. The Indiana Coalition for Open Government criticized the bill in a letter, writing the bill could narrow the scope of transparency and accountability through “arbitrary” rules.

Additionally, the law changes the counselor’s term from a fixed four-years, according to the article, to serving at the governor’s pleasure. Because of this, counselors must be appointed or dismissed by the governor. In a statement, according to Fox 59, Holcomb said he signed the bill to provide local government entities with the ability to better control public meetings when faced with unruly and disruptive behavior. He said he considered concerns about the provisions impacting the Office of the Public Access Counselor, but in his opinion, these concerns are mitigated because judicial review of these decisions is not changed, and that the governor can appoint the position in the future.

MICHELLE

William Shatner speaks at the William Shatner Spotlight panel during day one

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Another email from Sabry asked for IU to publicly condemn Hillel for its use of the OVPDEI logo and issue an official statement saying OVPDEI was not involved in the event.

The rally is the latest event in five months of frustration experience by Arab and Muslim students who claim to not feel supported by the university’s actions following Hamas’ attack on Israel which left 1,200 dead and the subsequent war in Gaza which has resulted in more than 32,000 deaths. Since then, groups like the PSC have criticized official IU statements, saying university President Pamela Whitten has not acknowledged Palestinian suffering in statements about the war.

IU warned hosting rally could put organizers in violation

When the PSC and MESA advertised the rally for Tuesday despite the cancelation of Yousef’s talk, IU asked the organizers to postpone the event so it could go through IU’s official event registration process, according to an email obtained by the IDS. In an email March 26 afternoon, Vicka Bell-Robinson, associate vice provost for involvement and belonging, told organizers that the rally classified as a planned event rather than a spontaneous protest because organizers advertised information about parking, food and water.

“Events follow different rules, and it appears in this instance; the rules have not been followed,” she wrote.

This process, according to the email, includes submitting events with “50 or more planned attendees” to the University Event Registration Committee but could also require other approvals depending on the event.

In the email, BellRobinson said the university worried the timing and size of the event put the safety and security of the participants at risk. About an hour later, Bell-Robinson emailed again.

“At this point, the rally as currently planned, is in violation of our expectations and policies regarding sponsored student organization events,” she wrote. “Your right to assemble as individuals under the U.S. constitution is preserved, but your student organizations will be in violation should the event occur as planned and advertised later today.”

According to IU policy, Dunn Meadow is designated as an assembly ground, where students “may express any point of view on any subject ... with or without advance notice, within the limits of applicable laws and regulations.”

PSC President Aidan Khamis told the IDS he believed the email was an attempt at retaliation against the organization.

On March 26 evening, the PSC and MESA both posted statements on Instagram saying they were not affiliated with the demonstration, though the PSC emphasized individuals could still decide to exercise their free speech rights.

Speakers discuss Islamophobia, postponed Hillel event Greene, a founder of the PSC, spoke first at the rally to welcome the participants and address the postponed Yousef talk.

“Even if we’re not here in anger, we’re still here in solidarity,” he said. Greene pointed out a perceived double standard in how IU treats student groups, calling it the “Palestine exception.” Despite the university’s lack of support for Palestinian students and attempts to silence those speaking out, Greene alleged, it is important to continue advocating, Greene said.

“They’re scared of it because it matters,” he said. “Are they providing a safe space when they apply a double standard to organizations like ours?”

Khamis, who is Palestinian, also shared his grievances with Hillel attempting to bring Yousef

to speak. “We’re not going to let them platform a genocide apologist, a traitor to his people and an Islamophobe,” Khamis said. “We will not let someone who is platforming the annihilation of our people walk onto this campus.”

Khamis expressed his disappointment in the attempted blockage of the pro-Palestinian rally during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in Islam.

“We must remember in our fast those in Gaza, whose fast began six months ago,” he said.

Additionally, Khamis criticized IU’s collaboration with the Naval Service Warfare Center, Crane Division, which led to an investment of $111 million into microelectronics and defense.

IU’s involvement includes hiring faculty members with U.S. Department of Defense experience to teach courses on microelectronics, supporting research with defense applications, launching a center focused on building microelectronics in extreme environments and creating new microelectronics degree programs. The NSWC is part of a research and development agreement with Israeli defense company Smart Shooter, which creates weapon control systems made to significantly increase weapon accuracy for militaries.

While the crowd appeared to be mostly IU students, some people had arrived from other Indiana cities. Damon Berkley, a protester from Evansville and a member of the Palestine Solidarity Coalition of Southern Indiana, said his decision to attend was spurred by Yousef being scheduled to speak, which he thought was unfair given the cancelation of Halaby’s exhibition.

Yaqoub Saadeh, another protestor and president of the Middle Eastern Student Association at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, said 10 people from his organization came down to participate in the event.

“We’d like for the student organizations that wrongfully used the DEI office’s logo to be held accountable to the same standards that other student organizations have been held on campus,” Saadeh said, referencing Hillel’s use of the OVPDEI logo on flyers for Yousef’s talk. “It just kind of left a sour taste in our mouth because we felt like the other student organizations are not being held to the same standard.”

Saadeh said before the event the safety of the participants and the surrounding community was of the utmost concern and importance, and that participants in the rally did not want to violate IU policy or put anyone in harm’s way. During the protest, cars driving down Seventh Street honked their horns in support, but the protesters’ cause was not received positively by everyone. One woman hung out of the passenger window of a car, shouting “Long live Israel!” Demonstrators chanted even louder in response. Eventually the group left Dunn Meadow and began marching around downtown Bloomington through Kirkwood Avenue. Security personnel stopped traffic to allow demonstrators to cross the street safely. Many people dining or working at local restaurants and walking through the city stopped to observe the demonstration; a few filtered into the line of participants. Demonstrators wound around Sixth Street — past a group of men holding an Israeli flag and shaking noisemakers on the porch of a house — before returning to Dunn Meadow. By then it was 8 p.m. and as the sun began to set, a man led the crowd in a call to prayer while organizers handed out dates and water, an opportunity for those observing Ramadan to break their fast. The wind rustled across the silent meadow, save for the melodic recitations of the prayer, and protestors bowed their heads for a sacred, uninterrupted moment.

MCCSC redistricting decision tabled

By Nadia Scharf njscharf@iu.edu | @nadiaashcarf

Despite a packed agenda, the Monroe County Community School Board of Trustees made few decisions at their meeting March 26.

Action items included attendance zone redistricting, a teacher bargaining bylaw and the controversial ChildsTempleton merger. The board discussed these topics, but nearly all major decisions at the meeting were postponed.

The board officially decided to look for an interim superintendent for the 202425 school year rather than a permanent replacement for superintendent Jeff Hauswald. They reasoned that because 2024 is an election year, they’ll wait to see if board members are reelected to choose a long-term superintendent. In the past, they’ve formed a selection committee in late February or early March for the coming school year.

Any decision on the interim superintendent will go in the board’s personnel report at the next meeting.

Decisions on redistricting and a proposed split of students between Childs Elementary and Templeton Elementary were both tabled until the board’s next meeting April 23. In both cases, board members expressed they felt they didn’t understand the potential negatives and worried the proposed solutions wouldn’t solve the respective problem.

Public comment largely focused on redistricting and the Childs-Templeton merger proposal. The merger was first proposed in December 2023 to balance socioeconomic status in the district. It would have put all pre-K through second grade students at Childs and Templeton in the Childs building, and Templeton would enroll all students from third through sixth grade. It also originally included a similar merger between University Elementary and Fairview Elementary, but this was eliminated at the board’s January meeting.

In February, the board began discussing redistricting as another way to potentially balance SES. There’s been no comprehensive redistricting since 1997, and no redistricting of elementary schools since 2005. It’s currently unclear if the merger and redistricting would happen si-

multaneously or if the board would choose between one and the other. Both will be discussed, and solutions will be voted on in April.

Michael Burris, an MCCSC parent, said March 26. he supported redistricting, but not the merger, especially with a new superintendent coming in. Right now, Templeton offers multi-age classrooms, and Childs brings students of different ages together for different learning opportunities.

“So many things will be basically destroyed by doing this merger between Templeton and Childs,” Burris said. Childs parent John Warner said he felt like the process behind the merger was backward.

“What was missing, what is still missing, are steps B, C, D and E,” Warner said. “I’m no educational expert, but I believe starting at step F and working your way backwards is a flawed process.” Board members said they want to regain the community’s trust and for people to understand why they’re taking the actions they are. Board president April Hennessey discussed looking to IU and MCCSC teachers as experts in both processes, and members also planned to post research about school socioeconomic desegregation online for public access. They hope to increase trans-

parency by doing so.

Next meeting, April 23, the board will vote on potential solutions. Board members Erin Cooperman, Brandon Shurr and Ross Grimes will work on options, such as a backstop plan for the merger, to present for voting. It’s important for teachers and parents to have an answer to their questions about next year soon, Shurr said.

Regardless, the ChildsTempleton merger will not occur in 2024; board member Cathy Fuentes-Rohwer said they don’t want to rush. Even though the decision was ultimately pushed, the board discussed aspects of the potential merger. It would end student transfers between the two schools, and superintendent Jeff Hauswald emphasized how it may lower teacher transfers from high-poverty to low-poverty schools in the district.

Discussion on redistricting focused on whether it would be more helpful or harmful in the long run. Board members acknowledged that whatever plan they would put into place would likely cause unforeseeable problems, and any plan would have to have enough of a positive impact to mitigate those issues.

A request for redistricting proposals was posted by the district in the Herald-Times and on the MCCSC’s website.

Demographics consultants and companies have until April 12 to submit a proposed process, timeline and budget. After the deadline, the board decided March 26. that board members Brandon Shurr, Ross Grimes and Ashley Pirani will review any submissions and bring their chosen proposals to the next board meeting.

A bylaw that would strengthen teacher’s union bargaining rights by requiring, rather than suggesting, the district meet with the teacher’s union was set for a vote and adoption, but confusion over last-minute amendments meant they tabled the bylaw for the next meeting.

Before the meeting officially began, the board held a hearing to appropriate over six million dollars to renovate and improve Templeton Elementary. The appropriation resolution was broad, raising board questions, but Director of Business Operations John Kenny said that was necessary to allow for variation in the funds’ use.

The board heard a presentation on student learning equity as an update on the district’s strategic plan. MCCSC students are above the benchmark on literacy in an important year for it, and the district is working to increase reading ability in underprivileged populations.

» BORNS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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“I think the learning lesson is to plan better, have a committee, have a structure,” Hunter said in a speech. “We all were thinking ‘OK, this is going to be a small event,’ and it turned into a larger issue and so putting that structure, committees in place — all of that is good moving forward.”

The postponement of Yousef’s event comes following a series of cancellations of events surrounding discussion of the war in Gaza. In November, the Palestine Solidarity Committee was denied its room reservation due to issues with the way the event was represented on a signup form. Faculty adviser Abdulkader Sinno was suspended after they hosted the event regardless of IU ruling.

Then, in December, IU canceled Palestinian painter Samia Halaby’s art exhibition scheduled to take place in the Eskenazi Museum of Art, again citing security concerns. This cancellation came despite three years of planning from Halaby and the university.

Leah Sterbcow, agreed there was a real threat against student safety, but he asserted that claims against Yousef were untrue.

“All we wanted to do was allow him to tell his story and allow you to hear his story and allow truth and the importance of the rule of law as opposed to lawlessness to come forward,” he said in a speech. “Know that we understand that it’s very important that the Jewish students at IU feel safe, feel secure, feel a part of a vibrant university, and we’re going to do everything that we can to make sure that we support you going forward.”

Borns, who was initially scheduled to speak on her experience as a Jewish woman in Hollywood, dedicated much of her talk to the disappointment and frustration she felt over the postponing of Yousef’s event.

“It’s harder to do comedy after Mosab was canceled and what’s going on,” she said. “There weren’t many stand-up comics working in Japan the day after Hiroshima.”

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Both Borns and Rabbi Sue Silberberg, executive director of IU Hillel and Borns’ first cousin, said they were caught off-guard by the widespread criticism from pro-Palestine groups around IU over Yousef.

“Never, ever, ever in a million years occurred to me that was controversial,” Silberberg said about the postponed speaker event in a speech. “I really, honestly didn’t think it was controversial because he’s been to some other campuses and all he’s doing is speaking about terrorism and why terrorism is bad and his experience as the son of a terrorist. So, when it became a controversy, I was frankly shocked, and I know Betsy was very shocked because we talked about it.”

This was not the first time Yousef had been criticized for his appearances at academic institutions. On March 21, when Yousef spoke at Columbia University, the New York chapter of Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned Yousef as Islamophobic. They cited two other X posts made by Yousef, one of which stating he has “zero respect for any individual who identifies as a Muslim” and the other saying that he would place Islam on the “bottom rung” when judged against other religions.

Paul Sterbcow, father of Hillel’s student president

» BIKE SHOP

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“I truly think I can do it differently than the shops in town,” Becker said in an interview with the Indiana Daily Student on Feb. 12.

Becker wants Bloomington Bicycles to become a hub for cyclists in the Bloomington area through hosting events, group rides and races from the shop — something, he says, other shops in Bloomington aren’t doing.

While the Hillel event took place, another group expressed their own anger and disappointment about the Yousef event and his Islamophobic comments. Around 100 students, many of them tied to the PSC and MESA, took to Dunn Meadow and marched on the streets of Bloomington in a rally against Islamophobia and an end to the violence in Gaza.

Borns, commenting on pro-Palestinian protest on campus, said by putting the word “justice” in their name, Students for Justice in Palestine has been able to attract more attention to their cause. She emphasized that both sides are looking for a just resolution, and that supporters of Israel could benefit from adopting a more universal cause.

"Who doesn’t want justice? I want justice,” she said. “We’re not anti-justice. We are for justice. That’s another thing, and that’s why messaging is important.”

Borns also said that freedom of speech and inquiry on campus is important, no matter which side is lobbying for it.

“We’re in America,” she said. “You’re allowed to say what you want, and I believe in that 100%.”

Despite the postponement, Silberberg was excited about upcoming Hillel events and the prospective rescheduling of Yousef’s talk. Hillel executives and IU officials plan to bring Yousef back to IU this fall.

style bicycles starting at $600, Revolution Bike and Bean’s lowest priced bike is $499.95, Bicycle Garage Inc.’s city bike lineup starts at $599.99 and Bicycle Doctor USA bicycles, advertised on its website, are priced at just under $600.

Servicing bicycles is something also being done differently at Bloomington Bicycles.

Physicians

“Our goal is to be a lot more involved in the Bloomington community,” Becker said. “No other shops in town do any kind of community events or events with cycling groups, and I plan to do the exact opposite.”

Bicycle shops in Bloomington used to be far more involved in the cycling community. Bicycle Garage Inc. and Revolution Bike and Bean supported the Bloomington Classic Criterium when the race was held.

Bloomington Bicycles organized a race for March 16, less than one month after opening. The event is a self-supported 90-mile bike race called “The Unofficial Official Hoosier Classic” and winners will receive a $100 prize.

Becker hopes to simplify the pricing of services, mentioning that other bike shops complicate various quick fixes with different pricings. Services such as flat tire repairs, brake adjustments and derailleur adjustments will all be $10 each. While customers are waiting for their quick repair, they can browse the large store or hang out and watch professional bike racing reruns. With the building previously functioning as a car repair shop, it boasts spaciousness. The main room has a large open floor with bikes and products lining the wall, a separate large space for bike mechanics with an added loft for extra stock and office spaces for bike fitting and employee training.

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The event was free and open to all. Riders departed the Bloomington Bicycles bike shop at 11 a.m., rode the 90mile loop and finished the race at the Bloomington sign westbound into Bloomington on SR45. While catering to some elite bicycle racers through highlevel equipment and racing events, Bloomington Bicycles will also offer entry-level bicycles at low price points for any cycling enthusiast, student or commuter.

“We’ll have bikes at a $200400 price point that I feel that most shops in town don’t have and don’t cater to,” Becker said. Bikes from Cannondale, a brand carried by the Bikesmiths bike shop, offer city-

Alex Hamilton, a junior at Indiana University, bike mechanic and one of the many Little 500 cyclists working at Bloomington Bicycles, enjoys the atmosphere and added experience of the shop.

“I think what Becker is trying to create is a cool culture,” Hamilton said. “The bicycle shop is a welcome place, and when I come here, I’m able to hone my experience with working on different bikes.”

Being welcome — Becker hopes — is something that everyone feels when they walk into Bloomington Bicycles.

“I want to make sure people feel comfortable being around the shop and asking us questions,” Becker said.

During warmer weather, Bloomington Bicycles will open its garage doors, allowing customers to roll right into the shop.

The Indiana Republican Party has a vested interest in stifling academic freedom

Joey Sills (he/him)

is a junior majoring in English, with a minor in political science

On March 13, as many of us on IU’s campus were distracted celebrating spring break miles away in Florida and still in the midst of recovering from Daylight Saving Time at that, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed 75 bills into law.

Among these, he signed one legalizing Happy Hour, and that seems to have captured much of the public’s attention. His public relations stunt of marking the papers in a crowded Indianapolis dive bar worked: it’s a catchy headline, one much catchier than “Holcomb signs bills loosening teenage labor laws” or “Holcomb increases oversight of state universities to foster conservative thought.”

And now that I’m writing those facts down, I’ve suddenly realized the logic behind burying these signatures beneath half-priced day drinking. As I watch the wings of authoritarianism slowly spread over my state (not that I’m very surprised; the archaic bird of prey has been perched here in plain sight for several long, cruel decades), I feel compelled to have a few drinks too.

Indiana University is a public university, and what this means is simply that the state of Indiana has major sway in dictating its functional behaviors and makeup. For example, our Board of Trustees — the university’s governing body — has nine members, and two-thirds of them are chosen by the state’s governor. A governor who has, since 2005, been Republican. With the passage of Senate Bill 202, these boards — not just at IU but every public Indiana college — would be required to consider “intellectual diversity” in granting professors tenure and in considering the extension of tenure. What “intellectual diversity” really refers to is a bit vague and, really, the whole concept seems a bit obvious: aren’t universities already, at least theoretically, crucibles of intellectual diversity? I’ve argued they’re really not, but I’d be very surprised if Holcomb and the Republicans of the General Assembly were looking to prevent the censuring of proPalestinian voices. The bill is almost certainly in reference to the fact many conservatives believe they’re not able to speak freely about their views on college campuses. A poll published by the Associated Press found that only 20% of Americans argued that campus conservatives have “a lot” of freedom to speak their mind; on the other hand, 47% argue the same about liberals. Ignoring the problematic dichotomy present in this poll — it’s the age-old American idea of there only being two polarized viewpoints — it’s clear what the data is suggesting.

Obsolete?” in math class. Even the most hardened libertarians, Republicans would have you believe, leave college having been forced to experiment with several pronouns and, ultimately, feel pushed into a non-binary identity. And then Joe Biden is elected president for four more years, Kamala Harris after him. The ghost of Karl Marx wins, and we all live in communes. It’s really a damn shame.

Conservatives have long argued that they’re an oppressed minority figure in the field of American academia. They’d have you believe that our college campuses are fields of Marxist thought, that the professors praise Mao TseTung and assign “Guerrilla Warfare” and “Are Prisons

JACK’S JAMS

But, in all seriousness, this fantasy of oppression is far from the truth. The March 2018 results of a study published by Sanford J. Ungar, director of the Free Speech Project at Georgetown University, found that, across the board, speech suppression on college campuses has never exclusively targeted conservative voices. And,

Navigating credit should be simpler

ALBERT

ILLUSTRATION BY JULIETTE

when they have, it’s been a handful of the same highprofile, highly problematic figures: think Ben Shapiro, Richard Spencer or Milo Yiannopoulos.

However, to much less fanfare, there have been many incidents of lower-profile figures on the left being suppressed for their political speech, and this has only been further demonstrated with the systemic attack on pro-Palestinian student groups and professors at colleges across the country. Senate Bill 202, then, ever-championed by the Republicans, doesn’t seem to be addressing anything close to reality — it’s simply an attempt to materialize their fantasy into reality.

Oppressors are never fond of considering themselves oppressors. They want to believe they’re marginalized;

they want to believe

they’re a disenfranchised countercultural voice whose reactionary views are justified because of it. The American conservative has a vested interest in positioning themselves in this way, positioning themselves as a disempowered actor. The simple reason for why their positions are uncommon on campus is that they are antiintellectual and regressive. And it’s for this reason that we cannot allow them to dictate our educational spaces.

It’s an election year — that is, a national election year, in only eight months’ time we’ll gather to vote for our next president — and all eyes are on the Oval Office and all thoughts are on the existential dilemma of whether to vote for a 77-yearold man or an 81-year-old man and the geopolitical

implications of either option. Amid all the chaos these questions and images may have wrought, it’s easy to forget that we’re voting, too, for the leader of our state — the president of our own little republic. The Indiana Republican Party has an evaluation awaiting them the same time as Biden and the Congressional Democrats. Voting in the gubernatorial elections this year may not do much to affect the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, and it may not do much to ensure the passage of a universal healthcare act or an increase to the federal minimum wage or the codification of abortion rights into federal law, but it can, and will, have several practical ramifications for our student body and the state at-large.

sillsj@iu.edu

Talk to strangers! CAMIRE’S

“Are you trying to catch the 6:32 train at OTC?” a woman standing next to me and my friends on the sidewalk asked. We were both waiting for the pedestrian crossing light to change. “A 6:35 train, but yes. We don’t think we’ll make it though,” I replied.

“Oh, we’ll both make it,” the woman declared. “Follow me!”

how much credit you’ve used up. This score will matter a lot in our generation’s future. It will impact our ability to secure home or car loans. The scale is 300-850, anything above 800 considered excellent, 740-799 is very good, 677-739 is good, 580669 is fair and anything below is bad. when you’re applying for a housing loan from the bank, and they see higher credit scores mean banks are more willing to provide loans. If you have a lower credit score, you might still get the loan, but they could charge you a higher interest rate to take on the risk, causing you to pay more money in the long run. The bank wins either way.

Another way the bank wins is through the confusing calculations of monthly interest, which is the price you pay for taking out a loan or the amount you charge when lending money. You must remember that every time you use your card, you are taking out a loan and eventually must pay it back. The longer it takes to pay it off, the more interest you will pay the bank. And the interest rates on credit cards are high, averaging around 24% per

month. If you cannot pay your balance, the amount you owe can quickly grow. This can hurt your credit score and cause massive financial headaches for years. A negative credit report can make life a whole lot harder. There are fewer loan options, higher interest rates, and it is harder to rent properties.

Improving your credit is possible, but it is tough and time-consuming. Unfortunately, many people find themselves stuck in a cycle of debt, and not always because of unwise spending.

According to a 2023 U.S. News & World Report survey, over 42% of college students surveyed carried credit card debt. Of these students, nearly half said the reasons for the debts include paying for college essentials like books, fees and living expenses. This could impact students’ financial situation for years to come, and not because they purchased too many fancy coffees.

It is tricky to understand all of the ins and outs of credit, credit scores and interest rate calculations. It’s important that we learn how to navigate credit card use to avoid being trapped in credit card debt. Given its long impact on our lives, more resources should be available to help us learn about managing credit cards that do not involve confusing fine print.

jjd5@iu.edu

My friends and I glanced at each other and half-jogged after the woman, who was the same height as me but was walking astonishingly fast. As we raced through the streets of Chicago, out of breath, unified in our mission with this woman we had never met, I felt giddy. We ran down the steps to the Metra and she paused, quickly glancing at the board to point us to our platform.

“Thank you,” we shouted after her as she ran off — with only one minute to spare — to catch her train. As we sat panting on the train seats, slowly recovering from our journey, we could not stop thinking about the woman’s kindness toward us, a group of people she had just met. It struck me how good it felt to share a moment of connection with someone we would never see again. Nobody talks to strangers anymore. At bus stops and cafes, people stare fixedly at their phone and laptop screens. We hurry past each other on the street, headphones in, giving a quick nod or “thanks” to anyone who holds the door. In embracing technology that gives a facade of connection, we’ve isolated ourselves from the real humans all around us. Social media is supposed to bring people together, but it encourages us to remain sequestered in our own little world. We think we’re protecting ourselves by not speaking to strangers, but in reality, we are cutting ourselves off from a potential source of

joy and connection — even in the little moments like running after a train. As I’ve written about in the past, loneliness is at an all-time high. In 2023, the US Surgeon General released an advisory titled, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” warning of rising levels of social isolation. According to the advisory, in 2020, the average American spent 24 more hours alone per month than the average person in 2003. Social engagement across many types of relationships has declined. We struggle empathizing and connecting outside of our close circles as well. Community involvement has decreased and only 30% of Americans in 2016 felt they could reliably trust other Americans, down from 45% in 1972. Talking to strangers cannot replace close relationships, but it can give us that spark of human connection we all crave.

A study found that people who shared a social interaction with a barista, with actions as simple as a smile or making eye contact, were happier and felt a stronger sense of belonging than those who made their interaction with the barista as quick as possible. Similarly, in behavioral scientists Nicholas Epley and Juliana Schroeder’s studies, they found that people enjoyed their journey on public transportation more when they chatted with the people near them. Talking to strangers is also good for society. Speaking to strangers reminds us of our shared humanity. At first glance, I may appear to have nothing in common with the man behind the counter in the dining hall, making my sandwich. But after a quick conversation with him early in the school year, I found out that we went to the same high school — albeit decades apart. Getting to know the people in your community exposes you to new ideas, cultures and perspectives, but also demonstrates that commonality can be found between almost anyone. In short, interacting with all types of people increases our appreciation for the myriad of people around us.

So if it’s so good for

us, why don’t we talk to strangers? As Epley puts it, “People systematically underestimate the benefits of talking to strangers.” Many people anticipate that talking to a stranger will be a bad experience. They worry that they will run out of things to talk about, that they will not like their conversation partner or they fear rejection. But University of Sussex senior lecturer of psychology Gillian Sandstrom found that many people underestimate how much the person they are talking to will like them. “Research finds that people like you more than you think,” she writes.

So, maybe it’s uncomfortable to approach a stranger or initiate a conversation. I certainly find myself averting my eyes when I pass someone on the sidewalk or burying myself in my phone to avoid talking to the people around me. But we must remember that uncomfortable doesn’t mean bad. We tend to focus on everything that can go wrong in an interaction with a stranger rather than everything that could go right. Once you get over that initial uncertainty, you might find a conversation to be very personally fulfilling. As silly as it may sound, consistently practicing talking to strangers can decrease fears about future conversations. Compliment a stranger’s outfit, comment on the weather or even go on a walk with a dog — dogs are people-attractors, as writer Andy Field found. We teach ourselves to avoid eye contact, to hurry past others on the street. But think of how good it feels when you share a smile with a stranger, or when you commiserate with a random person over a long line. In a society where we have become used to drawing into ourselves, appreciate these small moments of humanity more than ever. I encourage you to put your phone in your pocket, look around and be open to speaking to new people. You might find someone like the woman we met in Chicago, who shepherded us to our train and reminded us of the beauty of human connection.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LESLIE BONILLA MUÑIZ/INDIANA CAPITAL CHRONICLE Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb answers reporter questions at the Whistle Stop Inn on March 14, 2024, in Indianapolis. Holcomb has served as governor since 2017. JOEY’S JIBBER-JABBER

Samantha Camire (she/her) is a freshman studying journalism and Spanish

Sigma Phi Epsilon fastest in men’s qualifications

By Mateo Fuentes-Rohwer matfuent@iu.edu | @mateo_frohwer

As

The

500 in 2015.

Rounding out the top five with Sigma Phi Epsilon are Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Black Key Bulls, Lambda Chi Alpha and Chi Alpha.

Reigning champion CUTTERS is notably absent

from that list, although it sat just one position off in sixth place. The squad lost seniors Torin Kray-Mawhorr and Peyton Gaskill from its 2023 winning team, but a sixthplace finish won’t bother the riders or their coach Jim Kirkham.

“I’ve been around long enough to know that every year is different, every team is different,” Kirkham said after the qualification run. “We did graduate two seniors that were really impactful and helped bring the team back after COVID, which was really hard on our team. We miss them, but we just gotta move on, and whoever shows up and sticks around — that’s your team.”

Black Key Bulls, a perennial powerhouse, failed to qualify in 2023 after top 10 finishes in every race since its formation in 2006 along with two wins in 2014 and 2017. With that failure still on its mind, the squad used it as motivation to achieve a third-place finish and head back to the big race.

“Last year I was on the quals team, and we had some stuff happen in quals and unfortunately, we didn’t qualify,” junior Will Wagner said after the qualification run. “We put in that extra work, put in all that time doing exchanges … We came in today and told ourselves we’re going to get one attempt done and we did just that.”

A smaller success story featured the rebooted men’s Mezcla team, which achieved qualification for the first time since 2001. Sebastian Breña-Ochoa — the founder of the rebuilt team — feared inexperience would overcome the squad, but it finished 26th in its first competitive event since 2005.

“Going into this race, none of the guys who just participated in quals had any experience,” BreñaOchoa said after his qualification run. “This whole experience is new to us, and I feel like we did better than we could’ve ever imagined.”

The six teams that failed to qualify were IUDM, Kappa Delta Rho, Evans Scholars, Tau Epsilon Phi, Chi Phi and Wild Aces Cycling. The margin

2:49.606.

But the blazing run by Teter, finishing in 2:47.142, would prove to be untouchable.

The relay made up of Jessica DiBella, Allison Edgar, Cecilia Ball and Seneca Simon featured smooth exchanges and fast turns. Following their relay lap, DiBella, Edgar and Ball lined the final corner of the track, cheering on Simon until she finished.

The team qualified on its first of three allowed attempts, unlike 2023, where it qualified on its third and final attempt.

The

The efforts made by Taylor Lock, Alyssa Ferry, Emily Gausepohl and Kyra Ferry allowed KD to sit in pole position until the 11 a.m. wave of teams. Big hitters like Delta Gamma and Kappa Alpha Theta would later topple the time, both posting results under 2:55.

Alpha Chi Omega placed second with a time of

“This year, instead of focusing on not faulting, we focused on having fast and smooth exchanges,” Teter cocaptain Jessica DiBella said. “We tried not to use the words ‘fault’ or ‘fall.’ The positive self-talk made a big difference.”

Teter’s time was an 8.6-second improvement from its 2023 attempt and would have topped last year’s pole sitters, Alpha Chi Omega, by 7.4 seconds.

Going forward, Teter hopes to “keep the positivity” and beat its 2023 team pursuit performance. The roster runs deep and will be a team to monitor moving forward.

Despite being labeled as a “dark horse” by the Little 500 network, Novus cycling easily found its way into a thirdplace position with 2:52.535.

But a newcomer to the women’s field this year, Alpha Fasta Bika (AFB), was the surprise of the day. It finished sixth overall with 2:56.424, ahead of teams like SKI, Kappa Delta and reigning Little 500 champions Melanzana, which placed 12th.

“It was one of those ‘wow’ moments,” AFB captain Bell Pastore said. “The result will be great to think about going forward. We’ll continue to push our limits and see what’s possible.”

Cru Cycling, SKI and Zeta Tau Alpha rounded out the top 10 at quals and secured their race day positions.

Athena was in 34th place, narrowly missing a spot in the field. It finished 1.5 seconds behind position 33. Like other teams this year, Athena made a return to the race following a long hiatus. It raced from 1999-2009 and last attempted to qualify in 2014.

The conclusion of quals marks the beginning of the Spring Series. The women’s teams will have just four days to prepare for individual time trials, scheduled for 6:30-10 p.m. March 27 at Bill Armstrong Stadium. The track will be smoothed, groomed and chalked again at individual time trials, miss-n-outs, team pursuits — and once more shortly before that one day in April.

between IUDM and Army Cycling — the last team to make the cut — was .250 seconds. Before the men’s race kicks off April 20, all riders will have a chance to compete in the other events of the “Spring Series.” The Individual Time Trials will take place March 27, followed by the Miss-N-Out event April 6 and the Team Pursuit on April 7. Here are the final qualifications results.

SOFTBALL

Indiana struggles significantly in not-so-Happy Valley

By Sam Elster selster@iu.edu | @samelster1

After tumbling in two straight games against No. 10 University of Florida during the Florida Tournament on March 16-17, the Hoosiers were looking for a fresh start over the weekend. Team 51 opened Big Ten in a matchup against Penn State University in University Park, Pennsylvania. But the Hoosiers got the opposite of a fresh start, ending the weekend now on a five-game losing streak.

The series started March 22 in a tight battle. Indiana’s defense started out dominant, retiring the first six batters of the game. But the Nittany Lions broke that scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth inning with a home run, then again with an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth inning to make it a 2-0 game. Indiana tried to take the lead in the top of the sixth frame with an RBI single from junior outfielder Taylor Minnick to score redshirt senior utility player Cora Bassett to tighten the

score to 2-1.

Minnick’s RBI proved to be the only hit the Hoosiers recorded all game. However, junior pitcher/utility player Brianna Copeland pitched a complete game, only allowing four hits while striking out five in the circle, bumping her season ERA to 1.87.

Ultimately, Penn State took game one, 2-1 of the three-game series.

The second game of the series got off to a fast start for Team 51. Sophomore catcher/utility player Avery Parker put them on top 2-0

in the first inning when she hit a two-run home run to left field.

Penn State responded quickly in the bottom of the first to take the lead 3-2. It continued to dominate for the rest of the game, scoring five more runs in the fifth and sixth innings.

Indiana only had one response in the top of the seventh, courtesy of freshman utility player Aly VanBrandt hitting an RBI single. Once again, Copeland was in the circle for the Hoosiers and threw another five strikeouts for the second day in

a row. This time, the Hoosiers were not stumbling while swinging the stick but rather on the defensive end. They couldn’t stop the Nittany Lions’ strong batting and base running performance, falling 8-3. For the final game of the three-game series, Bassett grabbed the lead for Indiana in the top of the third inning with a solo home run. However, Penn State had a response in the bottom of the third with two runs to capture the lead back.

Just as the past two games went for the Nittany Lions, they continued to excel at the plate, adding three runs combined in the bottom of the fourth and sixth innings. But once again, the Hoosiers couldn’t find themselves having an answer on offense to get themselves back into the game. Team 51 fell in its last game against Penn State 5-2, giving them an overall season record of 22-9. The team also brought its Big Ten record to 0-3 to start conference play.

ZUZANNA

Indiana beats Oklahoma to advance to Sweet 16

By Dalton James jamesdm@iu.edu | @daltonmjames

No. 4 seeded Indiana women’s basketball took to the court March 25 inside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall for the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 against the No. 5 seeded University of Oklahoma. After falling to the University of Miami in the Round of 32 a season ago, the Hoosiers looked to redeem themselves and advance to the Sweet 16.

The opening quarter looked like the Hoosiers’ first-round matchup against Fairfield University: a fastpaced contest.

The squads were knotted up at 10 at the first media timeout of the first quarter, eventually ending the frame tied at 19.

After graduate student forward Mackenzie Holmes and senior guard Sydney Parrish each scored 8 points in the first quarter, the duo combined to score just 5 in the second.

While Holmes and Parrish struggled, so did fifth-year senior guard Sara Scalia. Coming off a 27-point outing two days ago, Scalia scored just 3 points in the first half as the Hoosiers trailed 30-29 at the break.

Coming out of the halftime locker room, the Hoosiers regained the lead via Holmes’ old-fashioned 3-point play.

Just like many March Madness games, the fourth quarter was full of lead changes as the squads traded blows throughout the frame.

After the Hoosiers led by 1 with just over 3 minutes remaining, the Sooners went on a quick 5-0 run to take a 4-point lead.

The Hoosier faithful in attendance became tense, likely getting flashbacks of last season’s loss to Miami — one in which the Hoosiers’ comeback fell just short.

However, Indiana did what they couldn’t a season ago — come back and finish the deal.

The Hoosiers went on a 10-0 run over 2:01, taking a 6-point advantage, capped off by Scalia’s pair of free throws with 25 seconds remaining.

The Hoosiers held on in the end, securing a 75-68 victory to punch their ticket to the Sweet 16. Indiana will take on No. 1 University of South Carolina at 5 p.m., March 29, inside the MVP Arena in Albany, New York.

The Sooners responded however, regaining the lead and eventually jumping out to a 7-point advantage just over midway through the third frame. While it took over two minutes, Indiana rattled off 5 points to pull to within 2 before the squads traded baskets as the Sooners led by 2 at the end of the third.

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Indiana still in search of first Big Ten victory

By Mateo Fuentes-Rohwer matfuent@iu.edu | @mateo_frohwer

The net rippled once, then once more as Nicole Teodosescu smacked her racket in anger. The sophomore had just lost the first set tiebreaker to her Penn State opponent, and the net was the recipient of her hostility. Teodosescu’s reaction epitomized the frustration emanating from the Indiana women’s tennis program after weekend losses to Ohio State and Penn State, sending the team to 6-13 on the year. Despite the negative team results, head coach Ramiro Azcui still saw some positives over the two-game stretch.

“When we were on spring break, we didn’t compete very well,” Azcui said after the match Sunday. “I think we actually did that well against Ohio State, even though we had some injuries. Today, competing against Penn State was the same thing; we competed and that’s all you can ask for.”

The weekend began March 23 with a marquee matchup against No. 13 Ohio State, a team spearheaded by No. 12 graduate student Irina Cantos Siemers and No. 118 junior Sydni Ratliff. Conversely, Indiana was forced to compete without its star player — redshirt junior Lara Schneider — who was sidelined due to injury.

Ohio State wasted no time gaining an advantage as Cantos Siemers and Ratliff defeated Teodosescu and graduate student Lene Mari Hovda 6-3 in the No. 1 doubles spot. Before long, the Buckeyes attained their second doubles victory with a 6-4 win on the No. 3 court, and Indiana was almost immediately facing a 1-0 deficit.

The situation continued to deteriorate for the Hoosiers as Ohio State won three matches in straight sets. Cantos Siemers headlined the

victories with a 6-1, 6-1 demolition on the No. 1 singles court, and she was accompanied by Ratliff and graduate student Akanksha Bhan as both players triumphed with the same scoreline, 6-2, 6-4.

With the Ohio State match in the rearview mirror, Indiana turned its attention to Penn State — a team entering the match with a 2-11 record and losses in eight of its last nine. The matchup seemed to be Indiana’s best shot at securing its first conference win until the end of the season, considering all its future opponents hold a record of .500 or better.

Penn State began with a dominant 6-2 victory on the No. 3 doubles court, but Indiana graduate student Saby Nihalani and freshman Li Hsin Lin responded with a 6-3 win of their own. With the pivotal match on the No. 1 court, Teodosescu and Hovda jumped out to an early 5-3 lead, only to see it wither before their eyes into a 7-5 defeat.

With the doubles point advantage, Penn State set out to capture the three necessary singles victories and return to Happy Valley with its third win of the season. However, Indiana didn’t let that happen easily.

Across the top three singles matches, each set was forced into a tiebreaker, although only Indiana freshman Elisabeth Dunac prevailed. Shortly before Dunac’s first set victory, Lin and Hovda obtained their own first set wins, 6-1 and 6-4, respectively. For a moment, Indiana had a realistic path to rallying back and winning the matchup.

But that moment was fleeting.

After her first set tiebreaker defeat, Teodosescu was unable to remain close in the No. 1 singles match, losing in straight sets 7-6 (7-5), 6-1. Nihalani followed up her own first set tiebreaker defeat with a close but unsuccessful second set,

losing the match 7-6 (7-3),

Freshman Magdalena Swierczynska was the final defeat for Indiana, losing 6-4, 6-3 to Penn State senior Alinea Lebedeva. The loss marked Indiana’s sixth consecutive, only one shy of their season high of seven earlier this year.

Indiana’s lone victory on the weekend came from Dunac, who finished off her opponent 7-6 (7-3), 6-4. The win brought the freshman to double digit singles victories — the first Hoosier to reach that mark this season — as well as snapped a fivegame losing skid after an impressive 9-1 start. With many factors attributed to Dunac’s losing streak, the most prevailing was the young freshman’s jump to the second spot on the singles lineup due to injuries. The transition coupled with her lack of confidence sent Dunac in a downward spiral, but her latest victory has appeared to help her escape that rut.

“This match was really important for my confidence levels because those were struggling a little bit with

my jump up to two,” Dunac said following the Penn State match. “I felt like I was playing back to the same level I had.”

The win may bring more confidence to Dunac, but Azcui believes that time will be the freshman’s greatest advantage — she still has three years remaining in her college career. “She’s starting to find herself a little bit more comfortable,” Azcui said. “I think she’s starting to learn, and I think she’s starting to embrace [her role]. Better things are coming for her.”

With the search for its first Big Ten victory still in progress, Indiana faces an imposing five-game road trip over the next three weeks, with the first stop featuring a trip to Ann Arbor against Michigan — the No. 2 team in the country — on Saturday.

“It’s not going to get easier for us and now we’re on the road,” Azcui said. “We’re going to have to keep finding a way to scrap [and] be relentless. It’s going to be a big test for us to see how we can overcome every single match.”

MEN’S BASKETBALL Kel’el Ware leaving Indiana, entering 2024 NBA Draft

By Will Foley wtfoley@iu.edu

| @foles24

Indiana men’s basketball sophomore center Kel’el Ware announced his plans to enter the 2024 NBA Draft on March 26 via Instagram. Ware spent one season with the program after transferring from the University of Oregon last April. Ware finished the season as Indiana’s leader in points, rebounds and blocks per game. He posted averages of 15.9 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per contest in 30 appearances, notching 15 double doubles. He was the Hoosiers’ most efficient shooter at 58.6% from the field and the best 3-point shooter with more than 20 attempts at a 42.5% clip. A 5-star recruit rated No. 7 in the 2022 recruiting class according to 247sports, Ware was predicted to be a one-and-done player before not performing to expectations at Oregon. He averaged 6.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.7% from the field and 27.3% from 3-point range.

OLIVIA

Senior guard Sara Scalia (left)

6-3.

JAMES RUSH | IDS

Graduate student Lene Mari Hovda winds up to return the ball against Ohio State on March 23, 2024, inside the IU Tennis Center in Bloomington. The Hoosiers are still searching for their first Big Ten victory.

Mellencamp performs an evening of nostalgia

By Grace Romine gmromine@iu.edu

As the minutes ticked toward 8 p.m., a mass of fans bared the crisp, spring, evening air standing along West Riverside Avenue of Ball State University’s Emens Auditorium as they were ushered through lines of security. Almost all 3,309 auditorium seats would soon be filled to watch acclaimed musician and Indiana native John Mellencamp perform March 22.

Born in Seymour, Indiana, Mellencamp has been releasing music since 1976. The Grammy-award winning artist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee is known for his Americana or roots rock style music with lyrics about the everyday man. His Emens Auditorium performance was one stop on his “Live and in Person 2024” tour.

Jared and Jodi Birch waited patiently in the farthest security line, excitedly anticipating the show. The couple had made the drive north from Hagerstown for a “date night.” While they had never seen Mellencamp perform before, Jodi said she was an avid fan of live music and was looking forward to the concert. Jared said Mellencamp was a part of his experience growing up in Indiana.

After the large crowd filed into the auditorium and found its seats, Mellencamp’s concert began. Instead of the traditional opening

band before the main performance, the acclaimed musician’s performance was preceded by a series of clips of black and white films from the Golden Age of Hollywood: “The Fugitive Kind,” “The Misfits,” “Giant,” “Grapes of Wrath,” “Hud” and “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

Police sirens sounded and red beacon lights positioned in each corner lit up the auditorium as Mellencamp and his band finally took the stage at just shy of a quarter ‘til nine, opening the show with the song, “John Cockers” from his 2008 album, “Life, Death, Love and Freedom.”

The stage was decorated with heavy yellow lighting, a backdrop of a French Quarter street scene from the final film in his opening movie set, “A Streetcar Named Desire” and four mannequins resembling “Hollywood heroes” on stage, which the singersongwriter did not address. Mellencamp was fashioned in a pair of blue coveralls, a nod to his support of the American farmer, and the performer could be seen lighting up a cigarette during his show.

After performing the fourth song on his setlist, “Small Town,” Mellencamp introduced himself to the audience, letting them know he would be playing a little bit of everything: songs they knew, songs they didn’t, songs they could sing to and songs they could dance to.

The Emens Auditorium

was filled with a conglomerate of sounds, from guitar, bass and drums to accordion, harmonica and violin. Introducing his band members to the audience, Mellencamp shared that he had been playing with his guitarist Mike Wanchic for 50 years.

After playing, “The Eyes of Portland” from his 2023 album, “Orpheus Descending,” Mellencamp advised his fans to be nice to each other, “so that the time we have here on Earth is our time.” While the artist actively spoke between songs in his 2023 IU Auditorium show, bluntly urging people to not stress the little things in life, his Emens Auditorium performance featured very little banter with the crowd.

As Mellencamp walked off stage, violinist Lisa Germano came to the microphone to welcome the next song, “The Real Life.”

“This is not your typical rock concert,” Germano said. “It is more of a performance.”

“The Real Life,” featured the audio of spoken word from Joanne Woodward, a longtime friend of Mellencamp, accompanied by soft musical notes played by bandmembers. Germano explained that Woodward is now 94 years old suffering from Alzheimer’s and hasn’t spoken in years. Mellencamp decided to play the song in tribute to his good friend.

After saying that the performance of his 1987 song “Cherry Bomb” would be the last for the night, Mellencamp decided to play

one more, his 1983 Grammyaward winning song “Hurts So Good.” The musician brought up a young girl from the pit on stage, singing the lyrics into the microphone with support of the audience singing along. The auditorium crowd emptied out into the lobby, waiting in line to purchase merchandise, art and making their way out the door for their journey home.

Dustin and Amy Fohl of Connersville were in line to

purchase their Mellencamp T-shirts. The couple said they both enjoyed the show and Amy said this wasn’t her first time seeing Mellencamp live.

“I saw him in 1988 at the state fair,” Amy said. “Tonight’s show was a little bit different; you know we are all older, but he still sounds great.”

The couple said they loved “all of it,” although the performance of his song “Jack and Diane” was their

favorite. The Fohls said they would definitely see Mellencamp again. While Mellencamp is particularly known to have a fan base from the Baby Boom generation, concertgoers of all ages were dancing in the crowd, singing along to the classics. Families young and old enjoyed the show, reminiscing and taking pictures with friends in the lobby as they made their way out of the Ball State auditorium.

BLISS

HARRY BLISS

COLUMN: ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ is ‘Thelma and Louise’ on steroids

By Chloe Fulk cdfulk@iu.edu

At the start of “Love Lies Bleeding,” we find ourselves rising out of a dark gorge, deep in the New Mexico desert. Shrouded in a hazy red glow, the hellish history of this location feels tangible. Although its significance isn’t revealed until later, the sinister energy clawing at the chasm’s rocky sides lingers under the film’s pulpy, provocative surface.

Set in the 1980s, the film follows Lou (Kristen Stewart), a lone-wolf gym manager with an all-in attitude and a perfectly imperfect mullet. When Jackie (Katy O’Brian), a professional bodybuilder preparing for a show in Las Vegas, stumbles into her gym, Lou falls head over heels and the two begin a passionate love affair. Looming in the background is Lou Sr., Lou’s crime boss father played by a menacing, scenery-chewing Ed Harris. At the end of the first act, a gruesome act of gory revenge sets everything in motion, and Lou is forced to confront her questionable past in order to protect Jackie. Fueled by cigarettes, steroids and egg -whites (Lou affectionately removes the yolk to maximize Jackie’s gains), Jackie and Lou scramble to cover their tracks, evade Lou Sr. and make it to Las Vegas. Although Lou and Jackie’s initial encounter is brief, the chemistry between Stewart and O’Brian is palpable. Their steamy scenes are hot and heavy, but their quiet moments together are just as intimate. It’s these exchanges — subtle glances and delicate touches — that give their love story a sweet, tragic edge. Even though the relationship seems headed for disaster,

you can’t help but hope their love finds a way out of the grimy wasteland it was born out of.

Director Rose Glass effectively plays with genre just as she did with her first feature, “Saint Maud,” in

2019. Inspired by two of my favorite Davids — directors David Lynch and David Cronenberg — “Love Lies Bleeding” is equal parts desert noir, body horror, neo-western and revenge thriller. Traces of films like

Connect with members of many diverse faiths at idsnews.com/religious

“Blue Velvet” and “Blood

Simple” are apparent. Still, Glass’ directorial vision is wholly unique. An emerging master of the provocative, Glass reveals information and delivers compelling images economically. The film’s sole moment of gruesome violence is visceral because Glass lets the audience settle before pulling the rug out from under them. Her lean-andmean style complements the dichotomy between Lou and Jackie’s love and the violent world they exist in and contribute to. It’s propulsive to an almost detrimental degree, as I wish more time was devoted to understanding Lou and Jackie as individuals. Like the foreboding dread that’s established in the opening, a dark sense of humor permeates throughout. This comes to a head in the film’s shining moment. Without spoiling

Canterbury Mission

University

Sunday: 9:15 a.m.: Sunday Bible Class

10:30 a.m.: Sunday Worship

Wednesday:

6 p.m.: Free Student Meal

7 p.m.: Wednesday Evening Service

7:45 p.m.: College Bible Study

Center open daily: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.

We

KMC Bloomington 234 N. Morton St. 812-318-1236

Instagram, Facebook, MeetUp@kadampameditationcenterbloomington

Weekly Meditation Classes:

Mon., Wed., Fri.: 12:15 - 12:45 p.m.

Tuesday: 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

All classes In-person, Sunday and Tuesday also offer live-stream. Retreats two Saturdays per month: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

See website for specifics.

Amidst school pressures, financial struggles and tense relationship dynamics, we need to focus our attention in a beneficial way through meditation.

KMC Bloomington’s meditation classes give practical, ancient advice so you can learn to connect daily life experiences with wisdom perspectives and maintain mental peace.

Canterbury Mission

719 E. Seventh St. 812-822-1335

IUCanterbury.org

facebook.com/ECMatIU

Instagram & Twitter: @ECMatIU

Sunday: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Mon., Wed., Thu.: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tuesday: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Fri., Sat.: By Appointment

Canterbury: Assertively open & affirming; unapologetically Christian, we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ by promoting justice, equality, peace, love and striving to be the change God wants to see in our world.

Ed Bird - Chaplain/Priest

Gaden KhachoeShing

Monastery

2150 E. Dolan Rd. 812-334-3456 ganden.org

facebook.com/ganden.org

Dedicated to preserving the Buddha’s teachings as transmitted through the Gelukpa lineage of Tibet, for the benefit of all beings. The lineage was founded by the great Master Je Tsonghkapa in the 15th century in Tibet.

First

2425 E. Third St. 812-332-0536 csmonitor.com bloomingtonchristianscience.com

Sunday: 10 a.m.

Wednesday: 7 p.m.

A

anything, a polarizing scene in the third act requires the viewer to welcome the bizarre and run with it. It has an enlightening, eye-opening effect, as it polishes the film’s grand design and reinforces the core theme of transcendent love. Lou and Jackie claw their way out of the dark by defying the bounds of reality. The scene is surreal — a little ridiculous, even — but it’s executed with ease.

“Love Lies Bleeding” is an ultra-weird movie splattered with sweat, blood and dirt, stitched together by razor-sharp editing and a perfectly synth-y score. Beautifully realized by Stewart and O’Brian, the central love affair is tender, destructive and liberating all at once. Although acts of violence may not be my love language, one thing is for certain: I’m all-in on whatever Rose Glass is selling.

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Sunday: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Mon., Wed., Thu.: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tuesday: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

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Bloomington Friends Meeting

3820 E. Moores Pike 812-336-4581

bloomingtonfriendsmeeting.org

Facebook: Bloomington Friends Meeting

Sunday (in person and by Zoom) : 9:45 a.m., Hymn singing

10:30 a.m., Meeting for Worship

10:45 a.m., Sunday School (Children join in worship from 10:30-10:45) 11:30 a.m., Light Refreshments and Fellowship 12:45 p.m., Often there is a second hour activity (see website)

Wednesday (Via Zoom) : 9 a.m., Midweek Meeting for worship 9:30 a.m., Fellowship

We practice traditional Quaker worship, gathering in silence with occasional Spirit-led vocal ministry by fellow worshipers. We are an inclusive community with a rich variety of beliefs and no prescribed creed. We are actively involved in peace action, social justice causes, and environmental concerns.

Peter Burkholder - Clerk burkhold@indiana.edu

Jubilee 219 E. Fourth St. 812-332-6396 jubileebloomington.org facebook.com/jubileebloomington Instagram: @jubileebloomington

Sunday: 9:30 a.m., Classic Worship 11:45 a.m., Contemporary Worship

Wednesday: 7:30 p.m., College & Young Adult Dinner

Jubilee is a Christ-centered community open and affirming to all. We gather on Wednesdays at First United Methodist (219 E. 4th St.) for free food, honest discussion, worship, and hanging out. Small groups, service projects, events (bonfires, game nights, book clubs, etc.), outreach retreats, and leadership opportunities all play a significant role in our rhythm of doing life together.

Markus Dickinson - jubilee@fumcb.org

719 E. Seventh St. 812-822-1335

IUCanterbury.org

facebook.com/ECMatIU

Instagram & Twitter: @ECMatIU

Bahá'í Association of IU 424 S. College Mall Rd. 812-331-1863

bloomingtoninbahais.org

facebook.com/Baháí-Community-ofBloomington-Indiana-146343332130574

Instagram: @bloomingtonbahai

Sunday: 10:40 a.m., Regular Services, Devotional Meetings. Please call or contact through our website for other meetings/activities

The Bahá'í Association of IU works to share the Teachings and Principles of the Founder, Bahá'u'lláh, that promote the "Oneness of Mankind" and the Peace and Harmony of the Planet through advancing the "security, prosperity, wealth and tranquility of all peoples."

Karen Pollock Dan Enslow

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Rose House LuMin & St. Thomas Lutheran Church 3800 E. Third St. 812-332-5252 Stlconline.org lcmiu.net Instagram: @hoosierlumin facebook.com/LCMIU facebook.com/StThomasBloomington

Sunday: 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. @ St. Thomas Lutheran Church 3800 E. Third St.

Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. Dinner & Devotions @ Rose House LuMin 314 S. Rose Ave.

Rose House LuMin and St. Thomas Lutheran Church invite you to experience life together with us. We are an inclusive Christian community who values the faith, gifts, and ministry of all God’s people. We seek justice, serve our neighbors, and love boldly.

Rev. Adrianne Meier

Rev. Lecia Beck

Rev. Amanda Ghaffarian - Campus Pastor

MOVIE STILLS DATABASE

Actresses Katy M. O’Brian (left) and Kristen Stewart (right) portray Jackie and Lou respectively, in “Love Lies Bleeding.” The movie was released March 8, 2024.

Society of Friends (Quaker)

Episcopal (Anglican)

Christian Science

United Methodist

Bahá'í Faith

Modern Buddhism

Buddhist

Lutheran - Missouri Synod

Canterbury: Assertively open & affirming; unapologetically Christian, we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ by promoting justice, equality, peace, love and striving to be the change God wants to see in our world.

Ed Bird - Chaplain/Priest

COLUMN: Sweeney is deliciously deranged in horror film ‘Immaculate’

By Chloe Fulk cdfulk@iu.edu

The world owes Sydney Sweeney an apology.

After she was thrust into the pop culture spotlight for her breakout role as Cassie in “Euphoria,” it seemed like everyone everywhere had an opinion on her body, her acting, her personality — you name it. She’s still objectified and belittled by faceless trolls online, even after diversifying her filmography with films like “Reality” and “Anyone But You.” Sweeney shouldn’t have to prove herself to be respected in the industry, yet she constantly does so. Her latest film, “Immaculate,” is her most radical work to date. Sweeney originally auditioned for the lead role over a decade ago, but the project dissolved in development. Years later, she acquired the script, revised it, joined the project as a producer and got her collaborator and friend, Michael Mohan, attached to direct.

Sweeney plays Cecilia, an American nun who travels to a convent in the Italian countryside to serve the local community. One morning, she wakes from a traumatic nightmare and discovers that she’s pregnant. Because she’s never been with a man, the convent heralds her as the next Virgin Mary.

But as Cecilia’s pregnancy progresses, she begins to uncover the convent’s sinister history and the unspeakable horrors hidden deep within its walls.

“Immaculate” truly belongs to Sweeney. Her passion fills every frame. Even the image of her dressed in a nun’s habit could be interpreted as an act of defiance because of the way people objectify her. But despite the film’s provocative subject matter, it’s clear it wasn’t made as a statement; it was made out of love for the horror genre. The scares are plentiful, albeit a bit aimless at times.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

205 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-332-4459 fccbloomington.org

Sunday: 10 a.m.

We are an inclusive community of people who are diverse in thought and unified in spirit. We are an LGBTQIA+ welcoming and affirming congregation known for our excellent music and commitment to justice. Our worship services will not only lift your spirit, but also engage your mind. You are welcome!

Pastor Kyrmen Rea - Senior Pastor

Pastor Sarah Lynne GershonStudent Associate Pastor

Jan Harrington - Director of Music

Emmanuel Church

1503 W. That Rd. 812-824-2768

Emmanuelbloom.com

Instagram & Facebook: @EmmanuelBloomington

Sunday: 9:15 a.m., Fellowship

Sunday: 10 a.m., Worship

Groups: Various times

Emmanuel is a multigenerational church of all types of people. Whether you are questioning faith or have followed Jesus for years, we exist to help fuel a passion for following Jesus as we gather together, grow in community, and go make disciples.

John Winders - Lead Pastor

Second Baptist Church 321 N Rogers St 812-327-1467

Sunday

Sunday

Bible

Please

Need a ride? Call our Church bus at 812-3271467 before 8 a.m. on Sunday

Rev. Dr. Bruce R. Rose - Pastor Tallie Schroeder - Secretary

Trinity Reformed Church

2401 S. Endwright Rd. 812-825-2684 trinityreformed.org

facebook.com/trinitychurchbloom

Email: lucas@trinityreformed.org

Sunday: 9 a.m. & 11 a.m., Services Bible Study: 7 p.m. at the IMU

We are a Protestant Reformed church on the west side of Bloomington with lively worship on Sunday mornings and regular lunches for students after church. We love the Bible, and we aim to love like Jesus. Please get in touch if you’d like a ride!

Jody Killingsworth - Senior Pastor Lucas Weeks - College Pastor

Even though some of them are thrown in haphazardly, it’s refreshing to watch a horror film that’s wholly committed to being a horror film. For every stereotypical jumpscare, there’s a moment of squirm-inducing body horror or an unexpected reveal. The chilling cold open features a young nun being buried alive in a wooden coffin and establishes a high level of tension and intrigue that never lets up.

“Immaculate” thrives when it goes for broke, but the buildup feels tame in comparison to the bonkers conclusion. Still, Cecilia’s meandering and the moody atmosphere make the convent setting feel purgatorial. It should be a safe haven, but it functions like a prison. Faith is Cecilia’s emotional anchor but it’s also a tool of oppression and manipulation, twisted and skewed to fulfill man’s selfish desires. As Cecilia’s pregnancy develops, her innocence and helplessness drive the

Lifeway Baptist Church

7821 W. State Road 46 812-876-6072 lifewaybaptistchurch.org facebook.com/lifewayellettsville

Sunday: 9 a.m., Bible Study Classes 10 a.m., Morning Service 5 p.m., Evening Service *Free transportation provided. Please call if you need a ride to church.

Barnabas College Ministry: Meeting for Bible study throughout the month. Contact Rosh Dhanawade at bluhenrosh@gmail.com for more information.

Steven VonBokern - Senior Pastor Rosh Dhanawade - IU Coordinator 302-561-0108 bluhenrosh@gmail.com

United Presbyterian Church 1701 E. Second St. 812-332-1850 upcbloomington.org

Sunday worship service: 10 a.m.

Tuesday Bible Study: 6 p.m., in-person and via Zoom

A diverse and inclusive people of God determined and committed to reflect an authentic presentation of the church universal. We cherish the authority of Scripture and the elemental Presbyterian confession that that God alone is Lord of the conscience.”

Cheryl Montgomery - Reverend

Benjamin Watkins, PhD - Music Director

Allen Pease - Event Coordinator & Secretary

Redeemer Community Church

111 S. Kimble Dr. 812-269-8975

redeemerbloomington.org

facebook.com/RedeemerBtown

Instagram & Twitter: @RedeemerBtown

Sunday: 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

Redeemer is a gospel-centered community on mission. Our vision is to see the gospel of Jesus Christ transform everything: our lives, our church, our city, and our world. We want to be instruments of gospel change in Bloomington and beyond.

Chris Jones - Lead Pastor

Bloomington Young Single Adult Branch 2411 E. Second St.

To Contact: Send message from website maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/ wards/237973

Sunday: 12:30 p.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints has four congregations in Bloomington—Three family wards and our young single adult branch for college students. This info is for the YSA Branch. Weekday religious classes at 333 S Highland Ave, Bloomington IN 47401, next to campus.

More info at churchofjesuschrist.org.

narrative forward. She’s a ticking time bomb of (literal) biblical proportion. Sweeney is perfectly adequate in these between-the-scream scenes, but her performance in the unhinged finale cements her as a new horror darling. In the sequence, she doesn’t just flirt with ferocity — she commands the screen with her grotesque, visceral screams, leaving everything on the bloody ground where she stands. When I found myself

thinking the scene couldn’t go on for much longer, Sweeney only intensified her deliciously deranged and borderline cathartic performance. The camera locks on Sweeney’s face as Cecilia regains her autonomy and purges herself of the horrible weight she’s been afflicted with. It’s equal parts hellish and liberating. It’s rare for such a small chunk of a film’s runtime to do so much heavy lifting, but “Immaculate” understands

Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington 2120 N. Fee Ln. 812-332-3695 uubloomington.org facebook.com/uubloomington

Sunday: 10:15 a.m.

With open hearts and minds, we celebrate diverse beliefs and engage in a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We are passionate about social justice and lifelong learning. We are an LGBTQA+ Welcoming Congregation. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we welcome you!

Rev. Constance Grant - Lead Minister

Anabel Watson - Connections Coordinator

Unity of Bloomington 4001 S. Rogers St. 812-333-2484 unityofbloomington.org

facebook@UnityofBloomington

Sunday: 10:30 a.m.

Unity is a positive, practical, progressive approach to Christianity based on the teachings of Jesus and the power of prayer. Unity honors the universal truths in all religions and respects each individual’s right to choose a spiritual path. Our God is Love, Our Race is Human, Our Faith is Oneness.

Doris Brinegar - Administrator

Phyllis Wickliff - Music Director

Mennonite Fellowship of Bloomington

2420 E. Third St. 812-646-2441 bloomingtonmenno.org facebook.com/Mennonite-Fellowship-ofBloomington-131518650277524

Sunday: 5 p.m.

A welcoming, inclusive congregation providing a place of healing and hope as we journey together in the Spirit of Christ. Gathering for worship Sundays 5 p.m. in the Roger Williams room, First United Church. As people of God's peace, we seek to embody the Kingdom of God.

John Sauder - mfbjohn@gmail.com

First United Church 2420 E. Third St. 812-332-4439 firstuc.org

facebook.com/firstuc

Sunday: 10:30 a.m., Worship

Monday: 10 a.m. via Zoom, Bible Study

We are an Open, Welcoming, and Affirming community of love and acceptance dedicated to welcoming the diversity of God’s beloved. We exist to empower, challenge, and encourage one another to live out Jesus’ ways (compassion, truth, and justice) authentically as human beings in community to create a better world.

Rev. Jessica Petersen-MutaiSenior Minister

the art of the set-up and payoff and rightfully depends on Sweeney to deliver the goods. It doesn’t feel unreasonable to champion her alongside iconic scream queens like Isabelle Adjani (“Possession”) and Sheryl Lee (“Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me”). While I desperately hope she continues working in the horror genre as her career progresses, I’m just happy she’s thriving in the industry that tried to tear her down.

Christ Community Church

503 S. High St. 812-332-0502 cccbloomington.org

facebook.com/christcommunitybtown

Instagram: @christcommunitybtown

Sunday: 9:15 a.m., Educational Hour 10:30 a.m., Worship Service

We are a diverse community of Christ-followers, including many IU students, faculty and staff. Together we are committed to sharing the redeeming grace and transforming truth of Jesus Christ in this college town.

Bob Whitaker - Senior Pastor Adam deWeber - Worship Pastor Dan Waugh - Adult Ministry Pastor

Christian Student Fellowship

1968 N. David Baker 812-332-8972 csfindiana.org

Instagram & Facebook: @csfindiana

Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Office

Thursday: 8 p.m., Worship Service

Christian Student Fellowship (CSF) is a ministry built on Jesus Christ. We exist to help students pursue authentic faith and build intentional communities while in college. Come check out our campus house and/or any of our other various ministry opportunities.

Ben Geiger - Lead campus minister Joe Durnil - Associate campus minister Stephanie Michael - Associate campus minister Hailee Fox - Office manager

Church of Christ

825 W. Second St. 812-332-0501

facebook.com/w2coc

Sunday: 9:30 a.m., Bible Study 10:30 a.m. & 5 p.m., Worship

Wednesday: 7 p.m., Bible Study

We use no book, but the Bible. We have no creed but His Word within its sacred pages. God is love and as such we wish to share this joy with you. The comprehensive teaching of God's Word can change you forever.

John Myers - Preacher

City Church For All Nations

1200 N. Russell Rd. 812-336-5958

citychurchbloomington.org

facebook.com/citychurchbtown

Instagram: @citychurchbtown

Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. Always check website for possible changes to service times.

City Church is a non-denominational multicultural, multigenerational church on Bloomington's east side. The Loft, our college ministry meets on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

MOVIE STILLS DATABASE

Actress Sydney Sweeney portrays Cecilia