March 30, 2016 by The Independent Collegian

96th year • Issue27

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Good deeds meet good looks at 47th Black Student Union fashion show / 4 » www.IndependentCollegian.com

Serving the University of Toledo community since 1919

INSIDE

STUDENT CONDUCT

Disciplinary action announced in Pi Kappa Phi assault case By Joe Hiedenescher

students and UT employees, the University has identified sanctions for the fraternity and six individuals found responsible for violations of the UT Student Code of Conduct,” wrote President Sharon Gaber in a campuswide email. The panel found that UT’s chapter of Pi Kappa Phi and six UT students violated the Student Code of Conduct by not adhering to the prohibition of harassment, verbal abuse, physical abuse, intimidation and any other conduct that threatens student safety. However, the students’ misconduct is not being labeled as racially

News Editor

UT picks up first MAC victory After a 5-game losing streak, UT picked up a 3-to-2 win. SPORTS / 7 »

‘Rhythms of Africa’ night The African People’s Association is hosting an event to educate students on their culture.

“

The University of Toledo administration officially sanctioned six students and the UT chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity for violations of the Student Code of Conduct. This announcement came after a two-month Division of Student Affairs investigation looking into events that happened at the Pi Kappa Phi off-campus house on Jan. 24. “After interviews with nearly four-dozen individuals who attended the party, administrative hearings and hearings before a diverse panel of

EDITORIAL Provost a Hsu in OPINION / 3 »

UT drops series against Buffalo UT’s softball team suffered three losses in their games against Buffalo.

Student Government elections

“

ALEXIS NIEZCUR Adopt, don’t shop, for pets OPINION / 3 »

MORE ONLINE

San Jose dean chosen as new UT provost By Carl Macaulay Staff Reporter

By Colleen Anderson Managing Editor

Amal Mohamed, president Cameron Forsythe, vice president

Ian Michalak, president Dakota Ulcher, vice president

After last year’s automatic victory for the single Spoon–Michalak ticket, this year’s Student Government elections feature two tickets running to lead the organization next year, with voting taking place from April 11-14. One ticket consists of current SG Vice President Ian Michalak, whose running mate is SG Recording Secretary Dakota Ulrich. Their opponents are SG External Affairs Chair Amal Mohamed for president her running mate, Cameron Forsythe, chair of the campus affairs committee.

Michalak and Ulrich Michalak and Ulrich both said their strength lies in their experience, as both of them have been members of student government for three years. According to Michalak, this experience is what sets them apart from their opposition. “I believe our experience is definitely something that stands out. I believe we’ve been in for a very long time, I believe that we know a lot of people, we have a

lot of connections, and I think that definitely sets us apart,” he said. Ulrich said her experience with SG helped her learn more about UT’s campus, and her time on SG’s steering committee — which sets the senatorial agenda — has given her new insight in the organization. “Once you’re in SG, you notice a lot more things on campus you didn’t notice before, and you kind of have the

SPORTS / 4 »

“Until all the shelters are empty and no animal has to be senselessly euthanized, urge everyone you know to adopt their next furry family member from the local shelter.”

See Assault / 6 »

RACHAEL NEARHOOF / IC

Christian Nopper, a second-year communications major and Pi Kappa Phi member, stands outside of the oncampus fraternity house after the decision was made to impose sanctions against the fraternity.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

COMMUNITY / 4 »

“Any university should aim to both encourage excellence and provide support, and UT is no different.”

motivated despite initial accusations. Gaber said UT would not reveal the identity of the six students, but said alleged victim Rayshawn Watkins was not one of the students found in violation. The UT chapter of Pi Kappa Phi will be on disciplinary probation until May 31, 2017. This will bar them from social events until then and prohibit the admission of new members until January 2017. All fraternity members will also have to attend antibullying training and alcohol

See Michalak and Ulrich / 6 »

Mohamed and Forsythe Mohamed and Forsythe are both newer to SG than their opposition, but both are committee chairs within the organization. Both are also members of additional organizations outside of SG, which Mohamed and Forsythe said adds to their qualifications for the position. “Both of us are currently on steering … so we definitely have the experience within Student Government to

know how that runs and how that functions, but I also think we have something else to give outside of student government,” Mohamed said. Forsythe also said his experience both inside and outside of SG will be an asset to him if he is elected. He said the combination of the previous leadership roles he has held will benefit him in the election. “I have a lot of experience in a lot of different leadership outlets … See Mohamed and Forsythe / 6 »

Andrew Hsu will become the provost of the University of Toledo if he receives approval from the Board of Trustees at their July 1 meeting. “Part of what you need in a provost is someone who can lead but also someone who can listen, because being able to lead also means you can listen to others and hear what the issues are,” said UT President Sharon Gaber. “[Hsu] is a good listener and a good leader.” Hsu was one of three finalists for the position, including University of Arkansas Vice Chancellor Charles Robinson; Christopher McCord, a dean at Northern Illinois University and Donald Siegel, a dean at the University of Albany. “Dr. Hsu really emerged as a leader amongst them and the campus gravitated around him,” said Gaber. “I am excited for him to join the Rocket family.” The provost position includes overseeing academic practices across all campuses as well as working closely with faculty. Jamie Barlowe, dean of the College of Language, Literature and Social Sciences, thinks Hsu will fit that role well. “Dr. Hsu’s research and leadership experience, his advocacy for students and faculty, and his unwavering commitment to student success and to diversity clearly complement President Gaber’s goals for the University of Toledo,” Barlowe said... Finish reading this piece online at www.IndependentCollegian. com

MUSIC COMPETITION

Millennial Music

97th annual Songfest competition invites student groups to sing and dance to pop culture throwbacks from early 2000s By Emily Jackson Staff Reporter

Flash back 16 years ago to the turn of the century, when TRL was the best thing on television and you messaged your friends on AIM. This year’s Songfest will bring UT students back in time in a ‘Throwback to Millennial Pop Culture.’ Students will bring back life to turn-of-the-century hits including “So What” by P!nk, “Tik Tok” by Ke$ha and “Pon de Replay” by Rihanna. Since 1937, Songfest has had students singing and dancing to raise funds for certain philanthropic organizations. Presented by Blue Key National Honor Fraternity and Mortar Board National Honor Society, it’s

an opportunity for students to get involved, participate in tradition, and partake in a little friendly competition while collectively benefiting the city of Toledo. There will be three different competitions: women’s, men’s and co-ed. Each team is composed of students belonging to academic, Greek, religious or other university organizations. Each division will be judged based on choreography, execution of the performance and vocal quality. The organization with the most points will walk away with the first place trophy for its division. “I would say the best part of placing is the pride and

satisfaction of seeing all our hard work pay off,” said Nichole Ochs, a previous Songfest participant and director for the past three years. This year, Ochs has been chosen as one of the

two emcees that will host Songfest. “While I am sad that I cannot perform this year,” Ochs said, “it is so rewarding to be able to help the directors and participants create beautiful,

powerful performances that UT students will remember and cherish for years to come.” Alex Wisniewski, the other emcee for 2016 Songfest, says he was also previously See Songfest / 6 »

CURTIS LANE / IC

Student groups have been participating in Songfest since it originated in 1937. The 2016 competition will feature three sub-divisions including men’s, women’s, and co-ed teams. Proceeds will directly support the Daughter Project organization.

| The Independent Collegian | Wednesday, March 30, 2016

CAMPUS DIGEST

www.IndependentCollegian.com

Facebook.com/ICollegian

www.IndependentCollegian.com

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

When you were growing up, what did you want to be and why?

“Hair stylist. I loved doing hair when I was younger. I used to braid my grandma’s hair.”

Iesha Bulger Second-year Marketing

“Doctor. I wanted to help people.”

Langjie Wang

Second-year Biology

The Independent Collegian staff Visit us at Carlson Library, Suite 1057 Write to us at 2801 W. Bancroft St., Mail Stop 530 Toledo, OH 43606 Contact the editor at editor@independentcollegian.com Advertise by emailing sales@independentcollegian.com Phone: 419-530-7788 Fax: 419-530-7770 EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Jessica Harker Managing Editor Colleen Anderson News Joe Heidenescher, editor Community Emily Schnipke, assoc. editor Sports Marcus Dodson, editor Jenna Nance, assoc. editor

Opinion Maisha Rashid, editor Copy desk Lauren Gilbert, editor Jared Hightower, editor Photography Savannah Joslin, director Rachel Nearhoof, assoc. director BUSINESS Advertising Aaron DeGuilio, sales manager Mohamed Noureldin,director

“Professional artist and sell my own art. I was really into art classes when I was younger.”

Kayla Gray

Third-year Communication Cassandra Mitchell and William Woodson, sales representatives Distribution Kyle Colvin, manager Operations Rodrick Perkins, manager Production Nick Wells, manager COLLEGIAN MEDIA FOUNDATION General Manager Danielle Gamble The Independent Collegian is published by the Collegian Media Foundation, a private, not-for-profit corporation. © 2016

Wednesday, March 30, 2016 | The Independent Collegian |

OPINION Send letters to the editor to Editor@independentcollegian.com

www.IndependentCollegian.com

EDITORIAL BOARD

Colleen Anderson Amanda Pitrof

Jessica Harker Maisha Rashid

Joe Heidenescher Emily Schnipke

Editorials appearing on this page represent the consensus view of the editorial staff. Columns and letters to the editor reflect the opinions of their authors, not those of The Independent Collegian.

EDITORIAL

Provost a ‘Hsu in’ UT’s provost decision looks like a good fit for the university

The provost is critical in shaping the future of any university — they are traditionally second in command. And with so many vacancies in President Sharon Gaber’s leadership cabinet, the provost role has become even more crucial to the stability of the University of Toledo. With the stakes so high, Andrew Hsu (pronounced “shoo”) seems to be the correct candidate for our community. As provost, Hsu will be in charge of communicating with the faculty, a crucial role that he emphasized in his open forum. It’s been a tumultuous, slow-healing relationship between the administration and the faculty after the Lloyd Jacobs administration ended in 2014. Faculty members felt discouraged to speak out about issues, had no updated contract for five years, and felt there was a lack of shared governance between the administration and faculty. While Gaber has taken steps to be open and rebuild that relationship, having a provost who is also in favor of shared governance to help foster that relationship will be helpful in days to come. When visiting UT, Hsu emphasized his ability to work with a university community on developing and implementing strategic plans. As a key figure in shaping the academic state of the university, we believe Hsu’s experience at other institutions will allow him to communicate effectively about the university’s future. Making a strategic plan is one thing, but having the ability to work with the people at UT to carry it out is another. During his time here, former provost Scott Scarborough had a number of items he wanted to accomplish in his five-year plan. He quickly jumped into several ambitious projects (like the Schoolcraft College partnership) and restructured some programs in a way that only made sense to a few. Many of those ideas floundered once he left, and UT’s vision and plan have been somewhat muddled and unclear ever since.

As a key figure in shaping the academic state of the university, we believe Hsu’s experience at other institutions will allow him to communicate effectively about the university’s future. Now with Gaber at the helm hammering out a clear, concrete set of goals that address topics like diversity and spending, UT seems to be back on track. Enrollment is one of her primary topics, and Hsu said that was one of his focal points when he visited. He spoke about his work increasing the San Jose State College of Engineering enrollment. In his forums, Hsu focused on advising and first-year mentoring to increase retention as well, another problem UT has struggled with solving. Hsu’s background set him apart from the other candidates in that he has first-hand experience in limited opportunities for education. Hsu grew up in China and for a period of his life worked as a laborer, unable to receive education for a period of about five years. Because of his upbringing, Hsu said he is deeply committed to helping underprivileged and disadvantaged students find an education. Balancing this goal while achieving excellence is no small challenge, but Hsu said he wants to avoid becoming elitist while empowering students, aiming for both “access and success.”

Having a provost who understands how to be successful while addressing disadvantaged students’ needs is something the UT community is desperate for. To us, this is one of Hsu’s most important qualifications for the job. Having a provost who understands how to be successful while addressing disadvantaged students’ needs is something the UT community is desperate for. Any university should aim to both encourage excellence and provide support, and UT is no different. With Hsu using his prior experience to further these goals, we feel he is an excellent choice for provost. Going forward, it is our job as a community to provide the feedback and input necessary to maintain shared governance and collaboration between the university’s administrators and ourselves.

We’re looking for REPORTERS who have Critical thinking Good writing Curiosity Integrity Guts

Students of any major can apply. Email editor@independentcollegian.com for momation.

Applications available in Carlson Library Suite 1057 (419) 530-7788 IndependentCollegian.com

COMMENTARY

Language is what u make it Hi, my name is Joe. And even tho I The English language is going to have a bachelor’s degree in English, I continue to change too, and as a writer speak and write in text and speaker of English, language. Here is why it doesn’t make sense I think it’s OK: to hold onto someLanguage changes, thing that is going to it always has and it keep changing. Do you always will. think that if newspaAnd unlike pers were written in French, English has early modern English no governing body (which is only 500 that tells us what is years old) that many and is not proper people would underEnglish. In fact, stand? Of course not! “proper” English is Ye might think me a myth. The French mad. have what is called It is because the evothe Académie lution of the English française, a council language is reflective of 40 members that of the way the world decides the proper changes with time. IC COLUMNIST way French is Language changes and spoken and written, it changes fast, and and publishes the official lexicon. with global influences and technology, it English, on the other hand, has no has the ability to change even faster. such restrictions. Around 1,000 years ago, Old EngIn English there are no official guidelish looked like this: lines, even if your grandmother occasionHWÆT, WE GAR-DEna in geardagum, ally yells at you for saying “me and my þeodcyninga þrym gefrunon, friends” instead of “my friends and me.” hu ða æþelingas ellen fremedon! Linguistically, all forms of English, And technically this is still English — written or spoken, are deemed acceptwell, Old English. Over time, the lanable so long as the exchange is mutual guage evolved and changed because of and clearly transmitted between the various French invasions and conquests two communicating parties. (I know of what is now Britain. this definition sounds so academic, Other languages and cultures influbut all it means is as long as you are ence English more than any other factor. understood, you are good.) Many of our words have been stolen or So if I am writing a column like adapted from other languages like Latin, this one, and I spell “though” as Greek or French, even tho our grammar “tho” and people still understand comes from the Germanic structure. what I am saying, then I am still efSure language doesn’t change over fectively writing in English. night, but as it changes it is important All those grammarians and strict to embrace it. All variations of English prescriptivists out there are probably are just as acceptable as another. having a heart attack, but I have a Language variation is SO imporpiece of advice for them. It’s time to tant too. It represents the of parts and stop holding onto the rules so hard. pieces of our identity. No one’s lanDo you think your idol and role model guage choice or dialect is exactly like Shakespeare thought too hard about another’s, they can be similar, but each rules? No, he invented new words to fit are unique. But just because someone his mad metrical poetry. Also, language uses bigger words does not mean they has changed since Shakespeare’s time (we are intelligent, or because someone uses even got rid of entire pronouns). “tbh” does not mean they are ignorant.

JOE HEIDENESCHER

Perhaps if you spoke to me or read my texts, you might not be able to tell I have a degree in English. You might have the preconceived idea that someone with extensive training in the language would use it in a “proper” manner. Wrong. My degree taught me much more than just writing to sound intelligent.

English has no governing body that tells us what is and is not proper English. In fact, “proper” English is a myth. I learned that communication can happen in so many ways, and the subtle nuances matter A LOT. The reason I use “tho” instead of “though” is because it is shorter and more efficient. Even some of my English professors, who have doctorate degrees, spell it this way. The English language has lots of left over rules from Old English, French, German, Latin, etc. that aren’t really useful now. So why not change them? I’m not saying that we have to rewrite our whole language to be more efficient, but if an adaptation arises, becomes popular, and modern English speakers still understand you, then why not use it? At its roots, the English language is democratic — it morphs to fit the needs of those who use it most. Therefore, if groups of English speakers collectively use new words or phrases, then they will actually be written into the language. Over time, I envision and hope that the dictionary keeps up with the rapid evolution of our lingo. Heaven knows Imma keep writing in my own voice altho it might not be reflected in the dictionary, and everyone else should do the same. Joe Heidenescher is a recent UT graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English.

COMMENTARY

Adopt, don’t shop, for pets If you’re like me, you have to look Some people also associate stigmas away, mute or change the chanwith shelters, calling the shelters nel every time one of those heartdirty and filled with depressed wrenching animal shelter commeranimals. People would much rather cials comes on TV. The animal’s sad shop than adopt. In reality, most eyes and the depressing background shelters are extremely clean and music make the perfect recipe for a often offer state-of-the-art medical guilty heart. facilities and play areas. People always go crazy when they Many people go to buy a pet with see a puppy running the aims of buying carefree or a tiny a purebred dog or kitten snuggled up puppy. Pet stores with its littermates. sell extremely highHowever, despite priced purebred anithe extent to which mals, a lot of which people are drawn are from puppy to these innocent mills with disgustanimals, our shelters ing breeding condiare still overflowing tions. In addition, if with the unwanted a purebred pet does animals. Why is that? not meet breed stanAccording to the dards or has some ASPCA, five in ten ailment, the breeders dogs and seven in at the mill will put it ten cats that enter down immediately. shelters are euthanized, Over 25 percent simply because there of shelter dogs are IC COLUMNIST aren’t enough people purebred, but while to adopt them. These an adoption fee at statistics are heartbreaking. Many of a shelter can cost you under $100 the animals that have been euthafor a purebred dog, it would cost nized could’ve benefited so much if hundreds at a pet store. Plus, if you they’d had a special human companbuy the purebred from the shelter, ion to love them. you leave feeling happy because you Why are these statistics so high? saved the life of the animal you adOne major reason is that people will opted and you also got the purebred often choose pet stores instead of pet you wanted. animal shelters for their new comEven with those avenues, somepanion. Pet stores are often in more times it can be better to choose a prime locations, which see a lot of lovable mutt over a purebred in any foot traffic, compared to the more case. The number of pets euthanized isolated and less expensive locations because they don’t look the way the that shelters are built around. breed should or have some dis-

ALEXIS NIESZCUR

ability is truly disheartening. Sure, purebred pets are adorable, but they often have numerous health problems and can cost to upwards of a few thousand dollars depending on the breed.

Despite the extent to which people are drawn to these innocent animals, our shelters are still overflowing with the unwanted animals. Why is that? Next time you are in the market for an animal companion, I urge you to adopt, not shop for your new friend. Websites such as petfinder. com allow you to search for shelter pets by location, breed, size, age and by specifics such as color and coat pattern, declawed status or any special needs. This and other websites help you to truly find the perfect shelter pet match for your wishes. Over four million animals were adopted from shelters this past year. Until all the shelters are empty and no animal has to be senselessly euthanized, urge everyone you know to adopt their next furry family member from the local shelter. You will save money, save a life and perhaps never have to feel so guilty again when those commercials come on the TV. Alexis Nieszcur is a second-year majoring in pharmacy.

| The Independent Collegian | Wednesday, March 30, 2016

COMMUNITY FASHION SHOW

SAVANNAH JOSLIN / IC

Strut Your Stuff

By Amber Thomas Staff Reporter

Roll out the red carpet and put on your fancy pants. Cameras flashed as UT students showed off the latest fashions during the 47th-annual Black Student Union fashion show on March 24 in the Student Union Auditorium. “The BSU Fashion Show is an annual scholarship fashion show that’s held every year,” said Desmond Dunn, director of this year’s show. “We [BSU] give out two $1,000 scholarships to deserving students; upon filling out the application they also write an essay and this year’s question was: what would you do to improve the black student experience here at the University of Toledo?” The doors opened at 5 p.m. with a red-carpet event from another UT organization, StyleList. The introductory event showcased the students’ outfit ensembles as they walked the carpet to be seated. According to Melaney Goosby, assistant director

of the show, BSU expected to sell over 400 tickets and, for the first time, additional seats were sold at the door for those who were unable to purchase tickets ahead of time.

“I feel like everyone should experience the fashion show whether that means coming, being a model or helping out backstage. This isn’t just a BSU thing; it’s a UT thing.” MELANEY GOOSBY BSU Fashion Show assistant director

“It’s amazing being a part of the 47th-annual BSU fashion show,” Goosby said. “As vice president of BSU, as well this is a tradition at UT, and I feel like everyone should experience the

fashion show whether that means coming, being a model or helping out backstage. This isn’t just a BSU thing; it’s a UT thing.” The show opened at 8 p.m. with host KC Clark, a comedian from Detroit, Michigan. Other acts included a performance by dance team Fire Squad, a ballet solo by UT student Jayla Satterfield and UT student KeLee Smith sung a song while playing her guitar. The “Coming to America” theme centered around the idea of an Egyptian king on an unusual quest. Rashad Irvin, a fourth-year student majoring in business, acted as the king during the fashion show. “I’m a king looking for my queen and through the progression of the show I finally find my queen,” Irvin said. “The fashion show is actually based off of the movie ‘Coming to America.’” Beginning in Africa, the fashion show incorporates traditional African clothing and colorful prints and transitions into today’s urban fashion and typical

New York style. This year’s show also exhibits the personal style of the scene directors in the outfits displayed. Darrea Ragland, a third-year student majoring in public health and one of the scene directors of this year’s show, says her fashion sense follows more into the urban fashion and edgy looks of New York streetwear. “I’m trying to incorporate the urban pop to it, the edgy rock star style and then I wanted to do a contemporary business casual for the third look,” Ragland said. Unlike Ragland, Miylie Yarbough, another of the BSU fashion show scene directors, says her scene is influenced by a current style icon. “My scene is the Egyptian scene; it has a lot of African wear, but more of what you can wear now,” Yarbrough, third-year majoring in majoring in marketing and one of BSU fashion show scene directors, said. “There’s a lot of Kanye-inspired clothing, but more green, beige and black colors.”

“This is my third college fashion show and I will say this is probably the best one so far. It’s very organized and it’s just turnt. It was so dope and I really enjoyed it.” KC CLARK Comedian and host of 2016 show

Forever 21 sponsored this year’s fashion show by donating clothes for the models to wear. Some UT students also displayed their talents by designing clothes for the models to wear on the runway. George Lokko, a fourthyear majoring in bioengineering, provided his African-print handmade bags and backpacks for the models to carry while on the runway.

During intermission, the audience was invited up on stage by host KC Clark, as well as other fraternities and sororities, to flaunt their own outfits. “This is my third college fashion show and I will say this is probably the best one so far,” Clark said. “It’s very organized and it’s just turnt. It was so dope and I really enjoyed it.” Also during the event, BSU announced this year’s recipients of their scholarship. Sydney Jones, a second-year majoring in political science, and Alonia Lewis, a second-year double majoring in Africana studies and women’s and gender studies, were each granted a $1,000 scholarship for the 2016-17 academic year. The show concluded with a rap performance from T’Shawn Russell, a local artist and Toledo resident. “I loved it. Everyone had mad energy and everyone is so genuinely nice and made me even more happy to be here,” Clark said.

CULTURE

BODY POSITIVITY

‘Rhythms of Africa’ night By Emily Schnipke Community Editor

I Wear What I Want

SAVANNAH JOSLIN / IC

By Emily Schnipke Community Editor

Growing up, I knew I was fatter than my friends. It wasn’t something that just suddenly happened. And it wasn’t something that I did. I was just as active as my elementary classmates, playing kickball on the playground and racing around the soccer field to tag my friends. Being fat was something that I just dealt with, like being tall or having brown hair.

It wasn’t until I reached middle school and felt the insecurities brought on by puberty that I truly realized why my size mattered. Shopping with my friends became difficult because they looked in the preteen section while I have to look elsewhere in the store. I couldn’t just borrow and exchange clothes with them. Every time I looked in the mirror, I compared myself to them. I wasn’t as skinny as Natasha, I wasn’t

all tall as Jess, my hair wasn’t as straight as Breann’s. Nothing was right with me. Luckily for me, my weight wasn’t something that mattered to my friends. They didn’t see me as the fat girl of the group. They saw me as Emily, which was something that took myself a lot longer to realize. If they ever had opinions about shopping with See Positivity / 8 »

Students can take a peek into the traditions of Africa during an event put on by the University of Toledo’s African Peoples’ Association on April 2 in the Student Union Auditorium. Nnenna Kalu, secondyear biology major and APA event coordinator, says that this event serves as an education resource for students who are interested in learning more about African cultures. “African Peoples’ Association is an organization designed to serve a community for African students from walks of life (whether they are native or not to the US),” Kalu wrote in an email interview. “As an organization, we make an effort to make sure that everyone African or not feel accepted and also leave with an under-

COURTESY OF AFRICAN PEOPLES’ ASSOCIATION

A group of UT students pose after performing a traditional dance from Ethiopia at last year’s event.

stand of the our culture.” During the event, guests will see performances from dance groups, singing and poetry from UT students and a fashion show. Traditional African foods will be also be served. Grace Tieko, a fourthyear majoring in biology and co-president of APA, says that APA started hosting Africa Night because they wanted to let the com-

munity truly see African culture and show people “there is more to African descent than just an accent.” “I like to share my traditions with UT students because a lot of them are interested in learning more about the African descent and their culture but they don’t know where to begin,” Tieko said. “So See Culture / 8 »

Wednesday, March 30, 2016 | The Independent Collegian |

Songfest from page 1

involved in Songfest, working behind the scenes last year. “Looking back as a senior, it has been the highlight of my college experience and has provided me an opportunity to leave an impact on our community,” Wisniewski said. “It still feels surreal to be involved with such a historical event at Toledo.” Ochs and Wisniewski will kick off Songfest’s night of funspirited competition at 5 p.m. on April 2 at Savage Arena. While admission to the event is completely free, donations are encouraged and appreciated. This year’s proceeds will directly support the Daughter Project, a non-profit and faith-based organization that helps girls who have been rescued from sex trafficking. The Daughter Project will step onto the Songfest stage and into an even bigger limelight during this year’s event. “We thought it was an excellent local philanthro-

py that really addresses an issue that is extremely prevalent in the Toledo community many of us don’t have conversations about,” Wisniewski said. According to the Ohio Department of Health, Toledo has been identified as the fourth highestranking city in the nation for recruiting victims into the illegal trade of sex trafficking. The Daughter Project

“While they have one location just outside the Toledo area, we are raising money to contribute to their efforts of building another home.” NICHOLE OCHS Previous SongFest participant

is Ohio’s first licensed group home that provides a safe haven for girls, who are usually between the ages of 10 and 17, that have been freed from sex traffickers. Its services include abuse and addiction counseling, family and friend restoration, health and nutrition education, legal counsel and spiritual mentorship. According to the organization’s website, it collaborates with various local community organizations to provide healthy education and recreational opportunities for the girls. Ochs says the goal is to raise $16,000 for The Daughter Project, who are hoping to expand their efforts this fall. “While they have one location just outside the Toledo area, we are raising money to contribute to their efforts of building another home,” said Ochs. Donations can be made to The Daughter Project during Songfest or to a GoFundMe

JOBS & CLASSIFIEDS To place a classified ad call 419-530-7788 or email classifieds@independentcollegian.com. Ads must be received by 5 p.m. Monday. Please read your ad on the first day of publication and call immediately if there are any errors; we accept responsibility only for the first day of publication. All classified ads must be prepaid with a check or credit card.

FOR RENT

SERVICES

EVENTS

2-4 BEDROOM HOUSES 2-4 Bedroom Houses, total house rent $700-$1,100 per month. All appliances included. Shawn 419-2904098. WWW.UTRENTALS. NET

UNIVERSITY MISCONDUCT DEFENSE Defense of student sexual misconduct cases Defense of faculty misconduct cases NachtLaw.com (734)663-7550

SUMMER TRANSFER CLASSES NW Ohio students! Catch up or stay ahead by taking summer transfer classes at Northwest State. Great education and big savings! Learn more at NorthwestState.edu

LIVE IN NANNY Live in nanny needed to watch a two year old and help keep the house clean. Living arrangements include free or discounted rent depending on the number of hours worked, internet, Direct TV, and laundry room. The house is across the street from the University on Bancroft and Meadowood. Call 419-705-2880. Email tavis.glassman@utoledo.edu ROOM FOR RENT Room for rent for $350.00. Living arrangements include, Internet, Direct TV, and laundry room. The house is across the street from the University on Bancroft and Meadowood. Call 419-705-2880. No smoking, no drugs, no animals. Only serious students eligible. Email tavis.glassman@ utoledo.edu

HELP WANTED CLEVELAND AREA PARTTIME SUMMER JOBS Excellent for Communications/Journalism students. Choose 9 to 2 or 4 to 9. National media company pays $10 per hour plus fringes. Middleburg Hts location. Call 440-885-2702 to set up your part-time summer job.

EDITOR/ESL TUTOR Experienced copy editor available, MA in Linguistics Do you need help with your writing/grammar/spelling? Also Experienced ESL tutor; Do you need to improve your English? Email ndworkin@sbcglobal.net

AUTOMOTIVE HELP WANTED: CHILDCARE KIDZWATCH now hiring child caregivers for all age groups for days, evenings and weekends for Perrysburg and Sylvania locations. Send resumes to info@kidzwatch.net

| The Independent Collegian | Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Assault

from page 1

awareness training. Ryan Aridi, UT Pi Kappa Phi’s philanthropy officer, said to The Blade that the organization plans to appeal the sanctions. The six students found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct must attend alcohol awareness training and perform 10 to 15 hours of community service. Pi Kappa Phi alumnus Andrew DeNucci disagrees with the sanctions, calling them disappointing and damaging. “Those sanctions help no one,” DeNucci wrote in a Facebook interview. “A fraternity that has been on campus since 1951 will now go a calendar year without being able to recruit new members. Sanctions like that are instituted to bring down an organization, not help it.” Melaney Goosby, the vice president of the Black Student Union, said she was in favor of the sanctions. She wrote that the sanctions are only a “slap on the wrist for the fraternity.” “I would like to say that I am glad Pi Kappa Phi was found responsible for the events that took place that evening,” Goosby wrote in an email interview. The incident made headlines in late January after student Rayshawn Watkins was allegedly assaulted and called racial slurs by attendees at a Pi Kappa Phi party off campus. DeNucci said the reason the situation became a problem was because it was a “heinous lie that was told, and then spread on social media.” The day after the party, social media was abuzz with accusations of racism, assault, threats and finger pointing. The first post to mention Watkins’ alleged assault pictured him visibly injured and was tweeted @UToledo, which is how Gaber heard about the incident. Gaber said the media buzz that the incident created was a very important reason why the student conduct investigation process took time and effort not to “rush to conclusions.” “I am keenly aware that in an environment heavily clouded by alcohol, intolerable words and phrases may well have been used, Gaber wrote. “The 45 interviews provided conflict-

ing views of what occurred.” Initially, Gaber addressed the incident after it began to escalate with social media threats. She sent a campuswide email, stating UT would not tolerate physical violence or discrimination and that an investigation was underway. UT would not give a statement including information about what happened at the party or whether the alleged assault was racially motivated until after the investigation. Gaber said it is still hard to tell whether or not the incident was racially motivated, even after the investigation.

“I think we are responsible for making sure that everybody on this campus feels like their voice is heard, they’re safe, they’re welcomed, they’re included and that we have to continue to do more and I think for as bad as this situation is.”

SHARON GABER University of Toledo President

“I wasn’t there to know what actually occurred,” Gaber said. “The fraternity was found in violation of intimidation and bullying, so as one might suppose with a group of college students who had something to drink things were said, and what that is, I may not ever know.” The incident sparked a racial conversation on campus because Watkins claimed he was called racial slurs and fraternity members defended themselves from being labeled with accusations of racism. “What people don’t realize is that when an accusation is made against a fraternity, every single member’s life changes from that point forward.… The fraternity is the one that is placed on suspension, pending an investigation,” DeNucci wrote. “Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, you can’t give those members and that organization their time back.” Goosby said she believes if the

same sort of incident happened at the Pan-Hellenic Council fraternity house that the “repercussions would have been much more severe.” “I’m not in a position to say if the incident was or was not racially motivated,” Goosby wrote. “Regardless if the assault was racially motivated, students felt it was racially motivated because of how previous incidents at our school have been handled before.” Gaber said that this incident did not jumpstart current diversity initiatives, but only plays into the ongoing campus conversation. “I think the event in some ways is a galvanizing event. We had already gone down the process of initiating a diversity plan,” Gaber said. “This event then stood up and said ‘Here’s an issue that happened’ … it gives us more feedback into our need for a diversity plan and some of the outcomes associated with the diversity plan.” Even though UT’s chapter of Pi Kappa Phi was not charged with discrimination or prejudice, the conversation around the issue still seems to be centered on race and diversity. “I would like to point out that this incident was initially reported as a racially charged assault, but how come when it is proven through investigation that race had nothing to do with this, President Garber [sic] and her administration are quiet?” DeNucci wrote. “She is pushing an agenda ... and for that she should be ashamed.” Goosby said it showed UT’s diversity problem. “The incident in my opinion shed light on the fact that UT has a segregated campus,” Goosby wrote. “We have a serious diversity issue and this incident placed pressure on UT administration to act quickly to rectify the problem.” Gaber said it is important to let everyone voice their opinion. “I think we are responsible for making sure that everybody on this campus feels like their voice is heard, they’re safe, they’re welcomed, they’re included and that we have to continue to do more and I think for as bad as this situation is,” Gaber said. “And I know there has been lots of buzz about it, what it is doing is helping us collective talk about what happened and how we can be better in the future.”

WRITERS, WRITERS, WRITERS! If you are interested in working as a writer for the Independent Collegian contact us at editor@independentcollegian.com or stop by our office in Carlson Library Suite 1057 for an application.

We are looking for motivated, outgoing students eager to learn about journalism and media. No expereince is needed, just a willingness to learn.

SPORTS Follow us on Twitter @IC_Sports

School

MAC Overall

EAST DIVISION

WOMEN’S GOLF

UT picks up first MAC Fifth win victory against Bulls breaks

UT record

Kent State 2-1 16-6 By Jackson Rogers Buffalo 2-1 8-11 Sports Reporter The University of Toledo’s Ohio 1-2 10-13 baseball team ended a five-game Miami 1-2 9-12 losing streak with a 3-2 win in Buffalo 0-3 9-16 the final game of a three-game

series with Buffalo. Toledo opened up Mid-American Conference play losing 13-7 Eastern Michigan 3-0 9-13 in the series opener on Friday and then falling 6-4 on Saturday. Ball State 2-1 14-11 “I know we can play better Northern Illinois 2-1 6-17 than we did this weekend,” Head Coach Cory Mee said. “I really Central Michigan 1-2 5-19 like the way we competed in the Toledo 1-2 4-20-1 Friday and Saturday games; we Western Michigan 0-0 7-14 fell behind and then generated comebacks in both games to give us a chance to win.” After the weekend, UT moves Softball to 4-20-1 on the season and 1-2 School MAC Overall in the MAC. In the opening game of the EAST DIVISION series, the Rockets jumped out Kent State 3-0 20-7 to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first off a solo home run to field Miami 3-0 17-11 by sophomore A.J. Montoya. Buffalo 3-0 9-19 Buffalo tied things up at one in the top of the third inning Ohio 2-1 19-9 before taking a two-run lead in Akron 1-2 15-15 the next inning. Bowling Green 0-3 12-18 UT answered right back with a two-run inning of their own WEST DIVISION when senior John Martillotta drove in sophomore Dalton BolNorthern Illinois 3-0 22-7 linger and senior Deion Tansel Eastern Michigan 2-1 11-16 with a single up the middle to make the score 3-3. Western Michigan 1-2 10-15 Buffalo scored again in the Central Michigan 0-3 13-15 fifth inning when juniors Vinny Mallaro and Chris KwitBall State 0-3 14-18 zer both hit RBI singles to take Toledo 0-3 5-23 the lead at 5-3. The game fell apart for the Rockets in the sixth inning

By Jenna Nance

Associate Sports Editor

WEST DIVISION

when Buffalo scored five runs, including two two-run home runs and a sacrifice fly to extend their lead to 10-3. Toledo scored three runs in the seventh inning with a single by Tansel that brought in Hansen and Montoya. Then, freshman Ross Adolph RBI single scored Hansen to make the score 10-6. Tansel cut the deficit to 3 when he hit an RBI double in the eighth inning to make the score 10-7. Buffalo added three insurance runs in the ninth inning to put their lead out of reach. Junior Steven Calhoun picked up the loss after throwing four and a third innings and allowing four earned runs to cross the plate.

Tansel paced the Rockets offensively, going 2-for-4 at the plate with one double. Martillotta had two RBIs and Adolph had one. On Saturday, the Rockets took a 1-0 lead when Bollinger hit a single down the left field line to bring in Tansel. The Bulls struck back with two runs in the top of the second inning to make the score 2-1. Senior Bobby Sheppard ripped a single down the right field line to tie it and senior Mike Abrunzo walked with the bases loaded to take the lead. Vinny Mallaro hit a two-run home run to give Buffalo a 4-1 lead in the fifth. UB scored in the See Victory / 8 »

By Justice Sunderland Sports Reporter

Sports Reporter

PHOTO COURTESY OF UT ATHLETICS

Freshman infielder Megan Choate throws the ball across the diamond to first base.

the bases loaded, senior Kenzie Koch knocked a shot up the middle for a two-RBI single. Baker finished off the Rockets in the top of the seventh to escape with a 2-1 victory. In the final game of the series, UT sent Webb back to the mound for a shot at redemption. But her luck ran short yet again. Webb tossed five innings, giving up six runs, five-earned, and striking out just two in the loss. Gooding came in for relief and gave up two hits. After a Lauren Gambone single to put Buffalo up one in the second, the Rockets came back with a response for the first time in the series. Toledo responded with two runs of their own in the top of the third to take a 2-1 lead. Megan Choate got things going for UT with an RBI single to left field and then scoring the go-ahead run. The Bulls answered in the bottom of the fifth with a couple singles and a throwing error by UT to take a 4-2 lead. Samantha Showalter got the Rockets back in the running with only a run separating the teams by hitting an RBI sacrifice fly to right field in the top of the sixth. She finished the day 3-3 with two stolen bases, an RBI and run scored. The Bulls put things out of reach in the bottom half of the frame with a solo-homerun to lead off the inning and an RBI single later in the inning put things out of reach at 6-3. The Rockets will welcome the Miami Redhawks this weekend with a three game series this weekend. First pitch is set for 3 p.m, Friday, April 1, at Scott Park.

The University of Toledo men’s and women’s tennis teams both faced tough defeats over the weekend. The women’s team (6-9, 0-2 MAC) took a tough 6-1 loss in their Mid-American Conference season opener at Buffalo on Friday before dropping 5-2 at Akron on Sunday. The men (7-13, 0-3 MAC) dropped a 4-3 match to Binghamton on Sunday at UT’s outdoor tennis courts, making it their seventh straight loss. Buffalo got things going quickly with a 6-2 win over the Rocket duo of senior Emily Mazzola and sophomore Sidnay Huck. Freshman Claire Aleck and senior Mackenzie Bowman didn’t fare much better in the No. 2 doubles, dropping 6-2 as well. The third match was called with the sets tied at 5-5 due to time constraints with Buffalo already winning with point.

If you go What: Men’s Tennis Where: at Buffalo When: Saturday, April 2 at `1 p.m.

Mazzola took a tough loss in the No. 1 singles 6-2, 6-1 to Buffalo’s Tanja Stojanvaska. After an intense match, Huck picked up the only point for UT in three sets, 6-3, 6-7, 13-11, needing 13 points to win the final set. Sophomore Megan Miller and Aleck went to three sets in the No. 4 and No. 5 singles matches, but both fell in their final sets to their Bulls foes. The Rockets returned to the courts on Sunday at Akron Mazzola and Huck kicked off play in the No. 1 doubles by defeating Karalina Maksimaua and Shannon Newnes 6-2. The Zips later earned their revenge in the No. 2 doubles with a 6-1 victory over Bowman and Aleck. Senior Lauren Thai and Miller

After being away from the competition for a month, the University of Toledo women’s golf team participated in a twoday tournament hosted by the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. UT set a new school record, following a victory in the Kingsmill Intercollegiate on Tuesday, March 29. With this title, UT notched its fifth win of the season, second consecutive, to set the school record for tournament wins in a single season. Toledo also set a 36-hole tournament record on the first day of the tournament finishing 24-over par 600. Senior Sathika Ruenreong claimed the individual thonor, making it her third career title. Ruenreong finished the tournament one over par 217 just one stroke ahead of the second-place finisher. The Rockets started to get things going on Monday, March 28, to land them a first-place finish after day one. Boston University sat in second place, five strokes behind Toledo and Delaware behind 13 strokes in third.

Toledo’s Women’s Golf Tournament Wins 10/05/15 - Rocket Classic 10/12/15 - The Preview 10/26/15 - FIU Pat Bradley Invite 2/26/16 - Rio Verde Invite 3/29/16 - Kingsmill

Toledo fails to pick up win over the weekend to open MAC play

By Keith Boggs

The Rockets’ softball team dropped three games in a home series against the University at Buffalo after the series was moved from Buffalo to Toledo due to weather conditions. Toledo was competitive throughout the weekend, losing the first two games 1-0 and 2-1 in a double header on Saturday before a 6-3 defeat to close out the series on Sunday. Closing out games has been a struggle all season long for the 5-23 Rockets; they’ve lost eight games by two runs or less. This past weekend was no different as they lost three games by a combined five runs. Senior starting pitcher Marla Gooding went the distance in game one, finishing her 10th complete game of the year. She only allowed one earned run and struck out a pair of batters while walking only one in the 1-0 loss. Despite the solid outing, Toledo couldn’t manage much on offense. The Rockets finished with six hits, but none of them plated a run. The Bulls struggled on offense as well, being shut out by Gooding for the first six innings. Freshman Katie Weimer smacked a triple to left field with two-outs, scoring junior Ashton Earnhardt from first for the walk-off win. UT came back looking for revenge in the second game, with freshman Heather Webb toeing the rubber. Webb had a solid outing allowing just one earned run and striking out four. The freshman is still looking to pick up her first collegiate victory. Toledo jumped out to a 1-0 lead after an RBI double from junior Jessica Lemieux in the top of the second inning. Buffalo’s starter Brienna Baker proceeded to shut down the Rockets offense from there, allowing just four hits on the afternoon. The game went silent until the bottom of the sixth inning. With

RACHEL NEARHOOF / IC

Junior Steven Duby throws the ball to the plate in the Rocket’s 13-7 loss to Buffalo. Duby pitched one and a third of an inning giving up five earned runs off of five hits.

TENNIS

SOFTBALL

UT drops series against Buffalo

www.IndependentCollegian.com

Like us at Facebook.com/ICollegian

BASEBALL

STANDINGS Baseball

Wednesday, March 30, 2016 | The Independent Collegian |

won the doubles point for UT in the No. 3 doubles with a 6-4 win. Akron took the No. 1 and No. 2 singles in two-sets to take a 2-1 lead on the day. Two other Rockets went down in two sets by wide margins.

If you go What: Women’s Tennis vs. BG Where: UT Outdoor Tennis Courts When: Friday, April 1 at 1 p.m.

Sophomore Colleen O’Brien won the only singles match for the Rockets defeating Newnes 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in a three-set match. Thai became the only other Rocket to pick up a set in the No. 6 singles. She took the first set 7-6 but went on to drop the next two sets 6-4, 1-0 (6). The men’s team didn’t fare much better in their outing against Binghamton on Sunday. Senior Stjepan Sisko and freshman Luka Vitosevic started the Rockets off in the right direction with a 6-4 win in the No. 1 doubles. The freshman duo of Vince Anzalone and Serjen Olmedo defeated Sid Harzarika and Valentin Bouchet in the No. 3 doubles, 6-3 to win the doubles point for the Rockets and give them the lead. Sisko’s extended his singles match winning streak to 14 with a 6-3, 6-2, win the No. 1 singles slot. Toledo went on to lose the next four matches by a combined eight sets to one, putting them behind 4-2 and out of the game going into the final match. Freshman Danilo Dejovic defeated Josh Druger 7-5, 6-2 to end the day with a win for UT despite losing their third straight MAC game to Binghamton. The women will return to Toledo for a game against school rival Bowling Green at 3 p.m. Friday, April 1. The men will be back to action when they travel to Buffalo on Saturday, April 2, with that match starting at 1 p.m.

Intercollegiate

Ruenreong ended day one in second place at an even-par 144, just one stroke behind William and Mary’s Allessandra Liu. Freshman Natcha Daengpiem and senior Manisa Isavas also finished in a top 10 position after the opening round. Daengpiem finished the day tied for fourth place at five-over par 149 while Isavas finished with a seventh place six-over par 150. To start day two, the Rockets had their sights on another tournament title. Behind Ruenreongs’ title-winning performance was Liu, just one stroke under, ending two-over par 218.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UT ATHLETICS

Senior Sathika Ruenreong shoots out of the sand trap.

Joining Ruenreong in the top five was Daengpiem with an eightover par 224 showing. This earned her a season-best fifth-place finish. Sophomore Napaphan Phongpaiboon was tied for 29th place going into day two but was later forced to withdraw. Bringing up the rear for UT were Isavas, freshmen Caitriona Griffin and Pimchanok Kawil. Isavas finished 15-over par 231 to end tied for 17th place. Griffin finished tied for 45th place at 25-over par 241 and Kawil ended tied for 59th place with a 27-over par 243 finish. The Rockets finished 44-over par, eight strokes below secondplace Penn who finished 52-over par. Host team William and Mary finished 59-over par for a third-place showing. UT will return to the greens April 4 where they will participate in the Web.com Intercollegiate in Ponte Verde, Florida.

| The Independent Collegian | Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Positivity from page 4

me in the plus section, they kept them to themselves, for which I’ll be forever grateful. We were able to bond over things more important than our differences in size. Last Thursday, bodypositive activist and mental health advocate Jes Baker came to UT’s campus as part of the Eberly Center lecture series and gave a lecture on body acceptance for men and women. I sat in awe of this woman who is so comfortable in her body.

“My size is not in correlation to my happiness with myself. I’m happier now, having accepted my body, than I was five years ago. ” EMILY SCHNIPKE Community Editor

Here stands this woman, oozing confidence. But Baker wasn’t always that way. In her journey to body acceptance, Baker says that she blamed her body for a breakup and wanted to begin to express herself in an authentic way. “I purposefully tried things I never was ‘allowed’ to and the more things I tried ... the more empowered I became,” Baker wrote in an email interview. “In the midst of all this I thought “Why the f— does no one tell fat girls that this is all possible?” Baker writes about her experiences and opinions on her blog, The Militant Baker. One of her most popular source of posts is fat girl fashion. She talks about her many tattoos, dresses, tights, heels and crop tops. You name it, she’s worn and rocked it. “I think that the way we dress ourselves is a simple and silent way that we can claim space and show pride in our bodies,” Baker wrote. “It’s a great place to start.”

Society teaches us that if we’re the slightest bit different, then we don’t belong; we don’t matter in society’s perception of beauty, as Baker said in her lecture. Healthy is the newest body myth. If you don’t look ‘healthy,’ then you are ‘unhealthy,’ But what is seen as healthy? Long legs, tone bodies that are muscular but not too muscular (the kind of muscles you get if you do yoga), soft, feminine beauty and a natural thigh gap. Who in the world has a natural thigh gap? Being fat opened me up to the belief that nothing would ever be right with my body. Because I didn’t look like my friends, I couldn’t see the parts of myself that were actually good. Because of my weight, it took me a long time to realize that my naturally curly hair was a good thing or that I love my spattering of freckles. It was because I didn’t fit society’s perception of being ‘healthy’ that I thought I wasn’t ‘healthy,’ which is a huge and awful lie. “Fat isn’t a negative term; it’s a benign descriptor,” Baker said. “I use it when describing myself because destigmatizing the word is the first step towards looking at body acceptance as a whole.” Much like real life, the Internet is full of people who want to tell me that my size is not healthy. They want to say that because I am fat, I cannot be happy. My size is not in correlation to my happiness with myself. I’m happier now, having accepted my body, than I was five years ago, still struggling with my weight and my inability to lose it. I may not be the skinniest or prettiest person on the planet, but I’m okay with me. And that’s a good enough reason for me. The Internet also loves to tell fat girls what they can and cannot wear. People say that fat girls shouldn’t wear clothing that emphasizes their curves. The general consensus is that cellulite is gross and showing too much skin is even worse. One of the silliest ‘fat girls can’t wear’ ideas is that fat girls can’t wear bright colors. So that means no deep blue dresses, no pink pineapple tank-tops and

certainly no shimmery peach dresses like the one I wore to junior prom. Bright colors were a big no-no for much of my life. But why should I deprive myself of something because others say that it isn’t aesthetically pleasing to them? Bright turquoise pants? Hell yes. Skinny jeans or leggings? Leggings made me love myself, even if others don’t agree with me wearing them. But what I put on my body is my decision, not the choice of others. I love the way it looks on me and that is all the more reason to wear it.

Project Prom Dress Photos by Savannah Joslin

Project Prom Dress is an event that aims to help local high school girls find a prom dress that they love for nothing more than a donation. This year’s donations benefited Bethany House, a group home for women in the Toledo community. Also at the event, prom essentials were raffled off for the girls in attendance.

“Fat isn’t a negative term; it’s a benign descriptor. I use it when describing myself because destigmatizing the word is the first step towards looking at body acceptance as a whole.” JES BAKER Body-positive activist

“I wanted the girls to know that although they may not be able to afford a $300+ prom dress, they could still get one and have the opportunity to help other women in their own community who may be going through a rough time.”

GRISORANYEL BARRIOS Project Prom Dress coordinator

Culture from page 4

In my own journey of body acceptance, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t work to help me stay happy. It’s something that everyone has to figure out for themselves. There isn’t something that works for anyone. “Surround yourself with as many body positive images, books, magazines and people as possible,” Baker said. “We sometimes want to do this ‘alone’ but really, we can use all the help we can get.” There are still many days where I wake up and don’t feel like being me or putting myself out there. It’s something I constantly struggle with. And that’s okay. Because it means that I have even more days where I believe in myself and have confidence in my abilities. And that’s even better.

by having this event, I believe that it gives people the chance to come out and try new foods that they eat on a regular basis, visualize our cultural fashion appeal and also share a few laugh when it comes to making parodies about the typical African household.” In addition to African Night, APA also hosts the annual AIDS Gala, which aims to educate the UT community about AIDS and HIV. Instead of opting for a lecture to communicate the message, the event consisted of poem readings, live music and dinner for those in attendance. “Within the organization, we have small events that occur during our meetings where we discuss things ranging from influential African people to scary stories that parents use to tell us,” Kalu wrote. Kalu wrote that it’s important for her to share her traditions with other UT students. She wants to help others understand her culture and “also make them feel as though they’re a part of the culture.” “I believe that best way to learn about culture is to experience for yourself,” Kalu wrote. “This event gives UT stu-

Victory from page 7

next inning off of a throwing error to help extend their lead to four. Toledo got to within one run after a 2 RBI single to left field from Martillota with the bases loaded. Senior Ryan Callahan singled to right to make it 5-4. Buffalo added some insurance in the eighth inning when Chris Kwitzer smacked an RBI double to left field. Senior Kyle Slack earned the loss for Toledo after throwing three innings and allowing two earned runs. Freshman Michael Jacob pitched in relief for UT and did not give up a run and struck out two batters. “Michael pitched very good,” Mee said. “He has such a presence on the mound, you can really see the competitiveness ooze from him and the energy he brings to the game when he takes the mound, you can sense that.” On Sunday the pitchers got the best of

COURTESY OF AFRICAN PEOPLES’ ASSOCIATION

UT students Andre Wiafe and Sumeya Abudullahi acted out a gender-swapped Cinderella skit at the 2015 event.

dents, who are interested in learning from multicultural students, an opportunity to experience what makes us who we are as African students.” According to APA, the event is expected to sell around 400 tickets. Tickets can be purchased at Ask Rocky for $10 and are also available for purchase at the door for $15. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event begins at 7 p.m. For more information, email apa. utoledo@gmail.com. both teams with only seven combined hits. Toledo picked up their first MAC win scoring three runs off of two hits. In the bottom of the fourth Toledo got the scoring going with a fielder’s choice that brought in Tansel to give the Rockets a 1-0 lead. Buffalo took the lead right back in the fifth when Sheppard hit a two RBI double to right-center field, giving UB a 2-1 advantage. UT tied the game in the bottom half of the frame with a solo home run by Montoya. The Rockets scored the go-ahead run in the sixth inning when Adolph scored from third base on a passed ball. Senior Caleb Schillace earned his first win of the season after throwing three innings in relief. Jacob closed the door in the bottom of the ninth to pick up his third save of the season. Toledo returns to the diamond Wednesday, March 30 when they travel to Columbus to take on the Buckeyes. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35.

MORE ONLINE

Diversify UT UT celebrates diversity with week of events By Yasmeen Hamdah Staff Reporter

Diversity Week is a long-standing tradition at the University of Toledo that fulfills the purpose of bringing UT students

together. This year’s event the event aims to bring will be held April 4-8. attention to the various Put on by UT Student backgrounds of not just Government, in collabora- the students, but also the tion with several different faculty and staff at Toledo. student organizations and During the week, variuniversity departments, ous student organizations Finish reading this piece online at www.IndependentCollegian.com