InQuire 16.1

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Students speak out: the government is not working for us

“Your campus, your voice” Monday 5 October 2020 16.1

The search for a vaccine

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Advice for the Class of 2020

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By Rory Bathgate Newspaper Editor An overwhelming majority of students at UK universities do not believe that the government is “acting in their best interests”, according to a new study.

The findings, published by the National Union of Students (NUS) on 7 September reveals that 67% of students did not agree with the statement that the government was “acting in their best interests”, up from 40% when asked the same in a survey conducted in March.

The study was conducted in order to “understand more about how students and recent graduates feel about the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic”.

The findings come at a critical time for the country, as students settle into their new accommodations in university towns amidst the worst health crisis in a century. A recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) Survey shows that though all age groups are experiencing an increase in positive tests, “current rates are highest in the 17 to 24 age group”.

In a statement, NUS President Larissa Kennedy said that “students have been ignored throughout this pandemic. The government have let them fall through the cracks in support despite many students struggling to pay their rent, afford basic necessities or find employment”.

“This government’s messaging has

been confusing and unclear,” she went on to say, explaining that this has led to misunderstandings among students when it comes to following distancing guidelines.

“Young people are fed up, but do not be mistaken they are ready to take action. The inaction of this government has politicised an entire generation who have been let down by the mishandling of the pandemic. And while a UK election may be a few years away, as we’ve already proven, we will make our voices heard loud and clear.”

Moreover, the survey found that three in five students “do not trust the UK government to do the right thing for students in the event of a second wave of Coronavirus”, an event which, by admission of the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the UK is “now seeing”.

Questions are already being raised about the government’s plans for students in the second wave, with health secretary Matt Hancock refusing to rule out the possibility of forcing students to remain in their university towns over the Christmas break in a recent interview on BBC Radio 4’s today program.

Mr Hancock said that he “had learned not to rule things out”, going on to state “this is not our goal, I don’t want to leave you with the expectation - but we have to work on all contingencies at the moment”. No official plan has at time of writing been announced to keep students away from home during the

holidays. However, it does highlight the great emphasis that the government is placing on the detrimental potential of students as carriers of virus.

InQuire spoke to one third year student who said that “it’s keeping with textbook Conservative tradition, in that the government is once again finding a group (this time students) to frame for what is a gargantuan national problem”. He went on to say that “to top it off, there is seemingly no national plan whatsoever for how the government intends to proceed with what could soon be a national crisis of displaced students unable to get home. Not only incredibly frustrating but also extremely worrying too”.

With the 23 September announcement that there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 on campus, Kent students are more aware than ever of the proximity of the virus, as well as the need to both abide by the rules and be supported.

Amitesh Das, a third year film student at Kent, said that in his view “everybody is failing — the governm­ent, the universities, and the students; except the virus”. He explained that “the government is trying to curb student activity, but there’s not enough police to impose the laws. Campus Security is running around, understaffed, doing nothing

as they’re stuck in circles of bureaucracy. Students aren’t innocent either — you’ve got to be really special in these times to party with multiple people”.

Parties held illegally in student dorms have been linked to the outbreaks of Coronavirus amongst students in Glasgow and Manchester.

The release of the much delayed NHS track and trace app, which registers contact with other users of the app and sends out warnings to those who have interacted with users who reports symptoms, could help to slow the transmission of the virus, particularly among the more technologically aware younger demographics. The app also has a builtin scanner for logging entry to bars and restaurants, so long as they have an official NHS QR code at the door. Given the emphasis placed on the danger of students mixing on nights out, this could prove to be an invaluable feature of the app.

However, criticism has already been levelled at the app for its inability to function on older smartphones. Apple users operating on anything older than iOS 13.5 – in other words, iPhone 6 or earlier – find themselves unable to use the app at all.

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Monday 5 October 2020 InQuire

Canterbury pubs struggle to survive as Coronavirus restrictions continue

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When the UK announced a nationwide lockdown back in March of this year, pubs were forced to suspend all dine-in services. As JD Wetherspoons confirmed their receipt of a loan worth £48.3 million from the UK Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, there were calls on social media for that money to be redirected to small pubs who have struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic.

A Kent Online article published 12 March touched upon the fears faced by customers even before the nationwide lockdown. The WHO’s Dr David Nabarro had already indicated at this point that indoor spaces where people were confined to closer than two metres’ distance were the second-most contagious areas after their own homes. Even regular visitors at pubs such as The Crown in Rochester, near Medway campus, had stopped coming out before the ban on pubs was put into place “The closures have been costly because I have still had

to pay rent despite not having any income,” said Charles Smythe, overseer of The Dolphin, The Thomas Becket, The Black Griffin, The Seven Stars and The Old City Bar, all in Canterbury. Reopening did not come without its own costs either, as Steve Allen, owner of The Pound, spent thousands of pounds to have custom protective screens made and installed.

that the hospitality sector would lose as a result of the law. Paul Scully, the business minister, reportedly stated “no assessment has been made, but we will be working with the sector to understand the impact over the coming weeks”.

Government schemes such as Eat Out to Help Out have aimed at instilling confidence in people in the UK to dine out after lockdown restrictions eased, but the fear of the second wave looms over the nation. Some students returning to the University of Kent have expressed a desire to wait until a vaccine before reentering pubs. Beyond the safety risks, it feels disheartening to see the places they frequented so much emptier and with distancing measures in place.

They miss the crowds and chaos, and would prefer to enjoy pubs when they are back to their old selves. Whether or not they last until then is another question entirely.

“I have still had to pay rent despite not having any income” Canterbury’s pubs rely heavily on tourism and students for their business. The local population sits at around 172,000, 20,000 of whom are students.

In 2017 the city saw a record 65 million tourists visit. Takeaway orders from restaurants and pubs were earning them about 10% of their usual income, and the reduced numbers only compounded that.

The recently started 10pm curfew on pub opening times has also drawn criticism, with the Independent breaking the news that the government made no estimate of the sales

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Ph o t

By Alex Charilaou Writer Professor Richard Reece, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, featured on Radio Kent in August to discuss Kent’s Covid-19 preparations for the coming year. In the interview, Professor Reece laid out what sort of experience students can expect to have now they’re coming back to campus, insisting the university will be adhering strictly to social distancing measures and ‘bubbling’ guidance, but some physical learning will happen on campus.

Since August, the University’s plans have materialised much more clearly, at least partially reinformed by the new Government guidance brought in to tackle the rising infection rate. This includes the six-person rule, where students cannot interact in- or out-ofdoors in groups larger than six unless it is with their flatmates. As Professor Reece said in August, there will be measures brought in such as one-way systems in campus buildings, as well as ‘building managers’ to assist social distancing efforts.

Furthermore, students living on campus will be able to mix freely with those in their household, but not with neighbours and those in different parts of the campus. A ‘deep-cleaning’ service has been promised for those living on campus, as well as weekly thorough

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Deputy VP Richard Reece speaks to BBC Radio Kent about UKC plans

cleans of communal rooms like lecture halls.

In spite of these precautions, two students living on campus have tested positive for Covid-19 at the time of printing. They are situated in Turing and Park Wood respectively but, despite them and their housemates being ordered to isolate, there are growing fears of a

wider outbreak going unnoticed on campus.

As Professor Reece explained in his interview, most courses will be running as a ‘hybrid’ programme of online and in-person learning. Most practical and lab sessions will run according to social-distancing measures, while lecture halls and larger teaching rooms will be used to deliver some seminars. In a statement to InQuire, the University indicated that this will not change as a result of the infections on campus.

Professor Reece had stated that the effect on the academic and social lives of students would be minimal, as, according to him, “there is no evidence” of a difference in quality between online and in-person learning. However, a Stage 1 student who chose to remain anonymous has said they and others already feel a great level of discontent with the University experience considering they’re paying full price. “I haven’t really gotten to meet people as, even when you get along on a Zoom session, it’s hard to interact afterwards while also staying safe. People are also throwing parties all over campus and I haven’t seen security do anything to stop them”.

Concerns surrounding students’ returns to campus are growing, with experts calling for them to be kept on campus over Christmas to prevent a nationwide spread as they return home to their families.

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InQuire Monday 5 October 2020

Goodwill scheme stirs up students

By Tom Nice Writer The second announcement regarding the Goodwill Payment Scheme arrived in students’ inboxes on 17 September, and the general consensus among students is not a happy one. Students are required to fill out a form detailing whether they wish to keep the compensation money or donate it to the COVID-19 Hardship Fund.

The University and College Union (UCU) President, Iain Wilkinson, said in a statement to InQuire back in early September that their “assumption is that the money dedicated to this scheme comes from pay that has been deducted from staff who took strike action last year”. This was confirmed in the email announcing the Payment Scheme sent out by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Richard Reece. “The University therefore made financial savings on staff salaries this academic Photo by Colin Watts | Unsplash

year. Whilst we recognise that a goodwill payment cannot make up for the disruption felt by some of our students, the University will be using these salary savings to provide goodwill payments to all students affected,” the email read.

An anonymous source from the UCU expressed to InQuire that “[e]ven though the strike was on a national level, there were things that individual universities could have done to address the non-pay issues at the heart of the strike, such as gender and racial equality, precarious staff, and

“I was given no compensation despite having every module but one affected” overwork”. Contradictorily, Professor Reece’s email states “the industrial action by members of the University and College Union (UCU) was a direct response to an ongoing national level dispute and not an issue that the University of Kent was in a position to resolve at a local level”.

The email provides a table that shows the correlation made between the amount of compensation offered to students and the loss of in-person teaching during the industrial action. The minimum £40 offer when compared to the average £9250 course cost only represents 0.43% of University courses’ monetary values.

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Samuel Oake, a Military History student in his second year who also heads the society for military history had this to say: “The fact that we’re getting debt for a lack of teaching is terrible, both on the staff and the government”.

A similar sentiment is furthered by a third year studying social anthropology, though she wishes to remain anonymous: “I found the Goodwill Payment Scheme to be unsatisfactory as I was given no compensation despite having every module but one affected, resulting in no lectures or seminars.

The university instead gave me a deadline extension and such mitigation is seen to counteract any repayment. Although I understand the university is short on funds, I still feel I was entitled to some compensation. COVID-19 has been extremely tough on the university, but even more so on its students and essay extensions were not adequate compensation when considering the tuition fees paid each year”.

Photo by the University of Kent

Extensive campus safety rules put into place to halt spread of Coronavirus

By Rory Bathgate Newspaper Editor These guidelines are correct at time of writing.

As Kent students begin to settle into this unprecedented term, it is clear that campus is operating under new, stricter guidelines. A list of measures are being enforced to protect student and staff wellbeing.

One-way systems are in place in buildings across campus, in order to maintain 2m social distancing in corridors. One way areas are denoted by clear markings on the floor, as well as signage throughout buildings. The ‘Safe, Study, Social’ page on the University of Kent website states that “At times on campus you may need to wear a face covering”, though does not give specifics as to in which buildings masks are mandatory. The safety FAQs expand on this with the advice that masks should be worn “where social distancing is difficult or where we indicate,” going on to say that this “is most likely in crowded areas, corridors and shops”. Templeman Library and Co-op are two such buildings enforcing mask usage and may have staff outside to enforce managed entry at peak times.

The Student Media Centre, at which the InQuire newspaper is compiled, has likewise put safety measures in place. Masks are enforced within the editing space, and each room now has a person limit, and must be booked using an online form. Similar measures can be seen in library study spaces, which in addition to needing to be booked out have had signs added to the doors to indicate the maximum number of people that may be in one at any given time. The NHS COVID-19 app’s QR code feature is also being used to track entry in and out of campus buildings. Customers at Cafe Nero will find themselves asked to scan the QR code on the counter for track and trace purposes.

Students familiar with the normal arrival’s weekend procedures will have noticed a clear change of procedure, as the university administration took moves to prevent mixing of parents and students as they moved into campus accommodation. An extended “arrivals period” was instead put in place, with accommodation open earlier

than usual to allow for a more staggered moving in period than the usual three-day-rush older students may remember from their first year. The arrival’s weekend process also includes a mandatory 14-day quarantine period for arrivals coming from countries not on the UK government’s “safe list”.

With the news of confirmed cases on campus, there is increased focus on the potential for students to take part in dangerous activities. In a university announcement sent 18 September, Vice-Chancellor Karen Cox, along with Deputy Vice-Chancellor Richard Reece and Director of Student Services Lucy Foley urged students highlighted the importance of adhering to the rules against gatherings of more than six people. Citing “several complaints regarding parties and large social gatherings taking place on campus and in the local community,” the announcement emphasised the fact that such gatherings are not only illegal, but are “a breach of the University’s Student Disciplinary Procedure and your Accommodation Agreement if you are in on-campus accommodation”. Under the terms of the procedure, failure to adhere by the law can result in “expulsion” or “temporary exclusion”. The UK Government website states that under the law, the police may issue fines ranging from £200 to £6,400 depending on the extent of the breach.

Photos by Rory Bathgate

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Monday 5 October 2020 InQuire

News

At a glance Wetherspoons employee tests positive for Covid-19 A member of staff at the Thomas Ingoldsby in Canterbury has tested positive for Covid-19 after displaying symptoms. They have been asked to isolate for 10 days in keeping with national coronavirus rules, and any members of staff who may have come into close contact with them have also been asked to isolate. “Close contact” is classified as being within two metres of somebody for longer than 15 minutes, or within one metre for longer than 1 minute. It is unclear whether patrons visiting the pub during the employee’s shifts have been contacted. The Thomas Ingoldsby is a popular pub among students at the University of Kent and has remained so despite the new nationwide 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants.

University of Kent celebrates Black History Month October marks Black History Month, and Kent Union will be hosting “a wealth of events, exhibitions and student-led activity”. There will also be focus on Black history throughout the academic year, according to the Union, especially amidst the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement in the UK this summer. The introduction to Black History Month has been made by KU officers Aldo Manella and Aisha Dosanjh.

Active coronavirus cases across Kent have risen New data from the third week of September shows that the number of people exhibiting coronavirus symptoms across Kent has risen by 38%. The worst-hit is Dover, where cases have risen by 56%. Medway currently has the highest number of active cases at 218. Canterbury is third-highest with 148 cases. This data comes from swab tests conducted between 7 September and 20 September, and the University of Kent at Canterbury is now hosting a testing centre in Rutherford Car Park.

The summer of Black Lives Matter

By Alex Charilaou Writer

S

ince the murder of George Floyd in May at the hands of two Minneapolis police officers, there has been a wave of protests across the world under the banner of Black Lives Matter. The first in the UK began several of days after his death, and most cities in the country have participated. Bristolians made headlines in June for toppling a statue of slave trader Edward Colston, an act the Home Secretary called “absolutely disgraceful” and similar controversies have developed surrounding BLM events across the UK. Kent has had its own response to the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement. Protests have broken out in Canterbury, Thanet and other areas like Deal. The University of Kent has had its own relationship with the movement, by way of both protests and controversies.

In the first week of June, two young men controversially re-enacted the death of George Floyd on Snapchat. A student at the University of Kent, who has been left unnamed, was videoed lying on the ground in the same manner as Floyd while the other pressed a leg against his neck. This Snapchat was captioned “#justiceforgeorgefloyd”.

A spokesman for the University said: "We are investigating, alongside Kent Union, this deeply disturbing and highly insensitive image”.

Shortly afterwards, on 19 June, the University was embroiled in another scandal. On the far-right commentator Darren Grimes’ podcast, Dr David Starkey (who was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Kent in 2006) said the following: “Slavery was not genocide, otherwise there wouldn't be so many damn blacks in Africa or in Britain would there? An awful lot of them survived”.

In response, the University announced in July that they had triggered the Honorary Degree Revocation Procedure, thereby stripping him of the qualification.

In the wake of the BLM protests a UKC society known as DecoloniseUKC, a group that had arranged events at the university as recently as March, was disbanded. When asked what measures the university were taking in light of the aftermath of the George Floyd murder, Vice-Chancellor Karen Cox responded that the group was a crucial authority to the university leadership on anti-racism. When reminded of the disbanding of the group, Professor Cox was unable to answer who was advising the leadership on these matters.

The University of Kent now cites the Kaleidoscope Network, a movement it says stemmed from DecoloniseUKC, as the body who will work to implement the manifesto set out by the latter.

“Kent access permit” required for lorry drivers post-Brexit Michael Gove indicated to the House of Commons that both British and international lorry drivers will need a “Kent access permit” to enter the county should they be planning to board a ferry or Eurotunnel train.

This statement has resulted in questions regarding where the border will lie, and whether border patrol and policing will become necessary along the perimeter of the county. It is also unclear how this will affect students coming to study at the University of Kent, as the proximity to and ease of travel between both London and mainland Europe has been a selling point for the university for some time.

Photos by Aslan Ntumba

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InQuire Monday 5 October 2020

News

Decolonise UKC shuts down over summer

By Tarini Tiwari Newspaper News Editor DecoloniseUKC, an organisation focused on encouraging diversity on campus, has been closed down. The announcement said that DecoloniseUKC’s “energy will be directed to survive and thrive not resist appropriation”.

On 16 June, a panel discussion titled My Campus Is Racist with Kent Union and its BAME Network was held to give students an opportunity to express questions and concerns to University staff, including Vice-Chancellor Karen Cox. At this panel, Professor Cox cited DecoloniseUKC as a crucial authority in advising on racism and equality on campus and was unaware of it having been disbanded.

When asked for a statement concerning Vice-Chancellor Cox being unaware of the shutdown, the University’s spokesperson responded instead by thanking DecoloniseUKC for its achievements. “The DecoloniseUoK project was pivotal in advancing the University management team’s thinking, and it has provided a wealth of resources for educators and students”.

The statement went on to say “[t]he University is proud of the achievements of colleagues and students involved and looks forward to the publication of the DecoloniseUoK Collective’s forthcoming book Decolonising the University: A Kaleidoscope for Empowered Action on 1 October.”

On 31 May, 6 days after George Floyd’s murder, a student at the University was identified in a Snapchat that mocked the brutal killing. On 10 June, students staged a protest outside The Registry on the Canterbury campus, where their posters displaying hashtags and resources for BAME students were taken down by campus security.

For DecoloniseUKC to shut down during such fragile times where the University was questioned by some as poorly timed..

The University’s statement about the book releasing on 1 October aimed to clarify that the shutdown of the organisation during the BLM protests was purely coincidental, and that the book was the end goal for DecoloniseUKC. This can be seen to imply that the University sees no further need for a dedicated body policing racial diversity and equality on campus and in its curricula.

The book announcement on the University website mentions that “The Kaleidoscope Network emerged from the DecoloniseUoK project,” implying that it would take over as a governing body. However, DecoloniseUKC’s website states “After two years Decolonise UoK & its Kaleidoscope Network is disbanded”. This clash, coupled with minute discrepancies such as some social media referring to the organisation as DecoloniseUKC and the University’s official resources naming it DecoloniseUoK, raise questions over the level of communication and cohesion between the Univerisyt of Kent and the organisation itself..

InQuire approached the leaders of DecoloniseUKC, who are active lecturers at the University of Kent, for comment but received no response. There was also no response from the portal on DecoloniseUKC’s website. The only response came from DecoloniseUKC’s Instagram (@decoloniseuok), who asked if InQuire was “still interested in hearing [their] side of things.” They have not since responded to requests for an official statement.

According to all official statements, the organisation has been closed down as it has achieved its goal of publishing the book that will be released 1 October. It remains unclear who, if anyone, is replacing DecoloniseUKC to ensure that BAME voices are represented in students’ daily lives as well as their academic experiences. How the organisation was able to shut down without the Vice-Chancellor knowing, and what form the university administration’s engagement with issues of racism and diversity on campus will take, remains unknown.

Photo by Decolonise UKC

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Monday 5 October 2020 InQuire

Opinion

This is England ‘20

A

s the sun rose on 5 September 2020, the roads leading from newspaper publication sites were blocked by environmental activist group, Extinction Rebellion, leaving delivery lorries stranded. There were no copies of the Times, the Sun, the

“

Is this the nation we are?

Where peaceful protest aiming to draw attention the greatest threat our Earth faces, and to highlight the negligence of our media in engaging us with it, is criminal?

Daily Telegraph, the Daily Mail, or the Financial Times decorating the newsstands that crisp autumnal morning.

Extinction Rebellion argued that their latest peaceful protest is justified, highlighting the UK media’s “failure to re-

Ben Mott

port on the climate & ecological emergency, and their consistent manipulation of truth to suit their own agendas”.

From the upper echelons of power, no comment has been made on the root cause for the action, only on its supposed consequences. The Society of Editors executive director, Ian Murray, described the protest not only as “foolish”, but also “shutting down…an independent media”. Priti Patel labelled it “an attack on our free press, society, and democracy”; Matt Hancock and Boris Johnson gave similar condemnations.

An attack on society? Hardly. Neglecting to properly inform the public of an impending ecological crisis, at a time where effective change could still have been realised, is a greater threat to society than blocking some papers for a few hours. I doubt a morning coffee without the drip-fed distraction from what’s really going on would cause as much harm as a flooded home, or a farmer’s failed wheat crop. Maybe I’m just young and naïve. But the notion that this protest threatens free, independent press and democracy is even harder to swallow.

Nearly 80% of the UK media is controlled by billionaires: The Barclay Brothers (The Telegraph and extensions), Viscount Rothemere (Daily Mail

“

Maybe I’m just young and naïve. But the notion that this protest threatens free, independent press and democracy is hard to swallow.

and extensions, Metro) and Rupert Murdoch (The Sun and The Times, and respective extensions). The Daily Mirror and The Express were owned until 2018 by Richard Desmond, the former porn baron infamously pictured in the twilight pushing Boris Johnson on a playground swing. These papers launched one of the most vicious, coordinated media attacks ever seen in Britain on Jeremy Corbyn, moving beyond political to personal. That the Sun, the Daily Mail, the Telegraph, are politically biased is not news – all newspapers display bias, but not to such a uniform, excessive extent. To consider their systemic indoctrination of the British public into a pro-conservative, anti-immigrant electorate cannot, in good conscience, be labelled free, independent press. These are papers which bleat with indignation as asylum seekers are put up temporarily in fourstar hotels at the “tax-payers expense”, but when that same taxpayers’ money is shared out among Tory friends under the guise of “PPE contract procurement”, they fall silent.

To reinforce the surrealism of the response to XR’s protest, only a day later the Council of Europe felt it needed to formally warn the UK government for “threatening press freedom”, resulting from the blacklisting of journalists from Declassified UK. The UK government now finds itself mentioned in the same conversations

as the governments of Russia and Turkey regarding press freedoms.

Now, there is talk of XR being branded a ‘criminal organisation’. Is this the nation we are? Where peaceful protest aiming to draw attention the greatest threat our Earth faces, and to highlight the negligence of our media in engaging us with it, is criminal?

We are instructed to know that breaking the law in a “specific and limited” way is perfectly legal, but that peaceful protesting is not; that preventing billionaire Tory agendas from reaching the newspaper stands is an attack on free press, yet blacklisting journalists is not; that XR protestors are criminals, whilst government ministers who exploit the esteem of ‘democratic’ office to further their own financial interests, are not.

This is England ‘20.

“

To consider their systemic indoctrination of the British public into a pro-conservative, anti-immigrant electorate cannot, in good conscience, be labelled free, independent press.

Photo by Pixabay

Freshers Vs Covid O

Photo by Pixabay

n the 23 March this year, when Boris Johnson told the country that people must stay at home and certain businesses must close, many of us expected a month or so of isolation.

However, here we are, six months on, only recently emerging from full lockdown and still facing restrictions all over the country. Slowly re-emerging into normality has been confusing for many, and the return of students to university has been no exception.

With higher education being somewhat neglected by the government during this crisis, thousands of students and staff alike have returned this academic year with an unclear picture of what the Autumn term will look like.

Here at the University of Kent, students were informed recently of a blended teaching style that would be implemented this term. A mixture of zoom classes and face to face seminars were deemed beneficial for both ensuring our safety and still providing us with a quality standard of teaching.

However, as students migrated all across the country this past month, we are left questioning how another aspect of university life would function amongst all this chaos: Freshers Week.

After seeing the 2020 Graduates have their graduation plans foiled by the

virus, it is not surprising that freshers have been worrying that their university experience would begin in a similar way. The preliminary seven days before the studying begins is one of the most important periods at university as it is the time for newcomers to get acquainted with their surroundings and bond with their peers. Freshers week is unique to the university experience and, for most, will outline how the rest of your academic years will proceed. It is a time where all social norms seem to be suspended and it is socially acceptable to make friends with absolutely everybody and anybody, and where walking up to a stranger and sparking up a conversation is encouraged instead of deterred.

But in this hectic climate, Freshers Week has happened at the worst possible time. As we emerge from strict lockdown and face a potential second wave of Covid-19, a week where young people go into social overdrive is a public health nightmare. As a result, and rightly so, universities across the country whave put a halt on social activities, replacing them with online or socially distanced alternatives. Here at Kent at least, events the university have organized, such as escape rooms and even an online Vensday, have proven that this unique week can and will

continue in the face of adversity.

Students may not be able to connect with their housemates over a drunken night clubbing right now, but I would argue that navigating a global pandemic with a group of complete strangers could create even stronger bonds. No matter what happens over the coming months, students have proven themselves to be some of the most resilient and resourceful groups of people amidst this pandemic, and no doubt will still get everything they want out of their university experience. Everyone’s time at university is different and there is no one way to rightly or wrongly ‘do it’. Whether your Fresher’s week was what you had anticipated or not, better things are sure to come.

Max Halton

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InQuire Monday 5 October 2020

Opinion

Can Kent afford to reimburse students?

After the University of Kent issued statements to its students offering ‘goodwill payements’ to those impacted by the UCU strikes over the last academic year, George Knight interrogates the reality of the gesture, and considers the long term effects such a large scale payout could have on the University.

Clarification: The estimations made in this article are the author’s own and not accurate representations of amounts required to recompensate students.

H

igher Education has experienced several serious crises over the past year. Plagued with UCU’s lecturer strikes, Covid-19 and pension alterations, universities are facing increasing strain.

Forced into campus shutdowns and service cutbacks, students nationwide are demanding compensation for lost tuition. They are supported by figures like Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, who stated in March that students have ‘a moral and legal right to recompense.’ Although initially Kent avoided refunds, as of September, “goodwill payments” are being offered to around 7,500 students affected by industrial action. Compensation ranges from £40-£130, depending on academic year and what the University deems the severity of your situation. Kent employed this scheme on a smaller scale in 2018, when finalist students were given a £50 Amazon voucher as a “one-off gesture of goodwill”. This previous attempt was deemed by a UCU spokesperson as “a blatant attempt to buy off students” and the 2020 effort has received similar criticisms. Finalist student Bill Bowkett labelled the payments a “kick in the teeth”, arguing that although he enjoyed his degree “it certainly wasn’t value for money” and Kent falls short compared to other universities.

To understand whether Kent could afford rebates, we must estimate how much they owe. Estimating this for an individual student is simple: tuition missed multiped by cost of a class hour.

However, each student was affected differently and for our purpose we should calculate general averages.

In total, according to Kent, there were 22 days of industrial action (8 in the Autumn; 14 in the Spring). But the amount of contact hours varies for each student. For an average, we can take the class time per week (Humanities and Social Sciences: 8; Sciences: 37.5) and divide it down to per day (Humanities and Social Sciences: 1.6 hours; Sciences 7.5 hours). Then by multiplying for the 22 days, we get 35.2 hours for Humanities and Social Sciences and 165 hours for Science. If we divide one year’s tuition (£9,250) by the average total number of class hours in one year (Humanities and Social Sciences: roughly 240; Science: roughly 1,050 hours), it results in £44 per class hour for Humanities and Social Sciences and £9.10 for Sciences.

We must then multiple these equated

prices by the hours missed, resulting in £1548.8 for Humanities and Social Sciences and £1501.5 for Science. Then one final mean average gives us the sum of £1525.15.

This amount, if it were given to the 7,500 eligible students, would amount in a total of roughly £11.5 million.

This number is exponentially higher than the current repayment scheme, estimated to be returning between £300,000-£975,000. When comparing the £11.5 million to the £163.5 million that Kent generated from tuition in 2018/19, it can be easy to assume Kent can afford refunds. In actuality, the University is facing serious financial crisis’ which make the current scheme seem generous.

In the latest available finance report from 2018/19, Kent was already facing an initial deficit of near £8 million, with a total underlying expenditure of £274 million against a revenue of £266.4 million. This was built upon by several expenses such as reconstruction costs and alterations to pensions.

This resulted in a total deficit of £60.1 million, taking Kent into 2019/20 with significant debts.

Although the 2019/20 financial reports were meant to published in August, they remain undisclosed, but without them we know that Kent faces cutbacks.

Kent may no longer struggle with pensions, but already Vice-Chancellor Karen Cox mentioned to Kent Online in June that ‘£13 million’ in income has been lost from Covid-19 and debts will only increase as accommodation and catering services, which brought in near £40 million in 2018/19, remain limited. From 2016-2019, international students made up 14% of Kent’s student populace and their absence could lose Kent 1/3 of student income.

The best way for universities to save will be making staff redundancies.

Staff costs were £158.5m in 2018/19 and Kent is already making cuts, with plans to axe 150 full-time staff between 2020-2024 announced in July. Actions like these, alongside Cox’s voluntary £55k pay cut, demonstrate that Kent is downsizing significantly in anticipation of increasing pressures, including the long-term investments like the School of Economics’ £7.5 million Kennedy Building.

With such high debts, it is surprising that Kent is offering £1 million in compensation at all. Although students and HE official alike press for further compensation, it seems to me that Kent is unlikely to give out anything until it balances out and even then, returns will be nowhere near the £11.5 million figure that students feel owed.

Photo by Jeanne Bigot | InQuire

The US Presidential Election, or the boomers’ final stand?

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Let there be no ambiguity, it is crucial that Donald Trump is unseated in November.

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here is so much riding on the upcoming Presidential Election. Having racked up the highest number of Covid-19 deaths in the world and overseen an economic nosedive, President Trump is more reliant than ever on the dog-whistle populism that got him elected in 2016. His re-election has been on the rocks since the start, and at this point he needs a miracle.

In the blue corner, struggling to tell the difference between his wife and his sister, we have Joe Biden. On practically every metric, Mr Biden is worse than Hillary Clinton, who herself was one of the most unpopular candidates in US presidential history. Both candidates are swamped in scandals and controversies, as well as being integral to a loathed political establishment.

Biden however, almost a decade older than Clinton when she ran, is showing clear signs of cognitive decline. In campaign speeches and debates, he is often nonsensical – to some degree, the pandemic affords Biden the advantage of very limited exposure to the US public.

This is a critical problem; for let there be

no ambiguity, it is crucial that Donald Trump is unseated in November. In 2016, Trump amounted to nothing but a rich, old, privileged man using blunder and bombast to get into a job he is in no way qualified for (*cough* neoliberalism *cough*). Now, in 2020, Donald Trump represents something altogether different: the embryonic stages of a classical fascist movement.

Before Covid-19, the socio-economic conditions were simply bad – economic stagnation, a paralysed political class, the clear decline of US global hegemony. By now the socio-economic conditions are almost unparalleled in post-war history. In Trump’s authoritarian response to the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests, we see the germ of a second-term Trump presidency, especially if his party wins a majority in both Houses of Congress. The now infamous “when the looting starts, the shooting starts” tweet is a signal to a growing fascistic fan-base, fed on a redmeat diet of fanatic conspiracy theories and rabid xenophobia.

One small mercy is the obvious unpreparedness of the Trump camp for the nomination of Joe Biden. Trump’s labelling of him as a dangerous socialist and extremist sympathiser feels hollow – this campaign strategy was clearly planned with former Democratic frontrunner Bernie Sanders in mind.

Looking at Biden (safe-pair-of-hands moderate anti-left Biden) it’s almost impossible to paint him as any sort of radical.

With that said, President Trump’s

campaign is having some effect. Since the Republican National Convention (where more members of the Trump family spoke than actual elected Republicans), Biden’s national poll lead has taken a small dip, despite his large lead overall. More importantly, in the swing-states that favoured Trump in the last election, Biden’s lead has diminished and in some of the big-ticket states disappeared completely. Biden’s victory, while still likely, cannot be guaranteed – his poll lead is comparable to Clinton’s at this stage in the election cycle.

A Biden win will ultimately do little to remedy any of the major issues of our time, be it climate change, anti-democratic threats from China and Russia or the rapid deterioration of financialised capitalism. But, given the choice, a vote for Biden over Trump is for throwing a wet flannel over a housefire rather than a can of gasoline.

Alex Charilaou

8

Monday 5 October 2020 InQuire Have something you want to say? Write a letter to newspaper.editor@inquiremedia.co.uk and be featured in the next InQuire newspaper

Editorial Editor-in-Chief Tímea Koppándi

Newspaper Editor Rory Bathgate

Website Editor Emily Webb-Mortimer

Why Covid-19 won’t ruin your university experience

Plan out your work, but also find time to really relax

Continue to stand up for justice in all areas of life

It is definitely an understatement saying that our lives have experienced a slight and sudden change. The effects of COVID-19 have changed more than just our health and surroundings. Everything around us has altered, and we have learned to adapt to these changes.

Our social life has suffered a big hit, and even though everyone is trying to do their best to protect themselves and everyone around them, life is still not the same. Masks, social distancing and washing your hands has become the new normal. The University of Kent and Kent Union have both set out on the mission to make campus a safe and secure place for everyone. While that is ideal, all of us still need to do our part in containing the virus, and ending this time of dislocated social interactions.

It is a tough time for everyone. Tensions are high and often even the smallest things can cause discomfort. However, your time at university will not be wasted. The friends that you have and will make are beside you, facing the same struggles. Due to the social measures, you will have more privacy when meeting with those close to you. The online activities will take off the pressure of socialising, and introduce the comfort of attending from your home. You will have more time to explore the wildlife around you and focus on your wellbeing.

While the entire world has had to suspend its natural way of functioning, not everything has been ruined. Stay safe, be kind to yourself and others. We will all get through this.

We spent the summer largely at home. Most of us are finding ourselves with lots of time in our rooms to look forward to. We can now attend class in pyjamas.

So why do we feel so tired? Many of my closest friends have expressed the same feelings at various stages during this pandemic. Twitter is full of memes bemoaning the repetitive nature of life in isolation. Burnout is real, and no one need feel bad for acknowledging it. At the start of lockdown, at my lowest points, I would find myself dragging through the day, unmotivated and exhausted by its end. I was not overworked, but my brain was. The 24/7 news cycle that we have free access to is a powerful tool that allows great ideas, powerful stories, and all-important bulletins to flow across continents. But it is also the worst kind of rabbit hole for anxiety, whether one is aware of it or not.

With all this in mind, it is more important than ever to find our own ways to relax. My advice? Seek creative exploits. That doesn’t mean creating the next great masterpiece — platitudes like “Shakespeare wrote King Lear while in quarantine!” lost their charm some time around the start of April. Instead, create for the sake of creating, in whatever way you can. Some close friends and I spent a good part of the summer making art weekly, with no care for how good or bad the outcome, and became much closer for it. Of course, art is not the only outlet. Cooking is creative. I don’t mean the extravagant culinary experiments that cluttered social media at the start of lockdown (“I’m making sourdough!”), but simple, comforting meals, that fill your stomach and your soul. Freshers in particular, reach out to your parents and get some of those home recipes sorted. Takeaway is tasty, but nothing tastes like those homecooked favourites.

Above all else this term, allocate time to unwind. From chatting with friends while doodling to meditating to that perfect album, find your chill. All good things will follow.

There is a lot going on. Tens of once in a lifetime catastrophes are converging on 2020, and it is hard to know where to look and easy to get distracted. No one blames you for feeling overwhelmed this year, but it is important to remember that when we can, we must fight for what we believe to be right. While our social media pages turn from the hubs of revolution that they had been after George Floyd’s murder in May, we must remember that the fight rages on.

Though it does not dominate the headlines as it once did, Black Lives have been fought for every day in the streets of the USA since. As the new academic year begins and our minds wander to thoughts of coursework, moving into our houses and University life, it should always be in our minds and on our lips that Black Lives Matter. Our lives as we know them, our freedoms and successes were once fought for tooth and nail, we must not give up – though some of us may be comfortable, there is still more to be won. As the world’s current youth, change is possible through us and our actions and we must use what has been won for us to fight for the generations to come.

To quote iconic activist Angela Davis “you have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time”. Keep up the fight, relish the wins, and speak out against the losses; remember to take care of yourself and fight for others.

‘Abandoned Blue’ by Aslan Ntumba

Life in

lock down

Over the summer, InQuire ran a photography competition asking for photos of life in lockdown.

This is a small collection of the top 10 photos we received: the full amount can be seen on our the official InQuire Media Instagram.

Contact photography@inquiremedia.co.uk if you are interested in joining our photography team ‘Tattered’ by Armaan Fital ‘Lockdown Creations’ by Preena Dodhia

‘Locked Dogs’ by Aslan Ntumba

‘Sunset Chasing’ by Preena Dodhia

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Monday 5 October 2020 InQuire

Lifestyle

Life

Photos by Emmaus & Whitefriars

Wilko

Though not the cheapest of options Wilko is a very central shop and offers a decent selection of stationary, kitchen utensils, bedroom must haves; as well as cleaning supplies. Located opposite Fenwick, Canterbury’s Wilko is a decent two floors.

The Range

A much bigger store than Wilko which offers even more variety in homeware and equipment. This is definitely a great store to have in mind if you want things cheap but new. The downside is that this store is located roughly 1.5 miles from the city centre which is roughly a 35 minute walk. However there are buses that run pretty close to where The Range is located so definitely look into those if you are not much of a walker or know you will be buying some heavier/more awkward to carry items. Friends with cars recommended.

The fresher’s furnishings finder guide As a Fresher or returning student to UKC there are bound to be a few bits and bobs, or possibly bigger things that you need or want for your accommodation. This can vary from cutlery to towels, bookshelves to door hooks. All necessary things in making your next year here more organised and hassle-free. Here is Blue Kulpa’s list of the best shops in Canterbury from which to buy new or second hand furniture.

Flying Tiger

A store that has been up and coming and a favourite for buyers. This store offers all sorts of homeware, games, toiletries and even snacks for a great price. The Canterbury store is very accessible as it sits in the heart of Whitefriars Shopping Centre.

General Charity shops

There are plenty of charity shops in and around Canterbury. Though each store varies in the amount of homeware/equipment it may supply.

The Children’s Trust shop

A central charity shop next to Houdini’s. This shop rarely has furniture stocked but they always have a few cute glasses/plates.

Emmaus Dover

Only a short walk away from the city centre this second hand furniture shop is on the same street as The Penny Theatre. This shop offers an array of furniture and cooking utensils. The best part? They offer 10% off for students. And if you buy something that is too big to carry then delivery is only £10. This place is definitely worth checking out.

There are many other charity shops that could be listed here; but as previously stated what they stock always varies. There are even more places than what has been mentioned above; like TKmaxx, Next Home, Walrus & Oyster Emporium and M&S homeware. The best thing you can do is just walk around the city and see what shops you find; you’ll be surprised at how many there are and how well some of them are hidden.

If you have a car, or could get a lift from a friend, online marketplaces such as Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace and Facebook student groups are also a good bet for finding furniture. The next best thing to compliment your room could just be a short walk or a few clicks away.

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InQuire Monday 5 October 2020

Lifestyle

Life

Photo by UNHCR

A matter of consent

This is sexual assault

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By Blue Kulpa Writer

peaking with female and male students/people it has been alarming to discover how many have experienced some form of sexual assault.

What was more alarming was the fact that many of these people were not aware of how they could report such abuse or how much control they truly have over such reports.

So here is a condensed article on what sexual assault is, what you can do about it and what organisations are out there to help you.

According to the Metropolitan Police website “the overall definition of sexual or indecent assault is an act of physical, psychological and emotional violation in the form of a sexual act, inflicted on someone without their consent. It can involve forcing or manipulating someone to witness or participate in any sexual acts”.

But “what [is it that] separates sex, or a gesture of affection, from sexual assault? It’s a matter of consent. That is, both people agreeing to what’s happening by choice, and having the freedom and ability to make that choice”.

According to WomensHealth.gov: “Sexual assault is any type of sexual activity or contact that you do not consent to”.

The NHS websites definition is similar: “a sexual assault is any sexual act that a person did not consent to, or is forced into against their will. It is a form of sexual violence and includes rape (an assault involving penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth), or other sexual offences, such as groping, forced kissing, child sexual abuse or the torture of a person in a sexual manner”.

The overall consensus of these definitions is that if you did not con-

Always remember that this was not your fault and you are free to take any steps you like in reporting and finding help and advice. sent to the act then it is a form of assault. This assault can vary in its severity and you may be confused as to what happened and whether it really was assault. You may think “did I consent when I kissed them back?” Or “did my attitude/behaviour lead to their assuming my consent?” and the answer is no you did not. They assumed you consented or they did not stop to think whether you did or did not.

Maybe they did not even ask. And that is not your fault.

What can you do about this? There are a number of people you can talk to about an assault. It could be a close friend or family member, it could also be a charity such as Women’s Aid, Victim Support, The Survivors Trust or Survivors UK (for male victims of sexual assault).

Or if you feel more comfortable you can talk to your GP about the event – this is apparently a common occurrence, as you do not have

to report to the police but are still talking to someone who can offer advice and help. You can also speak to a Wellbeing officer at UKC (Opening hours: Monday – Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm) or phone them at: 01227 82 3206 . Support is also accessible out of hours through campus security: Canterbury Campus Security on 3333 or 01227 823333 or go to Campus Security (24 hours) located next to Santander Bank. Or Medway Campus Security on 3333 or 01227 823333 . Reports of assault can additionally be made to UKC via an online report (link at end of article).

There is, of course, the option of talking to the police. This can be done in person at a station, through their helpline 101 or through an online report form for your area.

Though it seems daunting it is worth considering the possibility of contacting the police because, for instance, what if the attacker did it again to someone else? If your report was on file and another victim of this attacker comes forward it makes a much stronger case if said victim wanted to take the attacker to court. Yes, taking your report as far as to court is an option. You, as the victim, have full control over the reporting and how far it is taken. Nothing is done without your consent. If you want to you can leave it as an online report, or you can take it further depending on what the officers handling your case recommend. Your report does not have to go to court if you do not want it to, however, if you do decide a few years later that you do want to take it to court then you can. It is all up to you.

Always “remember, no matter who you are, how long ago the assault happened or what took place, our prime concern is to give you the support you need. We’ll listen, understand and guide you through the investigation process at a pace you’re comfortable with, whilst respecting your wishes”. - Met Police.

And always remember that this was not your fault and you are free to take any steps you like in reporting and finding help/advice.

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Monday 5 October 2020 InQuire

Feature

Welcome to the University of Kent: Advice for the class of 2020 Samuel Watson Newspaper Feature Editor

This year just does not seem to stop, and now with thousands of new freshers attending the University of Kent the year for many is just starting. Here is some useful advice for the class of 2020 that I wish I had known in my first year, from budgeting and social life to engaging with your local area.

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his term will be very different to those of previous years — the situation we are in is unprecedented.

There are many changes on campus that affect all students and staff members. Guidelines for students living on campus or studying at home have been published online by the university. Amenities on campus have made new arrangements to prioritise safety and the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. The Drill Hall and Templeman Libraries will be open but on restricted hours, and face masks and student ID are also needed in order to enter. The Gulbenkian also is open for use but follows social distancing rules and restricted hours.

All these changes to day-to-day life have made me reflect on the past. I miss seeing all my family, partying and I miss not getting annoyed at myself because I have forgotten my face mask. I am sure this is the case for many. Unfortunately, this year will be challenging for freshers. There is already a lot to handle and this will be made harder with all the new rules in place. Still, try to make the most out of this year, because it will be the first year of the start of your life. I look back at my first year and recall so many memories; making new friends, losing friends and all the fun late nights in Park Wood. There are so many things I wish I could have told myself at the start of my university experience.

So, here is some advice for all you freshers. First things first, follow social distancing guidelines. The sooner we slow the spread of COVID-19 the quicker we can return to normality. Keep up to date with both the government and university’s policies — they are often changing, so try your best to stay in the loop.

If I could go back and give myself one piece of advice, it would be to seek help when I am struggling. For a while I was naive to the multiple programmes and trained professionals provided by the university to assist you in times of need. If you ever need guidance or support, speak to the Kent Student Support Team. You should never be ashamed to seek help. Whether you are having academic dilemmas, personal problems or struggling with your mental health, you can get outstanding support from the University of Kent.

Make sure to have fun in your first year. Even while following safety restrictions you can find ways to enjoy yourself. When you can try to socialise with others and meet new people. Try not to be shy, be confident in yourself. First year is your chance to experience new things, meet interesting people and to learn more about yourself.

Be respectful of those around you. Treat every member of staff and other students with respect, as a friendly campus is a good campus. Do not forget to also treat the people of Canterbury or Medway with the upmost respect. There is a stereotype of students being loud and messy, so avoid playing into that. Some locals have (unfortunately) already decided that students are a nuisance – there is no need to confirm their poorly held suspicions.

One of the benefits of being a fresher is the independence you gain when living away from home. For most of you this will be the first year of living away from home. You are now responsible for yourself, by way of cooking, shopping, cleaning, and working.

However, it can get overwhelming at times. Try to budget. Be senPhoto by Kristina Bratko | Unsplash

I (like many others) spent way too much on junk food, booze, and nights out.

sible when spending money and shop only when you need to. In first year, I (like many others) spent way too much on junk food, booze, and nights out. I would not recommend doing this. If you do find yourself struggling with your finances, the university provide useful support. Knowing your expenses is a simple step tot-

13

InQuire Monday 5 October 2020

Feature

Photo by Aslan Ntumba

Photo by Marianne Martin

I found my true passion in first year, journalism, and accepted that my course did not fit the direction I wanted to go in. wards becoming independent at university, and saving on needless costs now is the best way to have money for parties, travel and luxuries when they become possible again. Although I was lucky enough to get a job in Canterbury, at first it conflicted with my university studies. After adjusting, it became easier to handle. Getting a job makes being financially independent easier, but will mean a lot of your time is taken away from your studies or your social life. It is not for everyone, but if you are looking at getting a job whilst studying visit the JobShop on the Kent Union website.

You should focus on your studies.

Attending university is not cheap, so do not waste hours of learning by not turning up to lectures or seminars.

Especially now, courses have been moved online so are even easier to attend. Complete all the readings and engage with your course. Taking your first year seriously will truly make it worthwhile. There is no such thing as a teacher’s pet, so go the extra mile with your work, and make sure to discuss content with your seminar leaders over email or through meetings.

Most lecturers absolutely love the subject they specialise in, and will be all too happy to recommend secondary reading or just chat around their chosen topic!

I have been a first year twice now, as I did not get on well with my ini-

tial course. After a few months I lost interest in the modules and lacked any motivation within the sessions. After contacting my Academic Adviser and school, I received the assistance needed to change my course. I found my true passion in first year, journalism, and accepted that my course did not fit the direction I wanted to go in. If you find yourself in the same situation do not panic, just seek advice and reach out to the relevant people. Try doing it as soon as possible, rather than leav-

There has never been a better time for a good woodland walk

ing it to the last minute like me.

If you are new to living in Kent, then welcome. I have lived in Canterbury for two years and have made many fond memories. Kent is truly the Garden of England.

So, when you get the chance go and explore the local area, from the various independent shops in the town centre, to stunning views of the city and fun seaside towns a short bus ride away. Walks especially are highly recommended – sometimes the best way to get out of your own head or mull over a topic is to have a wander. Spending time in nature is proven to help calm you down, and with outdoor ac-

tivity one of the few really safe things to do with friends right now, there has never been a better time for a good woodland walk.

Stay on top of your health, hygiene, and diet. Living independently means you must cook and clean for yourself. Make sure to keep yourself clean and maintain a good personal hygiene. No one likes a smelly housemate. You also must think about your diet, remembering that balanced meals are key to keeping your mood stable and staving off any unwelcome illnesses. Studying is hard, so keep yourself well nourished; even a bad chef can google a recipe online.

There is only one you so look after yourself.

Many freshers ignore this advice but soon look back on their takeaway-filled first term with beer bellies and regret, especially as the costs of eating out too often really add up.

Splitting the delivery fee of a supermarket order is often the cheapest way to get groceries, and lets you plan well-ahead with your meals.

This academic year will be challenging for everyone at Kent Uni. We all need to work together to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 so we can stay safe on campus.

To every fresher who has just started this September, stay motivated and make the most out of every moment. Remember to seek help if you need it. Respect other students, staff, and residents. Focus on your studies, do the best you can and take part in as much as you can. Try to budget and save.

Eat healthy and stay active. But most of all, enjoy yourself.

If you are in need of assistance For emergencies contact: wellbeing@kent.ac.uk For free confidential counselling contact: counselling@kent.ac.uk For other issues, look through the University of Kent website or contact your school.

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Monday 5 October 2020 InQuire

Film & Television

Entertainment

The 2020 KTV Film Festival rundown

By Jake Yates-Hart, Newspaper Entertainment Editor KTV launched a virtual film festival on 16 September. With a total of six films still available on their website, inclduing a breakdown of some of the film’s trailers with their respective directors, plus a trailer for the upcoming film Intangible Thread (Directed by Iris Perovic), there’s undoubtedly several hours of entertainment ahead for any keen movie-buff.

Zero (dir. Amelia Mundy) Zero tells the story of Zachary - a young man with a vivid imagination, stuck in a dead-end job. Zachary spends his time in and out of daydreams, wherein his bland life becomes that of a superhero, Zero the man who fights the bad guys, has a loyal sidekick, and gets the girl.

Findling (dir. Yannis Grimm)

Asra is a young woman who works as a caretaker for the elderly. One night, after her cat disappears, she goes out to look for him. But when a tall man starts following her, she tries to run away and ends up in a forest.

Pointed in a direction by a mysterious woman, she finds her way home, only to realise that she is

trapped in a world that that is very different from her own. In an attempt to find her way back to her own reality, Asra must face The Company, a mysterious organisation intent on taking over the world.

Photos by KTV

Father (dir. Richard Meinardus)

After an argument with his wife, Johnathan struggles to decide whether to fill his 10-year-old son Ben in on the truth that has the potential to tear them apart.

White Whale (dir. Marko Steinberg)

Best friends Matt and Jack plan to attend a house party. After meeting with Charlie and Sophie, the group end up at a field to enjoy the sunset before

I Hate Suzie:

heading out. While at the party, Matt reveals his insecurities from when he first met Sophie a while

Tala (dir. Trisha Evans-Lutterodt)

In this animated film, a young woman searches for her place in life after a devastating battle left her orphaned and homeless. Along the way, she encounters a kindred spirit and a fearsome enemy, as she uncovers mysteries about the past and fulfil her destiny.

All six films are available at kenttelevision. com.

Photos by Sky Atlantic

By Max Halton, Writer Each half-hour episode follows the life of Suzie Pickles (Piper), a child star turned actress whose life is turned upside down once a series of explicit photos of her are leaked. Once the images go viral, and it is revealed that she was having an affair, Suzie finds her career and family life deteriorating. It doesn’t take long to notice the parallels between Billie Piper and Suzie Pickles. Both the actor and character rose to fame at a young age and are most noticeable for their roles in Sci Fi cult classics (the former Doctor Who, and the latter Quo Vardis).

As a result, the show has an extremely personal touch which is corroborated

by Piper’s constant screen time and voyeuristic camera angles.

At first, it seems the show is unsure

A documentary that goes behind the scenes of the aforementioned six films, including interviews with directors about their experience of filmmaking, and an in-depth look into the production of Tala, KTV Film’s first ever animation project.

back, and became obsessed with her, distancing himself from friends, family and his ambitions whilst suffering from other personal issues. Yearning for guidance from Jack, the two try to have a conversation at the party, which does not go as well as Matt hoped.

Hilarious, profound and feminist 13 years after the success of Secret Diary of a Call Girl, friends and creative collaborators Billie Piper and Lucy Prebble have reunited to produce yet another striking television series. I Hate Suzie unexpectedly hit our screens mid-pandemic, and although depicting a story far from the dystopic one we are currently experiencing, the series managed to intertwine the mania that COVID-19 has bestowed upon us, while touching upon other real-life issues that are often unacknowledged.

Film x Passion (dir. Ogo Anokwuru)

of what genre it wants to be, with the first episode even ending in an impromptu musical number. But the inner workings of someone’s mind is multi-faceted, and the human brain perceives the world in numerous ways, ricocheting from thought to thought. The show’s ability to balance comedy and drama helps the viewer understand Suzie’s thought process and appreciate how her mental state begins to slowly unravel over the course of the series.

Immediately from the beginning of the first episode to the last, the narrative proceeds with an unstoppable vigor that refuses to give the viewer any time to break free from the story.

It is fast paced and relentless, which mirrors the constant berating that Su-

zie is subjected to. When she finally does snap, it comes as no surprise as the viewer is nearly as exhausted as she is.

Ultimately, the core of the show is about exploring double standards.

You cannot help but watch and wonder if a male counterpart would be subjected to the same ridicule if explicit pictures of them were exposed.

I Hate Suzie blatantly calls out the sexism in the entertainment industry, bringing attention to the fact that women are expected to act a certain way – and if they deviate from this then they put their career in jeopardy.

I Hate Suzie is available to stream on NOW TV.

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InQuire Monday 5 October 2020

Entertainment

Television

How I May Destroy You redefined the sexual assault narrative

By Sarah-Louise Pinfold, Writer Michaela Coel’s new devastating drama, I May Destroy You, follows Arabella Essiedu (Coel), a young black woman navigating life as a millennial in London. She is a rambunctious, pink-haired, coke-snorting Twitter celebrity-turned-novelist who is struggling to follow up on her first bestselling novel. The pilot episode sees Arabella’s ”short” sabbatical from finishing the draft of her second book turn into an all-night frenzy at a local bar with friends, something I found both extremely relatable and comedic.

Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual assault that some readers may find upsetting

Photos by BBC

As she parties, stumbles out of the bar in a heavily drug and booze induced state, and finally finishes her draft, I found myself increasingly engulfed in Arabella’s strength of character and puzzling over how the show I was watching would reconcile with such a hefty topic as sexual assault and consent. It’s only as the episode progresses, with Arabella waking up the next day mystified over her wounded head and a smashed phone, that the reality of what had originally seemed comic hit me like a ton of bricks.

I May Destroy You deals with sexual assault in a way that I’ve never seen on

television before, both nuanced and unique. I found the tension in certain scenes overpowering, such as witnessing the awkwardness when Arabella hands in her draft completely unaware of what she has written, and oblivious to the fact that the wound on her head is beginning to bleed. Coel creates a

series that deals with trauma in a refreshing and realistic way. Arabella is not left defeated by her violation, but instead continues to be a loud, funny and often rash personality who still laughs with her friends and has sex when she wants to.

ed a series which is frank in its portray of life after sexual assault. It does not have a singular effect on the psyche: it’s confusing, unpredictable and highly subjective. But most importantly of all, I May Destroy You reminds viewers of how rape culture lies on a spectrum, and that everyone’s experience of sexual assault should be treated as equally important.

I May Destroy You is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

The show also contains a refreshing and long-overdue portrayal of modern relationships. Although we follow Arabella and her trauma, her friends Kwame (Paapa Essiedu) and Terry (Weruche Opia) must deal with their own experiences of sexual consent.

Kwame’s storyline in particular address how the public sphere has failed to give a voice to Black men who have experienced rape, especially those who happen to be queer.

Specific moments combine horror with clarity, comedy with drama and provide a viewing experience laden with juxtaposing emotions. Coel creat-

Where you lead, I will follow: catching up with Gilmore Girls after twenty years

By Emily Regan, Writer After two decades, Amy Sherman-Palladino’s beloved series Gilmore Girls continues to touch fans across the world with its family-oriented story, romantic sub plots, and tongue-in-cheek comedy.

And with the 20th anniversary here, it’s time to look back to when we were first introduced to the mother-daughter duo, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, and the other residents of fictional town Stars Hollow, Connecticut.

Sherman-Palladino was inspired to create Gilmore Girls after visiting a rural town in New England, not unlike Stars Hollow. Having only one idea for the series, that 32-years-old Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and 16-years-old Rory (Alexis Bledel) acted more like sisters than mother and daughter, she drew inspiration from Washington, Connecticut and the people living there.

One of the greater strengths of Gilmore Girls was that it let younger audiences feel represented through characters they hadn’t seen on television before. Sherman-Palladino stated in an interview with Vogue that Rory’s character was meant to represent young girls who, “weren’t talking about boys or trying to be popular”.

Indeed, Rory’s arc in the series about growing up into adulthood is timeless, and something everyone can relate to.

The show ran for seven seasons from

5 October 2000 until 15 May 2007. The series ended with Rory graduating top of her class at Yale, ready to take on the real world as a journalist, and Lorelai reuniting with her on-again-off-again

Rory’s arc in the series about growing up into adulthood is timeless, and something everyone can relate to. love interest, Luke Danes (Scott Patterson). Once a remastered version of Gilmore Girls was available to stream on Netflix, the series gained a whole new generation of viewers, and it wasn’t long after the 15th anniversary that the streaming serviced an-

nounced a revival that dropped in November 2015.

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life was a four-part limited series that reunited Lorelai and Rory through four seasons of change - winter, spring, summer and autumn, a clever nod to Carole King’s song You’ve Got a Friend, who also composed the original series’ theme tune. Each movie length episode saw much of the original cast returning, with the noticeable absence of beloved actor Edward Herrmann, who played Lorelai’s father, Richard. Herrmann passed away in 2014, and the revival was a tribute to not only his character, but the man himself.

Without giving away spoilers, A Year in the Life ended on a huge cliff hanger, with the “final four words” that Sherman-Palladino had teased for years.

Photos by Netflix

This has left fans of the show speculating another series was in the works but nothing has been confirmed by Netflix, and after four years without a word on

the matter, it seems unlikely.

Still, Gilmore Girls remains a huge part of a lot of people’s lives. Those that grew up identifying with Rory during the series’ original airing have the chance to binge watch the show on Netflix, now at Lorelai’s age, giving a whole new perspective on the show’s depiction of love, family, and growing up.

All seven seasons of Gilmore Girls and the limited series Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life are available to stream on Netflix.

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Culture

Monday 5 October 2020 InQuire

Reading Rooney: Normal People & Conversations with Friends

The books have sprouted many arguments between readers: which is better? Megan Warwick reports.

W

ith the BBC adaptation of Normal People giving the TV lovers of lockdown a new obsession, it’s no surprise that the book of Normal People flew off of Amazon’s shelves and went out of stock for weeks on end. Due to the success of Normal People, her other fiction book Conversations with Friends was picked up by readers who enjoyed the author, Sally Rooney’s work previously. Rooney is now one of the biggest authors of 2020, regardless of only having two books.

It has been confirmed that Conversations with Friends will also be made into a BBC adaptation, along with rumours of a Normal People Season 2. The books have sprouted many arguments between readers: which is better?

Normal People

T

his youth orientated book explores the relationship of Connell, a popular yet reserved sports boy who fears his peers’ opinions, and Marianne, a sensitive yet upfront girl who has spent her whole life feeling unloved. The book is written in third person, and takes turn showing the reader the perspective from both individuals, as well as how they react to each other.

The first part of the book explores their relationship at school, how they interact with their peers and how they are with each other, emotionally and sexually. The second half then switches to university, where they meet again, older but still as complex as ever. The timeline stays linear but is filled by flashbacks of previous memories to keep the reader in the loop.

A memorable part to most viewers of the TV adaptation of Normal People is the graphic sexual content. Although there are descriptions of a sexual nature in the book, they are nowhere near as detailed as the show. And they are most definitely a crucial part in expanding the books plot and showing that sex is a key area of most adolescents.

Dialogue is a key feature of this book, as the little words they say tend to carry the weight of their emotions. Lines such as “are you cold?” aren’t simply indications of Connell’s interest in Marianne’s welfare, but also a signal that he wants her to come inside and be with him.

The ending of the book arguably leaves audiences feeling dissatisfied. As a reader, I felt torn at loving Rooney for her unique and unpredictable approach and hating her for not giving me the fairy tale ending my heart desired.

On reflection, I think the ending reflects Marianne’s character perfectly: she never says what she feels, but only what she thinks Connell wants to hear.

The beauty of Normal People is that although Marianne and Connell are extremely flawed as people, the reader is still rooting for their happiness. There are times in the book, just as with the TV show, that will make

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InQuire Monday 5 October 2020

you want to reach through the pages to shake them both, while shouting, “communicate!”.

As much as I enjoyed Normal People, I don’t think I would have been as touched by the book if I hadn’t watched the show. I will never be able to see Connell and Marianne as anyone other than Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones, and when reading the story that I had watched unfold three times in a row a week before, I felt that the characters were very different on paper. Connell, who in the show appears sweeter and caring, sometimes comes across as ignorant and insensitive in the book. Marianne, who on screen is a blend of insecure and upfront, seems at points drippy and needy. Of course, they share common traits, but having seen more likeable characters on screen, it is harder to adjust to a different depiction.

Conversations with Friends

I

read Conversations with Friends straight after Normal People without knowing a single thing about the book, apart from that it was written by Rooney. From the first chapter, I was enticed. It differs from Normal People as it is written in first person, which I generally prefer to third, and the story is told from just the viewpoint of Frances.

She is displayed as a distant and cold young woman, often hiding in the shadow of her best friend and ex-girlfriend

Culture

“I don’t know, maybe that’s normal.”

“It’s not.”

Bobby. The two friends meet glamorous journalist Melissa, who attends their spoken word poetry show, and Bobby grows close to her. Feeling neglected, Frances bonds with Melissa’s husband Nick and they engage in an affair.

The book explores themes of love or loneliness, as the reader is never sure of Frances’ feelings towards Melissa’s husband, or the same vice versa. There is also underlying Photos by BBC & Faber Illistration Photos by BBC & Faber Illistration

sexual tension between Frances and Bobby, with issues appearing unresolved but never said so in so many words.

Frances is portrayed beautifully, with a strong personality that comes across mostly from her depiction of others. Although more introverted than Bobby, she is definitely a more interesting character, which is why she works flawlessly as the story’s protagonist.

Bobby is,at points, annoying. She has an opinion on everything, and, through Frances’ eyes, she is constantly debating or arguing. Despite this, she remains an endearing character and a key player in the story.

Melissa’s character of ‘the wife’ is very different to the archetypical matriarch one might expect to find in novels that depict an affair. Usually the wife is grounded, passive and/or obedient, but Melissa is closer to the usual depiction of ‘the other woman’. She is a free spirit and, as we find out as readers, has engaged in affairs before Nick with Frances. Her carefree personality is a great contrast to Nick, who is closer to passive and wanting to please everyone. At points he is irritating, and I wanted to slap him across the head with a shoe for his actions. Yet, he somewhat redeems himself through his wit and good nature.

The surrounding characters are not as strong as they are in Normal People. Marianne’s string of terrible boyfriends and surrounding family members are far superior to Melissa and her husband’s friends, who we meet in Conversations with Friends. They don’t appear to add anything to the story and are there more for embellishment. The only supporting character with any real substance is the looming aunt figure who visits Melissa and Nick in their summer home.

Tying in with Normal People, Conversations with Friends also explores sex, and the sexual content within the novel is actually much greater than the Normal People book.

This raises the question of how much sexual content will be in the BBC’s adaptation. As there were around five heavy sex scenes in Normal People, it is likely that we can expect double this for Conversations with Friends.

Differing from Normal People, this book also explores self-harm, making it a lot more visceral. Moments where Frances rips into her flesh or digs her nails into her arm had me outwardly cringing and sometimes darting my eyes to the next paragraph until it was over.

The ending of Conversations with Friends is superb and more satisfying than Normal People. Although it does not neatly tie itself together, the final line of “come get me” provokes a mixture of sassiness and Frances’ vulnerability.

Verdict?

A

lthough both novels are an absolute blend of genius, I preferred Conversations with Friends but merely because the TV adaptation of Normal People will always have a special place in my heart, and subsequently the novel had more of a challenge to live up to. Perhaps we will see once Conversations with Friends is adapted, and maybe my opinion will change.

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Monday 5 October 2020 InQuire

Science and Technology

NASA tech to help fight fire in the Amazon

By Ben Mott, Newspaper Science and Tech Editor

Data analysis tools developed by NASA could significantly aid the fight against forest fire in the Amazon, the world’s largest remaining tropical forest, where more blazes have occurred already this year than in the entirety of 2019.

Fires in the Amazon have raged relentlessly, with the COVID-19 pandemic bringing no respite to one of the most crucial ecosystems in our planet. The Amazon is not only incredibly biodiverse, with 10% of the world’s species, a last refuge for iconic species such as the jaguar, harpy eagle, and golden lion tamarins; it is also a vital store of carbon – responsible for 25% of forest CO2 absorption each year. Yet experts warn that a tipping point is imminent: where, due to excessive deforestation and its impact on the water cycle, precipitation is reduced to such an extent that the rainforest becomes a ‘dead’ savannah. During the process, the carbon stored in the forest will be released; the Amazon becomes a carbon source, not sink. 120 tons of carbon are emitted when a hectare of the rainforest is burned.

2020, true to form, saw the worst start to the Amazon fire season for 10 years, with the latest available data showing a 17% increase in the first weeks of August compared to last year. Whilst, in general, wildfires are a natural occurrence, essential in forest growth and regeneration, they do not occur naturally in rainforests such as the Amazon.

As such, the trees have not built up sufficient resistance to fire over the years, and a fire burning in standing forest – not yet cleared – for

Amazon jungle. Photo by Nathalia Segato | Unsplash

the first time will easily destroy the majority of saplings and over half of established individuals. MAAP has reported that, as of September 21, nearly 50% of major fires identified in the Amazon in 2020 have been in standing forest – in contrast to last year, when the majority of fires detected were in deforested areas.

These blazes require external sources to ignite, and these sources are predominantly fires started through the illegal ‘slash-andburn’ practice, in which a large section of forest is clear-cut before the area is set alight, which spread to standing forest. Logging companies are sometimes culpable, but it is predominantly for farming and grazing purposes that this occurs, creating space for soybean growth, exported as livestock feed, and for cattle, who require vast expanses of grazing land.

Fires in standing forest leave the resident animals two options: stay, and risk death, or flee. This latter course of action, whilst certainly preferable, is in danger of becoming no safer. Leaving home turf for territories unknown can place those fleeing in difficult situations: into farmers’ ranches, logging areas, or a rival’s territory. The prospects are bleak.

Given the ecological significance of the Amazon, it is also easy to forget that over 350 indigenous communities live within the forest.

Their livelihoods, and lives, are threatened by these blazes, not to mention the loss of their traditional lands, passed on through numerous generations. As such preventing, and mitigating, forest fires is imperative, not only to the health and security of the rainforest, but all the life it hosts.

NASA’s newly developed Amazon Dashboard has drastically changed the way in which fires are monitored, and can therefore be mitigated early on, preventing further damage. Utilising infrared night-time data from NOAA-20 and Suomi NPP satellites, which resultantly is highly sensitive, monitoring can now take place in near real time. Whereas previous monitoring centred on fire hotspots, which failed to precisely inform on the size, area, and type of fire, new data collection and computer analysis allows for this information to be accurately reported. The greater clarity of detail allows small-scale fires, such as those present on indigenous community land and sub-

sistence farmland to be separated from slash-and-burn and understory fires. Understory fires are often the most destructive, rapidly burning through the forest undetected as their flames are less than 1 metre high. There is vast potential for the use of this technology to enable far rapider response to fires by teams on the ground, mitigating fires in high-risk areas of ecological importance, and also to more easily identify larger scale deforestation activities.

The importance of such a tool is emboldened when in contrast with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

Responsible for the 60% of the Amazon that lies within Brazilian borders, he labelled the forest fires as a “lie”, adding to his comments last year that actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio was colluding with foreign NGO’s to deliberately set the Amazon alight.

It is not only the Amazon which could benefit hugely from the applicaPhoto by NASA | Unsplash tion of NASA’s satellite data – 22% of the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, is estimated to have burned so far this year. Spanning across Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, the wetland is one of the few remaining refuges for the jaguar, with over 2,000 thought to live there.

Often initiated deliberately by agricultural land-clearing, and fuelled by one of the worst droughts the region has ever seen, the Pantanal fires are largely understory, which renders detection difficult; infrared satellite data could, as in the Amazon, revolutionise detection of flames in these crucial ecosystems.

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Latest data shows a 17% increase in fires compared to last August

•

50% of major fires in standing forest

•

Worst start to fire season for 10 years

UK waterways found to be in disarray Sewage sludge.

Photo by Pixabay

By Ben Mott, Newspaper Science and Tech Editor

On 17 September, the Environment Agency released their findings on the state of UK rivers, revealing that every single one of our waterways has failed to achieve good overall health.

Rivers are assessed on their ecological and chemical standards, with a ‘good’ standard in both required to achieve ‘good overall health’. Only 14% were rated good for wildlife and plants, down 2% from 2016, with no rivers achieving a good chemical standard. A stricter testing method was deployed on this occasion than in 2016, when 97% of rivers returned good chemical status, which only serves to raise questions as to why the previous test was so comparably lax. This considerable lack of progress comes despite government promises that 75% of rivers will be in good overall health by 2027, with 100% rated good

• Only 14% rated good for plants and wildife • 0% rated good in chemical standard • 0% rated good in overall health • By 2027, 75% rivers in good overall health promised

ecologically.

The increased scrutiny, introduced under EU law, found significant levels of now banned pollutants such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) lurking in animal tissue, which had previously gone undetected. Given that PCBs are a leading contributor to cetacean strandings and deaths, demonstrative of their ecological significance, the negligence of past tests carried out by the Environment Agency is of notable concern – as is the worry that once this EU law is no longer applicable in the UK, testing quality will return to the dangerously inadequate levels of before.

Rivers can become polluted primarily through sewage discharge and agricultural pollution – where chemical fertilisers runoff from fields into rivers bordering the farms. The latter is more difficult to identify and manage, as while sewage is discharged from a single point, agricultural pollution has no one source – this is referred to as diffuse pollution.

Water UK, by whom water companies are represented, pushed the blame for the latest findings onto farmers. Yet the Guardian recently reported that raw sewage was discharged into rivers on over 200,000 separate occasions last year – some of these incidents lasting hours. Thames Water, which has been fined numerous times for sewage pollution over the last decade, spent over 1600 hours in total dumping sewage into the River Kennet in Berkshire, according to the “Is my River fit to play in?” website. The river’s habitat is a rarity as it is a chalk stream.

Speaking to the BBC, the NFU (National Farmers’ Union) highlighted significant reductions in fertiliser use over recent years but admitted that plenty of progress was still yet to be made. This report only serves to embolden claims made late last year that swimming

in any of the UK’s rivers is a potential threat to health due to pollu tion levels. When a clear and tangible link between a recreational activity enjoyed by the masses is impeded by environmental pollution, there is hope that environmentalism will continue its recent progress into the mainstream thinking, moving away from its long-held seat on the side-lines as a fringe movement. As our summers become progressively warmer due to the effects of climate change, wild river swimming is likely to see surging popularity as people seek to cool off – restoring our waterways to a natural, healthy condition should be of paramount importance.

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InQuire Monday 5 October 2020

Science and Technology

Is a COVID-19 vaccine on the way?

By Tarini Tiwari, Newspaper News Editor

With over 30 million cases worldwide and 423,000 in the UK alone, the search for a vaccine against Covid-19 continues. There are currently over 170 vaccines in progress, but at varying stages of development. Here’s a breakdown of how a vaccine gets tested and approved, as well as which trials are showing the most promise.

Vaccine trials undergo multiple stages before getting approved. Before trials even begin, Under normal circumstances, research into antigens to fight the virus is carried out over a period of years; for Covid-19, this research phase has been cut to mere weeks.

The first trial is called the ‘pre-clinical stage’, where testing is limited to animals or lab settings. 142 vaccines are still in this stage. The next stage is ‘Phase 1’, where testing is conducted on a small group of people. Here, the focus is on the safety, dosage, efficacy and side effects of the vaccine. Should a vaccine pass this stage, it is brought into ‘Phase 2’, which involves a wider pool of test subjects. This is where scientists can fine-tune the dosage. Then, the vaccine can enter ‘Phase 3’, where it is administered on thousands of subjects. This provides information on rarer side effects. In this stage, some subjects are given a placebo in order to compare results. Only 9 vaccines have reached Phase 3 at the time of print.

United Kingdom The University of Oxford, in collaboration with AstraZeneca, a UK-based pharmaceutical company, has been a frontrunner in the development of a Covid-19 vaccine since the start of the pandemic. The UK government has already commissioned 340 million doses of various vaccines, including the Oxford/AstraZeneca one. Its goal is to have enough doses to vaccinate the entire population multiple times, should numerous doses be necessary. Trials for this vaccine were put on hold recently, however, as a result of a test subject developing an adverse reaction to the dose administered.

Trials resumed after a 6-day pause, but the United States has not resumed its tests of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine yet.

ebrating the return of normalcy have recently been held in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, where the virus was first known to have spread.

United States Moderna, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biotechnology company is leading the race for the United States’ Covid-19 vaccine.

Pfizer, a New York City-based pharmaceutical MNC is also pushing ahead, but has provided far less comprehensive information concerning the status of their trials than Moderna has. Moderna’s Phase 3 tests are being conducted across a 30,000-person pool, and they don’t aim at having preliminary analyses of these tests done until December at least. This is much to the chagrin of US President Donald Trump, who is pressuring Moderna and Pfizer to produce a vaccine by 3 November — the date of the 2020 Presidential Election — likely in order for him to secure a second term. His response to the pandemic has been widely criticised as the United States currently has the highest case count and death toll worldwide.

An important thing to note about the Moderna vaccine is that it would use mRNA to ‘trick’ the body into producing the viral proteins on its own. No mRNA vaccine has ever been approved for a viral infection, and Moderna has never managed to get a product of theirs approved by the FDA. This is also their first product to reach Phase 3 of a clinical trial.

An exciting recent development in Johnson and Johnson’s Phase 1 clinical trial has yielded promising results, with initial findings suggesting the vaccine does provoke an immune response, and that it is safe enough to move into large-scale trials.

Just under a month after vaccination, 99% of participants had developed antibodies against the virus.

The next phase will contrast a placebo with a single dose of the vaccine, to determine further its safety and effectiveness against a control variable.

Russia

The Gamaleya Research Institute in Moscow made waves earlier this summer when they announced the approval of their Covid-19 vaccine after testing it on just 76 peoChina ple. Bearing in mind the usual progression of vaccine testing, this technically puts the Four of the nine Covid-19 vaccines in Phase vaccine in Phase 1. However, the certifi3 are coming out of China. The four groups cation it has received clarifies that it can working on these are the CanSino Biologonly be administered to “a small number ics Inc./Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, of citizens from vulnerable groups.” This Photo by Vincent Ghilione | Unsplash includes medical staff and the elderly.

Wuhan Institute of Biological Products/ Sinopharm, Beijing Institute of Biological Products/Sinopharm and The vaccine cannot be widely administered until at least January Sinovac. Sinovac has been showing the most promise. Based out of 2021. Scientists both in Russia and globally have denounced the earBeijing, Sinovac hopes to start analysing the data from their Phase 3 ly approval of the vaccine, calling it premature. Russian President trials this year. They have also expanded testing to Brazil and hope Vladimir Putin has publicly endorsed the vaccine and has, in fact, to produce the vaccine there should it get approved in order to beannounced that one of his adult daughters has received it. come the primary supplier to South America. China is considered to This vaccine consists of two shots that contain different forms of be the source of the worldwide Covid-19 outbreak, but has managed the adenovirus. Often found in the common cold, Russian sciento control the spread of the virus domestically: massive parties celtists have engineered the adenovirus to carry the spiky surface pro-

How is a vaccine developed?

Covid-19 under a microscope. Photo by CDC on Unsplash tein of the Coronavirus. Use of the adenovirus is often looked down upon in vaccine development, as in 2007 it was found to actually aid transmission during an HIV vaccine trial.

Australia The University of Melbourne/Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Australia have been working on a vaccine that uses a nearly 100-year-old tuberculosis vaccine. This vaccine is not aimed at creating a direct immune response to Covid-19; scientists instead hope it will create greater immunity in those it’s administered to in order to prevent the virus from affecting them quite as gravely.

The Consumers Some countries are unable to work on vaccine production or are falling behind in the race, but desperately need one in order to curb the spread of the virus domestically. Brazil has the third-highest case count worldwide, with the rapid spread of Covid-19 in July widely attributed to ultra-conservative President Jair Bolsonaro’s laissez-faire response to the pandemic, himself testing positive for Covid-19 in July 2020. Still, Brazil has become a testing hub for Sinovac and AstraZeneca.

India has the second-highest case count worldwide and the highest daily case count, inching closer to 100,000 new infections a day.

The Serum Institute of India — the world’s largest vaccine supplier — has been aiding in India’s vaccine development, a jab called Covaxin, but it is still in Phase 2. Therefore, it has promised to allocate resources to produce other countries’ vaccines including the Oxford/AstraZeneca one. Still in order to vaccinate the entire Indian population, the Institute’s CEO Adar Poonawalla has informed the government, would cost 800,000,000,000 INR, or 8 billion GBP.

Monday 5 October 2020 InQuire

What’s on...

The New Mutants Tue 6 October 2020 Three Tenors: Voices for Eternity Wed 7 October 2020 Kendal Mountain Festival Fri 9 October 2020 Les Misérables Sat 10 - Thu 15 October 2020 Nero: Emperor and Antichrist Wed 14 October 2020 The Roads Not Taken Wed 14 October 2020 Bill & Ted Face the Music Fri 16 October 2020 Michael Ball & Alfie Boe: Back Together Sat 17 Oct Sun 18 Oct Black Panther Tue 20 October 2020 Rocks Thu 22 October 2020 The Trial of the Chicago 7 Fri 23 October 2020 HELD Sat 24 - Sun 25 October 2020

Photos by The Gulbenkian

Black History Month screenings For the month of October, the Gulbenkian will be celebrating Black History Month through a series of screenings, each of which will be followed by a panel discussion.

Miss Juneteenth A former beauty queen and single mom prepares her rebellious teenage daughter for the “Miss Juneteenth” pageant.

Turquoise Jones is a single mom who holds down a household, a rebellious teenager, and pretty much everything that goes down at Wayman’s BBQ & Lounge.

Turquoise is also a bona fide beauty queen – she was once crowned Miss Juneteenth, a title commemorating the day slaves in Texas were freed – two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Life didn’t turn out as beautifully as the title promised, but Turquoise, determined to right her wrongs, is cultivating her daughter, Kai, to become Miss Juneteenth, even if Kai wants something else

Rocks A spirited teenage girl suddenly finds herself struggling to take care of herself and her younger brother in this surprising portrait of resilience.

The film follows teenager Rocks (Bukky Bakray) who fears that she and her little brother Emmanuel (D’angelou Osei Kissiedu) will be forced apart if anyone finds out they are living alone. With the help of her friends, she evades the authorities and navigates the most defining days of her life. A film about the joy, resilience and spirit of girlhood.

EOS: Frida Kahlo Sat 24 October 2020 Miss Juneteeth Thu 29 October 2020 Funny Rabbit Comedy Club: Jayde Adams & Rich Wilson Fri 30 October 2020

Prices Full - £8.95 GulbCard Member - £6.70 Senior - £7.95 Registered Disabled - £7.70 Student - £6.00 Student GulbCard Member £5.00 Unemployed - £7.70 Under 25 - £6.00

Black Panther T’Challa, the new ruler of the advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must defend his technologically advanced African nation from being torn apart by enemies from outside and inside the country.

After the events of Captain America: Civil War, Prince T’Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country’s new king. However, T’Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne from factions within his own country. When two foes conspire to destroy Wakanda, the hero known as Black Panther must team up with C.I.A. agent Everett K. Ross and members of the Dora Milaje, Wakandan special forces, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war.

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InQuire Monday 5 October 2020

Satire

Is this a building? Students aren’t so sure

By Rory Bathgate Newspaper Editor

This seems to be a photo of a building. But is it? A new poll released on the Kent Union ChangeIt service has divided students, as over 43% of responses assert that the object – or entity – pictured to the right is not in fact a building.

Quite what change the creators of the poll intend to see made as a result are still unclear, but the divide it has highlighted among students has given many at the University of Kent pause for thought.

“I don’t know what the contention is,” a union representative stated, adding “this is definitely a building and there is no need for stu-

Photo by Angelina Christodoulou dents to investigate further”.

Vice-Chancellor Karen Cox went a step further by confirming the existence of the building whilst simultaneously urging all students to avert their gaze from the structure entirely. An email sent on her behalf to all UKC students finished with the words “this university is proud of our buildings, and this one – whether or not one believes in it – is no exception”.

InQuire spoke to a post-graduate student who pointed out that whether or not the entity currently on that spot on campus was a building, the building that used to be there was certainly real and far better. “The one that was there in my first year was much better,” he asserted going on to add that “Freshers don’t know what they’re missing, or not missing, depending on whether they think there’s anything there at all”.

Photos shared on various university meme pages over the past week appear to show seagulls sitting on the roof of the structure, and much has been made of this proving its existence. Independent verification of the images has proven hard, but a third year Wildlife Conservation student was quoted as having said “yep, those are seagulls alright”. However, the same student followed up with InQuire to clarify “although there is no doubt that the birds in the photo are seagulls, that does not necessarily prove that the object on which they sit is a building. Seagulls are notoriously tricksy birds, so this could be part of some larger, more elaborate avian scheme”. It is possible that this could be linked to the recently increased activities of the seagulls atop Templeman Library, though this could also be attributed to the recent influx of freshers, who the gulls may see as potential food targets.

This is not the first time that questions over the existence, or state, of a building on campus have been raised. In 1981 a disgruntled editor at InCant – this publication’s predecessor – ran a malicious story in which they claimed that none of the University of Kent was in fact real. The hurried seizure and pulping of all copies of that edition by university staff prevented this disinformation from spreading too far, but not before several hundred impressionable readers had already got hold of a copy. It was three months before a large chunk of the student populace was convinced that their campus was a non-fictional place. Similar concerns have been raised over the existence of the Medway campus, though to date no hard evidence is available to quell doubts either way.

Alleged seagull

Government sets out new confusion targets

By Rory Bathgate Newspaper Editor

The government has announced a new “Bafflement Scheme” will come into force as part of the ongoing effort to control the rising cases of coronavirus in the UK. Matt Hancock, the health secretary and professional bewilderer told the BBC that as the government has “continually reassessed what we know about COVID-19 throughout the pandemic, we have come to realise that understanding is the real bottleneck we are facing”. In the video interview, Hancock stopped to wink twice at the camera before stating “knowing things about the virus hasn’t got us anywhere, so fostering doubt has become our best weapon against it. It’s the last thing anyone will expect”.

To emphasise the levels of confusion they are dedicated to maintaining, the scheme was unveiled some time in the early hours of this week through a London-wide leafleting campaign. The leaflets, which bear phrases such as “Unwell?

Are you sure?” and “don’t think about thinking about 1m unless 2m is absolutely necessary” were mailed through every other door throughout various boroughs. The government also indicated that the newly announced tariffs on Berwick-upon-Tweed fall under the scheme.

Boris Johnson stated in the Commons that the scheme was to retroactively have come into effect in March.

The prime minister went on to promise that he was committed to a target of keeping the entire country in the dark over announcements by mid-November, declaring that Britons “need not think what their country can do for them, nor what they can do for their country”.

The leader of the opposition Sir Keir Starmer criticised the new scheme, pointing out that “although Labour supports the government’s focus on the truth or untruth of coronavirus statements, we should be focusing on clarity in our efforts to contain infection”.

Johnson responded by branding Starmer “Captain Consistency”, and retorted that “the people of Britain know that they don’t know what’s going on, and nor should they”, and that the “opposition’s continual efforts to criticise the chaos going on throughout the NHS and local councils undermine the world-beating uncertainty that we are delivering”.

Further concerns and anger over the scheme were registered on Twitter as it emerged that peacock farmers would be exempt from the new rules. A government spokesperson, reading notes scrawled on the back of their hand, refused to confirm nor deny the existence of peacocks.

“knowing things about the virus hasn’t got us anywhere”

22

Monday 5 October 2020 InQuire

Sport

Kent Union Sports Guidelines

By Joe Acklam Newspaper Sport Editor

These guidelines are correct at time of writing.

Those wanting to engage in sporting activities this term might find themselves wondering just what is permitted. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of Kent Union’s sports guidelines for this term.

- Student group activity is limited to a maximum of thirty people.

- Committees must keep a record (name, contact number) of all attendees and store the data in line with GDPR (further guidance will be released by Kent Union).

- Key government public health messages must be adhered to by all members including: - Members should be told not to attend any activity if they are feeling unwell - Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not hands) when coughing or sneezing.

- Put used tissues straight in the bin.

- Wash hand regularly with soap and water for at least 30 seconds or use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

- Do not touch face, eyes, nose or mouth if hands are not clean.

Sports activity, exercise classes, and licensed outdoor physical activity are permitted.

Photo by Aslan Ntumba

In-Person Activities

Photo Photoby bySyan SyanBateman Bateman

Photo by Aslan Ntumba

Photo by Syan Bateman

If you develop symptoms

Socials

Travel

Social Distancing

- Symptoms include: high temperature, a new and continuous cough, or a loss or change of your sense of smell or taste - Get a test.

- Inform the university.

- Stay home and do not have visitors until you get the result of your test.

- Those in your bubble should not leave home as well until you get your result.

- A social is “any activity/meet up that falls outside of the aims and objectives of your group (i.e is not core activity)”.

- In line with government advice student groups will only be permitted to socialise as follows: - Socialise outdoors in a group of up to 6 people (indoors or outdoors).

- Only socialise indoors with members of up to 2 households, this includes when dining out or going to the pub.

- Celebratory meals, fundraising events, balls etc. will therefore not be permitted at this time.

- Contact Kent Union for advice before organising any in-person activity.

- Travel should only be done in vehicles with those in your household or bubble, and if this is not possible then numbers should be kept to a minimum up to the legal limit of 6. Windows should be open where possible, and passengers should face away from each other.

- Vehicles should be cleaned between journeys using standard cleaning products, making sure to clean door handles and any other areas that people may touch.

- Driver and passengers must wear a face covering.

- When with people you do not live with, you should also avoid: physical contact; being close and face-to-face; and shouting or singing close to them.

You should also avoid crowded areas with lots of people; and touching things that other people have touched.

- Where you cannot stay 2 metres apart you should stay more than 1 metre apart, as well as taking extra steps to stay safe. These include wearing a face covering (unless you are exempt), move outdoors, where it is safer and there is more space, or make sure indoor rooms are well-ventilated by keeping windows and doors open (unless a fire door that doesn’t have an automatic release mechanism).

Sports teams adapting to Coronavirus restrictions as term begins

By Jaden Shephard Website Sport Editor COVID-19 has changed all our lives since March this year and will do into the future, but as the university tentatively opens back up again, it has left the sports teams in a difficult position.

At the beginning of lockdown all sports were cancelled with only top-level sports getting back to the action relatively recently. Clearly, university sport has still got a way to go before things are come. BUCS, the university sport’s governing body, has announced that no events will take place till January at the earliest due to government restrictions. This has left Team Kent with an entire term of no fixtures but plenty of time to learn how to train in a COVID secure way. Kent Sport and Kent Union teams have spent the summer figuring out how to adapt to current times. What this has meant for teams is smaller numbers at training and that socially distanced activities across the board.

This poses a particular problem for contact sports like American Football. Ryan Frost, the president of UKC’s American Football team Kent

Falcons, spoke of how they’ve had to adapt: “Well we’ve had to make all training non-contact despite being a contact sport, and split our offence and defence onto opposite halves of the field to avoid unnecessary mixing”. On equipment the teams are also limited on what they can and can’t use, with

limited items being allowed in order to make sure things stay disinfected.

Tackle bags are one example of equipment that won’t be available going forward. Sanitizing equipment is also going to be needed as Frost explains “All our equipment is going to be wiped down with disinfectant and the helmets

are going to be labelled with names, because we want to avoid accidentally wearing another person’s helmet and crosscontaminating”.

The onus is also on clubs to make sure they have in place proper track and trace systems in order for the NHS to contact those who’ve been in close

contact with each other should there be a positive test.

There is the other side of University Sport of course, that of socials, which will take the biggest hit. With clubs closed and gatherings limited to a maximum of six people, we will miss the sight of costume-clad students making their way across campus, as Photo by Violeta I. socials will not be able to take in their usual form. Instead some are coming up with innovative virtual social activities over zoom to welcome new freshers and keep the team together. Some teams will struggle to get off the ground at all this year with the new ban on more than six people playing sport indoors coming into place. Kent Cheer have already had to announce they will not be able to compete this year.

This term isn’t going to be normal for anyone, but for many just the opportunity to get back to playing some sport with their teammates will be a welcome relief from the year we’ve had so far.

23

InQuire Monday 5 October 2020

Sport

BUCS suspended until 2021

By Joe Acklam Newspaper Sport Editor Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its influence on society at large, the university sport season for 2020-21 will be delayed until 2021.

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) released an official statement: “The decision to focus on Term 2 is a result of feedback from our members, who want to be able to support students in their preparation for returning to competitive team sport”. This decision comes alongside the announcement that the leagues for the following 202122 season will be based upon the standings from 2019-20. Meaning that there will be no promotion nor relegation in the coming year. The statement referred to the 2020-21 as a “bridging season”.

BUCS, having surveyed over 300 staff and students from more than 140 institutions, came to the conclusion that it was likely that fewer teams would be entered into the coming season, which would make the structure of the competition “likely to change quite significantly for the 2020-21 season”, thus with an abridged season featuring fewer teams it would be fairer to use the standings from 2019-20. Hence if a university is unable to field a team in 2020-21, and maintains their membership to BUCS, then they will not be forced to start in the bottom division in the following season.

Planning for upcoming seasons by BUCS is ongoing. They are continuing to work with their Student Advisory Group and Sport Review Implementation Group on issues such as the recognition of those teams who are successful in 2020-21.

They stated “Our aim is to still provide competitive opportunities and ensure we recognise achievement as best we can. We believe there is actually an opportunity to use next season to look at ways to celebrate achievement better and improve the reward and recognition teams receive”.

An update on 31 July saw the situation evolve yet further. Due to government advice, the possibility of an opt-in competition to take place from

Photo by Angelina Christodoulou late October until the Christmas break for any team that wishes to compete became realistic. The official BUCS leagues are still set to commence in January 2021 and the new competition would be operated in a more flexible manner than normal.

the coming season, although with the guarantee that they would return for 2021-22. Various sports and events are still under review. The statement explained that, “Our guiding principle of only offering events that we believe are safe and feasible

confirmed that: indoor athletics, boxing, canoeslalom, cycling- track, snow sports (Main Events), swimming (BUCS and Speedo Short Course Swimming Championships), and the Autumn Taekwondo Championships will not take place this season.

“The decision to focus on Term 2 is a result of feedback from our members, who want to be able to support students in their preparation for returning to competitive team sport” The full details of this competition are yet to be announced in full as BUCS wait for responses from the respective teams.

A calendar for 2020-21 was announced on 26 August, which can be viewed on the BUCS website, but with it came the announcement that various sports had been completely cancelled for

to deliver, means that unfortunately, some events will not take place during the 2020-21 season”.

This decision was taken after thorough consideration of NGB plans, facility availability, social distancing compatibility, delivery window options, event size, cost, and workforce provision.

With all of these factors in mind, it has been

In addition to this: BUCS Big Wednesday, Cricket (Indoor Leagues, Knockouts, and Finals), Futsal Finals, Korfball Programme, Rugby Union Finals, and Stages 1 and 2 of the Squash Premier League are under review for their viability to be delivered in the current climate.

What goes on behind closed doors

By Joe Acklam Newspaper Sport Editor

During the last months life and sport has changed a great deal. In March it looked like it could be an incredibly long time before sport started to come back once again. As it turned out it came back far quicker than first feared, with Germany’s Bundesliga being amongst the first of the major sports to start again on 16 May, with many other competitions not far behind. However, the sport that returned was not the same as what we had known before, as to remain safe no spectators were allowed to be at the matches. Fortunately enough I was able to be in attendance for one of these events and I am going to try and describe the experience.

Unsurprisingly there is a fair amount more forward planning that goes into allowing people into stadia and well ahead of time the list of those in attendance has to be submitted. I had to fill in a form which certified that I didn’t have a

awkwardly standing there a reassuring beep proved that I was fine and could enter.

The inside of the ground was far more regimented than normal, as my orange lanyard only granted me access to look upon the players from a distance. I was able to have a conversation with Bath City’s manager across the divide of zones in which he instructed me to be biased towards his team.

Face masks are mandatory to be worn in all areas, much Photo by Ambitious Creative Co. - Rick Barrett | Unsplash to the chagrin of Karens fairly exhaustive list of symptoms to be given to everywhere, which on a particularly toasty July a stern looking marshal in a high visibility bib at afternoon was not overly pleasant. However, my the entrance before they checked my temperapresence as part of the commentary team allowed ture by placing a science-fiction-like contraption me to take it off whilst the game was being played. against my forehead. After a few nervy seconds of Much of the rest is likely to familiar to those who

have been watching their favourite sports on TV over the past few months as the players were seated in the stand a few metres apart and only one team utilised the tunnel. The biggest difference to non-league football is definitely that more than one ball was being used, as they had many dotted around the pitch which were being disinfected after use. The lack of a crowd was in some ways useful to my commentary duties as we could hear more of what was being shouted by those involved, although much of that was expletives from Dorking’s manager, whose conduct led to his dismissal in the last minute.

Sport www.inquiremedia.co.uk/sport

InQ Quire

BUCS suspended until 2021: REad inside

Everything you need to know about university sport on Pages 22 and 23

Team Kent announces Akuma as new kit provider

Photo by Kent Union

Quick Crossword

Sudoku

cess, in which Akuma received 85% of first place choices, securing their place as the preferred option. Students highlighted the three week lead time on orders due to their UK production as being greatly appealing, as well as the ability to design the kit themselves. Further praise was given to the company for their high quality kit, and the environmental steps taken by Akuma

Sports to reduce their carbon footprint by using recycled ocean plastics in production.

As part of the deal, Akuma will also be providing additional videography content for Team Kent and Varsity each year.

Across 1 3 7 8 9 10 11 14 16 18 21 22 23 24

Badger’s burrow (4) Tranquillity (5) Couch (4) Go on (8) Investigation (8) Close by (4) Solicitor (6) Eraser (6) Celebrity (4) On time (8) Put off (8) Deceptive trick (4) Rank (5) Study hard (4)

Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 12 13 15 17 19 20 21

Push (5) Disaster (7) Large leopard (7) Arrange in line (5) Teach (7) Wound mark (4) Marvellous (7) Put back (7) Meat retailer (7) Additional (5) Short message (4) Warning of danger (5) Deep unconscious state (4)

Compiled by Matthew Sapsed

Across: 1 Sett, 3 Peace (Set piece), 7 Sofa, 8 Continue, 9 Research, 10 Near, 11 Lawyer, 14 Rubber, 16 Fame, 18 Punctual, 21 Distract, 22 Hoax, 23 Grade, 24 Cram.

Kent Union has announced that Akuma Sports will take over from Rhino as the new kit provider for Team Kent.

The process of deciding on a new kit supplier

was started in January by outgoing Vice-President Student Engagement, Emily Window. Over the course of the decision making process, Akuma Sports beat out Rhino, Kukri, Under Armour, Surridge, and Samurai to obtain the contract.

In deciding upon Akuma Sports as the new kit provider, virtual presentations were given to students on each of the options and a voting pro-

Down: 1 Shove, 2 Tragedy, 3 Panther, 4 Align, 5 Educate, 6 Scar, 12 Amazing, 13 Replace, 15 Butcher, 17 Extra, 19 Note, 20 Alarm.

By Joe Acklam Newspaper Sport Editor