The Kent Stater- October 12, 2017 by The Kent Stater

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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017

Students knit prosthetics for breast cancer survivors Page 12

KSU students tackle World Mental Health Day

Flashes look to defend home field for annual Homecoming game

Homecoming special section

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Thursday, October 12, 2017

NEWS

Installed spot-counting devices to ease campus parking troubles Alex Tinline Parking and Transportation Reporter In an effort to help make parking easier on campus, Kent State is installing a new spot counter in the C-Science lot this week. A faulty cable cord delayed the addition to the lot, which is next to the Liquid Crystal and Materials Sciences building. Parking Services has also already installed a spot counter that was self-funded earlier this year for commuters, located by the Verder Hall lot, as a way to test the waters. Larry Emling, the Parking Services manager, said the university has found the installation beneficial to students. The spot counting devices consist of an LED sign that displays the number of spots available in the parking lot. As vehicles drive over the sensor, the number of open spots displayed increases or decreases depending on whether vehicles enter or exit the parking lot.

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So if there’s a space they can pull right in. If there is not space, they can go in and hope someone is pulling out.” – Larry Emling Parking Services Manager

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“I have pulled in so many times when the lot says full and I have found a spot,” said senior photo illustration major Chelsea Saxman. “That’s why no matter what the counter says I just go in anyways.” The accuracy of the sensor is a common concern among commuters like Saxman. “That’s all we can do is make them (students) aware of if there’s space or not space,” Emling said. “So if there’s space they can pull right in. If there is not space, they can go in and hope someone is pulling out. But they are aware that the sign is saying full now so they can make an educated guess on what to do.” As an initiative to make parking on campus for commuters easier, Parking Services teamed up with the Kent State mobile app. “I downloaded the app freshman year to find the buildings I had to go to around campus,” said Hannah Filkill, a senior special education major. “It’s already annoying driving around campus during the day. But if the app has parking too, it would make life so much easier.” Before entering campus, students can check the app to see which C-lots have the most open spots. The Kent State mobile app and Parking Services collaboration is in the final stages and is scheduled to be released and available for students by Spring 2018. “We are mainly focusing on the commuter students; that is the most

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Kent State added a new parking sign at the C-Science East lot, which tracks the number of available parking spaces. Jon Sepchinski / The Kent Stater

transit population,” Emling said. “They are in and out all the time. ... The commuter lots are higher turnover, so we are trying to give people the opportunity

to at least make an informed decision before they come to campus.” Contact Alex Tinline at atinline@kent.edu.

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Theatre department explores diversity in ‘Intimate Apparel’

Fabio Polanco (center) directs the cast of “Intimate Apparel” as they prepared for dress rehearsal Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017. Opening night was Oct. 6 and will run until Sunday. Chris Spegal / The Kent Stater

Alex Kamczyc Features Correspondent The theatre department opened its new fall production “Intimate Apparel” this weekend at the Wright-Curtis Theatre — but this time, viewers saw something different. The play was not only written by an AfricanAmerican playwright, but it also features an all-black cast with only two white actors and actresses to accompany them on stage. It is a welcomed change to many involved in the production. “This is a play about gender,” said Fabio Polanco, an associate professor of theatre at Kent State and director of the play. “It’s a play (about) race. It’s a play about socioeconomic status. It’s a story about an individual woman, and I think there’s a lot of power in the fact that’s what it is.” The play is also a departure from last season at Kent State’s Center for the Performing Arts in terms of diversity and content. The majority of the plays performed last season were written by white men, so the school felt a change was necessary. “A colleague and I were talking and we felt that it was very important that a wider variety of voices be heard on our stage,”

Polanco said. “It’s not that there hasn’t been diversity on our stage, but it seemed like the relationship of the types of voices on stage maybe needed a little bit of recalibration.” The story centers on an African-American seamstress named Esther Miller who creates luxurious lingerie for a wide range of customers, from wealthy baronesses to prostitutes. She tries to envision a new life, but finds herself constantly weighed down by expectations of society at the time. “The story was written by Lynn Nottage as an interpretation of what her grandmother’s life was like,” said Chantrell Lewis, a junior theatre studies major who starred as Esther. “It’s about the preservation of her story and the preservation of stories about people who aren’t always necessarily remembered.” The play was first performed in 2003. Nottage is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright who is also an associate professor at Columbia University. “She was trying to do research on her greatgrandmother who was a seamstress that had married a Bohemian man,” Polanco said. “But she couldn’t really find that much information, so she spent time at the New York Public Library trying to see what she could gather and was only able to piece together a few things so

that led her to creating this play.” Since its debut, the play has earned a bevy of awards and nominations, including Best Actress in a Play (Viola Davis) and the John Gassner Award for best script in 2004. As the play traverses, audiences are taken deeper into the personal life of Esther and her portrait begins to form. It is a presentation of what life would have been like for an AfricanAmerican woman living in 1905. “I was just so pumped to be in a play that features a predominantly black cast,” said Lauren Odioso, a senior theatre studies major who plays the role of Mrs. Van Buren, one of only two white characters in the play. The only way viewers are intended to be able to tell one scene from the other is a projector, marking each scene with titles that are related to lingerie. “The play is intended to never stop. It’s meant to be continuous,” Polanco said. “One of the challenges is that you have to find a way that you can do that even though she’s changing locations all the time.” To prepare for this show, the cast also had to take lessons from a dialect coach so they could learn how their characters would have talked in 1905. They were also taught certain mannerisms used during the time.

For Lewis, she had to learn the entirety of the play because she does not leave the stage during the production. “I think the most difficult part is being prepared mentally for the amount of work I have to do,” Lewis said. “I guess I didn’t necessarily expect to have to do so much physically. It’s nerve-wracking, but it’s also exciting at the same time.” Odioso said the simplicity of the show and its differences from other plays will entice the audience. “I feel like a lot of people were turned off from theatre because they think it’s just breaking out in song and dance. It’s a lot of theatrics and spectacle. The director’s concept for this show is honest, warm and revealing, and I think this play really embodies that.” Polanco said the show will draw the audience in because of its message: everyone has a story to tell. “These are real human beings, and there’s value in stopping to really look at what is the story of an individual who may seem, on the surface, not that consequential and how consequential they really are.”

Contact Alex Kamczyc at akamczyc@kent.edu.

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Thursday, October 12, 2017

EmPOWER Girls Speaker Series highlights females, importance of equality

Caris Kuhn, a junior political science major, gives a speech on the importance of female empowerment in the Kiva Friday. McKenna Corson / The Kent Stater

Hannah Sheridan Women’s and LGBTQ Issues Reporter

Female student leaders gave a series of speeches and presentations on the importance of empowering women and promoting equality in the EmPOWER Girls Speaker Series hosted by UNICEF KSU Tuesday. The event, held in the Kiva, kicked off with an introduction made by UNICEF KSU president Emma Getz, a junior human development and family studies major. “During times of crisis, girls are even more subjected to violence, and are not getting needed menstrual products,” Getz said. Five speakers took the stage to express personal feelings and perspectives on the current status of women in the world. Each speaker addressed a series of problems they hope to fix. “We must not rest until we achieve gender equality in the workplace,” said Alexa Marshall, a sophomore middle childhood education major and UNICEF KSU associate membership director. “Less than 12 percent of countries have women leaders.” In 2016, women working full time in the U.S. were paid 80 percent of what men were paid, according to the American Association of University Women. “We have to open the door for the next generation of women,” Marshall said. Also, according to the American Association of University Women, in 2015, 13 percent of American women ages 18–64 were living below the federal poverty level, compared to 10 percent of men. “Women have to overcome external obstacles that men don’t usually have to deal with,” said Mara Cash, a junior psychology major and president of KSU Feminist Club. Disparity issues between genders exist on Kent State’s campus as well, said Iniah Dunbar, a senior sociology major and president of BUS. Dunbar said there have been five female presidents of Black United Students since 1968, and women have to deal with people thinking men can do a better job. “Women throughout history have broken society’s constraints,” said Clare Goebel, a senior special education major and member of the College Democrats. “Women are deserving of every opportunity in the world.” Women are also economically disadvantaged compared to men, Kuhn said. “There are about 1.5 billion people living in poverty in the world, with 60 to 70 percent being women,” said Caris Kuhn, a junior political science major and the College Democrats communication director. “Being a feminist means to be a humanitarian. I think we all need to be feminists. The power of the people is real." Dania Mofleh, a first-year public health graduate student and UNICEF secretary, worked in Jordan as a primary physician. Mofleh said Syrian refugees in Jordan easily fall victim to gender-based violence and young girls are left without families. “Gender-based violence includes partner violence, forced prostitution and trafficking,” Mofleh said. “Twenty women in Jordan are killed each year by male family members. One out of three girls are victim to early marriage.” According to UN Women, about 120 million girls worldwide have experienced forced intercourse or forced sexual acts during their lives, with the most common perpetrators of sexual violence against girls being current or former husbands, partners or boyfriends. “Education is important for all of us, so one day we can advocate for other kids,” Mofleh said.

Contact Hannah Sheridan at hsherid1@kent.edu.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Students speak out for World Mental Health Day Emily McMahan Student Life Reporter

Javier Ojeda, a junior environmental

conservation bio major, said mental health means being OK with who you are “in social situations and by yourself.” Ojeda believes being alone is just as important for mental health as socializing in groups. “I think the media shames people who don’t want to be social all of the time,” Ojeda said. “I think that stresses some people out because they don’t think they are doing enough.”

“I think a lot of times people just try to keep it inside them,” said Katie Adams, a sophomore speech pathology and audiology major. “It’s hard to keep everything internalized.”

Photos by Emily McMahan

On Oct. 10 of every year, countries around the globe observe World Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues and combatting the stigmas surrounding them. At Kent State, students shared their perspectives of what mental illness means to them. Contact Emily McMahan at emcmaha1@kent.edu.

Adam Zaryk, a senior

environmental conservation bio major, agrees that knowing who you are and what you want is the most important part of mental health. “I think (society) forces you into doing things you wouldn’t otherwise do and then tells you you’re wrong for doing something you would do,” Zaryk said.

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For tips to stay mentally healthy at school, visit http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/life-campus.

“I’ve had anxiety,” said Lynsie Sydenstricker, a sophomore studio arts major. “It’s important to get the word out and make sure people know how important it is to stay mentally healthy.” Millions of Americans battle mental illnesses every single day. According to Mental Health America, 21 percent of American adults are diagnosed with anxiety disorders, the most common of mental illnesses. A press release by the National Center for the Prevention of Youth Suicide said suicide is the second leading cause of death in ages 15-24.

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Thursday, October 12, 2017

LIL UZI VERT, PLAYBOI CARTI PERFORM AT THE M.A.C. CENTER Photos by Carter Adams

Lil Uzi Vert reaches out to fans during his performance Sunday.

Audience members hold up their cellphones in preparation for Lil Uzi Vert to come on stage Sunday.

A concertgoer sits on the shoulders of another concertgoer as Lil Uzi Vert finishes his set during his performance Sunday.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

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Playboi Carti performs on stage Sunday.

Lil Uzi Vert reacts to concertgoers cheering during his performance in the M.A.C. Center Sunday.

Lil Uzi Vert performs a medley at the MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Inglewood, Calif.

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Thursday, October 12, 2017

Tenure, promotion, hiring policy dominates Faculty Senate meeting

College deans and university administrators gather in the Governance Chambers for the second Faculty Senate meeting of the semester Monday. Nicholas Hunter / The Kent Stater

Nicholas Hunter Academic Affairs Reporter Faculty Senate turned attention to tenure acceptance and promotion policy at its October meeting Monday. Deborah Smith, the Senate chair and associate professor of philosophy, centered her remarks on clarifying her stance on the plan set forth by Todd Diacon, the senior vice president of Academic Affairs and provost, to merge the process that awards professors tenure with the promotion process. “Under our current policies, a successful tenure review does not always result in the upward movement of promotion to associate professor,” Smith said. “The two are separate processes governed by separate policies.” Smith explained while promotion is only possible with tenure, it is possible to gain tenure without getting promoted from adjunct to associate professor. “At the request of the provost, I have instructed Faculty Senate’s professional standards committee to explore revising our tenure and promotion policies to fully combine the decisions regarding tenure and promotion into associate professor,” Smith said. Smith said she is in favor of merging the two processes because she worries that by awarding a professor tenure without promotion, it lets colleagues vote someone into tenure while still expressing concerns with their qualifications for the title, putting faculty in a “gray area” of

potentially undeserved tenure. “I believe that too often we decide to tenure, but not promote faculty who may come close to meeting, but not clearly meet, the criteria for tenure,” Smith said. Smith said she hopes to raise the bar for tenure and promotion by merging the two processes, but worries the result will be the opposite. “We will effectively be raising the bar, ever so slightly for tenure, and ensuring tenure is never awarded as a sort of consolation prize,” Smith said. “My fear is that we will effectively be lowering the bar for promotion to associate professor.” George Garrison, the acting academic chair of the department of Pan-African Studies and faculty senator, later expressed different fears. He sees prioritizing tenure, an accomplishment based predominantly on research accolades, as a disservice to students. “We do pride ourselves on being a liberal arts institution here, where we do think teaching is important,” Garrison said. “But we have a tendency (to think) — that’s not a proven idea — that (scholarly advancement) results in excellent teaching. And most of us, who have been around a considerable amount of time, have come across, fairly often, very senior people who are not necessarily good teachers.” Diacon briefly touched on tenure and promotion policy before moving to the ongoing policy regarding the faculty early separation plan, which provides a contract buyout for faculty members of retirement

age to open up funding to bring in new tenure-track faculty members. The estimation from Diacon is, for every two faculty members who accept the early release offer, three new tenure-track assistant professors will be brought in. He also clarified a concern of some of the faculty: the ability to return and teach after accepting the early release offer. Separating professors will be able to return to teach one course each fall, spring and summer semester as an adjunct professor. “Yes, separating faculty may return and teach for Kent State University,” Diacon said. “But, each time they do so, that will delay by that amount of time, the payment into the separation benefit.” Retirees through this plan will still retain retirement health benefits, and will have the option to delay retirement for up to one year. “For example, if a professor has external funding and wants to continue that work, delaying the (separation) plan would be a distinct possibility,” Diacon said. After explaining the hiring process that will take place going forward, which involves the confirmation of hiring by Diacon and President Beverly Warren based on proposals from department deans’ recommendations, the Comprehensive Office Print Initiative (COPI) was broken down and discussed. “We are exploring how we can rethink our purchasing, use and placement of office copy machines as well as desktop printers,” Diacon said.

COPI will lead to a reduction of total printers in each department, with the university also backing away from paying for ink cartridges for personal desktop printers, instead leaving that expense to faculty members. Mark Polatajko, the senior vice president of finance and administration, said the university is projected to save $400,000 at minimum with COPI and “all of those savings at the colleges or centers are retained by those colleges and centers.” The COPI program guidelines explain along with the reduction of university investment on personal printers for faculty, savings will come from a few default settings that will be set for all department printers. The settings include printing in black and white, with an option to print in color, printing pages double-sided and going into power saver mode when they aren’t being used. “The process will basically involve a comprehensive review of every square foot of space that is serviced by a variety of print devices,” Polatajko said. The review will break down the exact needs for each department and create the most efficient system possible based on those needs, including the ability to safely print private documents on public printers through a personal identification system. The university administration expects COPI to be fully in place in 12 to 18 months. Faculty Senate will meet next on Nov. 13. Contact Nicholas Hunter at nhunter6@kent.edu.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

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SPORTS

Flashes welcome Redhawks to Dix Stadium for Homecoming matchup Henry Palattella Sports Editor

Last season, Miami (OH)'s 18-14 victory over Kent State turned its season around. Coming into their matchup against the Flashes, the Redhawks were 0-6 and a loss away from falling out of bowl contention. But with 1:42 left in the fourth quarter, Miami quarterback Gus Ragland found Kenny Young for a 55-yard touchdown pass to give them an 18-14 lead, the margin they would go on to win by. The Redhawks followed up with six straight wins and almost pulled off an upset of Mississippi State in the St. Petersburg Bowl, while the Flashes limped to a 3-9 finish. The Flashes (1-5, 0-2 Mid-American Conference) can exact revenge this weekend when they welcome the Redhawks (2-4, 1-1 MAC) to Dix Stadium for the annual Homecoming game. “You look at them at 2-4; they could very easily be 5-1,” Kent State coach Paul Haynes said at the team’s press conference Monday. “They lost to Cincinnati in the last minute of the game, lost to Bowling Green in the last minute, Marshall the same way. They play very confident, going back all the way to when they rattled off six in a row. ... They’re not going to be rattled with where they are record-wise because they did it already.” Miami lost a heartbreaker to Bowling Green by a score of 37-29 last week after quarterback Billy Bahl fumbled the ball at the Falcons’ goal line, who scooped the fumble up and ran it back 99 yards for a touchdown. Bahl threw for 119 yards in the loss after coming in for relief of starting quarterback Ragland, who suffered a Buffalo defenders tackle Kent State quarterback George Bollas during a run in the third quarter Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017. Matt Arnold / The Kent Stater lower-body injury that may affect his availability Saturday. Ragland has gone getting Justin Rankin going. Rankin was one Bollas and Crum combined to throw Smith, who have rushed for 358 and 316 96-179 for 1,398 yards and 12 touchdowns of the Flashes' few bright spots last season, 29 yards and three interceptions last week yards this season, respectively. Receiver this season. but has only totaled 285 total yards and one against Northern Illinois. The Flashes only James Gardner has 535 yards receiving to go "They cause problems,” Haynes said of touchdown. Rankin had what looked like a managed 131 total yards in the game. along with five touchdowns. the quarterbacks. “They do what they do. touchdown against Northern Illinois, but it Bollas and Crum have split duties behind For Kent, Haynes said both George Bollas We’re going to be challenged like crazy. Their and Dustin Crum will both see time at was called back after a challenge reviewed center since Nick Holley went down with running backs are good, and they have big, his knee hit the ground before crossing the a season-ending injury earlier in the year. quarterback for the Flashes. tall receivers again. ... These guys throw goal line. Bollas has thrown for 322 yards on the year “That’s all we got," Haynes said. "We the balls up like I’ve never seen. They’re Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at compared to Crum’s 155, but Crum has only got two. Those guys did some good throwing it deep 15 to 20 times a game.” Dix Stadium. totaled 126 yards on the ground. things, but there are some things they need Miami has a two-headed attack in the One of the keys for the Flashes will be to improve on.” Contact Henry Palattella at hpalatte@kent.edu. backfield in the form of Young and Alonzo

10 The Kent Stater

Thursday, October 12, 2017

OPINION

Stress on campus isn’t a competition Jack Kopanski Throughout four years on a college campus, a student will experience a fluctuating range of emotions. From indescribable elation to chesttightening anxiety, college students feel it all. Sometimes all within one day. While college is discussed and reminisced by many as the best times of their lives for good reason, it would be inane to think it is constant fun, parties and happiness. One of the most important things a college student can do during their four years is be open and talk about what is going on in their lives, both good and bad. It’s a piece of advice that has been driven into the ground in recent years and has unfortunately turned into a cliche at this point. By being in the same general age range, residing in the same areas and taking classes of similar intensities, students find it easy to bond over stress from class. Sharing stories of horrible professors, unfair assignments, how late they stayed up the night before finishing a paper or studying for a test is relatable to all. When a student does not have as heavy of a class load or as many extracurriculars to take up their time, they clash with the typical student. The deeply-involved student will openly discuss how stressed they are about what they’ve got going on, and the student who is less busy may feel as if their problems aren’t real just because they’ve got less to do. It isn’t always framed as harshly, but the message of “somebody always has it worse” doesn’t always alleviate stress. It needs to be emphasized everyone’s stressors are valid. The anxiety of someone with 18 credit hours should be treated the same as someone with 12. Being overwhelmed is being overwhelmed. You can’t know what someone else has going on outside of what they’re

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Numbers to know:

1986

Students charged in death of Louisiana State University freshman

Year of the last World Cup cycle missed by the United States

After a hazing tradition at LSU’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity killed freshman Maxwell Gruver via overdrinking, 10 fellow students were charged in his death. One suspect could face up to five years in prison, while nine others face up to 30 days.

For the first time since 1986, the U.S. will miss the FIFA World Cup. The men’s squad for the U.S. needed at least a draw against Trinidad and Tobago in Tuesday’s match in order to qualify for the 2018 tournament. They fell by a score of 2-1.

talking about. It’s not always the situation you hear about that is the real catalyst of their struggles. Not only that, but moods and attitudes can change on a dime. Someone who was going about having a great day might flip to total stress by something that on any other day would not phase them. Sometimes, a stressed person is not looking for a solution, but only wants to vent and get their issues off their chest. Everybody has their stressors and things that bring them down. If someone

is willing and able to make themselves vulnerable enough to come to you with their problems, don’t question why they’re feeling a certain way or compare it to how much more you have to do. Be a friend. Listen. Offer a hug, go on a walk or just let them blow let off steam for a few minutes. It could mean more than you know. Jack Kopanski is a columnist. Contact him at jkopansk@kent.edu.

Cheers&Jeers

It needs to be emphasized everyone’s stressors are valid.”

Cheers to ... sweeping her off her feet. Virginians Jake and Kirsten Barney won the North American Wife Carrying Championships held in Newry, Maine, earning the couple 12 cases of beer and $630.

Jeers to ... unusable donations. A food bank in Wales was shocked to receive a 46-year-old can of kidney soup, a donation which they graciously turned away.

– Jack Kopanski

SUBMISSIONS: The Stater hopes to encourage lively debate about the issues of the day on the Opinion Page. Opinions on this page are the authors’ and not necessarily endorsed by the Stater or its editors. Readers are encouraged to participate through letters to the editor (email them to lmisera@kent.edu) and guest columns. Submissions become property of the Stater and are subject to editing without notice.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Eminem’s assault on Trump doesn’t forgive past sins

SHANNON KOVACH’S VIEW

Nicholas Hunter

What’s the point, Turning Point? Matthew Olienechak I’ve decided to step back from the larger problems I’ve been trying to tackle lately and instead focus on a more local issue. Specifically, I’ve been itching to comment on one of our newest student organizations: the Kent State chapter of Turning Point USA. Now, full disclosure — I’m pretty far left on the political spectrum. If you’ve read my columns before, you might have picked up on this. But when I heard members of this organization were going around dressed as cops and handing out “trigger citations,” their way of poking fun at political correctness, I knew I had to say something. What’s the point? There is so much wrong in this world right now, from war and famine to the possibility of millions losing crucial health insurance. People are still reeling from a string of natural disasters, and Las Vegas became yet another victim of horrific

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gun slaughter. Yet, “combating” political correctness on campus is their main goal right now? I’m not sure what else I expected from an organization whose Twitter bio promises a fight for “fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government,” or whose recent photos on the main Twitter account for the organization have such thrilling slogans such as “Socialism Sucks,” “Commies aren’t cool” and “The Greatest Social Program is a Job.” It’s just another example of the ideological right trying to push back against the wave of leftist activism and falling short. There are no inspiring issues to be found, no worthy causes to rally behind. There is nothing besides an attempt to keep our society as it is, to prolong the individualistic social norm and its worship of capitalism. Young adults who have been born into a position of incredible privilege act as though they are the underdogs in this world. But they never need to worry about how their race or economic background will impact their life. They’re not underdogs, and no one has ever rooted for Goliath over David.

But what can we expect when they join an organization led by yet another nationalist? Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, is the kind of man who gets incredible amounts of satisfaction from proclaiming on Twitter: “Taxes are theft ... USA is the best country ever, socialism kills, Hillary should be in prison.” He says of socialism that “it is the most dangerous, evil ideology to exist,” seemingly putting the horrors of Nazism and fascism behind it. Now, they do have a right to these opinions, just as I have the right to mine. But it pains me when I see this incredible energy they possess put to such ends. They could help bring an end to systematic racism, to police brutality, to an upper class that drains those below them of all wealth. We could work together against the threat of climate change or impending nuclear holocaust. But instead, they refute those causes to focus on their eternal crusade against political correctness and taxes. And we, as a species, are all the worse for it. Matthew Olienechak is a columnist. Contact him at molienec@kent.edu.

Last night, during the BET Hip Hop Awards, a spot aired featuring rapper Eminem delivering a freestyle rap directed at President Donald Trump. Eminem’s message was clear: a fan of Trump he is not. “Any fan of mine who’s a supporter of his, I’m drawing in the sand a line, you’re either for or against, and if you can’t decide who you like more and you’re split on who you should stand beside, I’ll do it for it for you with this,” Eminem said before shouting an expletive and giving the middle finger to the camera. The piece was very much a product of Eminem’s style — a somber, angry and often unsettling delivery mixed with expletive-laced verses and graphic imagery of what he would like to do to the current object of his ire. And it’s because of this pattern from Eminem that I can’t jump on his hype train. In his music, Eminem has shown a penchant for outrage. While it was focused on a subject almost universally disliked by American liberals at this time, he has spent most of his career spewing hate at the very groups of people who have been cheering him on since his verbal assault on Trump dropped. In one of his first hit songs, “Guilty Conscience,” Eminem jokes about drugging a 15-year-old girl at a party. In nearly every notable song he’s recorded since, vile jokes targeted primarily at LGBTQ people and violence toward women (including his at-thetime wife in “Kim,” as well as a number of prominent women in pop culture) litter his music. Obviously, Eminem is not unique as a rapper willing to use vulgar and offensive language for shock value and humor. It’s an issue that has haunted the genre nearly since its inception and hasn’t gone away. Yes, we’ve seen progress in the past few years, but for every Frank Ocean coming out, there’s a J. Cole song using homophobic slurs that spends the next few lines to justify it. It’s a systemic problem, and the solution lies in a long-term effort to reject lyrics about violence toward women and LGBTQ people and the people who sing them. I’m not here to enforce political correctness. Who am I, a straight white man, to decide what’s offensive anyway? I’ll leave that to those who feel targeted by his music. But I’m not buying the idea we should put Eminem on a pedestal just because he’s speaking up against someone liberals disagree with — not after all the hate and violence he’s spewed throughout his career. We can and should embrace people being socially conscious and turning a corner against hate and bigotry, but we can’t do that without also holding people accountable for their past transgressions. Maybe this is that moment for Eminem. Maybe he’ll spend the next few days taking back his old music that was created to offend and upset anyone and everyone. That, though, seems unlikely. Nicholas Hunter is a columnist. Contact him at nhunter6@kent.edu.

12 The Kent Stater

Thursday, October 12, 2017

KentWired.com 13

FEATURE

Knitting for Those in Need makes unique gifts for breast cancer survivors Brianna Williams, a senior public health major, concentrates on her loom while conversing with fellow members of Alpha Phi Omega, a coed service fraternity. McKenna Corson / The Kent Stater

On the cover:

Katherine Mohnacky, a senior early childhood education major (left), Samantha Hunker, a sophomore fashion merchandising major and Zoe Katz, a sophomore fashion merchandising major, enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with one another and help create knitted goods for the homeless. McKenna Corson / The Kent Stater

Emily McMahan Student Life Reporter A student organization is using needles and yarn to help combat the effects of breast cancer. Knitting for Those in Need works hand-inhand with Knitted Knockers, a breast cancer awareness organization based out of Washington, to create handmade prosthetic breasts for women who have gone through mastectomies or other breast procedures. “I’m not exactly a knitter,” said Diane Baldridge, the founder of the Knitting for Those in Need. “I’m a humanitarian.” Knitted knockers are lightweight sacks that can be put in bras to mimic the appearance and feel of real breasts. Baldridge found out about the product through a high school friend who went through a mastectomy. Guided by the advice of Kent State’s Women’s Center, a place Baldridge worked at as an undergraduate, she created the group in 2015. Since then, the organization has made more than 1,000 knitted knockers to distribute all over the state of Ohio. “You can learn a lot here, even if you know nothing about knitting,” said Riley Weatherholt, the president of Knitting for Those in Need and a senior chemistry major. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, according to statistics by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In many instances, women have to undergo mastectomies, a removal of breast tissue, in order to treat the cancer. Jennifer O’Connell, the director of Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services, is no stranger to this surgery. “When all the tests came in ... it was determined there was no way to save it,” O’Connell said. “The only thing they could do was a full mastectomy.” Instead of buying breast prosthetics, which can be expensive, knitted knockers are a cheaper alternative for women. Along with Knitted Knockers, the group also makes scarves, hats and other materials for the homeless and others in need. As for experience, it’s not required. Members often teach others how to make the clothing. “You only need a willingness to serve and an open heart,” Baldridge said. Contact Emily McMahan at emcmaha1@kent.edu.

‘‘

Brianna Williams, a senior public health major, concentrates on her loom while conversing with fellow members of Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity. McKenna Corson / The Kent Stater

You can learn a lot here, even if you know nothing about knitting.”

– Riley Weatherholt President of Knitting for Those in Need

12 The Kent Stater

Thursday, October 12, 2017

KentWired.com 13

FEATURE

On the cover:

‘‘

Brianna Williams, a senior public health major, concentrates on her loom while conversing with fellow members of Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity. McKenna Corson / The Kent Stater

You can learn a lot here, even if you know nothing about knitting.”

– Riley Weatherholt President of Knitting for Those in Need

14 The Kent Stater

Thursday, October 12, 2017

CLASSY Franklin Square Deli Hands Down, The Finest, The Freshest, The Best Soups & Sandwiches! For Over 34 YEARS! Delivery After 2:00 Legendary BBQ Pork Every Thursday! Franklin Square Deli See Us @ Facebook Delivery 2:00-4:30 Only Hair Nails Waxing Evelyn Dickerson Hair Design 330-678-0262

TIC TAC TOE ing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise â&#x20AC;&#x153;any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.â&#x20AC;? State and local laws forbid discrimination based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. If you feel you have been wrongfully denied housing or discriminated against, call the FHAA at 330253-2450 for more information.

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Mensa, the High IQ Society, is offering their IQ test for $30 in October. Normally $60. Go to www.us.mensa.org and select 2 or 3 bedroom house for rent. Join. If you pass the test you may Less than a block from campus. join a chapter. Tests given locally Call 330-547-1212. in NE Ohio on Saturdays.

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All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Hous For information about placing a Display ad please call our offices at 330-672-2586 or visit us at 205 Franklin Hall, Kent State University. Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Classified ads can be placed by fax at (330) 672-4880, over the phone at (330) 672-2586 or by e-mail at ads@ksustudentmedia.com. If you fax or e-mail an ad, please be sure to include run dates, payment info and a way for us to contact you.

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SCRAMBLE

Thursday, October 12, 2017

FLASHES FOREVER Homecoming Special Section

KentWired.com 15

16 The Kent Stater

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Celebrating 50 Years!

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CONFIDENTIAL H I V T ES T I N G

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT CALL : University Health Services – 330-672-2320

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Thursday, October 12, 2017

College of Public Health

KentWired.com 17

Looking for a course to take the 2nd half of the semester? We have several you may be interested in.

Learn how public health tackles diseases related to human sexuality in our online Sex: A Wicked Public Health problem 3 credits (CRN 23085, PH40195-001) Learn about exciting careers in public health and health care in our online Careers in Public Health 1 credit, (CRN 19476, PH10000-002) & in-class Careers in the Health Profesions 1 credit, (CRN 21549, PH10195-001) Find out more about the field of Public Health in our online Intro. to Public Heath 3 credits, (CRN 20224, PH10001-003) These courses are open to all majors and have no prerequisites.

Contact: Peggy Shaffer-King | 330.672.6503 eshaffe6@kent.edu | www.kent.edu/publichealth

18 The Kent Stater

Thursday, October 12, 2017

HOMECOMING

go FLASHES #KentHC

SPONSORED CONTENT: Produced by Kent State Student Media | with Division of Student Affairs

Thursday, October 12, 2017

The DO’s and DON’Ts to surviving Homecoming It’s that time of the year! Break out your blue and gold gear and reminisce on your life as a Golden Flash. Kent Homecoming is the perfect time for you to return to your alma mater and if you’re looking for the DO’s and DON’Ts of the day, you’ve come to the right place!

List of activities Saturday, October 14th • Alumni Hospitality Tent & Parade Viewing: Continental breakfast from 9 to 10 a.m. at The Rock on Front Campus (first -come first-served basis). Kent State University’s Marching Band marches past Depeyster Street. into Downtown Kent during the Homecoming Parade Saturday, Oct 1, 2016. Alexander Wadley / The Kent Stater

Written by Madison Baughman

DO pick the best places to park. Some of the best spots to park if you’re watching the parade near front campus will be on Hilltop Drive on the half circle, in the Rockwell Hall parking lot on the corner of East Main and South Lincoln streets, and in the lot by White Hall off of East Main Street and Terrace Drive. By parking and watching the parade close to this area you will be near the parade kick-off spot, and, if you wish, be able to leave earlier before traffic hits. If you’re driving from the front of campus to Dix Stadium to watch the Homecoming game you’ll want the fastest route! Head east on East Main Street for a little over a mile and then make a right onto S.R. 261.

• Homecoming Parade: 10 a.m. start at the corner of Midway and Theatre ends Downtown Kent.

• Welcome Home Party: 11 a.m. Center for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, 350 South Lincoln St. The Welcome Home Party is free and fun for all ages.

DO get a cute picture with your college sweetheart! If you’re as lucky as some to have met your significant other during your time at Kent State, also make sure to stop by the “K” on the Risman Plaza for the Kiss on the K! All couples will celebrate by sharing a kiss with their significant other at 12:30 p.m.

• College of EHHS Homecoming Parade Watch Party: The College of Education, Health and Human Services will be gathering near the alumni tent on the front of campus at 9 a.m.

• DiversiFEST: 10 a.m. Williamson House 1200 Main Street Kent. This is event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, please visit https://www.kent.edu/ DiversiFEST

start off your morning at the Alumni Hospitality Tent & Parade Viewing. The Kent State Alumni Association will serve continental breakfast from 9 to 10 a.m. at The Rock on the front of campus. After you eat, stick around for the best and shadiest spot to watch the parade! The College of Education, Health and Human Services will also hold a watch party near the front of campus to view the KSU Homecoming parade. DO continue the festivities. Take advantage of all the opportunities in which you can be involved while you’re back in town. At 11 a.m. the Alumni Association invites you to a Welcome Home Party at the Center for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, 350 South Lincoln St. They will have fun for all ages, including free food, activities, giveaways and tours of the building. As your Homecoming celebration continues, make sure to check out all the new changes on Kent’s campus. Taylor Hall has made some major renovations as well as the May 4th Visitor Center. Kent State’s new Integrated Sciences Building, the College of Architecture and Environmental Design and the newly completed Center for the Visual Arts at 325 Terrace Drive are also not to be missed!

KentWired.com 19

• University College Homecoming Alumni Reunion: 11 a.m. Center for Undergraduate Excellence. Take a tour and catch up with your fellow Golden Flashes. • Blue and Gold Line - Trolley Tours: Look for Lolly the Trolley at various locations around campus from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Homecoming Alumni Brunch: 11:30 a.m. Hillel at Kent State University. Join fellow alumni at the annual Homecoming Shabbat Open House. • Kiss on the K: The “K” on Risman Plaza. Celebrate by joining other couples to Kiss on the K at 12:30 p.m.

Continue down the street for about a mile and then make a left onto Summit Road. In less than a quarter-mile Dix Stadium will be on your left. Here’s where the real fun begins! DO Tailgate! Once you arrive be sure to get your party on! KSU is hosting an exclusive Flash Nation Tailgate outside the Adam S. Hamilton West Entrance from 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Make a paid reservation at www. kent.edu/event/tailgate to be sure you’re part of the pre-game party that will include food, fun, and some of your favorite alumni!

ON’T

rule out eating on campus! You may not have a meal plan anymore but Kent is hosting many alumni events for you to reconnect with some old classmates and grab a bite to eat. Celebrate a variety of cultures with games, food and activities at 10 a.m. at DiversiFEST (www. kent.edu/diversity) at the Williamson House at 1200 Main St. or catch up with friends while enjoying free bagels and lox at the Alumni Brunch at 11:30 a.m. at Hillel. Downtown restaurants are a great option but if you’re pressed for time, or just need a quick snack, you may not even need to spend your money!

DON’T ruin that blue and gold face paint. Walking across campus and arriving at your destination with an unwanted “glow” and a rainy hairstyle can be a thing of the past. The best way to view Kent’s new beautiful additions to campus is to hop on the Blue and Gold Line. Lolly the Trolley is running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., has 6 different stops, and allows you to tour campus at your leisure. To see the available stops and nearby buildings visit: http://www.ksualumni.org DON’T spend money on parking! Luckily, Kent’s Parking Services isn’t enforcing its rules on Homecoming Day and downtown meter parking is free on the weekend. Commuter parking lots and staff parking lots/meters in those lots will not be enforced with parking services. There is also a map provided by parking services on its website with specific places cars can park and what lots will be closed because of the parade setup. DON’T arrive to the tailgate/football game too late. The parking lot will be packed with students and alumni tailgating and picking the best seats for the game. You won’t want to miss out! Kent State will kick off its Homecoming Game against the Miami Redhawks at 3:30 p.m. so make sure to grab your seat and cheer on your fellow Flashes!

• May 4 Vistors Center Open House: 12 p.m. 147 Taylor Hall. May 4th Visitors Center will be open for tours from noon to 3 p.m. on Homecoming. • School of Art Tours and Demonstrations: 12 p.m. Center for the Visual Arts at 325 Terrace Drive Everyone is invited to tour the building as well as see artwork done by students. • 50 Year Strong Celebration: Head to Henderson Hall from noon to 2 p.m. to celebrate the 50th year anniversary of the College of Nursing. • LGBTQ+ TailGAYte: 1 p.m. Bricco 210 Depeyster St. Join the LGBTQ+ Student Center for complimentary snacks while connecting with alumni, faculty, staff, students and community members! • Flash Nation Tailgate: 1:30 p.m. Dix Stadium: Tent Outside the West Entrance. Pre-game party featuring food, fun and festivities. To make a reservation please visit www.kent.edu/event/tailgate • Omega Psi Phi Tailgate: At 2 p.m. members of the Black Alumni Chapter are celebrating at Dix Stadium near the East Entrance by a purple tent. • Homecoming Football Game: At 3:30 p.m. come watch The Kent State University football team play against Miami University at Dix Stadium. • New Music Series Concert 1: 7:30 p.m. Ludwig Recital Hall Center for the Performing Arts. The Kent State University New Music Ensemble presents its first concert of the semester.

20 The Kent Stater

Thursday, October 12, 2017

DeWeese Health Center

KentWired.com 21

Welcome back KSU and Ray's Alumni

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Walk-in FLU SHOT CLINIC every Thursday from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Open to students, faculty, staff, and their dependents Call (330)672-2322 - Same-day appointments are often available or go to www.kent.edu/uhs for easy ONLINE scheduling. All Insurance Plans Accepted. Discounted Self-Pay Rates Available.

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22 The Kent Stater

Thursday, October 12, 2017

7 ANNUAL TENT SALE TH

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KentWired.com 23

10.17.17

PREVENT

SEXUAL HARASSMENT & SEXUAL VIOLENCE YOU ARE

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UNIVERSITY FACILITATOR-LED PREVENTION WORKSHOPS: Students (Earn 100 Flashperks!) *Tues Oct 17, 2017 from 6:30-7:30pm Twin Towers Studio A

* Light Refreshments Served this Date

Faculty and Staff (Earn 1 hour Beyond Compliance!) Tues Oct 17, 2017 from 9:30-10:30am Heer Hall Rm107

Visit KENT.EDU/SSS to register TITLE IX

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Tuesday, Oct. 17 | 3 p.m. Kent Student Center | Kiva Reception to follow in the Kent Student Center, Room 204 Regional locations will host watch events

WWW.KENT.EDU Kent State University, Kent State and KSU are registered trademarks and may not be used without permission. Kent State University is committed to attaining excellence through the recruitment and retention of a diverse student body and workforce. 17-PRES-00423-051

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